Bio:
The great designer, Adrienne Hanston a born native of Akron, Ohio, I went to Akron Public Schools, which are often times negatively viewed. the high school adviser helped foster that drive to completely pursue architecture as a profession. In 1997, I received the bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2001 Bachelor of Architecture, both from Kent Sate University,. Master of Urban Planning and Design from Cleveland State University in 2019.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child, I generally knew what architecture was, but as a teen, I begin to grasp it from an in depth approach. Educational (PBS/WVIZ) as well as sitcom television programs triggered my interest in Architecture. This was my first form of research.

What do you do?
I am a Designer, Project technician and also responsible for construction administration. I produce construction detailing through use of Revit and AutoCAD.

What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me is developing a set of drawings/documents, then see it transform into reality. I am so fascinated how construction evolves form one state to another.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Some of the first Black Architects...Norma Merrick Sklarek and Paul Williams. Frank Lloyd Wright. College Professor - David Hughes. First Black Architect in Ohio - Robert P. Madison. Curtis Moody - Moody Nolan Architect. Employer - Sandra Madison. 
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Receiving STEM Award Akron Chapter - Ohio Black Women Caucus, 2015.Completing successful working drawings for Woodland Library. Project Assistant - approving materials for CHUH High School. The design of the Tamir Rice Aftrocentric Center.

Featured Project Name: 
The Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center
 
Featured Project Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2022

Role in Featured Project: 
Designer 
 
Featured Project Description:
The renovation of a 1925 built construction into a new vibrant design that will help enlighten and attract inner city Cleveland youth to the space and give them a safe haven to study and hewn their skills in the arts.

Photography Credit:
Yuanshuai Si