Bio:
The great designer, Tiffany has spearheaded raising awareness on how representation in design makes a significant social impact on firm practice, culture, and education. Her expertise stems from first-hand experiences of addressing environmental injustices and social issues. Tiffany was recently awarded a grant by The Knight Foundation to launch 400 Forward, a program aimed to support the education and career development of the next 400 women architects with an underlying focus on African American girls.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I was introduced to architecture my senior year in high school. I began college the following fall after graduation to pursue a career that would allow me to influence the design of built environments in inner-cities.

What do you do?
I am co-founder of a nonprofit, public speaker, city builder, place maker, and Project Manager at national architecture and engineering firm SmithGroup.

What excites you in the work you do?
Being the face I was looking for growing up excites me in the work I do.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Being an advocate, example, supporter, and influence on the next generation of girls in architecture inspires me professionally.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Returning to the neighborhood where I grew up and overseeing new construction there. This effort continued to new construction and demolition of similar housing developments in the City of Detroit.

Featured Project Name: 
400 Forward
 
Featured Project Location: 
Detroit, MI
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Ongoing

Role in Featured Project: 
Founder & Executive Director
 
Featured Project Description:
The programs, support, and multi-level scholarships to be provided by 400 FORWARD aims to position young women to realize their talents in STEAM, and grow the presence of African American women in the profession of architecture (currently less than .3%) through the incorporation of artistic excellence.

Photography Credit:
VW Photography