For Sofia D’Arienzo, Architecture is the quintessential balance of creativity and purpose. From a young age, Sofia was always drawn to architecture, stemming from her interest in math and design. As she grew up, she realized that architecture was more than just numbers and calculations. What truly inspired and resonated with her though, was the idea of being able to use design to serve others. “I’ve always been someone who enjoys connecting with people”, she said. “The idea of shaping spaces that could impact their daily lives in a meaningful way was what really made architecture click for me.”
Sofia is currently completing her Master of Architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy. She is the 2024 recipient of the Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship, which included a summer internship with Neumann Smith Associates. Sofia has been able to define her true passion in the architecture field through working on her independent thesis. The program helped her to refine her technical skills, while also allowing her to connect with deeper and more personal aspects of design that resonated with her.
For Sofia, receiving the Kenneth Neumann Design Scholarship helped highlight the importance of mentorship in the architecture field. “It reminded me that the architects of today truly value and support the next generation of designers,” said Sofia. “This scholarship reinforced my belief in the power of community within architecture, a community that lifts up emerging professionals like myself. It’s inspiring to know that, just as I have been supported, I can one day pass that support on to others.”
Sofia’s creativity radiates through every part of her work. Students are required to submit a personal portfolio with their application, and it was important to Sofia to showcase both her design work and craftsmanship. In addition to submitting a PDF portfolio, Sofia included a 30-second stop-motion video flipping through the pages of her physical portfolio. “I’ve always been intentional about curating my portfolio from cover to cover, selecting the weight of the paper, and even hand-binding the spine myself,” she said. The physicality of the book—folded pages, layered vellum, and interactive elements—creates a tactile experience that reflects my design philosophy.”
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. In her application, Sofia expressed how her experience growing up in five different states shaped her understanding of space and belonging. “I learned that home isn’t just about a physical place, it’s about the connections we build within it. This realization fueled my passion for architecture, inspiring me to design spaces that foster community, culture, and shared experiences.” She continued, “I highlighted my dedication to creating environments that go beyond function, spaces that encourage unity, inclusivity, and meaningful interactions. Through my education and leadership experiences, I’ve worked to develop a design approach that is both culturally responsive and human centered, ensuring that architecture serves people in the most impactful way.”
What does Sofia love most about architecture? “What I love most about architecture is its ability to serve and improve people’s lives through design. It’s not just about creating visually pleasing spaces; it’s about creativity and problem solving to enhance the way people live, work, and interact with the space. Architecture has the power to positively shape communities, foster connections, and improve the environment for the better.”
Sofias favorite type of architecture is design that integrates elements of innovation and respect. For her, architecture creates great impact by celebrating the stories of individuals and their cultures.
Michigan Architectural Foundation’s mission is to advance awareness of how architecture enriches life. How does Sofia think architecture enriches life? Sofia shares the same objective as MAF, to help enrich the lives of individuals through thoughtful design. “It inspires and fulfills me to know that MAF sees that aspiration in me. Architecture has the power to foster connection, strengthen communities, and create spaces that serve people in meaningful ways. In particular, public spaces hold a unique ability to bring people together, shaping shared experiences and cultivating a sense of belonging. As I continue my thesis and prepare to graduate this spring, I am excited to share my passion with the broader community using design as a tool to uplift, empower, and enhance the lives of those who interact with the built environment.”
Post graduation and as a future architect, Sofia hopes to design public spaces that both serve communities and reflect various cultural identities. “I’m inspired by architecture that goes beyond function to foster connection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging. Public spaces have the unique ability to reach a diverse audience, shaping everyday experiences and strengthening the fabric of a community. That intersection of service, culture, and impact is what excites me most about design.” 