A Clarkston, Washington native preparing to graduate from the University of Idaho this May has spent his college career studying how to give new life to old structures rather than tearing them down and starting over.
Paul Pederson, a senior in the College of Art and Architecture, discovered his calling in adaptive reuse — the architectural practice of repurposing existing buildings for new functions. His approach combines environmental stewardship with creative problem-solving, challenging the conventional model of demolition and new construction.
From High School Insight to College Focus
Pederson’s path to architecture began with an offhand comment from a high school teacher, who mentioned the field while giving an example in class. Torn between engineering and architecture at the time, Pederson chose the latter because it leaned more toward the artistic side of construction.
Since enrolling at the University of Idaho, Pederson has explored multiple dimensions of the profession. He participated in the American Institute of Architecture Students and earned a Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society award, which funded an educational trip to Asia to study regional design practices.
Leonie Bunte, an assistant professor in the College of Art and Architecture, described Pederson as an excellent student with a thoughtful design approach and genuine commitment to developing ideas both conceptually and technically.
Building on What Already Stands
Pederson’s interest in adaptive reuse stems from both practical and environmental concerns. He points out that the most sustainable structure is one that does not need to be built from scratch. Construction carries a heavy carbon footprint and financial burden, making preservation and renovation a more responsible choice when feasible.
He studied examples on the University of Idaho campus, including the Art and Architecture South building, to understand how adaptive reuse works in practice. These projects demonstrated that repurposing existing structures not only benefits the environment but also pushes architects to think creatively about remodeling.
During a summer 2025 education abroad trip to Asia led by architecture professor Xiao Hu, Pederson encountered the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi — a pottery repair method in which broken pieces are reassembled with lacquer that highlights rather than conceals the cracks. The philosophy resonated with his views on adaptive reuse, where the history and character of a building become defining features of the redesigned space.
Local Materials and Modern Techniques
Pederson believes adaptive reuse pairs well with using locally sourced, environmentally friendly materials. In Idaho, that often means incorporating timber into designs. During a Fall 2025 Designing with Logs studio, he developed several wood-based concepts that explored the potential of logs as a primary building material.
While logs offer character and regional relevance, Pederson acknowledged they present challenges. Construction methods for log buildings have not evolved significantly since the early 1900s, but modern technology may offer opportunities to update the approach for contemporary use.
He sees the greatest potential for adaptive reuse in larger urban areas, where older buildings are plentiful and demolition waste is a persistent issue.
Lessons from George Town and Singapore
The Asia trip took Pederson and fellow students to key architectural sites in Singapore and Malaysia. In George Town, a section of Penang, Malaysia, Pederson found inspiration in a UNESCO World Heritage Cityscape that has preserved 18th and 19th century buildings through adaptive reuse and environmentally conscious modernization.
George Town’s strong cultural identity, reinforced by its commitment to updating older architecture rather than replacing it, left a lasting impression. Pederson said the experience transformed a passive interest in adaptive reuse into genuine enthusiasm.
In Singapore, he noted the city’s integration of green space and rooftop gardens into dense urban development, another example of balancing growth with environmental responsibility.
What Comes Next
With graduation approaching, Pederson will enter the architecture profession equipped with a clear focus on sustainable design practices. His emphasis on adaptive reuse and local materials positions him within a growing movement of architects seeking alternatives to resource-intensive new construction. Whether he pursues projects in urban centers or applies his philosophy closer to home in the Pacific Northwest, his work will reflect the lessons he has drawn from both Idaho’s timber heritage and international case studies in preservation and environmental design.