After high school, Zariah Hernandez wasn’t sure what career she wanted to explore – but a friend’s suggestion helped design her path. “I mentioned how much I loved designing things, especially in games like The Sims and Minecraft, and my friend suggested architecture,” said Zariah. “That idea stuck with me, so I decided to explore it.”
She continues, “In community college, I took an intro to architecture class, and we visited a local architect who was designing homes for elderly individuals with disabilities. Seeing how thoughtfully those homes were designed to meet people’s needs inspired me. I fell in love with the idea of creating purposeful designs, and from that point on, I knew architecture was the right path for me.”
Zariah, a graduate architecture student at the University of Michigan Taubman School of Architecture, is the 2024 recipient of MAF’s Robert B. Powell Scholarship. The one-time scholarship, awarded in tribute to its namesake architect who passed away at the beginning of 2024, was designated for a University of Michigan graduate architecture student. MAF’s Scholarship Jury noted Zariah’s active involvement with the community as the Taubman College liaison to the AIA Huron Valley chapter and her innovative approach to her portfolio among their criteria in selecting her for the award.
“Winning the MAF Robert B. Powell Scholarship was an incredible honor,” said Zariah. “The financial support made a big difference in helping me manage my school expenses. What stood out even more for me was the kindness of the people behind the scholarship. It felt like I received more than just a scholarship—I gained a sense of support I didn’t expect. Knowing that people who barely knew me cared about my success was deeply inspiring and far more meaningful than just the financial aid alone.”
In the final year of her graduate architecture studies, Zariah is enjoying the hands-on fabrication work she is currently doing as part of her academic program. “It’s been exciting to have access to more resources and tools that allow me to bring my designs to life in a tangible way.”
Aligned with her passion for purposeful design, the type of architecture Zariah is most passionate about is affordable residential design. “Growing up in a lower-income community, I saw firsthand how much of a difference financial resources make when it comes to having safe, quality shelter,” she said. “But I strongly believe it shouldn’t be that way, and that everyone deserves a beautiful and healthy place to call home, no matter their financial situation. Designing spaces that provide dignity, comfort, and security for all is something I hope to focus on in my career.”
Zariah adds, “In my scholarship application, I highlighted my ultimate goal of designing affordable housing. My current job focuses on healthcare design, where I’ve gained valuable experience in creating spaces that enhance well-being, especially in challenging environments—skills I know will be essential in achieving my future goals.”
As part of her MAF scholarship application, Zariah shared her involvement in various school activities, including her campaign for vice president of Taubman’s AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) chapter. I’m proud to say I won the election and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to help students connect with professionals in the field. So far, we’ve organized several events where AIA professionals have come to engage with students, and I’ve truly enjoyed helping plan and coordinate these gatherings.”
Students must also include a personal design portfolio with their MAF scholarship application. “In my portfolio, I included three projects: a nature center, a renovation, and an abstract design, each of which holds a special place in my heart,” said Zariah. “The nature center was the first project where I truly felt the freedom to explore and express my ideas. My professor also pushed me to dig deep and create something meaningful, and it ended up being a project I’m really proud of. The renovation project taught me a new way of thinking—working with an existing structure rather than starting from scratch. I loved the challenge of building on what was already there and finding creative ways to reimagine the space.”
She continues, “Lastly, the abstract project was a collaboration, and my project partner and I had so much fun designing something completely out of the ordinary—a large, drivable hall. While it’s unlikely this design would ever be built, it was exciting to use storytelling through our drawings to address a social issue. Our goal was to make the undignified dignified and challenge conventional beauty standards, which made the project even more meaningful.”
Michigan Architectural Foundation’s mission is to advance awareness of how architecture enriches life. How does Zariah think architecture enriches life? “I think I’m still discovering how architecture enriches life, and I know my perspective will continue to evolve as I grow in my career,” she said. “At this point in my journey as a student, I’d say architecture has enriched my life by teaching me to appreciate and connect with the spaces I inhabit on a deeper level. I now notice more design elements—the light filtering through a window, the color of the walls, the shape of a room—and how they come together to create intention and emotion. This awareness has transformed how I experience the built environment, helping me feel more present in the spaces around me.
“At the same time, what I love most about architecture is how time seems to disappear when I’m immersed in it,” said Zariah. “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why, but when I’m practicing architecture, I become completely absorbed. I also love how architecture can influence people’s emotions and well-being. People walk through spaces that were thoughtfully crafted with care and intention, without them even realizing it. I find it fascinating how design can be so subtle yet so powerful, connecting with people on a deeper level.”