Black Professional (Licensed)

- Name:

Dawveed Scully

- City:

Chicago

- College & Practice (if already practicing):

Illinois Institute of Technology; Senior Urban Designer at Skidmore Owings and Merrill LLP (SOM)

- Favorite Architect(s)?

Mies,

Richard Rogers,

David Adjaye, 

Diébédo Francis Kéré,

Toyo Ito,

Herzog and De Meuron

- Favorite Building(s)?

Inland Steel Building, Robie house, 

- Tell us about your background -

How do you find creativity?

music, art, architecture, great conversation with peers.....I'm always trying to tap into the energy and rhythm. 

- What are some of your interests outside of design? 

I love food, dance, live music and anything to do with black culture and community, though as an urban designer it all relates to my work. 

- How would you describe being a Black Architecture student/Black Architect in the profession? 

At moments it can be lonely so its important to find your tribe. NOMA/NOMAS is great for connecting to others in the field who have similar experiences and ideals. I've been fortunate enough to have a workplace where I am empowered to engage and make decisions about all aspects of the work and pursue projects I'm interested in, a lot of which are focused around social and design justice. 

- How important is diversity to the profession? 

It's huge, architects are responsible for the health safety and welfare of the built environment and we've seen the results when planning and architecture are done for us and not by us. Black architects are necessary to paint the whole picture. 

- Are you licensed?

No, I have 3 more exams to finish my license out of the 6 for ARE 5.0. I took a break recently to finish my AICP exam, American institute of certified planners. I plan to finish this year and next. 

- What is your design philosphy?

Simple, clear design ideas that create consensus and collaboration. 

- Most inspirational Place you have travelled?

Its a tie between barcelona, london and tokyo. 

- How do you balance Work and Life?

ts tough as I do a lot but I try and be intentional about spending time recovering. 

- Tell us about one of your most significant projects (Built, Unbuilt or Student work)?

Detroit east riverfront framework has been really amazing project to have worked on. I was fortunate to lead the design work from SOM side and the project has had several components implemented or in progress. Its won several awards and most recently a national AIA award. https://www.aia.org/showcases/6073068-detroit-east-riverfront-framework-plan.

See below for a short project description.

Building on a ten-year initiative led by the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, SOM developed a framework plan for Detroit's East Riverfront District, which lies adjacent to one of the world's busiest international border crossings along the Detroit River. Designed to preserve more riverfront land for public use, generate greater community access to the Detroit River, and spur investment along the East Riverfront, the project seeks to continue the transformation of the East Riverfront area from a blighted, industrial area into a vibrant public waterfront accessible to all Detroit residents.

The strategic framework plan was realized after an intensive six-month program of community meetings, workshops, tours, and interviews. The plan outlines the addition of eight acres of park space to the East Riverfront and envisions keeping significant portions of the waterfront free from private development in perpetuity. The Beltline, a new greenway, will directly connect inland neighborhoods to the Detroit River, while the existing Joseph Campau Greenway will receive new lighting, paving, and landscaping. Improvements along Jefferson Avenue seek to reduce vehicular accidents, improve walkability, and beautify the corridor—improvements that are designed to boost local businesses and facilitate safer access to the waterfront.

Working with City of Detroit and the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, the project team included urban economic development specialists HR&A Advisors, landscape architects Michel Desvigne and Inessa Hansch, and local firms McIntosh Poris, Giffels Webster, Kraemer Design Group, AKT Peerless, Rich & Associates, and E. Austell Associates.