Florent Mettetal

Why did you choose Taubman College?

I chose Taubman College because it gave me the opportunity to experiment, research, and work on the greatest variety of topics and projects possible. It gave me access to connections between all the different colleges, faculty members, and alumni base. I got to explore passions in design, real estate, sports development, and community engagement throughout my time there — making me a more complete and confident planner to help make real change happen through my work.

Describe the work that you do.

The core of my work focuses on how to design positive and equitable change within communities through tactful improvement of the built environment and the public realm

What are some of the projects that you have worked on recently?

• Greater Corktown Planning Framework
• Central Michigan University Master Plan
• Innovation Quarter – Winston Salem
• uCity Square Master Plan Update
• Confluence – Our Great Rivers in Albany Park

How did Taubman College prepare you for your career?

Projects at Taubman exposed me to real-life planning and design challenges. Those gave me experience and familiarity as to how to go about solving them and engaging clients and community members throughout the process. I have touched on so many aspects of planning and design that I can rely on a strong foundation to lean on in my professional career.

What is an important lesson that has stayed with you from your time at Taubman College?

Research, context, and engagement are key to understanding places and people. Design solutions should be derived from the iterative process derived from these three pillars.

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?

How well-connected Taubman College is within the University of Michigan ecosystem but also to its alumni base. It is always a place where I can find someone to fall back on for advice or support.