TORRI SMITH
16885 Wildemere St,
Detroit MI, 48221
smtorri@umich.edu
248.943.7762
EDUCATION
2021 | Master of Architecture | University of Michigan | Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning, Ann Arbor MI | Thesis: Equitable Landscapes
2015 | Bachelor of Science in Architecture | Lawrence Technological University, Southfield MI
2011 | Fine Arts & Illustration | College for Creative Studies; [one year of coursework], Detroit MI
2009 | Communications | Purdue University [one year of coursework] West Lafayette Indiana
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS
2024 | Director | ArcStart | Taubman College, University of MIchigan, Ann Arbor MI
2023- | Co-Director | UM ArcPrep | Taubman College, University of MIchigan, Ann Arbor MI
2023 | Fellow | Deans Equity and Inclusion Initiative | University of Michigan | Dumbarton Oaks, Washington DC
2022-2023 | Intermittent Lecturer | Architecture & Urban Technology programs | Taubman College, University of MIchigan, Ann Arbor MI
2021-2022 | Michigan Mellon Design Fellow in Egalitarianism and the Metropolis | University of MIchigan, Ann
Arbor MI
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Intersectionality between biophilic design, innovative sustainable practices, emerging material & programming technologies, 3D visualization techniques, environmental + social justice based design, engaged learning + early design education, identity & representation, engagement and community collaboration and the relationship between art and architecture.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2024-Current | Designer | Hannah Architects | Detroit, MI
2022-Current | Principal + Founder | ARC BAE | Detroit, MI
2014-Current | Fine Artist & Muralist | Detroit MI
2022-2023 | Design Consultant | J29:7 Development Company | Detroit MI
2021-2022 | Economic Development & Design Manager | East Jefferson Development Corporation, Detroit MI
2019-2020 | Research Assistant | Taubman College, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
2020-2021 | Instructional Aide | ArcPrep | Taubman College, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
2019-2021 | Intermediate Designer | ROSSETTI Architects, Detroit MI
2017-2018 | Detroit Design Consultant | Interboro Partners Brooklyn, NY
2017-2019 | Junior Designer | ROSSETTI Architects, Detroit MI
2015-2017 | Intern | ROSSETTI Architects, Detroit MI
DESIGN PROJECTS
[Through ARC BAE Design Practice]
2024 - | Corktown Social Justice + Non-Profit Incubator | 20,000 commercial space In partnership with Dokes Design Architecture [in-progress]
2024 - | North End Landing Project | Master plan and design work for (8) residential buildings in partnership with Hannah Architects, Detroit MI
2023- | Emerging Leaders Centre | 550 sf interior build-out commissioned by the Emerging Leaders Program | Bronx, NY [in-progress]
2022- | Perfecting Church Renovation in partnership with Hannah Architects and Dokes Design Architecture [in-progress]
2022 | The Resilient & Vibrant City Murals, AECOM Midtown, Detroit MI
2023 | Constellation Video | Commissioned by Byrce Detroit: an Afrofuturist imagining of architecture, technology and lifestyle in Detroit’s North End [completed]
2019 | Green Lantern Mural, Berkley MI
2018 | MIchigan Womens Forward Center | 30,000 SF building | Conceptual & Schematic Design
COMMUNITY LED CONVERSATIONS
2023 | Engagement Session Leader | Emerging Leaders Program | Design Charrette and conversation
2022-2023 | Engagement Session Leader | Series of Community conversations commissioned by J29:7 Development Company
AWARDS
2021 |Thesis Super Jury Winner | Burton L. Kampner Memorial Award | Taubman College, University of Michigan | hosted in Detroit MI
GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2021 | Scholarship Recipient | Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship
PRESENTATIONS, LECTURES AND PANELS
2024 | Guest Lecturer | Ecological Issues Course | Lawrence Technological University, Southfield MI
2023 | Panelist | Junior Architects Symposium | Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2023 | Panelist | Egalitarian Metropolis Symposium | Taubman College, University of Michigan | hosted in Detroit MI
2021 | Keynote Speaker | Green Your Neighborhood Forum hosted by Friends of River Rouge and the Sierra Club Detroit, Detroit MI
2021 | Virtual Panelist | Future Forward Discussion hosted by HKS Architects | Virtual
2018 | Guest Speaker | Detroit City of Design | College for Creative Studies, Detroit MI
2018 | Panelist | Women in Social Media } Bamboo Detroit, Detroit MI
FEATURES
2023 | Featured | ‘ArcPrep: Detroit High School Students Survey the Expansiveness of Architecture’ | myScience Article
2023 | Work Featured | ‘Building Relationships to Design Spatial Justice’ | Architect
2023 | Work Featured | ‘Anti-Racist Frameworks for Transforming Design Education | Oculus & Design Justice Actions
2022 | Featured Artist | “Black History Month: Reflecting on a Year of Progress” | AECOM
2017 | “Selfie-Expression: Artist Torri Smith Explores Female Imagery in the Age of Social Media | Detroit Free Press | Detroit, MI
2017 | “Artist Torri Smith Captures the Stress of Social Media” | Metrotimes | Detroit, MI
2017 | “Constructs of Romantic Discord: Paintings from Torri Smith” | Michigan Chronicle | Detroit, MI
EXHIBITIONS
2022 | Featured Artist | Solo Show & Ribbon Cutting | AECOM, Detroit MI
2021 | Virtual Thesis Exhibition & Super Jury Exhibition | Taubman College, University of Michigan | hosted in Detroit MI
2019 | Featured Emerging Architect | AIA Celebration of ARchitecture, Detroit MI
2018 | Featured Artist | ‘Women’ Group Exhibition | The Carr Center, Detroit MI
2018 | Featured Artist | Tangent Gallery Group Exhibition, Detroit MI
2017 | Resident Artist | Solo Art Exhibition ‘Constructs of Romantic Discord’ | Detroit Center for Design and Technology, Detroit MI