IN THE NEWS: Taubman faculty, alumnae profiled in Hour Detroit and Metropolis magazine

A group of nine female architects and designers from Detroit have joined together to raise awareness about their work and the future of the city. Calling themselves The New School, the group features multiple Taubman College faculty and alumnae: Salam Rida, M.Arch ’17; Laura Marie Peterson, B.S Architecture ’10; Laura Walker; Ujijji Davis Williams, M.U.R.P ’17; and Torri Smith, M.Arch ’21.

The group also includes Kimberly Dokes, principal and owner of Dokes Design Architecture; Elise DeChard, owner of END studio; Mollie Decker; owner of Subject Studio; and Imani Day, principal and founder of RSVN studio.

Representing a wide range of architectural disciplines in Detroit — including architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design — The New School represents a philosophy that design should transform systems, cities, and culture, not just physical space. Members of the group have worked on projects that democratize the urban design process, prioritize community building, and advocate for marginalized communities. 

“We’re not just designing buildings,” Smith said in an interview with Metropolis magazine, “We’re co-authoring new futures — placing care and community at the center.”

The group was interviewed and profiled in Hour Detroit and Metropolis.

Photo Credit: John D’Angelo