Mackenzie Knautz

“Learning from faculty who are passionate about their subjects and love to share their knowledge with others makes class so much more fun.”

Academic Areas of Interest
Mass Timber, Sustainability, Experience Creation/Hospitality, Community Focused Design

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Irish Dance, Reading, Travel, Spanish

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
I chose Taubman for grad school because their large program is full of professors and students with different interests and backgrounds. I knew that no matter what I wanted to explore or learn more about, there was someone at Taubman who could help. Michigan’s huge alumni community was also a deciding factor for me. But more importantly, it was the people! When I came for preview weekend, everyone was so welcoming.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
What I have liked about studio so far at Taubman is that each one is a little different. Some studios are all about structures, some are more focused on the communities they’re in, and some are a mix of everything! But the best part about it all is that we get to ballot for them and rank which studio we’d prefer to take each semester. It really makes your education feel more tailored to you and your goals within the field. I also feel that each studio prepares you for what architecture is like in the real world, and even if your project is a little wild and theoretical, you still have to know your site zoning and follow life safety procedures. You can push the boundaries and really experiment while still creating a building that could really exist.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
All of my professors are so knowledgeable in their fields, and it’s one of the reasons I chose Taubman for grad school. There is someone who can help you explore almost any interest, and, from my experience, they love helping students explore what they’re passionate about. Learning from faculty who are passionate about their subjects and love to share their knowledge with others makes class so much more fun!

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
When I came to Michigan, I joined Léim, the Irish dance club here. I did Irish dance for 12 years when I was younger, but I wasn’t able to do it in undergrad. It’s been so fun to pick it up again as a hobby! There are so many fun and niche clubs at Michigan that can give you a community outside of just studio.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
The people make the place! When I came for preview weekend, I immediately knew I had to go to Michigan simply because of the people I had met while here. Taubman is an awesome community for both mentors and friends!

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work for a firm, really anywhere in the U.S. (I love living in new places), where I can continue working on projects that align with my design interests while pursuing licensure.