I am excited to be studying Architecture in my hometown of Grand Rapids at Kendall College of Art and Design. During my time here, I have been focusing my studies on developing strong design concepts, enhancing my graphic representation abilities, and incorporating some level of environmental sustainability into my projects. I took advantage of the other programs at KCAD for my elective courses by enrolling in photography and sustainable design courses outside of architecture. I hope to take this expertise into the field and acquire my architectural license within a year after graduating.

 

My thesis project is taking the opportunity to design downtown Ada, Michigan into the 21st century by making it environmentally sustainable. I was born and raised in Ada, making the town's improvement personal to me. Ada has been planning re-development since 2006 but has not fully realized its chance to use sustainable design methods and celebrate them in ways that can be a precedent for future urban design. Downtown Ada was overtaken by suburban sprawl, putting parking lots and strip malls in prime real estate, which does not promote walkability or community engagement. This project uses sustainability principals to develop a contemporary and cohesive mixed-use building typology. The site is designed around the river and focuses on community walkability and promoting the well-being of local flora and fauna. The aspects of sustainability are at the forefront of design to be celebrated by the community stakeholders.