From large corporations to small firms, these individuals are driving innovation and impact in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction in Southeast Michigan and beyond. These professionals are leading their industries into the future by adapting to emerging markets and mentoring the next generation, in addition to contributing to growth for their companies. Selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process, each honoree shows a commitment to setting a high standard at their firm. They’re also leaders in their professional and personal communities by directing major industry events and volunteering their time to make a difference. ~ Crains...

"In Detroit, a new kind of design movement is taking root. Led by eight women architects and designers, the city’s New School collective is reshaping the built environment through community-led processes, creative reuse, and a radical commitment to care. Their work spans adaptive housing, public installations, small business spaces, and neighborhood infrastructure—all unified by a mission to design with, not just for, the people of Detroit.

These eight women—Ujijji Williams, Elise DeChard, Mollie Decker, Kimberly Dokes, Laura Marie Peterson, Torri Smith, Laura Walker, and Salam Rida—aren’t just designing buildings, they’re rewriting the blueprint."  ~Metropolis Magazine~

8 Women Designing for Belonging in Detroit - Metropolis

"Strength in numbers. That hope and philosophy prompted nine Detroit-based female architects, architectural designers, and landscape architects to join forces last year in an effort to raise awareness of their work and the possibilities it represents for transforming Detroit.⁠
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Their name, The New School, is a loose and tongue-in-cheek reference to the New York Five, a group of “old-school” white male architects popular in the 1970s, and to the fact that, according to the American Institute of Architects, more than 70% of registered architects identify as male.⁠
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Members are Salam Rida of 9XS Design, Laura Marie Peterson of 1+1+ Architects, Kimberly Dokes of Dokes Design Architecture, Elise DeChard of END Studio, Mollie Decker of Subject Studio, Laura Walker of Other Work, Ujijji Davis Williams of JIMA Studio, Imani Day of RVSN Studios, and Torri Smith of ARC BAE.⁠" ~ Hour Detroit~

https://issuu.com/hour_media/docs/hour_detroit_may_2025