On October 20, the University of Georgia hosted the public presentation of bachelor’s thesis projects by graduates of its Architecture program. The event brought together students, academic supervisors, leading architecture professionals, and business representatives, offering graduates an opportunity to present their individual and team projects to industry experts.
This practical experience is an integral part of the University of Georgia’s educational approach, enabling students to showcase their work, receive professional feedback, and establish valuable industry connections at the beginning of their careers.
The invited guests included representatives of leading architecture firms and businesses: Gega Astakhishvili, Chief Architect, and Giorgi Mezhevidze, Creative Director, at Axis; David Vashakidze, Chief Architect at Vashakidze Architects; Sopio Topuria, Chief Architect at Flux; Ivane Laghidze, Chief Architect at Mansi Architecture and Construction Institute; Aleksandre Chkhenkeli, Founder of Group We; and Gela Dighmelashvili, Director of Mtatsminda Park, alongside business representatives Tamaz Berdzenishvili, Aleko Enukidze, and Vasil Otarashvili.
As a result of the event, Ketevan Atoshvili and Nika Kirtadze, graduates of the bachelor’s program, joined the team at Flux as interns, demonstrating the value of connecting academic learning with real professional opportunities.
The graduates presented projects addressing a diverse range of architectural and urban challenges:
Guka Tsurtsumia — Enguri Cellulose and Paper Mill, supervised by Giorgi Chkuaseli.
Lizi Gharibovi and Tsitsi Gabunia — Pulse: A Public and Wellness Hub, supervised by Davit Tsutskiridze.
Mariam Tabeshadze, Mariam Gordeladze, and Mariam Ghonikashvili — National Museum of Architecture of Georgia: A Synthesis of National Reconstruction and Industrial-Aesthetic Development, supervised by Marika Kurtishvili.
Mariam Mumladze — Georgian Cinematography Hub: Cinematica “Tianshan”, supervised by Shorena Tsilosani.
Nina Kipiani — Formula One Racing Circuit and Auto Auction House in a Free Economic Zone, supervised by Davit Vazagashvili.
Megi Baramashvili, Nika Kirtadze, and Ketevan Atoshvili — Correctional Facility for Individuals Convicted of Less Serious Crimes, supervised by the program’s academic team.
During the presentations, students explained the concepts behind their projects, outlined the needs and challenges each proposal sought to address, and discussed potential solutions. Each participant received individual feedback from the invited professionals, gaining valuable insights into the practical considerations involved in developing and implementing architectural projects.
Commenting on the event, Gega Astakhishvili, architect at Axis, highlighted the importance of giving students the opportunity to transform their ideas into viable projects and present them to potential employers. He noted that while each project demonstrated implementation potential, success requires not only creative vision but also careful consideration of practical details. He encouraged graduates to explore their ideas fully, embrace their creativity, and use this experience as a foundation for further professional development.
Public project presentations, or pitching sessions, play an important role in preparing future architects for the professional world. They help students develop the ability to communicate and defend their ideas, build well-founded arguments, and engage effectively with clients — essential skills for building successful careers in architecture.
