Meet Liam Kelley, an undergrad of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (graduating class of 2026). Liam is an avid skateboarder and recently gave us his insights on skate culture and architecture.
What inspires you? What are you passionate about?
Being outside, my friends, music/creative artists I look up to. I think skateboarding has had the biggest influence on me.
What experiences shaped you as an architect?
I started drawing at a very young age as a way to imagine and view things in my own way. It continues to be my favorite thing to do and was a big reason why I chose to study Architecture.
Did you have any mentors? What did you learn?
My mentor was Alex Alvarez. He showed me how to do so many things and was always there for advice.
What is your personal mantra? Your professional goal?
“All things in moderation, nothing in excess”
My professional goal is to be able to give back and help those who are underprivileged earn a college degree or pursue a career.
Which project(s) have you worked on reflecting who you are as a designer?
In school, I worked on a model of a living space for an artist. The space had to include a work area, display area, and a living area. I think that a project like this embodies what I really want to do in life, design in a way that not only accommodates but inspires those who interact with it.