Tori Wilson
Tori Wilson, a senior architecture student at Marywood University, has always been fascinated by buildings. Growing up in a family that frequently traveled to historic sites, she developed a passion for architecture, appreciating not just the design, but the stories that buildings tell. This early exposure to both history and architecture ultimately shaped her decision to pursue a career in the field.
“I’ve always been interested in buildings”, Wilson reflects. “As a kid, I loved traveling with my family to historic places, but it was always the architecture that fascinated me the most.”
Balancing her studies with her role on Marywood’s lacrosse team, Wilson demonstrates exceptional time management skills. She also works remotely for a stained-glass preservationist with whom she interned, assisting with archival research and project timelines. Despite her demanding schedule, Wilson remains committed to her academic and athletic goals, often utilizing free time to get ahead, so that she can focus on games and recovery when needed.
Among her proudest accomplishments is a recent mass timber project, where she designed apartments in Midtown Manhattan, just across from Madison Square Garden. The project challenged her to think creatively within the confines of a small plot of land, pushing her to grow both as a designer and a problem-solver.
Studying abroad in Italy further deepened Wilson’s appreciation for historic architecture. Visiting iconic sites like the Colosseum and Duomo and exploring cities like Venice and Rome brought her studies to life in a way that no textbook could. She also had the chance to travel to Switzerland and London, where she visited her best friend, making her study abroad experience unforgettable.
Wilson credits much of her growth at Marywood to the faculty who have supported her along the way. She’s especially grateful for Stephen Garrison, who always asks her how lacrosse is going, and Miguel Calvo-Salve, whose challenging yet supportive teaching style has left a lasting impact on her approach to architecture. Now in her senior year, Wilson hopes to be a mentor to younger students, guiding them just as others have done for her.
With her sights set on a future in architecture, Wilson knows she’s building toward something great, even as she juggles the pressures of school, sports, and work. And, while lacrosse has been a huge part of her college experience, she’s clear that architecture is her true passion, a field where she’s excited to make her mark.