KEDISHIA JOSEPH

Portrait courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

The Bernard and Spitzer School of Architecture at The City College of New York.

Kedishia is Caribbean, born on the Island of Grenada who currently resides in Brooklyn NY. The last of five siblings she has always taken on the nurturing role because of her love for family and not wanting them to be hurt or sad. Kedishia is currently a second-year B Arch student at Spitzer, Secretary at NOMAS CCNY and Vice President Candidate for their Spring 2021 elections, Media Chair at NYCOBA, and Volunteer at NYCMAKESPPE; a grassroots organizations that donate free PPE such as masks, ear savers, and shields to both Essential, Non-essential businesses and minority communities throughout the five boroughs and overseas.

The Value of Bond, Togetherness, and Hardwork Led Me to My Passion

What is your favorite dish?

Pelau, browned chicken with rice cooked together with seasonings and vegetables in one pot.

What is your favorite song by a Black artist?

Rudeboy “Reason with me” (Nigerian)

Three additional facts about Kedishia:

1. Phobia of Seeds (lemon, watermelon, etc.)

2. Very sociable

3. Spontaneous traveler

4. An explorer of various foods and cultures

5. Irrational fear of millipedes

What inspired you to study architecture? 

My curiosity and desire to play an active role in the way our cities and communities are built. Making basic human needs easily attainable such as affordable housing to combat the growing numbers of homeless due to poverty and gentrification globally.

Proposed mixed-use development and ROW section at 132 W 134th Street Manhattan. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Name a Black architect/artist who most influenced you as an emerging professional?

I did not transition into architecture until 2019, coming with an Accounting and Business degree, I had little knowledge of Black architects. To add, I think the lack of knowledge as it relates to Black architects and architecture can be said for most students as our curriculum focuses heavily on Caucasian; European and American Architects combined with their architecture.

At Spitzer, however, I became actively involved in networking attending various architecture lectures and events. At these exchanges came the education of how important black architects’ role is in our society and during this time, I met Danie Cesario (SOM) and Samantha Josaphat (Studio 397) amongst others; Samantha was also my studio professor in my first year. The energy, determination, and resilience of these two phenomenal black women are so awe-inspiring that I found me eager to be in their company to listen and learn from their experiences.

NYCOBA chapter party at 2019 conference in Brooklyn. L-R Shakiera, Samantha Josaphat, and Kedishia. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

All smiles at NYCOBA chapter party 2019. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Name a favorite project completed by a Black Designer. Why is it your favorite?

My favorite project is Sir David Adjaye’s Sugar Hill Development in Harlem, New York. This project touches on the core qualities that I hold dear, which is creating a space that can be affordable for minorities, enhancing education, and reuniting communities and families.

CNC cutting for cosmetic tray design created by Kedishia. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Finished tray. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

How does your culture, ethnicity, and/or race affect your studies and the way you design?

My culture is heavily centered around family, that bond and togetherness inspire my designs. Thus, my designs often depict open spaces for socialization and networking, interpretation of motion and fluidity that can be translated by curves and alignment.

Building Bridges with Popsicle sticks. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Sturdy Model. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Are there any organizations that helped you grow in architecture? How did they help you grow? How did they help you grow?

Despite my love and passion for architecture, the path to becoming one wasn’t always clear as it is now. After finally deciding to pursue my architecture career, I was left with the question, “what’s next?” After my transferred credits from Grenada were analyzed, I was advised to complete extra credits to be accepted into an architecture program and apply as an instate resident rather than as an international student.
This meant that I needed to complete the GED. I know, I know, I felt that it was a huge setback, especially since I already have two degrees and an advanced level certificate. However, my mission became clear that I would use the time to help other students who are also trying to pursue their GED and never went to school

I joined the BMCC Continuing Education program, where I was introduced to WithinReach Foundation and formed a bond with the Founder who was also my math teacher, Jane. WithinReach Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards at least 10 recipients who have successfully completed their GED’s to attend college tuition-free.

With their support, I was given the opportunity to study Industrial Design at LaGuardia Community College tuition-free.

Jane and her team have and continue to be a great source of support. There are instances when I missed my family back home and I would call Jane crying. She would have the most comforting and uplifting words to say to me, reminding me of my mission and why I made the sacrifices I made.

Now I’m practically living my passion and I couldn’t be happier. A once undocumented girl coming from her tiny Island to now, a New York resident working towards her career that she loves wholeheartedly. I want my story to be an inspiration to everyone to never give up on their dreams.

They provided the necessary finance and personal support needed to pursue my degree

Hiking in Maine. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Congratulations on your 2020 NYOBA NOMA Diversity in the School of Architecture Award! Tell us about your role as Social Media Manager at NYCOBA NOMA. What inspired you to enroll as a member in NOMAS CCNY and later, in NYCOBA as a second-year student?

I strongly believe in the terminology that learning takes a village, hence, I wanted to be involved with groups that would allow me to articulate issues and or concerns that are important to me and our members. My role at NOMAS and NYCOBA has allowed me to actively be a part of the building and educating our members who in turn can then aspire to advocate and spearhead the operation of diversity, equality, and inclusion within our career and elsewhere. Through our various activities and events such as mentorship programs, round table, game nights, and so forth. Members are reassured that we are vested in their holistic journey to become a better version of themselves.

Collage depicting an insight into the mind of someone going through grief or defeat. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

Collage depicting the underlying issues of redlining and gentrification and how it affects persons and spaces. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

If you were able to talk to your younger self, what would you say? 

Don’t be afraid to take risks that require you to stand out from the crowd. You will lose many friends and family along the way, but these changes are necessary to get you out of your comfort zone and push forward to achieve your goals.

All smiles at ASAP farewell event. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.

What would you want to say to the next generation of aspiring Black women architects?

Be proud, be bold, and be deliberate in your pursuit to achieve success. Love and embrace your differences while accepting change and being open to diversity within the field and society. Never forget who you are, where you came from and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

One of the most important persons in my life. My Big Brother flew all the way to New York to be apart of my Graduation when I attained my Industrial Design degree in 2018. Photo courtesy of Kedishia Joseph.