
Hobbies and interests
3D Modeling
Animals
Architecture
Art
Cleaning
English
Chess
Drawing And Illustration
Church
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Exploring Nature And Being Outside
Exercise And Fitness
Fitness
Graphic Design
Gardening
Greek
YouTube
Walking
Volunteering
Travel And Tourism
Sustainability
Studying
Bible Study
Stargazing
Spirituality
Hospitality
Writing
Stocks And Investing
Sewing
Self Care
Sleeping
Knitting
Cooking
Music
Piano
Nutrition and Health
Real Estate
Math
Mathematics
Reading
Religion
I read books daily
Manda Hamilton
1x
Finalist1x
Winner
Manda Hamilton
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
My architectural background has granted me a rich preparation to problem-solve, produce in-depth analysis, practice both constrained and unconstrained creativity, and cultivate the architectural lens through which I perceive the world.
Education
Columbia University in the City of New York
Master's degree programMajors:
- Sustainability Studies
Howard University
Master's degree programMajors:
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
Howard University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Architecture & Planning
Dream career goals:
Licensed Architect and Entrepreneur
Architecture Intern 2
KGD Architecture2024 – 2024Architecture Intern 1
KGD Architecture2023 – 2023
Sports
Track & Field
Club2016 – 20171 year
Research
Architecture and Related Services, Other
Howard University — Thesis Prep Student2024 – Present
Arts
Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture Student Council: Annual Gala
Performance Art2023 – 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Circle K International — Treasurer2024 – Present
Future Interests
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Byte into STEM Scholarship
My academic path has been shaped by a growing curiosity about how the environments we create influence the way people live. Studying architecture first introduced me to this relationship. Through studio work, research, and collaboration, I learned to see the built environment not simply as physical structures, but as part of a larger system shaped by environmental conditions, infrastructure, and human behavior. The more I studied design, the more I found myself asking questions about the forces operating beyond the walls of a building.
Those questions gradually led me toward sustainability science. I became increasingly interested in understanding the environmental processes that influence the spaces we design and the long-term performance of the systems that support them. Rather than viewing architecture as an isolated discipline, I began to see it as one component within a broader network of environmental and social systems. This perspective encouraged me to look deeper into how resource use, ecological change, and infrastructure decisions shape the resilience of communities over time.
My thesis research allowed me to explore these ideas more closely. Through studying urban agriculture and community-centered infrastructure, I examined how design interventions can support both environmental performance and human well-being. This process strengthened my understanding that meaningful solutions require more than creativity alone. They require careful analysis, curiosity, and a willingness to investigate the underlying systems that influence the success or failure of an intervention.
Collaboration and mentorship have also played an important role in shaping who I am. Architecture studio culture requires students to constantly share ideas, critique one another’s work, and refine solutions collectively. Through these experiences, I developed an appreciation for dialogue and intellectual exchange. I value environments where people feel comfortable asking difficult questions and exploring new perspectives, because thoughtful solutions rarely emerge without curiosity and open discussion.
Pursuing a degree in Sustainability Science will allow me to deepen the analytical foundation behind my work. I want to strengthen my ability to interpret environmental data, evaluate long-term impacts, and understand how complex systems interact over time. These tools will help me approach design and planning decisions with greater clarity and responsibility. Rather than separating design from environmental analysis, I hope to integrate the two so that sustainability considerations become embedded in how projects are conceived from the beginning.
In my future career, I hope to work at the intersection of the built environment and environmental systems. I want to contribute to projects that improve the spaces where people live while responding thoughtfully to ecological realities. My goal is to approach each project with a mindset grounded in inquiry, collaboration, and long-term thinking.
Education has given me the opportunity to ask better questions about the systems shaping our world. By continuing my studies in sustainability science, I hope to turn those questions into informed action and contribute to solutions that create lasting positive impact.
Dr. Jade Education Scholarship
WinnerIn the life of my dreams, I am living each day in alignment with my highest purpose, designing spaces that do more than provide shelter; they heal, empower, and inspire. Architecture, to me, is a catalyst for transformation. It is a discipline that shapes experiences, nurtures resilience, and creates opportunities for equity. Every project I lead addresses housing insecurity, environmental challenges, and social inequities through innovative, sustainable, and culturally responsive design.
I work at the intersection of design, justice, and community impact. Each space I create is grounded in a deep respect for its context and the people it serves. My buildings integrate sustainable technologies, celebrate local culture, and foster connection between individuals and their environment. The work is not only functional but also aspirational, offering places where people feel safe, valued, and inspired to thrive.
My role extends beyond the drawing board. I collaborate with community leaders, policymakers, engineers, and artists to ensure that every project reflects a holistic vision for the future. I lead initiatives that transform vacant lots into vibrant public spaces, reimagine underutilized buildings as community hubs, and design housing that is affordable, dignified, and environmentally responsible. These projects are living examples of what it means to design with both creativity and conscience.
Mentorship is an essential part of my vision. I actively guide emerging designers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, so they have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to shape the profession in their own right. In this way, my work creates a ripple effect, empowering others to lead, innovate, and push the boundaries of what architecture can accomplish.
In this life, success is measured not only by the quality of the spaces I create but by the quality of life they foster. It is reflected in families finding stability in well-designed homes, in neighborhoods revitalized through thoughtful planning, and in public spaces that bring people together. It is evident in sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving daily life for generations to come.
Every day is guided by a commitment to excellence, integrity, and purpose. I wake up knowing that the work I do contributes to a larger legacy, one that values human potential, honors the planet, and challenges the status quo. The spaces I design are not just physical structures; they are platforms for connection, opportunity, and hope.
Ultimately, my dream life is defined by impact. Through architecture, I build more than walls and roofs; I build pathways to possibility. I create environments where people can envision brighter futures, where communities feel empowered, and where design becomes a force for justice, beauty, and lasting change.