Ashlynn Tower first became interested in architecture in fourth grade, when she studied Antoni Gaudí for a class project. Her imagination sparked when she realized that buildings are so much more than their functionality – they can be playful, symbolic, and deeply expressive. Architecture stayed in the back of her mind as she aged and explored other interests, “I’ve always loved hands-on creation and storytelling, and I think architecture brings those two things together in a really meaningful way,” she explained. “Visiting the Sagrada Família (by Antoni Gaudí) last spring was surreal. It was like stepping into a dream I had since I was ten. It reminded me of the excitement I felt back then, but with a new appreciation for the complexity behind it.”
Ashlynn, a current undergraduate student at the University of Michigan Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning, is the 2024 recipient of the AIA Grand Rapids Undergraduate Scholarship. For Ashlynn, receiving the scholarship was recognition for her hard work. “Architecture school can be overwhelming at times, and receiving the scholarship gave me a real sense of encouragement and validation,” she said. “It reminded me that I’m part of a larger community of architects and designers in Michigan who are all invested in shaping a better future.”
As a senior graduating in May 2025, she appreciates how much her current program has pushed her intellectually and as a designer. “It is a space where creativity, research, and critical conversations intersect,” said Ashlynn. “I have developed a deeper understanding of the impact architecture has on the world and the potential it holds to be used with care, intention, and social responsibility.”
For Ashlynn, passion, dedication, and diverse perspectives from her peers inspire her greatly and have been an important part of her program. She has grown both personally and professionally from thoughtful mentorship and guidance from the faculty.
What Ashlynn loves most about architecture is its ability to shape how people experience and interact with the world. She believes that architecture is more than just designing buildings, “it is about creating spaces that carry meaning, support communities, and respond to their environment. I am drawn to the way architecture brings together art and science, emotion and function, imagination and responsibility,” she explained.
Her favorite piece of architecture is the Sagrada Família by Antoni Gaudí, which is the first building that made her curious about architecture when she was younger. Being able to visit the building in person was a full-circle moment. “The way light pours through the stained glass, the organic columns that resemble trees, and the sense of awe it evokes all come together in a way that feels both spiritual and imaginative,” she said. “It reminds me that architecture can be more than a structure, it can be an experience that stirs emotion, invites wonder, and challenges our understanding of space and design.”
In the future, Ashlynn hopes to design educational architecture. She hopes to support education and make an impact through thoughtful, responsive design. “Educational spaces carry so much potential, they are not just places for instruction, but spaces where ideas are formed, relationships are built, and values are cultivated,” she explained. “I am particularly drawn to designing for younger generations, creating environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and care. I want to explore how architecture can support different ways of learning, while also promoting equity, sustainability, and a sense of belonging.”
As part of their MAF Scholarship application, students must include a personal statement describing their interest, experience and plans related to architecture, and their leadership and extracurricular activities. “I firmly believe that architecture is not just about creating spaces but, about shaping the environments where people can thrive,” said Ashlynn. She deepened her understanding of architecture through both her internship and her leadership role in University of Michigan’s AIAS chapter.
Michigan Architectural Foundation’s mission is to advance awareness of how architecture enriches life. How does Ashlynn think architecture enriches life? “Architecture enriches life by shaping the spaces where we live, work, and interact, influencing both our physical and emotional experiences,” she said. “It creates environments that reflect our values, foster connection, and enhance wellbeing. Thoughtfully designed spaces can uplift communities, promote sustainability, and encourage creativity and collaboration.”
She finishes, “Architecture has the power to transform how we experience the world, whether it’s through a welcoming public space that invites social interaction or a home that provides comfort and security. By considering human needs and the surrounding environment, architecture enriches life by creating meaningful, functional spaces that allow us to thrive and connect with the world around us.”