Inspired by Family: Derec Custer, BLA ‘27 & MRED ‘27
“Before joining CAPLA, I struggled with figuring out exactly what I wanted to do. Finding a field that connects design, construction, landscape and real estate has given me a much clearer sense of my future direction.”
Meet Derec Custer! The Tucson local is working towards two exciting degrees: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and Master of Real Estate Development.
Hear about his transformative experience here at CAPLA!
1. What inspired you to come to the University of Arizona? What motivated you to pursue a degree in BLA/MRED?
I grew up going to school around the University of Arizona, including Mansfield Middle School and Tucson High School. So, the university was always a familiar part of my life. Staying in Tucson and attending the University of Arizona felt comfortable and gave me the opportunity to continue growing in the community I grew up in.
My mom has also been one of my biggest inspirations. She is a first-generation college graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees. Seeing how much she valued education motivated me to continue my own education and challenge myself.
My interest in landscape architecture and real estate development also comes from my family. Growing up, my father and uncle worked in construction, especially finish carpentry. As I got older, they both earned their contractor licenses, and I eventually began working alongside my father. I have also worked with my uncle doing stone refinishing. Those experiences gave me an understanding of the construction side of development and made me interested in learning more about real estate, design and how projects come together.
At the same time, I have always enjoyed design. I like being able to look at a space, imagine what it could become, and think about how it can be designed to have meaning and improve the experience of the people who use it. Combining the BLA and MRED allows me to understand both the design and development sides of the built environment.
2. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey at CAPLA so far? What are you most proud of accomplishing in your time at the college?
One of the most rewarding parts of CAPLA has been developing new design skills while gaining a better understanding of how important landscapes and spaces can be. The program has helped me see design differently and understand how the decisions we make can affect the way people experience a place.
The friendships I have made in the studio have also been one of the most impactful parts of my experience. Studio can be challenging, and having people around you who are going through the same process makes a huge difference. It has taught me a lot about collaboration, communication and working with others, which are all important skills for the profession. I feel especially lucky to have found the group of people I work with in the studio because we support and push each other, and that has honestly been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience at CAPLA.
What I am most proud of is finding something that I genuinely enjoy. Before joining CAPLA, I struggled with figuring out exactly what I wanted to do. Finding a field that connects design, construction, landscape and real estate has given me a much clearer sense of my future direction.
3. What has been your favorite course or studio so far, and why?
One of my favorite courses has been with Margaret Livingston’s Plant Ecology. Before studying landscape architecture, I never really thought about how many different plant species exist or how much thought goes into selecting plants for a landscape.
Learning about plants completely changed the way I look at landscapes. Instead of just seeing vegetation, I now think about species, function, climate, water use and how plants contribute to a space’s overall experience and design.
4. Have there been any faculty members who have had a big impact on you? What made them stand out?
Mackenzie Waller has had a major impact on my experience at CAPLA. She knows that I can be a perfectionist and pushes me to produce my best work, but she also understands me as a person. I appreciate that I can have honest conversations with her and receive feedback that helps me improve.
I would say the same about Travis Mueller. He has always been straightforward with me about my work and will tell me what is working and what is not. I value professors who are willing to be honest because that kind of feedback pushes me to think harder, make better design decisions and ultimately produce stronger projects.
5. How have you been involved in extracurricular activities or leadership roles on campus? What have you gained from these experiences?
Although I have not been heavily involved in extracurricular activities directly on campus, I have been involved in mentoring in the Tucson community for about five years through the College and Career Center at Wakefield Middle School.
One of the programs I participated in was a garden club where I mentored younger students, talked with them about the importance of vegetables and healthy food and helped them learn about gardening. That experience became even more meaningful after I entered landscape architecture because I could bring some of what I was learning in college back into the community.
I enjoy introducing younger students to gardening, landscapes and design because it might help them discover an interest or career path they had never considered before.
6. What are your plans and goals for your future career?
My long-term goal is to combine my experience in landscape architecture, real estate development and construction. I would like to become a licensed landscape architect while also earning my real estate license and gaining experience in commercial real estate and development.
I also want to continue helping grow my father’s construction business. Because I grew up around construction and now have experience in design and real estate development, I want to use all of those skills together rather than limiting myself to one part of the industry.
Ultimately, I would like to be involved in projects from multiple perspectives, understanding how they are designed, how they are built and how they work financially and as real estate investments.
7. What advice would you give to students thinking about CAPLA or the BLA/MRED programs?
My biggest advice is to understand how many different opportunities these degrees can offer. Landscape architecture and real estate development can lead to a wide variety of careers, and combining the two gives you an even broader understanding of how places are designed, developed and built.
I also recommend getting involved in internships, programs, organizations and work opportunities whenever possible. The things you learn outside of class can be just as valuable as what you learn inside the classroom.
I have always believed in creating options for yourself. The more skills, experiences and connections you develop, the more opportunities you will have to figure out what you enjoy and build a career that works for you.
