News

Although she's not a native Detroiter, Kimberly began practicing architecture in the city early in her career, and has since been an impactful designer in the city and entire metro Detroit area. She's participated in a variety of building project types including complex of large (federal bond) capital improvements and modernization programs. Kimberly attended the historical Tuskegee University where she obtained her Bachelor of Architecture degree and founded Dokes Design Architecture in 2009.

As a writer and editor, Imani Day, AIA, NOMA works to amplify underrepresented voices and uncover issues in the architecture industry. She is the founder and principal of Detroit-based RVSN Studios, which focuses on using architecture as advocacy, and as a member of the executive board of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and AIA Detroit, she champions equity within the profession.

Michael Ford, the "Hip-Hop Architect,” is an architect, designer, educator, and keynote speaker. He was born and raised in Highland Park, Michigan, a city within Detroit, and is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy. Mike is founder of both BrandNu Design, a full-service architecture, design, and research firm and The Hip Hop Architecture Camp®, a week-long intensive experience designed to empower underrepresented youth to explore and excel in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and creative placemaking through the lens of hip hop culture.

A native Detroiter and lover of all things Detroit, Naomi Beasley-Porter is a proud East-sider and Cass Technician with a Master's Degree in Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy (where she also adjuncts). With over 10 years of experience, Naomi worked in architecture firms then translated her skillset to development finance with the City of Detroit. She currently manages federal funds to support the building of various affordable housing development types. Naomi has found passion in doing work where the outcome directly benefits the people of Detroit.

Kendal Bowman is a licensed Architect in Illinois and Michigan with 14+ years design experience. He is the Principal of Arcos Studio, LLC [Arcos] and a Project Architect at TMP Architecture, INC [TMP] doing incremental development and Educational Architecture, respectively. His portfolio of work to extends from historic renovation and preservation of existing buildings in Detroit to Airport Additions in Abu Dhabi. He returned to his hometown - Pontiac, Michigan - to work through the development of the city with the mantra "Access + Equity By Design." Kendal is  also president-elect of the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects.

Sara Timberlake is a Chicago native and now Detroit-based architectural designer, educator, mentor and theorist currently working at Quinn Evans. She brings her clients’ visions to life by working at the intersection of design, planning, and community engagement.  She is also engaged with her research “Call and Response: Speculation of a Future Typology for the Black Church”, which aims to clarify a design language to the historic American Black Church.

Since graduating from the University of Michigan, Damon Dickerson has worked professionally as an architectural designer and is now Director of Architecture at Dokes Design Architecture and a real estate developer in Detroit. A native of Ypsilanti, he and his family moved to Detroit with the intention to aid in the City’s revitalization.

With three degrees from Lawrence Technological University, and nearly 20 years of experience in architecture, Tiffany Brown is now executive director of the National Organization of Minority Architects. She is also founder of 400 Forward, an initiative aimed to support the education and career development of the next 400 women architects with an underlying focus on African American girls.

Kimberly Dowdell is a licensed architect, a Principal in the Chicago studio of HOK, and frequent speaker on the topic of architecture, leadership, diversity, sustainability and the future of cities. A graduate of Cornell and Harvard Universities, she served as the 2019-2020 national president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Kimberly was recently elected the 2024 National President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Noir Design Parti Has Launched the Hidden and Plain Site Podcast - Go like and subscribe now!

Karen Burton and Saundra Little talk with April Baer, host of Stateside on Michigan Radio, about architect Nathan Johnson's lasting impact on Detroit and the architecture community.