EUReCA! Student Assistant in Architectural Design and Affordable Housing Research
The EURēCA! Student Assistants Program provides introductory opportunities for CU Denver undergraduates to engage in research and creative activities. Students MUST complete the EURēCA! Presentation and Quizzes in Canvas (30min) to apply for all EURēCA! positions. Register Here.
For more information, view visual guide: Applying for EURēCA! on Handshake, learn more on the EURēCA! Program Website, or email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu.
Employer/Dept: University of Colorado Denver/ Department of Architecture
Supervisor: Leyuan Li, M. Arch
Job Title: EURēCA! Student Assistant in Architectural Design and Affordable Housing Research
Job Location/Address: CU Denver / This position can be flexible with some remote and some on-campus components.
Purpose: Denver faces one of the nation's worst housing shortages in the United States, with an estimated deficit of approximately 70,000 units. This critical situation has led to significant challenges related to housing affordability, gentrification, and homelessness, which are exacerbated by the predominant single-family housing model favored in this and many other American cities. With limited land for development coupled with increasing rental and mortgage prices, low- and moderate-income households are displaced, which has deepened social and racial segregation. In response to these conditions, Denver's new five-year housing plan proposes innovative approaches to expand housing options, encouraging the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Single-Stair Apartments, and "Missing Middle" housing in low-rise neighborhoods and low- to medium-scale residential areas. The project aims to contextualize and analyze regional and national housing policies related to these innovative housing typologies while proposing design solutions that explore these housing paradigms. Lean more.
Position Description: The student assistant will support the principal investigator and their collaborators in a series of research projects, design studies, and fabrication activities within the design realm of affordable housing. This role will engage in various aspects of a design process, including reviewing current building regulations and housing policies, extracting digital data from ArcGIS, developing housing design proposals, producing technical and analytical drawings, and making physical models.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student assistant will engage in a variety of tasks based on the specific research project requirements, including, but are not limited to:
- Conducting precedent studies and literature reviews of national and regional housing policies alongside innovative housing models worldwide, particularly focusing on cooperative housing and single-stair housing development.
- Assisting in the development of housing design proposals, which require skills in creating analytical drawings (maps and diagrams), technical drawings (plans, sections, elevations, and details), as well as physical architectural models.
- Supporting the graphic production of presentation boards and visual narratives for use in exhibitions, publications, and community engagement related to affordable housing.
Skills and Knowledge Gained: Students in this position will deepen their understanding of housing models and typologies that address affordable housing crises. They will gain valuable experience in integrating research and design to explore affordable housing solutions grounded in real-world constraints. The substantial academic engagement through this opportunity will help students prepare for graduate studies and careers in architecture, urban design, housing policy, or community development.
Additionally, students will hone their technical skills in architectural drawing, physical model-making, and digital representation, equipped with opportunities to collaborate with esteemed architectural designers and housing experts. They will also enhance their ability to communicate effectively across various visual and verbal modalities in diverse academic and professional contexts.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate student in architecture.
- Completion of at least three architectural studio courses.
- Proficiency in architectural drafting and 3D modeling using Rhino.
- Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
- A strong interest in housing design, affordability, and urban issues.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications:
- ARCH 3111 and ARCH 3121 - Current undergraduate student in architecture at CU Denver.
- Experience in producing technical drawings and creating comprehensive drawing sets (plans, sections, elevations).
- Familiarity with physical model-making techniques and tools, including laser cutting, CNC, 3D printing, and hand-cutting.
- Experience with GIS.
- Previous research experience, especially related to affordable housing, zoning, or urban policy.
Position Commitment: 8 to 10 hours/week (dependent on work-study status)
Preferred Work Times: No preferred work times. The work schedule will be discussed and determined with students to avoid any conflicts with their class schedule.
Length of Employment:
This position is available for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, employment may continue at Professor Li’s discretion. Please reach out to leyuan.li@ucdenver.edu with any questions. If both mentor and mentee agree, students can apply to continue with EURēCA! for a second year.
Application Requirements:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial Transcripts
- Include a pdf of design portfolio (up to 30 pages)
- Complete 2025-2026 FAFSA or CASFA and attach one of the following:
- Screenshot of successful 25/26 FAFSA or CASFA submission
- Screenshot confirmation of completed 25/26 work-study request form
- Screenshot of current 25/26 work-study award
- Statement on other status (e.g. international student)
- Learn more about work-study here. Please note: limited hourly funding is available, email undergrad.research@ucdenver.edu with questions about your status.