My name is Ashlynn Tower and I am a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Architecture student at The University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Ashlynn Tower (616) 502-9058
aktower@umich.edu
www.linkedin.com/in/ashlynn-tower
Architecture Student
EXPERIENCE
Nature Playscape Designer Fellowfield Discovery Park
aktower@umich.edu www.linkedin.com/in/ashlynn-tower 616.502.9058
Feb 2025 - Present Saline, MI
· Designed an interactive playground that fosters environmental awareness and cultural reflection.
· Integrated nature-based play elements to highlight relationships between built environments and indigenous habitats.
· Developed features that encourage stewardship, critical thinking, and interdependence with nature.
Architectural Intern
Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Minor in Real Estate Development
Expected in May 2025
CAPABILITIES/SKILLS
Software:
· Adobe Suite
Microsoft Office
Fabrication:
· Model Making
ZUND Cutting
May 2024 - Aug 2024 Grand Rapids, MI
Mathison Mathison Architects
Contributed to a wide range of projects, supporting various stages of the architectural process, from concept development to design refinement. Conducted research on materials, finishes, sustainable practices, as well as aging in place and equitable design principles
· Utilized Revit and Rhino to develop drawings, design iterations, and visualizations to communicate design intent effectively
· Participated in client meetings to present design concepts and gather feedback for iterative development
Summer Camp Counselor
Grace Adventures Paradise Ranch
· Canva
· Rhino
· Revit
· Twinmotion
HONORS/AWARDS
· Laser Cutting
· Casting
· Woodworking
Michigan Architectural Foundation
Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient Apr 2024
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Summer 2022 & 2023 Mears, MI
Designed and executed engaging and adaptable activities for diverse groups of participants
· Solved challenges effectively and efficiently, maintaining a resourceful and organized approach
· Coordinated daily schedules to ensure a seamless flow of activities and maximize camper engagement
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Event Planning Committee Co-Chair
Event Planning Committee
Jan 2025 - Present
Aug 2023 - Present
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
University of Michigan Chapter
· Brainstorm ideas for and assist in the planning of chapter events (bonding events, firm visits, guest lectures, etc.)
· Ensure all details of events are meticulously organized, including logistics, scheduling, and communication with participants
Student Reviewer
ARCH 257 - Assembly
Feb 2024
· Provided students with the expertise and encouragement as they worked on modifying and constructing a precedent stool design
Marching Band Member
The University of Michigan Marching Band
Aug 2021 - May 2023
Maintaining a GPA of 3.50+ while taking 14+ credit hours
University Honors 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
James B. Angel Scholar
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
For earning straight As for two or more consecutive terms
2023
Passionate about designing sustainable and engaging spaces that bring communities together and support environmental conservation efforts
Passionate about creating thoughtful, usercentered experiences that prioritize the needs and well-being of individuals while fostering meaningful connections and sustainable solutions
Planning
Passionate about organizing and executing events that bring people together, create memorable experiences, and align with strategic goals through creative planning and precise execution
Crafting
Passionate about using my creativity and attention to detail to craft designs that meet both aesthetic and practical needs
BATTENS WITH INSULATION
PROFESSOR: Collin Garnett
GROUP: Shoaib Alshuja, Elana Ho, and Ashlynn Tower
SOFTWARE & MATERIALS: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Zünd Cutter, Basswood, Museum Board
YEAR: 2023
The precedent that was assigned for this project was the Orinda House in Orinda, California. This house was used to influence all subsequent projects throughout the semester.
This house was designed by Charles Moore in 1962 for use as his own personal residence. This design served as a means to experiment with unconventional distribution and articulation of space.
When experiencing an architectural space, the usual approach often leads to a space that is considered complete. Nevertheless, this project begins questioning the notion that these spaces ever reach a completed state. It triggers a critical examination of the space, analyzing existing elements and their role in shaping spatial ideas. It explores ways to push these ideas further or challenge their existence through the addition of a “room.”
In the context of the Orinda House, the outer envelope of the house can be removed from the corners. This element was part of a conversation with several others, challenging the concept of rigid boundaries and instead playing a role in blurring them. However, due to the square form, when the corners were removed, an invisible boundary persisted. This boundary was the result of a rigid roof system, a material change of the floor between the outside and inside, and the stationary walls that remained on all four sides.
To further push the idea of blurred boundaries, the sliding doors within the original space were modified so that they could be positioned in any of nine organizational patterns. This addition creates a space that can be used as an outdoor space, indoor space, or a mixture of both. It takes the existing boundary blurs it further by introducing it in multiple different locations. This deliberate design pursues the idea of blurred boundaries while also showcasing the modular nature of the Orinda House.
PROFESSOR: Collin Garnett
SOFTWARE & MATERIALS: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Basswood, Museum Board
YEAR: 2023
PROFESSOR: Collin Garnett
SOFTWARE & MATERIALS: Rhino
3D, Adobe Illustrator, Zünd Cutter, Basswood, Piano Wire, Museum Board, and Rockite
YEAR: 2023
Architecture, as a form of art and design, has a profound connection to the abstract. The interplay of shapes, lines, and volumes in architecture allows for the expression of abstract notions, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the built environment and the intangible realms of creativity and. In essence, architecture serves as a tangible manifestation of abstract ideas, making them visually and experientially accessible to those who interact with the designed spaces.
The primary aim of this project was to distill and abstract ideas embedded within the Orinda House, translating these concepts into abstract models. First through smaller iterative models and then through a larger final model.
Beginning with a series of iterative models led to a desire to find a way to take all of the concepts represented in the different models and represent them in a single, larger, final model. Some of these concepts included: the use of light to shape space, the use of a removeable envelope to transform from confining space to expanding space, solids (A.K.A rooms) connected by voids (aka circulation space), and many other ideas.
This final model is made up of four distinct pieces. The dimension of each piece is 4”x2”x3”. Each piece contains similar qualities with every other piece without being a replica of another piece. Due to the modularity of The Orinda House, the pieces can move freely from one organization to another. There is no correct way to organize the pieces instead it is up to the user to determine the relationship that will be represented through the organization. In the same way no piece has one defined purpose/ program, its program is determined by the organization of all the pieces as a whole.
PROFESSOR: Collin Garnett
SOFTWARE & MATERIALS: Rhino 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Zünd Cutter, Basswood, Museum Board
YEAR: 2023
Inspired by the design of its precedent, The Orinda House, The Inrado Platform House is a project that further investigates the presence of separate spaces without the implementation of four walls, a ceiling, and floor. Due to its lack of walls, it plays with sight lines to create a sense of privacy. The use of light to frame spaces is also prevalent through the skylights in the roof.
A very strong central moment is defined as you ascend the staircase to occupy the platforms, which serve as a more private part of the house. This serves as the core of the home, in which all of the circulation takes place. This core is located at the center of the house to tie all of the living spaces together.
Similarly, a complex roof system brings all of the spaces together into one cohesive space with the core or circulation area defined separately within.
The Inrado Platform House exemplifies an innovative approach to spatial design, departing from conventional space making by using alternative ways of dividing space by blocking sightlines, using columns, as well as through illumination.
In the soil where scars forever remain the indigenous people once graced this place. Can hands that once caused such pain, now sow seeds promising positive change?
Within the scared soil life takes hold, roots reaching deep a story is told. Petals unfurl the colors are bold. Nature’s resilience is not to be sold.
The legacy of pain now turned toward change, as pollinators explore a vibrant stage. From flower to flower they dance around, harmony in motion a healing sound.
A gift from the earth, golden and sweet, nectar turned honey is nature’s treat, transformed by bees, a labor filled task, symbolizing unity, in every flask.
Re:Flex reimagines the United States Postal Service by integrating reverse logistics to address e-commerce overconsumption and waste. This concept repurposes postal vans, already embedded in communities, to collect and redistribute excess food and unwanted housewares. The building design balances fixed and flexible spaces, blending operational efficiency with adaptability for community-driven activities like workshops and pop-up markets. It emphasizes sustainability and reuse by transforming the original brick façade into movable components that define new spaces. Through adaptive reuse, the project repurposes materials, revealing the steel structure and creating dynamic environments. Re:Flex fosters a culture of reuse, empowering local communities to combat waste and engage in sustainable practices.
RE:USE DIAGRAM
PROFESSOR: Jono Sturt
SOFTWARE & MATERIALS: 2x4 pine lumber
YEAR: 2023
Throughout this project, my focus was on honing my woodworking skills, specifically mastering the use of hand tools to craft a distinctive and practical stool. The process involved understanding the behavior of wood under different conditions. From an initial rough design iteration, I refined my approach, ultimately achieving a final product that not only serves its functional purpose as a stool, but can be deconstructed to be more easily transported, and also reflects the craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail inherent in woodworking.
SHEATHING
WEATHER RESISTIVE BARRIER
PINE BOARDING
BATTENS
COUNTER BATTENS
PINE BOARDING
BATTENS
TIMBER BEAMS AND INSULATION
TIMBER FRAMING WITH INSULATION PLYWOOD PANEL
BATTENS WITH INSULATION
PLYWOOD PANEL
FLASHING
WOOD SILL
PRESSURE TREATED SILL PLATE T/ FOUNDATION WALL 6" MIN ABOVE GRADE
SUBFLOOR
FINISH FLOOR FLASHING 2X THERMAL INSULATION
6" GRAVEL OR CRUSHED STONE
4" PERFERATED DRAIN PIPE
AXONOMETRIC 3/4 " = 1'-0"
2X HEADER WITH INSULATION
MARVIN WINDOW SYSTEM
GRANOLITHIC CONCRETE
REINFORCED CONCRETE
SAND BED