O'More Students Immerse in European Design and Architecture

Summer programs offer hands-on learning across continental landmarks

Belmont University's O'More College of Architecture and Design students ventured across Europe this summer, engaging in eye-opening study abroad experiences. These journeys took the students from Italy's sacred spaces to London's fashion houses, broadening their global perspectives and deepening their understanding of international design practices. 

Sacred and Secular Spaces: France, Italy and Switzerland 

Professors Peter Aylsworth and Matthew Steinfeld led a group of students through France, Italy and Switzerland, exploring the intersection of spirituality and architecture. The interdipliscinary nature of the program allowed students from multiple colleges to join the trip.  

Aylsworth, professor of interior design, emphasized the program's transformative potential: "The most important thing to me is that the students have, ideally, a life-changing experience... and that design and our built environment is somehow tied into that. I want people to experience the impact that our built environment has, and whether they're design majors or not, that understanding and appreciation is really important. It impacts everybody.” 

The group visited historically significant sites such as the Coliseum, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum while considering what makes a place sacred and how they could implement those lessons in their own future projects.  

Upon returning from their travels, the design students leveraged their on-site sketches and research to immediately dive into studio work, translating their European experiences into practical design projects. 

When asked about the most impactful moment from the trip, Aylsworth responded without hesitation: Poggio Ubertini, a historical and family-run retreat center in Tuscany that was built in the 1700s. The group enjoyed a home-cooked meal with the family, taking in the spectacular views of the Italian countryside and experiencing genuine fellowship. 

“We're at this really long table with about 30 people, including a couple from England,” recounted Aylesworth. “At one point, I look over and across the table and the students are bawling, tears coming down. They had just hit this conversation about life and theology.” 

“It's one of the places where students say they first feel at peace, and there's this sense of safety,” he said. “It's just really a special place, so that happens a lot. People have these moments there. It feels like home on the trip more than any other place.” 

Fashion Epicenters: London, Paris and Florence  

Fashion design and fashion merchandising students, led by professors Laura Horner and Judy Bullington, explored style hubs across Europe with the aim of analyzing marketing strategies, investigating historical textile techniques and examining sustainable production practices in the fashion industry.  

“O'More really prepares you for a career after college,” said Sophia Ramacciotti (fashion design, 2025), reflecting on the program's practical applications. "On this trip we focused on the marketing aspect of fashion, and I was able to see a lot of what I learned in the businesses that we visited such as target market research and brand development, as well as how businesses are incorporating more sustainability into their companies."

As the group traversed iconic sites like the Louvre and immersed themselves in a host of prestigious fashion houses, exhibits and workshops, students got a behind-the-scenes look at how textiles and clothing have influenced history and the continual impact of the fashion industry.   

For Emma Parkinson (fashion design, 2025), the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris left a lasting impression. "As a fashion design student wanting to work in the luxury fashion industry, it was an honor to be in the old couture house and see YSL's office, his designs and sketches," she said. "I also found it inspirational because I learned that Yves Saint Laurent started his fashion house at a young age and it showed me that with drive and determination, I can accomplish my goals." 

Artistic and Architectural Exploration in Italy 

The rich culture of Italy's Veneto region became a living classroom for architecture and interior design students in a trip led by professors Anthony Monica, Rebecca Moore and Mandy Horton. Students were encouraged to document their experiences through various artistic mediums, leading up to a collective student exhibition and publication at the program's end.  

Grace Capps (architecture, 2026) described the program's impact: "This experience broadened my horizons on what it means to design spaces that evoke emotion and/or facilitate gathering.” 

The itinerary featured visits to renowned sites such asthe Roman Theater, Villa Rotunda and Academia Museum, providing students with firsthand exposure to historical masterpieces. 

“Across the wide variety of sites we visited, it seemed that the architecture really informed the culture and vice versa,” said Capps. "It was great to get out of my comfort zone and experience what life is like in other communities, even if it was only for a short time." 

While O'More’s study abroad programs offer structured learning experiences, they also provide opportunities for students to explore independently, fostering a sense of adventure and personal growth. 

"A group of architecture students took a day trip on a free day into Switzerland to visit the renowned Peter Zumthor Thermal Baths. It was an incredible experience driving through the Swiss Alps and a wonderful experience at the baths,” said Nicholas Gilman (architecture, 2026). “We nearly didn't make it back that night after realizing we were not able to charge our electric rental car in Italy but managed to make the last train back to Verona with minutes to spare on almost no battery charge. It was stressful and exciting, and ultimately a fun bonding experience." 

Wayfinding and Placemaking in Portugal 

Architecture and interior design students explored the intricate relationship between history, culture and urban spaces in Portugal. Led by professors Finis Elliot and Barry Ballinger, the program took students through Porto, Braga, Piódão and Lisbon. 

Students analyzed placemaking and wayfinding design strategies as they traveled from rural to urban areas across Portugal. A key component was a week-long collaboration with University of Minho peers, where they developed concepts for urban pathways and community spaces. 

"The students worked alongside each other to provide outdoor space for people to interact, grow fruits and vegetables and take ownership of space,” said Elliot, professor of interior design. “All in all, we did a broad analysis of the built environment and utilizing urban design, landscape architecture and interior design strategies to facilitate healthy lifestyles for the good of all people.” 

The learning continued upon return, as students applied their hands-on experience to real-world scenarios, working to design for a sustainable village in rural West Tennessee that includes housing and facilities like schools, restaurants and public spaces. 

Lasting Impact in the Classroom and Beyond  

Through these experiences, O'More College students gained invaluable insights into global design practices, cultural influences on architecture and fashion and the importance of sustainable and contextual design that authentically enhances the lives of others.  

Participants stepped out of their comfort zones, honed technical skills, collaborated with peers from different countries and witnessed firsthand how design shapes and is shaped by diverse cultures, allowing them to carry this knowledge and inspiration into their future academic pursuits and professional careers.  

As O'More College continues to offer such comprehensive, diverse study abroad opportunities, it ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the fields of architecture, interior design and fashion on an international scale.