“Taubman offered to work with a variety of different backgrounds, research topics, and explore areas of design I haven’t had much exposure to before.”
Why did you choose Taubman College?
I was looking for a graduate school program that was pedagogically different from my undergrad so that I could grow in my design thinking and to continue to sharpen and shape my own design principles and values. I also value having a diversity of thought, and Taubman offered to work with various backgrounds, research topics, and explore areas of design I haven’t had much exposure to before. The alumni network has also been a huge draw for me as well.
Describe the work that you do.
I work primarily on existing structures, with most of my work revolving around adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and new construction. Also, work on community engagement projects and design guidelines.
Outside the firm, I have been involved in leading the Youth Outreach efforts for NOMA Detroit since 2019, including leading in-person and virtual Project Pipeline camps for students in the Metro-Detroit and surrounding area.
What are some of the projects that you have worked on recently?
- Woodbridge Neighborhood Design Guidelines – Detroit, MI (Client: Woodbridge Neighborhood Development)
- Federal Reserve Board – Washington, DC
- Osi Arts Apartments – Detroit, MI
- Allied Media Projects headquarters – Detroit, MI
What is an important lesson that has stayed with you from your time at Taubman College?
Often, the best design curiosities come when you least expect it. One day in between studio time, I was having a conversation with my friend and studio mate about some aspect of Detroit that I noticed across other cities. I never thought too deeply about it because it was so regular and expected for different places I’ve been to. But curiosity about that very thing helped me land on my thesis project. And that same thesis project allowed me to continue to explore that topic through my design fellowship upon graduation, and being able to present at my work at the NOMA National Conference. Looking back, I am able to see how being curious about the things that are every day opened up the door to a design curiosity that lead to so much more.