Vernacular: Fairmont Architecture Student Publication

Discovering the State of Design in West Virginia and the Surrounding Region

Vernacular, whether it be sharing colloquial language or the architectural detailing of place, the decision to launch the architecture publication Vernacular was a unified voice among students and faculty, telling the world that Fairmont State has an Architecture Program! The value of learning architecture within a small community and creating the things you want to happen is echoed in interviews and described through the lens of faculty, students, and alumni.

Enjoy the Vernacular of West Virginia.

In This Issue

Shae Strait standing in front of a map of Fairmont

You Can Shape Your Community

Shae graduated from Fairmont State University’s architecture program with a master's degree in architecture in 2015. We met up with Shae twice to hear all about what it’s like to be the Director of Planning and Development for Fairmont.

Dr. Robert Kelly teaching an architecture class

A Faculty Interview

Dr. Robert Kelly, “Dr. Bob,” has been a part of the architecture staff at Fairmont State University for the last 11 years. He was recruited to be the director of the up-and-coming Master of Architecture graduate program in 2014.

A sketch of Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University

Woodburn Hall: A Powerful Symbol

Sited prominently on WVU’s campus in Morgantown for one-hundred-and-fifty-years, Woodburn’s dominating tower, topped by a square-to-circular dome, the clock, and arched windows create a distinctive façade recognized by many.

Download May 2026 Publication (PDF)

Editorial Team

Garrett Clayton

Garrett Clayton, a non-traditional first-year architecture student, is a natural interviewer and shares in Shae Strait’s visions for Fairmont.

Kellie Cole

Kellie Cole’s goal to bring publishing and architecture together has finally come to fruition with this spring 2026 team of students.

Reese Cunningham

Reese Cunningham brings his love of craft and technicality to his sophomore studio and this publication.

Annie Pierson

Annie Pierson wanted to be an architect long before her older sister applied to Fairmont State’s architecture program. She plans to start a firm upon graduation.

Claire Schenkel

Claire Schenkel, a soccer athlete at Fairmont State, juggles a demanding course load while playing to date over 500 minutes on the field.

Jessica Valentine

Jessica Valentine brings her many experiences to Fairmont State as she begins her architecture studies. She works by night to put herself through school.

Connect with the Editors

To Our Alumni

Want to contribute to the next issue? Reach out to Kellie.Cole@fairmontstate.edu with the subject line Vernacular Interest, and we’ll be in touch.

To Our Readers

Consider joining our Fairmont State Architecture Alumni network on LinkedIn. (FSU Architecture Alumni, Students + Faculty) Want to receive Vernacular in your inbox? Email Kellie.Cole@fairmontstate.edu