ABOUT NICK
Nick Hennessey is a senior architectural designer and design leader with a passion for creating spaces that are thoughtful, inclusive, and purposeful. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Master of Architecture program at the University of Michigan and a Cum Laude graduate of Ball State University, Nick brings together architectural design, research, collaboration, and leadership to explore how the built environment can better serve the people who experience it.
His approach to design is rooted in a simple belief: design can do more, and designers can do better.
Nick's interest in inclusive design began through years of volunteering within his community and working alongside individuals with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Those experiences shaped his understanding of how profoundly the built environment can influence the way people navigate, experience, and connect with the world around them.
His work and research have focused on barrier-free environments, inclusive and equitable design, and challenging the use of hostile architecture. Rather than designing solely around a perceived “normative” user, Nick believes good design considers the full spectrum of human experience. The needs of individuals who are often excluded by conventional design frequently reveal opportunities to create environments that work better for everyone.
Beyond architecture, Nick is deeply involved in his community. He is the co-founder and head tennis coach for Special Olympics Hamilton County, where he continues to advocate for inclusion, connection, and opportunity through sport.
Whether designing a building, leading a team, mentoring a colleague, or contributing to his community, Nick approaches each opportunity with curiosity, empathy, and the belief that design has the power to make a meaningful difference.
SOCIAL MEDIA
CONTACT
RESUME
Education
2018-2020 The University of Michigan
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Degree: Masters of Architecture (M.Arch)
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Summa Cum Laude
2014-2018 Ball State University
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Degree: Bachelor of Science in Architecture
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Minor: Interior Design
2010-2014 Carmel High School
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Degree: Academic Honors Diploma
Employment
Studio M Architecture & Planning
275 Veterans Way Suite 200 Carmel, IN 46032
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July 2020-present
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Architectural Designer
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Digital Communications & Marketing Manager
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June 2019-July 2020
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Architectural Intern
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201 N Delaware St Suite B, Indianapolis, IN 46204
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May 2018-September 2018
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Architectural Intern
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8831 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240
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May 2017-August 2017
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Architectural and Interior Design Intern
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225 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032
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2015-2017
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Substitute Tennis Pro
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8249 Dean Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46240
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2013-2014
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Assistant Tournament Director
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Honors & Awards
Academic Honors
2018–2020 - Dean’s List — University of Michigan
2014–2018 - Dean’s List — Ball State University
2014–2020 - National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Scholarships & Fellowships
2019 - Spring Travel Scholarship — Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
2018-2019 - Indiana Architectural Foundation Scholarship
2018 - University of Michigan Merit-Based Tuition Scholarship
2017 - Dr. Kent L. Gardner Scholarship
2014 - Hamilton County Community Tennis Association Scholarship
Design Competitions & Recognition
2018 - 3rd Place - NCMA Masonry Unit Design Competition
2018 - 1st Place - Ball State Unit Design Competition
2018 - 1st Place - Ball State Clinic Design Competition
2017 - Finalist - ACSA / Ball State Steel Competition
2017 - Winner - ASHP Photography Contest
2017 - W. Emil Forman Award - Community Service
2016 - Finalist - IHLA Design Competition
Professional and Community Recognition
2025 - Best Original Design
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S’more Than a Feeling — Studio M Architecture & Planning, Browning Investments, and R.E. Dimond
2025 - Most Cans — Indiana CANstruction
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S’more Than a Feeling — Studio M Architecture & Planning, Browning Investments, and R.E. Dimond
2025 - Best Meal — Indiana CANstruction
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S’more Than a Feeling — Studio M Architecture & Planning, Browning Investments, and R.E. Dimond
2019 - Special Olympics of Hamilton County Coach of the Year Finalist
2019 - Special Olympics of Hamilton County Family of the Year
Proficiencies
Computer Modeling and Visualization
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SketchUp Pro
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SketchUp LayOut
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AutoCAD
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Revit
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Rhino
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Lumion
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V-Ray
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Virtual Reality
AI and Emerging Technologies
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AI-Assisted Design & Visualization
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Generative Image Development
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AI Prompt Engineering
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Concept Development & Iteration
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AI-Assisted Rendering & Post-Production
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AI Workflow Integration
Adobe Creative Suite
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InDesign
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Photoshop
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Illustrator
Microsoft Office
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Excel
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Outlook
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Word
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PowerPoint
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Publisher
Leadership and Collaboration
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Design Leadership
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Team Leadership
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Design Direction
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Project Collaboration
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Client & Developer Presentations
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Mentorship
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Design Critique
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Public Speaking
Other Software
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Bluebeam
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Slack
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Zoom
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Teams
Fabrication
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Metal Welding
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3-Axis CNC Routing
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Waterjet Routing
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3D Printing
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Laser Cutting
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Digital Fabrication
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Physical Model Making
Organizations
Professional Affiliations
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American Institute of Architects (AIA) — Associate Member
Leadership and Community
Indiana CANstruction Advisory Committee
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Advisory Committee Member
Special Olympics Hamilton County
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Co-Founder in 2013
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Head Tennis Coach 2013-present
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
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Alumni Board
Hamilton County Community Tennis Association
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Mentor
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
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Coach for multiple youth sports
Wheelchair Tennis
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Active Volunteer
Inner-City Park Cleanup
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Volunteer
Wheelchair Rugby
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Volunteer
Publications
New Generics: Investigations into Prefabricated Architecture Volume 1
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A studio collaboration with Taubman College of Architecture & Planning at the University of Michigan + VINCI Construction
New Generics: Investigations into Prefabricated Architecture Volume 2
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A studio collaboration with Taubman College of Architecture & Planning at the University of Michigan + VINCI Construction
The Future of Work: Forecasting New Spaces of Productivity Volume 3 - Technology in the Workplace + Futures of Telepresence
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In collaboration with Areeba Bawani & Vama Garrimella + Taubman College of Architecture & Planning at the University of Michigan + Gensler San Francisco
Health by Design: A Compendium of Student Work
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A course collaboration with Taubman College of Architecture & Planning at the University of Michigan + Dr. Upali Nanda
Building Access: A Design Manual for a Barrier Free Environment
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Thesis study in collaboration with Taubman College of Architecture & Planning
Past Campus Activities - University of Michigan
ARC UMich
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Architectural Representative Committee of Taubman College at The University of Michigan
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Student Member
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
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Student Member
Past Campus Activities - Ball State
Ball State Architecture
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Former Student Ambassador
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Former First Year Mentor
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
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National Social Greek Fraternity
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Former Social Chairman,
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Former Apparel Chairman
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Former Homecoming Chairman
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Former Formal Chairman
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Former Faculty Advisor Chairman
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Former Community Service Chairman
ASHRAE Student Chapter - Ball State University
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American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
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Former President of the Ball State Student Chapter
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
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Student Member
Order of Omega ~ Delta Upsilon Chapter
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Outstanding Greek Leaders among the University
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Former Vice President of Marketing
Gamma Sigma Alpha
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National Academic Greek Honor Society
Dance Marathon
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Participant 2015-2018
Club Tennis
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Intramural Tennis organization