ALEXANDRIA ROBINSON
Portrait courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
Founder of Aesthetic Designs
Recent Graduate of Florida A&M University
Alexandria Robinson is a young designer from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Alex is a recent graduate of Florida State University’s Interior Design program. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Architecture at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Her brand is all about creating generational wealth in the black community with homeownership. She is the founder and Principal of Aesthetic Designs, where currently is working to expand her business into real estate. She always lets her love and compassion for her culture and community drive her in hopes of becoming a trailblazer for black women.
Uplifting My Community through Inclusive Design
What is your favorite dish?
Jerk Chicken
What is your favorite song by a Black artist?
Keyshia Cole- Just Like You
Three additional fun facts about Alexandria:
I was a cheerleader for 12 years
I use to be a makeup artist
I am starting a program to help young people become homeowners
What inspired you to study architecture?
Growing up I was always very creative, but I also had an interest in medicine. Throughout high school and college, I was on track to become a nurse. After my first year in college, I quickly came to realize that was not my passion. I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know how! I had to be honest with myself and really find a career that aligned with me! I really struggled for months and then I found interior design. Strangely enough, after getting into my program, I still was not satisfied. From there I knew I wanted to be able to make a bigger impact and do more. And that is how architecture became my next piece to my puzzle!
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
Name a Black architect/artist who most influenced you as an emerging professional. How did they?
It is unfortunate because I never knew of or was exposed to any black architects or artists until recently. This is probably why I really struggled during undergrad. I was the only black student in my cohort, and I felt constant anxiety about having to have it all together all the time. I did not come from a background of professionals that could help give me guidance because I am a first-generation college graduate. So, I had to become my own black unicorn.
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
Name a favorite project designed by a Black Architect. Why is it your favorite?
Pacific Design Center by Norma Merrick Sklarek because she is one of the few licensed woman architects that took a more innovative and modern approach to architecture from that era. She also inspires me to create my own all-women empire myself!
How does your culture affect your studies and the way you design?
My culture affects the way I design because I am always thinking about making my designs inclusive to all people! To accomplish inclusivity is to think about urban planning and social justice in design. I make sure I keep my design morality by simply remembering that people come before a dollar sign. Historically, Black neighborhoods have always been negatively impacted when it comes to real estate development and architecture. And this is where I get to help! I let my compassion for improving my culture and community drive my designs.
Living room sketch. Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
Are there any organizations that helped you grow in architecture? How did they help you grow?
An organization that has helped me grow in architecture and design is Karu. The principal designer, Melanie Murata, created a mentoring program to help provide equity and resources for emerging black designers. This program has been so helpful and mind-opening to different opportunities in design.
Tell us about your recently founded interior design brand, Aesthetic Designs. What inspired you to create your own business?
Aesthetic Designs is my current brand for my interior design business. In the next few months, it will also include residential real estate as another part of my services. My target audience is the younger demographic. I want my generation and the generations to come to understand that homeownership and real estate is a big part of generational wealth, especially in the black community! My brand and my business will always be about uplifting my community.
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
If you were able to talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would definitely tell my younger self to be confident. I feel like I have missed out on a lot of opportunities and networking by not feeling confident enough to put myself out there. There is no perfect timing when it comes to opportunity and becoming successful. If you keep waiting and doubting yourself, you will never get where you want to be in life!
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
What would you want to say to the next generation of aspiring Black women architects?
You are the black unicorn! For there to be change and diversity in architecture, we have to always make sure we are there. It won’t be easy, and it will definitely be stressful. We are still trailblazing a way for our communities and culture to be seen and heard! And always make sure to use every platform you have to share your story! You never know if you are inspiring the next little black girl to keep their faith in this journey.
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wish saw would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational and/or work atmosphere.
In both the educational and professional world, I feel like the concept of improving equity in the black community has not been truly incorporated where it matters most. Creating equity is more than just affirmative action. It is incorporating these actions into the practices of the firms and institutions by putting social justice before dollar signs.
Image courtesy of Alexandria Robinson.
