As Nola Timmins prepares for her final walk down the Lawn at the University of Virginia, accompanied by her guide dog Brizzy, she reflects on her journey towards becoming an architect. This significant moment marks both the end of her time as a student and the beginning of her lifelong ambition to design structures, despite the challenges posed by her legal blindness.
Timmins has nurtured her dream of becoming an architect since she was 8 years old. Defying the odds, she is set to receive her master’s degree from the UVA School of Architecture, having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in French from Georgia Institute of Technology.
“It has been a wonderful experience,” Timmins shared, appreciating the community spirit and alumni connections within the Architecture School. “Everyone is so connected as alumni,” she added. The school’s mentorship programs have been particularly beneficial, offering her guidance from alumni mentors over the past two years.
Living with optic nerve atrophy, a condition that severely limits her vision, Timmins faces unique challenges in her studies. Tasks such as reading and computer work require extra effort and time, yet she remains undeterred. As one of the few legally blind architecture students in the country, she has been awarded the School of Architecture’s Access Fellowship for Universal Design, a testament to her resilience.
Timmins credits the faculty for their crucial support, noting, “It’s important to be proactive and let them know what you need. I try to find out what readings I need ahead of time so I can get them in an audio format.” Their collaboration has been vital to her success.
From a young age, Timmins was captivated by floor plans, sketching them during visits to her aunt’s house or her mother’s friends’ homes. Her passion for architecture was further ignited through her projects at the University. One such project involves designing a gathering and classroom space at Morven Farm, which she eagerly anticipates seeing to completion.
Her academic journey at UVA also expanded her interests beyond architecture. The School encouraged diverse electives, allowing Timmins to explore various fields. One independent study even took her and a friend into the realm of fashion, examining the intricacies of trousers.
Timmins’s journey through UVA has not only been about overcoming personal challenges but also about embracing new opportunities and broadening her horizons.
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