Stephanie Leedom

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?
In my current role as Executive Director for the Great Lakes Region of CannonDesign, I am grateful to have the opportunity to set the strategy for growth of our firm in the region – including Michigan. One thing that I am focused on right now is looking at the region’s position as a destination for population as the rest of the country becomes increasingly hot and weather events become unpredictable. The Great Lakes offer a climate haven that is growing in interest and we expect in population too soon. I’m eager to see how architects can have a role in looking forward into the future to inform the development as these patterns occur. What excites me most about the future of architecture is that people are coming together across the profession to talk openly about the value of architecture and how we can elevate the field in the public’s perception. So many of the decisions that affect our future are made by individuals who do not have design degrees and don’t have the capabilities to envision what architects can – so engaging architects early in civic discourse and policy is going to be increasingly important. Public architects have a great value and need to be elevated.

Why did you choose Taubman College for your education?
I chose Taubman College because it was one of the few places that offered a Master of Urban Design degree. That, and I had a chance to meet several of the faculty and was immediately impressed by the rigor of the program and the expertise of the faculty. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My cohort brought together students from around the world who remain a part of my life today – over 20 years later.

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?
Taubman College gave me an opportunity to teach, which is something I had never anticipated as an architect but has great value later on in your career. One of the most rewarding moments that has happened as a result of being a graduate student instructor in architecture was seeing the next generation of architecture students. Several years after I left Taubman College, I ran into one of my students who told me she was the reason that she became an architect – I can’t tell you how special that was – and she has gone on to have an incredibly amazing career.

How has being part of the alumni community impacted you, personally and professionally?
I have very strong ties to many alumni through the college who have become colleagues and friends – people I regularly get together with to collaborate on projects, and whom I seek out when I attend AIA events. Being an alumnus of Taubman College has also given me access to a network of professionals who I consult with and learn from, I have served on alumni panels, attended alumni events annually, and work closely with several other alumni where we host Michigan students in our firm annually.

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?
I most enjoyed the relationships that I built while at Taubman College – both with other students and with faculty. My least favorite thing about Taubman was the winter!

What advice or important lesson would you share with someone considering Taubman College?
Take every opportunity to get to know faculty, engage with alumni, and enjoy the time you have – college days are the best time of your life, so take that time and have some serious fun! And Ann Arbor is a beautiful place to be that you will enjoy going back to years after you’ve left.