About

Kurt Neiswender

I'm a registered architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and Assistant Professor of Practice at Lawrence Technological University in the College of Architecture and Design. I'm also the founder and principal architect at Urban Colab Architecture, L3C in Flint, Michigan.

With 20+ years of professional experience—from firms in Los Angeles and Connecticut to my own community-driven practice in Flint—my work sits at the intersection of architectural practice, education, and computation. I lead community-driven projects in sustainable housing and adaptive reuse, including Gray Street Apartments, Orchard Grove and Manor, and the Avalon Village Community Kitchen.

Teaching

My teaching centers on comprehensive design—the integration of building systems, environmental performance, and design intent. I teach HVAC and Water Systems, Acoustics and Illumination, and the Comprehensive Design Studio at both undergraduate and graduate levels. I'm interested in how computational tools can make architects more fluent in the technical dimensions of their work without losing the poetry.

Philosophy

I believe in learning in public. The digital garden on this site is where I think out loud—sharing rough ideas alongside polished ones. Architecture is a discipline that benefits from open discourse, and the best way to learn is to teach.

I also co-host the Coffee Sketch Podcast with Jamie Crawley, AIA—a global design podcast with 190+ episodes and listeners in 80+ countries, exploring architecture, creativity, and technology through the medium of the sketch.

Recognition

  • AIA National Young Architect Award (2017)
  • AIA Michigan Young Architect Award (2015)
  • AIA Michigan Secretary, Executive Committee (2026–2029)
  • AIA Small Firm Exchange, Board of Directors (2019–2021)
  • AIA Flint Honor Awards for Sustainable Design (2018, 2025)
  • Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40 (2018)
  • ACSA “Timber in the City 6” participant
  • EDRA57 workshop facilitator
  • City of Flint Building Board of Appeals (Mayoral Appointment)
  • City of Flint Historic District Commission, Vice Chair (Mayoral Appointment)

Education

  • Master of Urban Design with Distinction — Lawrence Technological University
  • Post-Professional NY/Paris Program — Columbia University GSAPP
  • Bachelor of Architecture — University of Southern California

View full CV →  |  Download CV (PDF)  |  Significant Work (PDF)

Get in Touch

The best way to reach me is by email at info@urbancolab.design.