Bio:
The great designer, Julia Dallas is a project coordinator at MMA. Dallas has five years of experience in the industry, and focuses on fostering quality in the everyday, problem solving through design, and connecting with clients and the community on shared and discovered values. Dallas attended The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture in 2015. She went on to receive her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan in 2017.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Though I don't recall the exact age I became interested, I can confidently say I learned about architecture my first year of college when it became clear to me that architecture was so much more than the four walls and roof that enclosed space.

What do you do?
I'd like to think that I help other people to celebrate their missions and create spaces that are thoughtful, purposeful, and inspiring.

What excites you in the work you do?
Excitement in my work stems from capturing the personalities and passions of the people who inhabit a particular space. Community-driven design ignites a sense of place and provides unique individuals with an opportunity to celebrate their values.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Built environments that seek to make a big impact in small ways inspire me. Projects that embrace the history of its site - look to enhance rather than clean slate - and yet provide clever solutions to modern life are challenging in a rewarding way.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Proudest moments are when I look back on my academic and professional journey and then look ahead and know there is still a whole lot of time and experiences to cover, yet remain determined, remain patient - those are pretty rewarding days.

Featured Project Name: 
The Backlot
 
Featured Project Location: 
Grand Rapids, MI
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Unbuilt

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Coordinator
 
Featured Project Description:
Originally constructed as a Ford Motor car dealership in 1917 and years later serving as a Westside staple and local grocery market, Duthler's Family Foods - The Backlot Project seeks to celebrate the past by introducing a new model for the present community. By embracing an adaptive reuse mindset, The Backlot provides open, welcoming, and inclusive space through the design of a community centered courtyard to enjoy food truck feasts, games, and drinks with neighbors.

Photography Credit:
N/A