Eminem at 2012 Architecture Conference in Detroit?

September 12, 2014

Ok, the title is a bit misleading. But, I just found this video online from a conference I attended in 2012. A few good friends of mine, Tiffany Brown, Saundra Little and a host of others worked pretty hard with NOMA-Detroit members planning for the 2012 National Organization of Minority Architects Conference in Detroit.

Mrs. Brown and NOMA-Detroit had the Selected of GOD Choir sing their popular rendition of Eminems' "Lose Yourself" from the recent Chrysler Commercial Ads during the dinner prior to the key note address by University of Michigan's Monica Ponce de Leon.

This was one of the most exciting moments during any of the NOMA Conferences I attended. Great job Tiff!

Hip Hop Architecture - Call For Submissions - DEADLINE EXTENSION

April 27, 2014

Did you complete a graduate thesis investigation related to the merger of architecture and hip hop culture? Did you complete an undergraduate studio project related to the topic or even a lecture or developed a published article related to the topic? If so, this call is for you. This call is for architectural professionals, students and artists to submit previously completed works for review and inclusion in my upcoming exhibit. The exhibit is titled, “A Cultural Innovation: Hip Hop Inspired Architecture and Arts” and is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. The exhibit will highlight my research on this topic and will include the works of iconic entertainers, hip hop artists, academic institutions, students and architects from around the globe.

Where Are The Minority Architecture Students?

April 3, 2014

Staggering statistics I found about minorities in architecture while browsing The J. Max Bond Center on Design for the Just City's Facebook page.

"Did you know in 2012 only 924 Black and Latinos graduated from architecture schools? That is only 14.5% of all students graduating from architecture programs!! Is there something in the Academy that account for this low figure?? If they have decided to switch career paths, where have they gone and why? JMBC staff continues to explore and are in the process of creating surveys that will help us compile first-hand insights."

Freelon Group Purchased by Perkins + Wil?

March 29, 2014

As I scrolled through my work emails today in an effort to find some contact information, I came across an email from a few weeks ago titled, "Did Perkins + Wil Just Freelon Group?" I remember reading this email from a friend and the flurry of emails which came immediately after from individuals included on the message. Some individuals collectively responding with a resounding NOOOOOOOOO! Just a few days later this official press release was posted to Phil Freelon's website by Sarah Sheehey, Perkins + Wil's public relations manager.

I have no idea what the ramifications of such an acquisition will be on other minority practitioners in the long term only time will tell. We should not view this as a bad thing, I am extremely happy that Phil Freelon was able to amass a practice so remarkable that a firm such as Perkins + Wil sought after a merger. That is an impressive feat. Hats off!

Google Yourself - You'll Be Amazed

March 24, 2014

Have you ever heard people mention the guilty pleasures of Googling oneself? If not, you should try it, its fascinating what comes up in the searches. While Googling myself I found a ton of information about hip hop and architecture but did not expect to find this enthused blogger's response immediately following my Hip Hop Inspired Architecture presentation at the 2012 NOMA Conference in Detroit, Michigan. I feel honored to be used as a vessel to encourage people to increase their involvement in architecture! Hip Hop is so powerful!