Bio:
The great designer, Saundra Littie is Highly regarded for her planning and design work in the urban realm, Saundra Little has completed many award-winning projects in adaptive use, renovation, and redevelopment. She is a Co-founding of Centric Design Studio minority owned architecture firm and Noir Design Parti a project that documents the professional journeys and creative works of Detroit’s black architects. Her extensive volunteer work and commitment to community includes mentoring students interested in architectural careers.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I took art classes in elementary middle school and High School and decide architecture as profession in Middle School.

What do you do?
Saundra’s portfolio spans the research and revitalization of historic districts, including African-American suburban neighborhoods, to the sustainable design of 21 st -century educational, cultural, and workplace environments, and co-working spaces.

What excites you in the work you do?
Detroit is specifically challenged to promote diversity and inclusion in the design. In response to this challenge, Saundra sought and was awarded a Knight Arts Grant for Noir Design Parti project-Project documents Detroit’s Black architects.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
The opportunity to combine my interests in salvaging buildings and preserving historic neighborhoods through the use of modern, sustainable technology, systems, and materials has been especially rewarding to me.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
She is a founding member of the Advisory Board of Design Core Detroit; an organization established to promote and celebrate Detroit’s architectural legacy. Design Core’s achievements include having Detroit named as a UNESCO City of Design.

 

Object:

Object Five - Alternative career, volunteer work with organizations not directly connected with the built environment, or service to society

 

Year of Elevation: 

2021

Featured Project Name: 
TECH TOWN – JUNCTION 440
 
Featured Project Location: 
Detroit, MI
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
January 2014

Role in Featured Project: 
Architect of Record - Design Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
A beautiful structure originally built by well-known Detroit Architect, Albert Kahn, sat empty for many years; and now fulfills its owners inspiring vision of revitalization and a innovation hub. The 20,638 square foot first floor renovation, is now a Co-working space with a best-in-class conference center, custom built co-working stations, which serve an expanding need for flexible meeting space for the entire building; a reverse courtyard plan where natural lighting reaches core collaborative spaces.

Photography Credit:
John D’Angelo-Photography

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