Michael Spain, Associate AIA, NOMA Set to lead Architecture in Education Program

Michael Spain is an architectural designer with experience working for some of Philadelphia's most prestigious architecture firms, most recently as Design Director at D2, a firm noted for their work on projects such as Five Below Headquarters, the Wills Eye Hospital Most Lab, and The Lycra Company. His 16 years of teaching as an adjunct professor of architectural design at Jefferson University's College of Architecture and the Built Environment garnered him the Distinguished Adjunct Faculty Award. He is a key contributor for several industry organizations, including serving as co-chair of the Center's Architecture in Education program; director of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (PhilaNOMA); and as the program and curriculum developer for PhilaNOMA's CAMP Sustain-Ability – a 5-6-week summer program focusing on exposing students to the field of architecture and the built environment.

Rebecca Johnson, the Center's executive director, expressed her excitement over the vital addition to her staff, "Michael's expertise, passion, and relationships within the architectural community here in Philadelphia will expand the Center's opportunities exponentially," she said. "His presence here will rapidly push the needle towards realizing our goal of providing design education to every student in Philadelphia. I'm humbled and honored that Michael decided to join us in this vital work."

Michael's dedication to the design and architectural communities is exhibited through his volunteerism on several boards and committees, including AIA Philadelphia's Design Committee and Associate Committee; founding Board Member of Philadelphia's Charter High School for Architecture and Design, and the Community Design Collaborative's Advisory Council. He is also the 2019 recipient of the Thomas U Walter Award given by AIA Philadelphia in recognition of his contributions to the architectural community.

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About the Center / Architecture + Design

An independent non-profit, the Center was founded in 2002 by the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Philadelphia). The Center provides the public with a place and with programs to explore architecture, urban planning, and design, allowing us all to understand how these creative professions affect us in our daily lives. Using Philadelphia's distinctive breadth of architecture, pioneering urban design, and diverse manufacturing heritage as the foundation for discussion, we educate the public through exhibitions, guest speakers, hands-on workshops, design competitions, city-wide festivals, and children's programming. The Center brings together architects, designers, developers, thought leaders, and the public under one roof and also provides office space for AIA Philadelphia and the Community Design Collaborative. The Center is open to the public five days a week. For more information visit: philadelphiacfa.org.