In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Ball State University architecture student Ethan Gustafson about his passion for classical and traditional architecture—and his vision for carrying those traditions forward. Ethan shares how he co-founded Students for Classical Architecture and Design at Ball State, studied at the ICAA Summer Studio in New York City, and developed his skills in measured drawing, classical proportions, hand drafting, and watercolor rendering.
Sarah and Ethan also explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. From hand drawing to computational design, Ethan explains how emerging tools can help architects reinterpret classical forms while preserving the beauty, craftsmanship, and human-centered principles that make architecture endure.
In This Episode
- Discovering a passion for architecture at a young age
- Bringing classical design education to Ball State
- Ethan’s experience at the ICAA Summer Studio
- Learning the classical orders, measured drawing, and watercolor rendering
- Why classical architecture remains relevant
- Combining hand-drawing traditions with computational design
- Using technology to evolve architectural ornament
- Designing beautiful buildings with lasting materials
- Ethan’s internship, study-abroad plans, and future in architecture
Connect
- Ethan Gustafson on Instagram: @ateliergustafson
- Indiana Regional Committee of ICAA on Instagram: @icaa_indiana
- ICAA Chicago on Instagram: @icaachicago
- Institute of Classical Architecture & Art
- ICAA Chicago-Midwest
- Sarah Couture Design
