Jordan Peters

Hometown
New York City, NY, United States

Degree Program(s)
B.S. Arch

Graduation Date
May 2027

Academic Areas of Interest
Architecture, Phenomenology, Anthropology, Urban Studies, Urban Planning, Community Engagement

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Photography, Travel and Exploration, Videogaming, Church Volunteering, Financial Literacy

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
In addition to the great community and high level of academics the college has, it also gave me a sense of security in that this was the right choice. They worked with me to give me a comfortable financial aid package, invited me to take advantage of the multiple opportunities at the college as well as the university as a whole, and all the professors and faculty are readily accessible to you; you never have to be afraid to enter a professor’s, faculty member’s, or even the dean’s office to have a chat and learn from them!

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
Its ability to take a multifaceted approach to architecture is what excites me the most. The teachers continue to experiment with what is the best way to teach architecture to students, as well as what projects can introduce creative concepts not conventionally thought of. You can even take a class learning about architectural scale by creating clothing pieces out of crazy materials. Classes are also not taught by just one professor, so I can ballot or choose who I want to learn from in most cases that align with what I find interesting to learn; each teacher will give you a different experience. The wealth of knowledge the teaching staff has here, as well as the innovative ways they continue to share it, is what I find very special.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
Even though we are being taught by different professors, we are still in the same space to share ideas and approaches. I also find the openness of the different programs to be quite nice; the fact that I can walk a few steps and be in the graduate studio to gain inspiration and insight from them is great.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
Very knowledgeable people and also welcoming. I don’t have to be scared to send an email to either my professor or another one I haven’t been taught by. Everyone here makes an active effort to share their knowledge, as long as you are willing to make the effort to seek it out! I sometimes email new professors I come across on social media or inside the college that I think insights would be beneficial to my growth as an aspiring architect, and they are always happy and able to sit down with you somewhere and have a chat.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career?
Their attentiveness and patience with the students are great. When I was looking for an internship, I went to the career advisors we have here at the college; they gave me really good insights on portfolio and resume tips, how to go through an interview, and additional resources the college provides on our career network website.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
I think the greatest benefits here are notably the network and also the opportunities. The most important thing is understanding that you have to be the one to take the initiative and seek them out, but when you do, the opportunities here are many and amazing. There are also so many events that we have on a day-to-day basis here at the university that there is always something to do around here. I also enjoy being in such a big university with all the factors that come with that.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
When I came here from New York, I saw almost an immediate change in the people here. I’m not sure if it’s the Midwestern way or the culture specifically in Ann Arbor, but people tend to be much nicer and more welcoming. Patience is also something people have more of here.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
Take advantage of the territory you get here. Ask Questions. Connect with people. Find things to do (fun and productive). Make the experience you have here both rewarding and unforgettable. Believe me, Michigan is one of the best places to do that.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on taking one or two years to work at a firm and just take a break from academia before graduate school for architecture. I will most likely try to get into somewhere on the East Coast where I’m from.