Announcements June 3, 2025

Meet Tamar Ayalew, Our First Robin Guenther Memorial Scholar

We’ve teamed up with the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning to establish the Robin Guenther Memorial Scholarship—a multi-year, need-based award that provides financial support to Master of Architecture students at Taubman College.

The scholarship honors the life and legacy of Robin Guenther, one of the design profession’s foremost leaders in sustainable healthcare architecture, a lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, and a proud Taubman alumna. One of Robin’s final wishes was to create a scholarship that would expand access to design education and uplift the next generation of talent. And we’re proud to help bring that vision to life.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Tamar Ayalew, the first Robin Guenther Memorial Scholar, about her journey into architecture, the values that inspire her, and her future aspirations.

Where are you from?

I’m from Alexandria, Virginia. Growing up just outside of Washington D.C., I was always surrounded by a rich urban environment, political history, and cultural diversity. That environment shaped how I view the built world and its potential to impact lives at both a personal and collective level.

What are you studying at Taubman College?

I’m currently pursuing my Master of Architecture on the 2-year track at Taubman College. I just completed my first year and will begin my final year this fall.

What led you to architecture in the first place?

I was drawn to architecture because of its deep impact on communities. It’s not just about buildings, but about shaping how people live, gather, and access opportunity. I’ve always believed design has the power to support equity and connection, and architecture allows me to combine creative thinking with social responsibility.

Working in the Taubman College Wood Shop on a model for a project in the Fall 2024 Fabrication course.

Has there been a particular moment or person who’s inspired you along the way?

Yes, attending Zena Howard’s 2022 Hanbury Lecture at UVA was a turning point for me. I was still an undergrad, and her work resonated deeply with me. I reached out afterward and she generously took the time to speak with me one-on-one, offering advice about the field and encouraging me to pursue architecture with integrity and purpose. That conversation gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Do you have a specific area of interest or focus within architecture?

My main focus is at the intersection of affordable housing and community-led design. I’m also drawn to the ways healthcare and architecture overlap; how design can support wellness and dignity in healthcare settings, especially as both my parents work in the medical field and I’ve seen firsthand how space can impact healing.

Any early ideas of what you’d love to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to work at a firm that will support me in becoming a licensed architect and provide mentorship along the way. I’m eager to continue working on projects that center community, equity, and environmental resilience while applying all I’ve learned at Taubman to real-world practice.

Axonometric rendering for the Collectives Studio at Taubman College, taught by Kit McCullough.

In collaboration with Nicholas Londono and Kristen McCullough, the project explored new models of collective housing that center community, equity, and urban integration.

What drew you to apply for the Robin Guenther Memorial Scholarship?

Robin’s work represents the best of what architecture can be; thoughtful, people-centered, and committed to care. When I learned about the scholarship, I was immediately drawn to its values and the legacy it honors. Her emphasis on health, equity, and the environment reflects many of my own interests, and I felt aligned with the mission behind this opportunity.

Is there anything about Robin’s work or ethos that resonates with you personally?

Absolutely. Robin’s ethos of empathy and care through design deeply resonates with me. Her ability to combine technical expertise with a deep concern for human well-being is inspiring. The fact that she saw design as a tool for healing and advocacy is incredibly admirable. Her legacy reminds me that good architecture is not solely about aesthetics, it is also about people, systems, and justice. I hope to carry that ethos forward in my own career.

What does it mean to you, personally, to be selected as the very first recipient?

It’s an incredible honor. To be recognized in Robin Guenther’s name feels both humbling andempowering. It means so much that the firm saw in me the same values Robin embodied. Values such as compassion, thoughtfulness, and dedication to meaningful impact. I hope to follow in her footsteps by contributing to work that centers the human experience and improves lives.

One of Robin Guenther's signature projects was the expansion of the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford in Palo Alto, California, which set a new global standard in children’s healthcare design and delivery.

Tamar presenting at the Spring 2025 Final Review for the Collectives Studio at Taubman College, taught by Kit McCullough.

The studio explored new models of collective housing that prioritize flexibility, shared resources, and equitable community development.

Are there any school projects or moments so far that you’re especially proud of?

One project I’m particularly proud of is a housing proposal my group and I worked on at Taubman. We designed a site in Ann Arbor to offer four distinct yet integrated housing typologies: a co-op, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes. Our goal was to create an equitable, intergenerational community that resists the rise of homogenous high-rent apartment developments. We wanted to prove that density, diversity, and affordability can coexist, and I’m proud of how our design embodied those values.

What are you most excited about in your time ahead at Taubman?

This summer, I’ll be heading to France for our “Propositions” studio, led by Clément Blanchet. We will be exploring speculative design strategies for adaptation, remediation, and climate resilience in a global context. I’m really excited to connect research and design in a new way, especially through this international exchange.

Can you share five fun facts about yourself?

1. I’m left-handed, though most people don’t realize it until years after knowing me.

2. I’m a big film enthusiast with a growing collection of physical media.

3. I grew up playing tennis and still enjoy playing on a nice day to recharge and refocus.

4. I love to travel and experience new cities through the lens of architecture, food, and street life.

5. On the weekends, I love going to the flea market to find unique pieces, specifically the Georgetown Flea Market in D.C.

Meet Tamar Ayalew, Our First Robin Guenther Memorial Scholar

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