TORRI SMITH

Portrait courtesy of Torri Smith.

Masters in Architecture ‘21 at the University of Michigan - Taubman College

Bachelors of Architecture ‘18 at the Lawrence Technological University - College of Architecture and Design

Virtual Studio Coordinator and Graduate Student Research Assistant at the University of Michigan - Taubman College

Freelance Architectural Consultant and Artist/Muralist based in Detroit, MI.

Torri Smith is an architectural designer, fine artist and current M.Arch student at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. She is an executive board member for NOMAS UM (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) and is a student leader and committee member of the DJA (Design Justice Actions), specifically leading the Community Engagement working group. Torri currently resides in Detroit, where she draws much of her inspiration as she works at various scales; from mural work to 3D installations. She is interested in investigating topics such as, questions of identity, urban biodiversity, biophilic design, the sharing of diverse narratives and challenging systemic issues such as social and environmental justice through thoughtful, participatory design.

Reflections with Torri

What inspired you to pursue architecture?

As a child, I was constantly sketching, drawing and painting; I was passionate about art, and making of things. At a young age I was interested in art that was scalable, something that could excite people and fill them with awe. I wanted to be able to make art that you could physically experience with each of your senses - I think this is how I found architecture. I have always operated in both worlds simultaneously; the art world and the architectural realm and I find that the two are interviewed in many ways. I’m still passionate about the ways in which architecture and built space can reach people; mentally, physically and emotionally, but over the last few years I have become even more interested in how architecture can provide agency to people who may not have a voice in terms of the built environment in which they live. When I think of creation and making and how to connect those actions back to architecture, I now consider the ways in which architecture can be influenced and molded by those who will be utilizing the spaces and how it can be shaped to better suit their everyday lives and experiences.

Torri in the Studio with Cobain and Zeppelin. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

Torri in the Studio. Photo credit Sarah Rose Sharp. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

What is the most important thing that you learned in the past year?

This past year I’ve learned how important agency is, especially within architecture. As a BIPOC woman within both the profession and academia, it is important to make sure that your voice is heard, and more important that you elevate the voices of others around you. Over the summer I worked with a group of students at University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning to start the Design Justice Actions working group, which focused on addressing the inherent racist practices embedded within architectural education. Over the course of the summer we worked with various faculty, staff and students to identify, address and create courses of actions to address these deeply rooted issues. I think it is important to feel empowered to demand change within the profession, because as a unified group we can potentially be the catalyst for change.

Michigan Women’s Forward Center Design by Torri Smith. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

Mural Work Time lapse by Torri Smith. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

What are some architectural organizations (or specific person/role model) that helped you learn to overcome an obstacle? How did they?

The Design Justice Actions grassroots student-led group we started at Taubman immediately comes to mind. Working with my colleagues and peers to create this group (which is based off of and inspired by Design As Protest) has been life changing. Throughout my career working for the last five years for a sports architecture firm in Detroit before returning back to school, I didn’t feel that my voice was often heard, especially being a young BIPOC woman in the profession. I spent much of this past summer working on the committees of various groups such as the DJA, NOMAS UM (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students) and the TPDC (Taubman Public Design Corp), and I truly felt that through these various mediums I could make a change within architecture/academia. Taubman Public Design Corp was also quite a meaningful experience for me, as we had the chance to work with quite a few amazing non-profit organizations (such as Brilliant Detroit, the Carr Center, Meals on Wheels, etc) in need of architectural work.

In terms of role models, thankfully I have found a handful of amazingly talented faculty members at Taubman; Kathy Velikov (also principal at RVTR), Julia McMorrough, Irene Hwang, Anya Sirota (also principal of akoaki), Gina Reichert, Sharon Haar (ACSA).

Intertidal Spaces by Torri Smith, University of Michigan. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith

If you were given the opportunity to repeat the year, what is one thing you’d do differently?

If I had to pick one thing, I would say I could have made more time for self-care because as we all know, mental health when doing architectural work unfortunately tends to take a backseat, which is something the profession needs to begin to normalize and celebrate.  It’s to take time for yourself when you want to be involved with everything and everyone, but it is so important to make sure you take care of your body and your mind first.

Torri at Belle Isle Beach in Detroit. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

Torri at Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

As you reflect on the past year, what did you discover as your biggest strengths?

Over this past year, I realized my biggest strength was empowerment.  Somehow, in the wake of COVID and the necessary movement for the collective care of Black Lives I felt that I found myself through my art, involvement and commitment to student organizations and strengthened connections with friends, family, mentors and colleagues.  I had the opportunity to speak with various groups on various panels about the changes that need to happen within architecture so that we may focus on the promotion of social and environmental justice and make sure everyone has a seat at the table.  I marched with friends and members of the community through the streets of Detroit and demanded justice for black and brown bodies.  I feel that all of these experiences have stuck with me and will hopefully echo through my art and architectural work for years to come - hopefully inspiring others to use their voices to speak out about injustices in whatever capacities they feel most comfortable. 

Torri at the BLM March. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

In terms of rising concerns and problems (in the architectural profession) over the past year, what is one change that you wished would happen and it did not? This can be in an educational or work atmosphere. 

I would love to see more BIPOC faculty, students and practitioners both entering the profession and being recognized for their amazing work; we still have a ways to go in terms of breaking down the barriers in terms of access when it comes to the profession. Architecture as a whole needs to become more accessible (and affordable) for the general public; we need to demystify the process, through collaborative participatory design and find new ways to interface with the public and provide our services to those who truly need architectural solutions (not just the 1%).

Affordable Housing in Detroit by Torri Smith, University of Michigan. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.

Art Show: I Made Three Dollars Today by Torri Smith. Photo courtesy of Torri Smith.