Jesse Adkins

Describe the work you do. What are some of your recent and current projects that excite you? What inspires you about the future of your chosen field?
SAR+ is a Denver-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm that’s been around for nearly 25 years. We work across a pretty broad range of projects, from housing, hospitality, and higher education to large-scale mixed-use developments and neighborhood master plans.

A lot of what excites us is working on projects that have the potential to make a meaningful impact on a community, well beyond the design of an individual building.

Right now, we’re involved in some particularly interesting work, including the redevelopment of the 55-acre Ball Arena neighborhood in downtown Denver, resort planning and development at Winter Park, the WonderBlock redevelopment in downtown Ogden, Utah, and several higher education and hospitality projects throughout Colorado.

What’s especially exciting is that many of these projects involve much more than architecture. We’re helping clients establish a vision, solve complex development challenges, and create the framework for places that can evolve and thrive for generations. That’s really where SAR+ does some of its best work.

How did Taubman College prepare you for your career? What experiences beyond the classroom (internships, research assistantships, teaching opportunities, or other external experiences) provided additional value?
Attending Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan was a formative step in my career. It helped shape the way I think about architecture—not simply as the design of buildings, but as a discipline that connects people, places, and communities. The emphasis on design exploration, critical thinking, and the broader urban context established a foundation that continues to influence my approach to architecture and leadership today. Those experiences helped develop the perspective that guided my decision to form SAR+ and pursue the work that we do here.

How has being part of the alumni community impacted you, personally and professionally?
The University of Michigan alumni community played an important role in launching my professional career. My first position after graduation was with a firm led by a fellow Michigan alumnus, which gave me an immediate appreciation for the connections and opportunities that come from being part of this community. That experience reinforced the importance of mentorship, shared values, and professional relationships in shaping a career. Over time, I’ve come to recognize that the Michigan network extends well beyond simply opening doors. It represents a community of people who share a commitment to design excellence, curiosity, and collaboration. Those values have influenced not only my professional development but also how I approach leadership, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others at SAR+.

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?
What I appreciated most about attending Taubman College was the creative and intellectually challenging environment, surrounded by people who shared a passion for architecture and design. The studio culture encouraged exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking, while challenging us to look beyond individual buildings and consider architecture’s broader impact on people and communities. Equally important were the relationships developed with classmates and faculty, and the opportunity to learn from different perspectives. That combination of creative freedom, rigorous design thinking, and a strong sense of community helped shape my approach to architecture and continues to influence how I practice and lead today.

What advice or important lesson would you share with someone considering Taubman College?
I would encourage anyone considering Taubman College to embrace the opportunity to challenge themselves, explore new ideas, and develop their own perspective on architecture and design. Take full advantage of the studio environment, the faculty, and especially the relationships you build with your classmates. Those connections can become lifelong friendships and valuable professional relationships.

Architecture is a profession that requires curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to continually learn. Taubman provides a strong foundation for all of those qualities. My advice would be to remain open-minded, push yourself beyond what’s comfortable, and recognize that the experiences and relationships you develop during your education can have just as much influence on your career as the work you produce. Looking back, that has certainly been true for me.

Other thoughts, advice, or knowledge you would like to share?
Be curious. Remain curious. Curiosity will guide you through even the most challenging times, especially when facing the strongest headwinds. It encourages you to question assumptions, explore new possibilities, and see opportunities where others may see obstacles. My advice to anyone considering Taubman College is to embrace that curiosity, challenge yourself, and remain open to the unexpected. The ability to continually learn, adapt, and discover new perspectives will serve you well beyond your education and throughout your career.