Christopher Cobb served four years in the United States military, completing his career as a petty officer in the Navy. Now, he’s a Chaminade student in the Environmental + Interior Design (E+ID) program and works part-time at one of the top architectural firms in Honolulu, Architects Hawaii, Ltd. (AHL).
When he graduates from Chaminade University this May, he will be the first male in his family to obtain a four-year degree.
Struggling with what to pursue after transitioning out of the Navy, Cobb considered studying architecture or civil engineering, but ultimately decided on interior design after being encouraged to do so by his wife.
Chaminade University was an obvious choice. It was the only institution to offer an accredited interior design program in Hawaii, where he and his wife were determined to stay.
Being 10-15 years older than most of his peers and an African American male in an all-female class, Cobb brought a fresh perspective to his classes and found Chaminade to be an inclusive place to learn.
“Chris takes his mission as a designer very seriously, and as an iconoclast has stood up against the stereotypes about interior design as well as the stereotypes about black men,” Elizabeth Lockard, E+ID associate professor, said. “His transcendent ways of thinking have enlightened other students and have helped them see the world from a broader perspective than their own.”
After graduation, Cobb plans to continue working for AHL and save up with his wife so that they can eventually open a home staging business on Oahu as well as multiple online businesses, and travel the world together.
Congratulations on your graduation, Christopher!
