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Thoughtful designs

Convocation grad profile: Shryonn Smardon, TYP alum

- May 29, 2012

Shyronn Smardon, masters in architecture grad. (Nick Pearce photo)
Shyronn Smardon, masters in architecture grad. (Nick Pearce photo)

Shyronn Smardon is graduating with a masters degree in Architecture, specializing in modern design. Of his personal architectural philosophy, Mr. Smardon opines, I like simple design. Nothing unnecessary.

Mr. Smardon took both his Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and masters degree at Dalhousies School of Architecture. Before that, the Halifax native enrolled in Dals College of Continuing Educations unique Transition Year Program (TYP) to help him make the leap from high school to university. Its a program for black Nova Scotians and First Nations, Mr. Smardon explains of TYP the program fills academic gaps and offers a preview of university-level academics.

Its also to educate TYP students about black history and First Nations history Before TYP, I really had no idea what university was. It was still very much an unknown in my family, says Mr. Smardon, who calls the program a stepping stone. Of his choice to go into architecture after TYP, Mr. Smardon muses, I think its something that was always in me I dont know where it came from I didnt know the profession of architecture at all, but I knew I liked thoughtful design.

In his studies, Mr. Smardon realized that there was more going on behind the scenes than he guessed and discovered unexpected facets of his own mind. Sometimes in university, youre prepped to learn about one particular task but for me, I learned much about myself and about my character. Such discoveries include Mr. Smardons nascent interests in photography and product design, which he picked up while taking elective classes at NSCAD.

In his spare time, Mr. Smardons passion is travel. His upcoming itinerary includes New York, New Orleans, the Caribbean and, following graduation, a spell in Hawaii to celebrate with old friends. I would travel every day if I could. Now that hes graduating, Mr. Smardon says, I could be anywhere from designing a label to furniture to the next Empire State Building. I think its going to be one of those jobs I didnt know existed.

But, he adds playfully, I dont see myself behind a desk.