Empowering Through Design: Kate O'Connor's Vision for Holistic Architecture
By Leilani Sigsbey | October 20, 2023
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Kate O'Connor, an Associate Professor of Architecture at Ferris State University, doesn't just design buildings; she crafts architectural solutions through the lens of the 'Triple Bottom Line'—an approach encompassing economy, community, and the environment.
Originally from New Jersey, O'Connor's educational journey led her to Washington D.C., where she cultivated a passion for public interest design. Her pursuit of knowledge took her to Tulane University, where she earned her Master of Architecture II, focusing on Public Interest Design. This academic venture significantly shaped O'Connor's professional philosophy, emphasizing a holistic approach to architectural planning.
In 1995, O'Connor planted her roots in Colorado, eventually establishing her architectural firm in 2000. However, the trajectory of her career took a transformative turn in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, O'Connor relocated to New Orleans, utilizing her architectural expertise to contribute to the community's reconstruction. Collaborating with others from Tulane, she spearheaded a pop-up gallery showcasing architectural students' designs—a testament to her commitment to community-driven architecture.
Her experience in New Orleans laid the foundation for O'Connor's belief in the architect's role as a societal influencer and problem solver. This philosophy has guided her role as a faculty member at Ferris, where she currently leads the Small Town Studio.
The Small Town Studio, under O'Connor's direction, addresses the shift in global population dynamics from rural to urban living. Focused on Western Michigan's small-town populations, the studio asks a crucial question: "What is the role of small towns in this new urban age?" One of their recent projects involved collaborating with the rural community of Idlewild, known as the oldest and largest African American resort community in Michigan. Students engaged with stakeholders, developing architectural designs aimed at fostering growth and sustainability.
Acknowledging the financial needs of such projects, O'Connor secured the Exceptional Merit Grant from the Ferris Foundation. This grant facilitates site visits, allowing students to interact with community stakeholders and enrich their design process.
Currently serving as the lead communicator and direct instructor for architectural students, O'Connor is steering a project to create a "pop-up" gallery showcasing student designs from the Small-Town Architecture Studio. This initiative aligns with her mission to provide students with a voice through visual communication and online platforms.
Reflecting on the support she has received from Ferris, O'Connor expresses gratitude for the collegial relationships and departmental backing. "My department supports me in what I do, and I so appreciate the collegial relationships that I have established because that's unique; it doesn't happen everywhere." Kate O'Connor's journey at Ferris State University is not just about teaching architecture; it's about instilling a holistic and sustainable approach that empowers students to be architects of positive change.