The Ethics of It All: My Values as They Pertain to Architecture

Author

• Piper Thorson

Files

Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Architecture

College

Arts and Sciences

Department

Architecture

Faculty Advisor

Regin Schwaen

Studio Coordinator

Stephen Wischer

Faculty Chair

Susan Kliman

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

URI

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Abstract

Through careful contemplation I have determined that the most impactful topic for this thesis is the improvement of myself. If I become a better architect now, then the impact I'll have through my career will be greater than any other project I could do this year.

So how do I improve myself?

I thoroughly examined my deep-seated beliefs and explored the beliefs of others. This exploration concluded with the establishment of a personal code of values. Which consists of three core values, each with three subcategories: Ethics (Commitment, Altruism, Integrity), Sustainability (Eco-nomical, Small, Symbiotic), and Artistry (Detail, Craft, Beauty), all of which have definitions slightly off the norm. These values will guide me through my future career, but to take them on a trial run I designed a single-family home while keeping them at the forefront of my priorities. There was difficulty, but I am overall content with the result.

Recommended Citation

Thorson, Piper, "The Ethics of It All: My Values as They Pertain to Architecture" (2026). Architecture Theses. 96.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/architecture-theses/96