Bryan is a Architecture Scholar from the University of Detroit Mercy. Detroit born and raised from Mexican roots, he is passionate about design, construction & travel. Going to Detroit Mercy has helped him be more community driven knowing that he can help out his community more than ever. He is a fast learner and is willing to try out new things and do what is needed to help the team out.
Interest
I have a strong passion for community design and development, driven by a multidisciplinary approach that integrates various perspectives and skills. I am deeply inspired by travel, exploring new places, and immersing myself in diverse cultures, which enriches my creative process. I also enjoy cooking as a way to connect with others and express creativity. Additionally, I find joy in problem-solving through schematic design, where architecture becomes a tool to address challenges and create meaningful solutions that benefit everyone
Goals
I have many aspirations, one of which is to travel to every country in Europe, as experiencing di erent cultures and architectural landscapes has always been a dream of mine. Beyond that, I am passionate about collaborating with a team to develop a project that will one day be built, leaving a lasting impact through design and innovation. I also strive to bring out my full potential every day, using my skills and creativity to contribute to my community, creating spaces that are inclusive, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of the people they serve.
Education
2022-2026
University of Detroit Mercy
Domestika Online Matte Painting
University of Michigan Arch Prep
2018-2022
Cass Technical High School
References
Juan Arias
Professor SACD Smithgroup @udmercy.edu
+1 (313) 523-1455
Woodrow Ho er II
Professor SACD Kohler Architecure Woodrow.ho erii@gmail.com
+1 (646) 369-3189
Rafael Cruz Serrano
College life Coach Detroit Mercy cruzserr@udmercy.edu
+1 (313) 993-1527
Work Experience
May-Aug 2024
Detroit Collaborative Design Center
At the Detroit Collaborative Design Center, I worked on architectural design, community projects, and outreach materials. This experience sharpened my design skills and deepened my connection with the Detroit community.
Jun-Aug 2023
3R Home Improvement
Performed city sewage maintenance, plumbing repairs, and storm water management, alongside home demolition and site preparation. Developed problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments, ensuring successful project development
Jun-Aug 2011-2022
Ruben Construction
Worked as a seasonal summer worker, progressing through the ranks and gaining hands-on experience in the trade. Took responsibility for managing projects, overseeing material procurement, and coordinating job site deliveries to ensure e cient operations.
Exhibitions
Winter 2023
Small Housing Exhibition
The Small Housing Exhibition at Detroit Mercy showcases our designs for a compact "Getaway Shelter," created as a serene escape from urban life.
Jun-Aug 2023
Pilson, Chicago R&D Hub
This project envisions a community-focused research and development center in Pilsen, designed to support local growth and empowerment for the people of the community.
It may be a lonely journey to chase things we were never taught, especially when our own doubt us for dreaming bigger. Told we belong neither here nor there, we must believe it’s still possible to pursue the dreams we were sacrificed for.
Rebbeca Marie Gomez
CorkTown Cargos
Use: Up-Cycle Adaptive Re-Use
Location: CorkTown, Detroit, Mi
Area: 1200
Brief: The P03 Collective Dwelling project focuses on designing 6–8 housing units with emphasis on shared spaces, social connection, accessibility, and sustainability. It aims to support Corktown by developing ideas that reflect both student creativity and community input, addressing housing needs and fostering resource-sharing and inclusivity.
Assignment: With Detroit being a city with such a big and inspiring history, Corktown will probably be at the top of the list for that one. Reason being is the beautiful culture and ambiance that the neighborhood gives off. The one thing it does need is just a small touch of revamping.
Corktown over the years has gained a-lot of attention and primarily one being real-estate investors. Being a Detroit native, this hurt me knowing that a lot of people are getting kicked out of their neighborhoods, where they spent most of their lives.
To combat this, we proposed to use the deconstruction of Gunnar Bikerts’ Fisher Administrative center and reuse the material off the building. While also using and restoring abandoned shipping containers.
PARAPET IN CONCRETE SLAB
MATERA IN CAST-INSITU CONCRETE
FACADE PROTECTOR IN MORTAR
INSULATION MATERIAL
STRUCTURAL BEAM
SUBSTRATE FOR VEGETATION
RAINWATER COLLECTION PIPELINE FIXING MORTAR DRAINEGE LAYER FOR VEGETATION
Brief: This project involves a 16’ x 24’ light wood structure with a pier foundation, integrating roof runoff into a rain garden. The design emphasizes accessibility, a compelling narrative, a detailed model, technical drawings, and a hybrid visualization, all presented on 24” x 36” sheets for exhibition. Assignment: In our everyday lives, we usually are always in the same routine of digital atmospheres being around you. But what if you were in danger? How do you feel? Gritted, anxious, scared? Through a manifesto we agreed that to survive doesn’t mean to be alive physically, but be one with our mental state of mind as well.
So we were tasked to make a survival shelter/bug-out, where our client can stay over for a few days. We wanted to make ours a bit more harsh on the survival part, so we simulated our site to be in the winter time here in Michigan where it can get as low as -2 F on a harsh winter.
TerraNest
Use: Research & Development Hub
Location: Pilsen, Chicago
Area: 12,000
Brief: In the Latino community of Pilsen, Chicago, where cultural identity remains strong, gentrification has significantly altered the neighborhood’s fabric. The displacement of long-standing businesses left noticeable gaps, particularly the absence of a tiendita—a small market that serves as a cornerstone of Latin American households. The project aimed to respond to this challenge by addressing community needs through innovative and culturally conscious design. Conversations with
This Abstract Site Plan is highlighting the convergence of various access points, demonstrating how the location is easily accessible not only to local residents but also to surrounding businesses, ultimately leading into our R&D hub, TerraNest.
There are numerous possibilities for new opportunities for growth and positive change within the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. As of late January 2025, the implementation of social work services for immigrants would be highly beneficial, addressing the challenges of discrimination and profiling that many minority communities continue to face in the United States.
