EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
MA, University of Illinois @ Chicago, 1988
Master of Architecture
BFA, University of Michigan School of Art, 1981
Interior Design
Photography
POSITIONS HELD IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS
Lawrence Technological University
Director of Interior Architecture, College Professor
College of Architecture and Design, 2012 - 2018
University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture
Adjunct Faculty, MArch Thesis Studio, 2007 – 2012.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture
Adjunct Faculty, Undergraduate Design Studio, 1993, 1994
POSITIONS HELD IN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE
Karen Swanson AIA Architecture | Planning | Design - 2010 to present
Commercial, Institutional, Residential; Renovation, Rehabilitation, and New Construction
Rossetti Architects April 2012 – September 2012
Consultant - Project Manager for USTA Campus projects
Swanson Meads Architects Principal
Commercial, Institutional, Residential 1998 – 2010
Consultant - Interior Space Planning for Cranbrook Academy of Art Library
Consultant - Interior Design and space planning for Farmington Hills Public Library
Swanson/Swanson Architects Principal, 1993 - 1998
Luckenbach Ziegelman Architects 1989 - 1993
Tigerman McCurry Architects Chicago, Il 1988 - 1989
Environ Architects Chicago, Il 1987-1988
POSITIONS HELD IN INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE
Loebl Schlossman & Hackl Architects Chicago, Il 1984 – 1987
Beatrice Food Headquarters design and space planning
Harris Bank design and space planning of all Chicago branches
Jordy & Company, Denver, 1982 - 1984
Troy Meinhardt & Associates Interior Design Denver, CO 1981 - 1982
Syd Harrison Architect Denver, CO 1981 - 1982
PUBLICATIONS, CREATIVE PROJECTS
Michigan Modern Research Contributor
DIFFA: Dining by Design Installation participant, 2011
Fenton Cultural Center Auditorium, 2006-2010
Karmanos Charity Show house, Birmingham, 2008
GM Tech Center Article, Eero Saarinen Exhibition, 2007
Cranbrook Article, Crains Detroit Business, 2004
American Lung Association, Playhouse, 2006
AIA Detroit Design Retreat Participant, Piku Residence, 2003
HOUR Detroit, Piku Residence, 2002
Furniture Resource Chair Affair Benefit, 2001
AIA Detroit Guide to Detroit Architecture, 2003 Special Project Recognition
Contract Magazine, Neoglyphics, 1999
Detroit Artists Market Dollhouse Benefit Auction, 1996
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Detroit Make It Here, 2010
Detroit Home Awards, Swanson Meads Architects, Best Contemporary Design, 2008
Detroit Home Awards, Swanson Meads Architects, Best Overall Home, 2nd Place, 2008
Doolin Dental Building, People’s Choice Award, 2002
AIA Detroit Honor Award - Neoglyphics, 1998
AIA Detroit Honor Award - Sparky Herbert’s Alley Dwelling and Catering Office, 1998
UIC Student Honor Award, 1988
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES, MEMBERSHIPS, CURRENT AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Architects
Licensed Architect, State of Michigan
Cranbrook Academy of Art Board of Governors, 2008 to present
Michigan Architectural Foundation, Baldwin Library Projects 2018 to present
PAST AFFILIATIONS
LTU, Guest Critic, Masters of Architecture Program
Humane Society Bow Wow Brunch Planning Committee 2005, 2006
University of Michigan School of Art Alumni Council, 2000-2002
Detroit Metropolitan Children’s Museum Board Member, 1996-1998
AIA Detroit Honor Awards Committee Chair, 1994