Davis Kane Architects, P.A.’s Post

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” - Winston Churchill, 1943 The link between intentional design and society is linear – because while architecture shapes our students, it’s the students that shape our future. And campuses worldwide are sparing no detail, specifying materials for both functionality and aesthetics. These elements breathe life into universities, building community and encouraging academic success. Don’t neglect the details. Check out our Education Brochure: https://buff.ly/3KqbrOo #Education #Architecture #HigherEd #Universities #IntentionalDesign #StudentSuccess #Academics #AcademicSuccess #BuildingCommunity #SCAD #BuildingMaterials #CSolutions #PeopleBuildingsBetter

Reflecting on my college journey as I approach graduation by the end of this week, I am filled with immense gratitude. These years have been tremendously transformative, filled with learning, growth, and connections that will last a lifetime. I'm thankful for every challenge and triumph that has prepared me for the next chapter of life. This is the first post in a series I'll be making sharing my experience. Here below is a recent interview I had with Studio Luz Architects, which encapsulates my thoughts on this exact issue, education and learning. https://lnkd.in/epkAAthb

My architect friend phoned me yesterday. Just to provide some context about her, I would say she is just like me. We were both very studious, sensitive, and extremely sincere during college, always submitting our work on time. People used to even mock us, saying that even if the world disappeared, we would still be at the college entrance at 7:45 am sharp. That's the level of commitment we had. We even received the highest attendance award or something like that in college. And yes, coming back to the story, it had been a long time since we spoke. When it came to our profession, we were always sober individuals, not particularly thrilled about things. But after a long time, when we spoke, we realized what we were missing in those times. When I asked her how her work was going, she replied, "Yeah Meera, I am happy with the work, mainly because people are giving respect." For a moment, it struck me. I am also happy, and the reason is because I get the desired respect. We all think that respect is something basic and universally desired. But, it's saddening to realize that this isn't always the case. There are still architects and many other professionals who treat us like doormats, disregarding our contributions and dignity. This stark reality reminds us that while we all seek respect, many still face disrespect and disregard in various professions, including architecture. #architecture #respect #values #dignity

Get to know our AIA JS President and read about his inspiring story:

Emma Greenland presented her first CPD of the year to the team at Innes Associates Architecture & Urban Design this week. This Lunch and Learn session delivered via TEAMS showcased our work and research on 'Improving access to listening in mainstream schools' We provide practical guidance on how schools and architects can meet their duties to anticipate the needs of children with special hearing or communication needs (shcn) in accordance with key regulations and standards using a 'reasonable' adjustments approach. It was really useful to discuss Innes' recent experience on Post Occupancy Evaluation visits with Natalia Klus, Simon Innes and Corrie-Anne Rounding, share some common watch areas for acoustics which don't fall into the normal scope of compliance, and explore ideas for efficient acoustic finishes to meet inclusive standards. Thank you for virtually hosting us and we hope you found it informative! For more information on our Lunch and Learn sessions and to book your team in follow this link:-https://lnkd.in/ePq58mEZ We can deliver a session via TEAMS if this means more colleagues can attend (particulary where you have more than one office base), otherwise we travel to you and provide lunch! #cpd #lunchandlearn #educationestates #schools #colleges #universities #architects #acousticdesign #acoustictreatments #acousticfinishes #reasonableadjustments #compliance #inclusivelistening

Between the sacred and the profane. A lively discussion within our community, The Architects' Hub, about the home; the sacredness, sanctity of one's home. I found this very interesting article by professor Brandon R. Ro - Utah University, 'The Sacred and Profane: Thoughts on Architectural Education and Pedagogy'. Here is the Abstract (pdf attached): "Institutions of higher education have distanced themselves from teaching anything related to the sacred in architectural education. While the education of the architect has remained a critical focus for practitioners since Vitruvius, architecture’s historical ties to the sacred have been forgotten and dismissed. Many are beginning to realize the importance of this topic for contemporary architectural education. Architects have an ethical task of defending the authenticity of human experience as well as creating a beautiful world that uplifts the human spirit and nourishes cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health. As the co-founder of a new architecture program, I discuss both the practical and operational experiences of teaching and developing curricula with sacred pedagogy in mind. The paper also reviews “where” and “how” academic programs might attempt to deal with the sacred in curricular development. The success of any pedagogical intent will ultimately take years to manifest itself in the built works of students. Integrating the sacred into architectural education is critical for the profession because it helps future architects cultivate their empathic imagination, increase their compassion for the building user, and nourish their love for humanity." #architecture #architect #architecturaleducation #education #sacredspace #design #knowledge

"Find your thing and run with it!" We love this advice from Lauren Shelton on using your unique strengths in your career. Check out our Architecture Alumni Success Stories to learn more about Lauren's career and that of other Architecture graduates. https://lnkd.in/eqzcYWqp

Recently, we were lucky to host a Friday evening power talk with Braden Hill, titled Colonialism to Country: Truth Telling through Architecture. Professor Braden Hill, a Noongar Wardandi man from the southwest of Western Australia, currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) at Edith Cowan University (ECU). In recent years, he has played a key role in shaping the new ECU City Campus by integrating Noongar and broader Indigenous narratives into the architecture and life of the campus. Drawing from his project insights and personal experiences, Braden's talk covered a tonne of important ground. He emphasised the importance of always remembering that we are on Country, wherever we are in Australia, and highlighted the need to involve Indigenous leaders in projects from the earliest stages. Beyond that, Braden stressed the responsibility of everyone involved – including clients, architects, and landscape architects – to conduct thorough research into the histories of a site and the people connected to it. At the heart of his message was a call for all of us to be open to learning and to get more comfortable with the discomfort that can come with having essential (and in most cases, probably overdue) conversations. Richard Kendall, one of the talk’s attendees, nicely summed up his key takeaways: - Don't ask for guidance from Indigenous colleagues without having done your prior research. Put some bloody effort in. There is no magic website. - Surfacing stories about individuals otherwise lost to history is important. - If you're sharing a decision-making table, don't allow others to leave the table for a smaller more exclusive table where the 'real decisions' are made. A huge thank you to Braden for all that you shared. And thanks to everyone who joined.

📐 FREE ARCHITECTURE SUMMER DAY CAMP OPPORTUNITY 📐 🎒 MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (12-18 YEARS) 🎒 📍 DETROIT AND KALAMAZOO 📍 🔗 Link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/eK66gzuJ 🔗 ❗ DEADLINE TO REGISTER: Friday, May 31st at 11:59PM ❗ I believe those that shape the built environment should reflect the communities that live in them. Architecture for a long time has struggled to have a diverse workforce that reflect the communities they are rooted in and designing for. Good design comes from a multiplicity of backgrounds, histories, perspectives, and cultural lenses that can see blind spots that others can't (and vice-versa). The architecture profession is only 3% black - and only recently moved up for our decades-long stalemate of 2% licensed black architects. It's also smaller stats across different ethnic groups. To put it in perspective, I have met half of ALL the black women architects in the state of Michigan (last I checked it was around 7 out of 14), and I work with 20% of them. It's that small of a number! There are so many factors that contribute to this issue, but part of it comes down to exposure to the profession. How can you be what you've never seen or heard? Did you know an architect when you were in school? I surely didn't, and didn't meet an architect for the first time until I was in college, studying to be an architect. Camps like Project Pipeline are crucial to expose students from underrepresented backgrounds to the profession and professionals. The National Organization of Minority Architects- Detroit Chapter is hosting its 10th year of the Project Pipeline camp this summer. I've had the pleasure and honor to be the camp director for the past five years of this camp. Ten years is amazing, and there are hopefully some exciting things in store for Project Pipeline this year. On an individual level, this camp could be a catalyst for a student to consider architecture or a related field. On a wider level, this camp is one of many initiatives to connect folks from various backgrounds to our built environment. Share with your student, niece, nephew, family-friend, neighbor, or young one in SE-MI/SW-MI that you think would benefit!

Who is the STUDIO FIRST online summer program for? 1. You have a four-year undergraduate degree in any field, or are currently enrolled, but wonder whether architecture and design are the career for you. 2. Students already in architecture, environmental design, conservation, or urban design, who are applying to graduate programs to gain a professional degree. You may need to improve your portfolio or augment your design studies. 3. International students who want to learn how to create a suitable portfolio for application to schools in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. 4. Students with a three-year undergraduate degree or highly motivated high school students preparing to apply to undergraduate studies in architecture. 5. Students who have already been accepted to the MArch 1 program and want to shorten the learning curve in the first year. 6. Anybody wishing to explore an interest in architecture and developing new ways of thinking, seeing, and making. We have a few spots left in the May-June online session. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/dbN9XEAf