&Lab

Suzanne Lettieri is an Assistant Professor in Architecture at AAP. Lettieri is developing her design-based research to expand on methods of engagement through built work, paying particular attention to how these experiences can provide spaces that prompt user interaction. Through this work, her research explores the democratization of early-architectural education as a strategy for inclusion, aimed at more equitable, creative pathways for underrepresented students. Lettieri was a Michigan‐Mellon Design Fellow in Egalitarianism and the Metropolis at Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, where she was the lead instructor for ArcPrep, an immersive pre-college program in Detroit between 2016 and 2018. The on-the-ground experience, instilled the value of having strong relationships with program partners, and highlighted the challenges of making meaningful change. Additionally, she served as an Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she initiated the pilot program ‘Inclusive Recruitment Strategies,’ between 2019-2021.  Grants pertaining to her engagement work include the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grant from Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan. A Graham Foundation Production and Presentation Grant (with Kunlé Adeyemi), “African Water Cities” was awarded in 2017. Currently Lettieri is contributing to a publication that critically reflects on the ArcPrep pedagogical model over the last six years with the Anya Sirota, Dean for Academic Initiatives, Associate Professor of Architecture, and Director of ArcPrep at University of Michigan.