Manit Patel

“The new studio, Studio Reassembled, is a great space that encourages collaboration among students.”

Hometown
Ahmedabad, India

Degree Program(s)
M.Arch 2G

Expected Graduation Date
May 2025

Academic Areas of Interest
Material exploration, Digital fabrication, Computational Design, Material and Construction

Hobbies or interests outside of academia
Traveling, Photography, and Cricket

Why did you choose Taubman College as the right program for you?
The decision to select Taubman came after my undergrad thesis, in which I built a shell structure and then learned my interests were aligned with computational design, digital fabrication, and parametric design. While working with my Professor in undergrad, she observed me closely, and she knew my interests in architecture; therefore, she suggested this school because of its fabrication lab and the computational design courses.

What is special or excites you about the Taubman community?
I have always looked forward to being part of the Taubman College alumni network. The professors at Taubman College are also multidisciplinary in their knowledge, which is a great advantage.

If applicable, tell us about studio culture – what is inspiring or innovative or unique?
I really enjoyed being part of both the old and new studio layouts at Taubman College. The new studio, Studio Reassembled, is a great space that encourages collaboration among students. It’s a great place to learn and grow as a group. But I also love the old layout; it has a lot of character.

Describe your experience with faculty and professional staff during your time at Taubman?
I have had a great time interacting with the faculties and different professionals at Taubman. The amazing thing about Taubman is that they have faculties with different specializations, and whenever you are in a particular faculty’s studio, if someone else has more knowledge about specific topics, they are always ready to bring in expert views.

How has Taubman’s career and professional development support prepared you for a successful career in your chosen field?
With my 2 years, I have learned a lot at Taubman College about professional life and how to put forward the ideas into the real world and that is something that all of us are looking forward to. The career development seminars are really helpful, as we have portfolio reviews and resume reviews that help a lot.

What benefits have you experienced being part of the University of Michigan?
Being a part of the huge alumni network at the University of Michigan.

What do you like most about being part of the Ann Arbor community?
I love this town the most because there are people from all over the world, and there is a different energy on game day. Ann Arbor is a perfect-sized student town, and the University of Michigan is a great place to be a student.

What advice would you give prospective students as they consider Taubman College?
I would say that Taubman College is the right pathway to your career selection. It will help you realize your own interests, guide you, and help you learn in that particular direction. The coursework at Taubman is comprehensive, and if you are looking for anything related to digital fabrication, material technology, or computational design, this is the right place to be in the United States.

What are your plans after graduation?
I’m seeking a job that will provide me with experience in a firm where I can learn skills that align with my interests. I’m looking forward to developing those skills and eventually starting my own practice.

Additional advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students?
I would like to say to prospective students, “Don’t worry, and don’t be confused.” Taubman College will help you figure things out.