Faculty news

For recent news about SOA faculty, see the Faculty News page. 

Alumni Event draws 75

The annual alumni event was attended by 75 alumni and featured talks by current faculty member John Mueller, former faculty member Charles Merz and a current graduate, Mais Karadsheh. Alumni Council President Wayne Chubb '00, presided over the event, which was sponsored by Barton Malow Design, Hamilton Anderson Associates and D'Angelo Construction. Alumna Andrea Beard '06, won the coveted raffle prize—a lounge chair donated by Landscape Forms. Once again, the food by Chef Jeff was outstanding. See pictures from the event.

Dean Steve Vogel (right) with alumni in the Genevieve Fisk Loranger Architecture Center

Historic home is living studio for students

This past semester, Associate Professor Joseph Odoerfer took his design studio to an historic home on Wellesley Drive in Palmer Woods. Built in 1924, the elegant estate was once owned by William Fisher, who started the Fisher Body Corporation. He lived in the home until his death in 1969. It was designed by architect Richard H. Marr in the "Jacobean" or Banker's Tudor style of its time. At one point in the mansion's history, it was donated to the University of Detroit.

Associate Professor Joseph Odoerfer with his studio group outside the William Fisher home

The home now is owned by a UDM alumna from the College of Business Administration, Christine Michaels '97, and her husband, George. They have been working to restore it to its original quality and craftsmanship. The couple graciously allowed Odoerfer and his students to come into their home to observe and study its beauty and historic significance. When asked why he wanted his students to view the home, Odoerfer said,"It is for inspiration. While the students are not going to reproduce that kind of work, they can appreciate and learn and be inspired by it."

Christine and George Michaels (center) surrounded by Odoerfer and his students inside their home

Continuing education program focuses on health care design

The Alumni Council co-sponsored a major continuing education event May 18-19 that focused on Health Care Design. The program was also co-sponsored by the Health Care Design Advisory Board, LX Insurance, and Herman Miller for Health Care. Presentations included: "Professional Liability Issues in Green Design" by Gary Kingery, CCLA; "Designing for LEED Certification in Health Care" by Donald R. Hall; and "The Promise of Evidence-based Health Care Design" by D. Kirk Hamilton, FAIA, FACHA, Interim Director, Center for Health Systems and Design, Texas A&M University. This continuing education program was particulary important says Dean Stephen Vogel, because "it was begun in response to requests by alumni who work in the health care field seeking graduating students who are aware and trained in health care design."

David Adjaye from London is final presenter in Lecture Series

The final lecture of the year was made by David Adjaye from London, England. This lecture was sponsored by Hamilton Anderson Associates. A pre-lecture wine and cheese reception was co-hosted with NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) Detroit. More than 170 professionals and students attended the event. Adjaye also signed his latest book on public buildings, and the bookstore sold out of 50 copies. NOMA has agreed to sponsor a speaker next year also.

UDM Hosts AIA 150 Charette

As part of the ongoing program of AIA Detroit to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the national AIA, the School of Architecture hosted a weekend charette in February to look at community issues in southeastern Michigan. The charette was comprised of six teams made up of professionals, professors and students from UDM and Lawrence Technological University.

Faculty news

For recent news about SOA faculty, see the Faculty News page.