Stephen Zdepski - New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Professor: Stephen Zdepski

Department: Architecture

College: New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Absolutely the best of the ten architectural design studios I have taken. Prof. Zdepski is an extremely fine teacher, dedicated to architecture, interested in all aspects of design, encourages the best work from every student.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: 503G
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The course was interesting and challenging in many ways. Form, materials and the dynamic issues of architecture was the focus. The course was intense , the deadlines were achievable. Faculty were highly dedicated to each student and interested in process as well as product. A Very enjoyable and terrific course .

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ARCH503G
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Plain and simple. If there is one studio that you must take it has to be his! Makes you work really hard, but unlike some other studios you actually feel like you're learning something. A master educator. Has a tremendously deep as well as broad knowledge of the discipline!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: G501
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is an old professional who forgot what is like to be a student. he would give you assignments every class, he would speak for the entire 6-hour. Don't expect you would work in the studio (NEVER). Be ready to work like a beast, teach yourself in most things. Although you would do everything he says DONT expect to receive the grade you DESERVE!!!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The best Architectural Studio course and teacher in ten semesters. Both experimental and technical development. Prof. Zdepski is an extraordinary teacher who is very dedicated to both architecture and every student. His knowledge about all aspects of architecture is amazing.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Incredible studio.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I LOVE THIS PROFESSOR, HE HELP YOU HOW TO GET NEXT STEP, AND PUSH YOU TO GET NEW IDEAS AND NEW CONCEPTS. I HOPE YOU CAN ENJOY THE CLASS AND THE GROUP PROJECTS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, JUST SEND HIM EMAIL AND HE WILL ANSWER YOU PROBLEMS. 3

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Zings all around. If you love to get 'zinged' take him. He will work with you regardless of what you level is. Unfortunatelly, he does not know when to piss you off and tell you that your project sucks and you need to take a course restart. Even if you have a bad concept, he will try his best to help make that bad concept better. FILLED WITH IDEAS

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Probably the best critic/professor I've ever had in terms of giving critiques. He may seem as if he's "off the grid", but he is actually responsible for giving us a grid to use for design. I am actually looking forward to possibly having him for another semester, perhaps my last semester, before graduation.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of architecture. Encourages creativity and rigorous design. Always in class, available by email any time. Dedicated to each students personal approach and views about architecture. Unquestionably the best studio teacher.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Prof. Zdepski is an extremely helpful studio critic. He utilities his vast knowledge in architecture, to really push student designs into the next level. As long as you are progressing in your work, and you are rigorous in your endeavors you will do fine in this class. There are many deliverables for each project. So make sure you try hard!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The best class and studio I have taken in four years. Zdepski's knowledge about architecture is amazing. He wants each student to develop their own philosophy about architecture, encouraging new and experimental designs. The final projects in our studio were the best in the school.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Best studio to prepare for graduate school or a leading architectural firm. Studio project was challenging and an opportunity for creativity and experimentation. Learned more about Architecture than all the previous courses combined. A full time teacher dedicated to each student, and the best possible architectural work.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The best studio teacher at CoAD. There is a reason why his students have won so many design awards. His knowledge of architecture, conceptual to construction is amazing. Seeks the best from every student. Extremely dedicated, very fair in grading. Helped me know why I want to be an architect.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

One of the best studio professor's I have had to date. He is one of the original faculty when NJSoA was founded, so he has an excellent grasp on architecture in its current state and where it is going. Under his guidance you will create a rock solid portfolio piece that is as interesting as it is complete.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: 5THYRSTUDIO
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Zdepski is the one critic I strongly recommend to take at least once for comprehensive studio. He is very knowledgeable about design and the technical side of it. He is also very approachable and makes time to meet students outside studio hours.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Zdepski is a great critic, who extremely knowledgeable. He does not have a clear grading strategy and does not seem to grade fairly.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ARCH564
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

At last a studio teacher of excellence, professional architect with a incredible knowledge of every aspect of architecture. His dedication to our projects, encouragement towards experimentation while developing the work to a very high level of resolution is amazing. This studios project will be my best entry into my portfolio, by far.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He is a great Professor and has made this his full time job. He has been with the school for 43 years and helped start the architecture program. He is an inspiring man and is very helpful with feedback towards your project and wants you to do the best you can, be prepared to work hard.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ARCH563
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Although Professor Zdepski will push you to your limits, he is the best studio critic that I have yet to experience. He does not try to force his ideas upon you, but rather finds out what you are passionate about and holds you to your own ideals. He is a brilliant yet understanding and will teach you lessons that apply beyond architecture.