Tiffany Brown
Project Manager at national architecture and engineering firm SmithGroup

Born and raised in Detroit and a proud graduate of Detroit Public Schools, Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of Business Administration all from Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, MI. LTU awarded Tiffany the inaugural John G. Petty Community Champion Award in February of 2019. At an event taking place this June, Tiffany will also receive AIA Michigan’s Associate Architect of the year Award.

Tiffany has extensive experience in architectural design, construction management, and construction administration. She is currently employed as a Project Manager at national architecture and engineering firm SmithGroup, and is also faculty at LTU’s College of Architecture and Design. Tiffany is a member of the K-12 Working Group of the American Institute of Architects, serves on the Executive Board of the National Organization of Minority Architects, and is also on the Champions Board of the National Girls Collaborative.   

A pioneer for diversity and inclusion in the profession of architecture and other STEM related fields, Tiffany is a sought-after expert frequently speaking at conferences such as Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design Summit, and national events including South by Southwest and the AIA Conference on Architecture. Tiffany has also been called upon to speak at several universities around the country. Most recently, she was featured in AIA+Architect Magazine, radio interviews with WWJ & WDET, and appeared in a segment on a show titled “Curious About Careers” airing locally and nationally on PBS Kids.

Tiffany has spearheaded raising awareness on how representation in design makes a significant social impact on health, culture, and education. Her expertise stems from first-hand experiences of addressing environmental injustices and social issues. Tiffany is a thought leader who uses her story of growing up in Detroit as a tool of empowerment, which she recently discussed in an article for Essence Magazine.  

Tiffany recently won a $50,000 matching grant by The Knight Foundation to launch an initiative called 400 Forward, aimed to support the education and career development of the next 400 women architects with an underlying focus on African American girls through exposure, mentorship and financial assistance. 400 Forward was named in light of the 400th African American woman becoming a licensed architect in 2017 (less than .3% of 113,000 total licensed in the US). 400 Forward has been showcased in art and architecture exhibitions nationwide.

From civic engagement to volunteer efforts, Tiffany is an advocate for making community involvement a priority. She takes pride in being an example of leadership, and understands the importance of preparing the next generation of girls in Detroit for the environment of higher education.