Tell us about living in Detroit. What neighborhood do you live in and what things make it unique and exciting? 

I live in Lafayette Park on the east side of downtown Detroit. The neighborhood is home to vast array of architectural styles, in particular that of Mies Van Der Rough. Much like the larger landscape of Detroit, Lafayette Park has a small community feel despite the vast geographical space it covers. Positioned on the outskirts of what is commonly refereed to as ‘’Downtown’’, the area allows ease of access to all surrounding amenities including Eastern Market, Riverfront trails, Belle Isle, etc. As a runner living in Lafayette Park, due to its geographical relationship to the greater landscape of the city of Detroit, it has allowed me the luxury to explore all areas of Detroit on my weekend runs. Living in Detroit has been a blessing in disguise. Being apart of the fellowship has allowed me to discover new intricacies of the city of Detroit I would not uncovered otherwise.

What have you learned from Challenge Detroit so far?

Working alongside my likeminded peers has enabled me to gain an in-depth understanding of how other professions work, and the multiple layers and talents each and every person posses. Challenge Detroit has opened me eyes to the entirety of Detroit, and allowed me to go beyond the media headlines and get hands on surface level understanding of Detroit’s present state. Regardless of my long-term future in Detroit, I am thankful for the opportunity to be in the midst of this marquee American cities transitions through the trials and tribulations facing the city on both a local and national level.

Tell us about your host company and your role in the organization.

Working at HamiltonAnderson has afforded me the opportunity to work hands on with the marquee architectural projects that will help shape the landscape and economy of Detroit. At the firm, I am an architectural designer and work on the development of construction documents and BIM modeling for our current projects. It has allowed me to expand upon my experience and educational background, and contribute to the emerging footprint of HAA in Detroit and beyond the boundaries of this city.

What kind of impact do you hope to have with your host company and within the city?

Detroit has impacted me on a daily basis. It has reshaped my understanding of what compromises the city, and who is behind the infrastructure both sustaining and pushing Detroit forward. The impact I envision myself having in Detroit is two fold. I hope to have a positive influence on youth through the medium of sports, and help to activate the riches of talents inside Detroit next generation. Second, I hope to contribute to the development and construction of architectural-based projects that will benefit the often unheard, and unseen areas of the city; the neighborhoods and its long time residents.

Ten years from now how do you envision Detroit?

I envision Detroit as a city who has regained its status and recognition nationally as a marquee American city. I see it as a destination. I believe Detroit has created a framework that will enable the city to catapult itself to regain its economic and social mojo of the early 20th century. I believe in the future trajectory of Detroit because of the residents who define the city, and continuously deny its decay. Detroit is on the minds of millions, and with future actions centered on the overall investment and prosperity of the city, the city will again be the heartbeat and soul of America.

To learn even more about Devon’s time in Detroit check out his spotlight video.