Allie Famulare

Academic Areas of Interest
Civic and institutional architecture, architectural history and theory, material and fabrication practices, preservation and adaptive reuse, urbanism, spatial experience

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Enjoying the outdoors (skiing/hiking/river rafting/etc), crafting/pottery, traveling, reading

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
My interest lies particularly in civic and institutional architecture, where the scale of engagement allows for broader outreach and social influence. I am interested in people’s behaviors, emotions, and unspoken responses to space. Therefore, I chose Taubman because it approaches architecture as both cultural practice and a rigorous discipline. I was looking for a program that would challenge me intellectually while also allowing me to experiment through making and design. Taubman’s combination of intensive studio culture, history and theory, building technology, professional practice, and independent thesis work felt uniquely suited to that goal. I was also drawn to the college’s emphasis on fabrication and emerging technologies, which allows me to explore new ways of making while remaining grounded in physical craft.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
What excites me most about the Taubman community is the openness to different ways of thinking about architecture. There is a strong culture of experimentation paired with a willingness to question assumptions and engage critically with ideas. Because I am surrounded by a community of designers, I feel encouraged to engage with students and faculty, as we are all trying to better our craft and there is a clear benefit from one another. Everyone has their niche interests that are expressed through how they think and design —this is magical to me.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
What most inspires me about studio culture is my cohort. My peers in studio have made architecture feel less like an individual pursuit and more like a collective process of learning, testing, and discovery, even just after two weeks. Studio courses are a lot of long days and late nights, but getting to know and laughing with the people who are in the same boat as you makes it so much easier. Also, studio culture is very unique in the way that ideas are developed through conversation, drawing, modeling, fabrication, and iteration rather than through a single process. There is a lot of room to test an idea, build it, discover what does not work, and rethink it.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Although I am only just beginning my time here at Taubman, it is apparent my experience with the faculty and professional staff will be one of the most valuable aspects of my time here. I have found my course instructors to be deeply engaged with my ideas and push my projects beyond their initial assumptions. Outside of courses, I have had developmental conversations with distinguished faculty who were interested in me and what I had to say, which can be hard to come by. Even though in nature it can be intimidating to approach faculty, I feel that the students at Taubman have the support of the professional staff.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career?
Because I am only a few weeks into my program, I have not had first hand experience with Taubman’s career and professional development support, but I have heard students are granted developmental experiences with esteemed firms and I am looking forward to those opportunities. It seems like career support is very accessible.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
I have enjoyed the benefits of the University of Michigan by being on a college campus again. After living in San Francisco and working in the field of Architecture for three years, it is refreshing and inspiring to be surrounded by individuals who are here to learn. And the Big House, of course! Go Blue!

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
In Ann Arbor, there is an energy that comes from being surrounded by students, researchers, and people from so many different backgrounds. I am looking forward to the changing of the seasons and have been enjoying the slower, more personal rhythm. Also, as an student in the Master of Architecture program, I was surprised by the architecture that Ann Arbor offers— especially the riverfront houses. I have enjoyed my architectural walks that also are accompanied with lots of University of Michigan logo sightings. The school spirit that the community of Ann Arbor carries is unlike any college town I have been to!

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Come to Taubman with curiosity and a willingness to have your assumptions challenged. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what kind of architect you want to become. Some of the most valuable parts of the experience come from exploring questions you did not initially think were yours to ask. Take advantage of the people, facilities, conversations, and opportunities around you, and do not be afraid to experiment. Graduate school is a rare opportunity to slow down, think deeply, and develop a position about what architecture means to you.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to return to practice with a stronger sense of what kind of architect I want to become. I am especially drawn to civic and institutional work because these projects have the potential to shape not just how people occupy a building, but how they experience one another and their community. Ultimately, I hope to become a licensed architect and work on projects that hold meaning over time and respond thoughtfully to their particular place and history.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
Stay curious, never settle, & ask questions! To the Leaders & Best, Go Blue!