Architect and Urban Planner

Franklin F.

I have more than 15 years of professional experience in architecture, urban planning, design, and entrepreneurship, and I enjoy helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in both academia and practice. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Columbia University and a Master of Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. My teaching experience includes serving as a Course Leader at The School of The New York Times and an Instructor with HLAB in Tokyo, Japan, where I mentored high school and college-bound students through design thinking, architecture, sustainability, and urban planning projects.

I tutor students in architecture, urban planning, urban design, sustainable development, architectural history, design theory, presentation techniques, and portfolio development. Whether you're applying to undergraduate architecture programs, graduate schools, or preparing for studio critiques, I provide personalized guidance on design concepts, visual communication, portfolio organization, project storytelling, and application materials. I also review personal statements and help students present their work in ways that reflect their unique design voice and strengthen their admissions applications.

In addition to my academic and teaching experience, I have worked in the design profession for over 15 years and have founded two successful startups. My most recent venture, Urbaynes, is a Detroit-based company developing a network of urban farms and community green infrastructure to improve food security, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood revitalization. I bring real-world experience to every tutoring session, helping students bridge the gap between design education and professional practice while building the skills needed for success in architecture, urban planning, and beyond.