Bio:
The great designer, Sandra Madison graduated high school a year early with honors and scholarship to University of Maryland. Became mentor with Minorities in Architecture organization. Was invited to speak as Valedictorian and as the only black architecture graduate in her entering class. After 10 years in Baltimore moved to Cleveland with Robert P Madison Int., Inc. Became majority Owner after 26 years. The firm is the largest black female owned architecture firm in the State in a field where only 0.4% of all licensed architects are black females.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My second summer after high school graduation, I was accepted at Harvard University Graduate School of Design's Career Discovery Program for Urban Design. During this summer activity my interest in the field of Architecture flourished.

What do you do?
As CEO; Chairperson, roles include marketing, meet with potential clients, mentor, act as Project Principal as well as oversee the design of the projects in the office by critiquing and ensuring that the design is in line with the client‚ vision.

What excites you in the work you do?
What excites me is working with the client to understand their vision. Then collaborating with our design team to translate that vision into spaces that will ultimately become a form that engages its surroundings and functions as our client imagined.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
What inspires me professionally is seeing how the work my team produces will affect the lives of others either directly or indirectly.  I am also inspired knowing that every project is different with new opportunities for a unique design.
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I can not name one at this time.  I give my all for every project.  I am proud of the work that I do for my clients and the community.  Each achievement exemplifies who I am and who we are as a firm. Every accomplishment is unique and special.

Featured Project Name: 
Lakewood High School 
 
Featured Project Location: 
Lakewood, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2017

Role in Featured Project: 
Principal in charge 
 
Featured Project Description:
Provide an open, inspiring, teaching and learning environment, while encouraging interaction with community, was the design objective. Goals were achieved with a new performing arts, physical education, media, dining, and academic wing. The gymnasium, raised track, and fitness area promote a healthy, active lifestyle for students, staff and the community. Integrating the latest technology into classrooms, a student maker space, and black box theater prepares students for careers of the future.

Photography Credit:
Yuanshuai Si