Wednesday, July 30, 2025
By: Kyle Niblett
For Tristan Gross, collaborating with clients and helping bring their vision to life means everything. That is why he has taken his talents to Barcelona, Spain this summer to serve as an architectural intern for Ros + Falguera Arquitectura. There, his day-to-day responsibilities consist of creating architectural drawings and visualizations (renders) via sketching and digital applications.
Gross had to start somewhere before being immersed in an international learning environment. That somewhere was the University of Florida College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) School of Architecture, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in design this past spring.
“DCP gave me the confidence and competitive advantage to be able to perform in new environments, which is important when you are an intern internationally,” Gross said. “The School of Architecture taught me to use my own process to be the best version of myself when designing and laid a great foundation through conceptualizing and sketching all the way to final plans and renders.”
Despite the rewards of working with architects from around the world and learning about how their passion for architecture brought them to where they are today, it hasn’t been an easy summer for the Orlando native. Gross cites working in an international environment and the adjustment to the workplace and culture as the biggest hurdles he’s had to face. While the climate back home in Florida has prepared him for the little or no air conditioning, he has appreciated his helpful and accommodating supervisors, the built-in breaks and the flexibility his internship has provided.
“The most fascinating part so far is being able to be part of the design process from the very beginning, as another intern and I were just given access to documents for a proposed science and research building at the University of Barcelona,” he said. “It is really interesting to see everything that goes on behind the scenes before the design phase even begins.”
Gross, a four-year member of the UF chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, will return to Gainesville this fall to pursue his master’s degree in architecture. He won’t just be coming alone, however. He will be bringing a new international perspective and invaluable experience he’ll be able to share with his fellow classmates at DCP.
Eventually, Gross wants to design custom homes because he feels that residential architecture has become prioritized less. He believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live within the walls of meaningful design, no matter the size or price of a home. His ultimate goal is to bring custom home architecture back to the state of Florida instead of the perpetual rows of track homes which are becoming more and more common. He credits DCP with helping him form said vision and pushing him to new heights.
“DCP challenges you in the best ways and helps you grow both personally and professionally,” he said. “You’ll not only gain the skills to succeed in your journey but also the confidence to make a real impact.”
His journey is just beginning, but thanks to DCP and his time in Spain, he’s already building something remarkable.
Q&A with Tristan Gross
What has your favorite course/professor at DCP and why?
My favorite course was my D8 class with Professor Jeffrey Carney. We learned resilient ways to rebuild in Cedar Key, FL after they were battered with back-to-back hurricanes. We explored design methods to address flooding, wind, storm surge, and sea-level rise, all important for the future of Florida.
What has been your favorite memory at DCP and why?
Meeting all my amazing friends my first semester of college, who I am still friends with today. We’ve grown so close since being in studio together.
What is the one thing you know now that you wish you would have known your first day at UF?
There are so many opportunities at UF, that it can be overwhelming at first. It is easy to stay in your comfort zone, but I wish I knew how rewarding it would be to join clubs, go to events, and engage with faculty. Don’t be like me and wait until your last few semesters to be involved—do it now.
How important is the DCP network of graduates across the globe?
Very important! It connects you to professionals around the world who are eager to support, mentor, and collaborate with fellow Gators.