UW-Milwaukee's Alexis Meyer on Care, Empathy, and Mental Health Considerations in the Process of Design
Alexis by Abby Platz
By Julia Gamolina
Alexis will be graduating from UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning this May with a Master of Architecture degree. Alexis has a passion for hands-on building, the built environment’s impact on mental health, and community-engaged design. She’s on the board of Women In Design-Milwaukee and founded the student group, WIDS. Alexis works as a TA and an assistant to the Senior Associate Dean and works at HGA in Minneapolis on the healthcare team.
JG: Why did you decide to study architecture?
AM: I grew up spending time in the woodshop building objects out of scrap materials while my grandpa built furniture. I would sketch out my next creation and try to assemble it the best way possible; seeing my sketches come to life was my favorite part of the process.
I made the decision on architecture when it was a spelling word in my third-grade class. From that point on, everything I did revolved around design and building things. I took all the art classes offered in high school, challenged myself in engineering courses where I would be the only woman, and even participated in extracurricular design challenges. Architecture was the natural choice for my college education. I knew that I wanted a career that would foster creativity, include hands-on activities, and create an impact in the community.
Alexis’ Thesis. Hidden In Silver City: Installation of Hidden In Plain Sight.
What was the favorite project you worked on in school? Favorite paper you wrote? Favorite extracurricular?
My thesis project has been my favorite project to work on because it intertwines my interests into one project. Hidden In Plain Sight is an exploration of creating inclusive, playable, lively neighborhoods through activating environments that encourage community socialization. I am designing and building a full-scale modular furniture system for a site in south Milwaukee. I have used the Restorative Cities Framework by Jenny Roe & Layla McCay as the structure to form the connection between individuals and a restorative environment.
Through partnerships with local organizations, I have been able to connect with community members on a regular basis to hear their feedback and ideas for the site. Their ideas have inspired the final design since they will be the ones activating the site on a regular basis. I hope to give authorship and ownership of the project back to the community as it is them who make the project successful.
Using my thesis project as a prototype, I have created a process that can be replicated in other neighborhoods to increase socialization, connect individuals to nature and help encourage active lifestyles. I am planning to continue develop Hidden In Plain Sight into a marketable guidebook that others can follow in their own neighborhoods.
“Using my thesis project as a prototype, I have created a process that can be replicated in other neighborhoods to increase socialization, connect individuals to nature and help encourage active lifestyles.”
What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on in school, and why?
I focus my attention on creating mentorship opportunities for other women in architecture and design. As founder and leader of Women In Design – Students, I organize events that connect, empower, and advocate for women through mentoring, networking, and skill-building events. I believe that a connection between students and professionals will decrease the gap in gender within the profession of architecture and design. Throughout my leadership role, I have connected over 600 students and professionals in virtual coffees, speed mentoring and firm tours.
When searching for internships and jobs, what are you looking for?
I look for opportunities at places that challenge the profession of architecture, engage with the community, and create opportunities for growth and mentorship. I never want to stop learning, so working in an environment that allows for continued growth in career, skills and knowledge is an important factor for me. Having the opportunities to grow as an individual and professional within a caring and encouraging environment will lead to a successful career.
Data of March: My post-graduation hobby in January 2020 turned into a yearlong experiment were each month I would create a graphic to show my daily habits to see how data changes over time.
Hinge Meets the Street: Hinge provides individual or group experiences such as farmers markets, fitness classes or a coffee stand.
What’s important to you? What inspires you?
Every time I enter a famous or historic building, I can feel the spark of how the project connects with the architect. I can feel the depth of focus, care and though that was poured into the design. I am inspired by that feeling every time I start a new project, keeping in mind the human interactions that will be shaped by their environment. I want them to feel the care and effort that with put into the project knowing that every detail was important and thought of.
“I hope I can make an impact on the traditional design process by implementing new processes of care, empathy, and mental health considerations.”
What do you hope to do in your career?
My list of goals never ends because when I cross one off, another two are added. I hope I can make an impact on the traditional design process by implementing new processes of care, empathy, and mental health considerations. I have been exploring the idea of continuing my education in a PhD program in the near future so I can continue research on mental health and the built environment.
I hope I can be a mentor to those who are starting out their path in architecture education or the profession. As a first-generation college student, I know how important it is to have a mentor who has traveled a similar path to become successful. Sharing my experiences as both a first-generation student and woman, will hopefully show that is possible to overcome differences to be successful.
Creative Mess – Photo by Abby Platz
Who do you look up to? Both in terms of women in architecture, and in general.
I try to surround myself with a collective of women who have shown me the value of working hard, being passionate, and not letting anything get in the way of your goals. My mom taught me that nothing is impossible if you put your whole heart into it and not to do anything halfway. My grandma showed me that kindness — and treats — make everything better and how to be nice to everyone, no matter what.
I have been extremely lucky to have mentors in my professors at UWM who have allowed me to shape my education to match my career goals and ambitions. My thesis committee — Mo Zell, Trudy Watt, Whitney Moon, and Gina Masessa — have helped me develop my research, shared their knowledge and countless book recommendations, and pushed my ideas further. My project would not be as successful as it is without their encouragement and advice.
What advice would you give to those in high school now, choosing their field of study?
Don’t do anything halfway. When choosing a field of study, pick something that you fully enjoy and has your whole interest. That might change as you go throughout your education or even career, but everything you put your full effort into will not go unnoticed. Everything you strive for will be in your reach if you put in the effort and time.