HiP > 2026 > People > HiP Designer For Greater Good

Photo: Courtesy of Momentum

Michael Ford, FAIA, NOMA, NCARB is an architect, educator, and BrandNu Design Studio’s founder. Widely known as “the Hip Hop Architect,” Ford views the genre as a source of inspiration for his work and a vehicle to introduce others to architecture. With “Design for the Collective Good” as his guiding ethos, Ford’s career is defined by a refusal to accept the status quo. His mission is to create spaces that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, can experience and claim. His practice combines architectural design with cultural research and community engagement, shaping spaces that reflect the occupants’ identities and stories. After taking a public stance against designing carceral spaces, Ford founded BrandNu to pursue work aligned with his values. His commitment to design for good is embedded across each area of his interdisciplinary practice, from projects like the Hip Hop Museum to products and consultations with partners including MillerKnoll, Shaw Contract and Material Bank. What began as his graduate thesis “Hip Hop Architecture: A Cultural Innovation,” evolved into an international initiative creating pathways into the design profession for emerging talent. Founded in 2016 through his nonprofit Hip Hop By Design™, Ford’s Hip Hop Architecture Camp® introduces young people to architecture and design by distilling complex theories into digestible, culturally-relevant curricula. A sought-after speaker, Ford has presented his work at universities, conferences, and cultural institutions nationwide. His projects and educational work have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Network, The TODAY Show, Rolling Stone, Vibe, and other national platforms. Through his work, he challenges the industry to understand that “good” is not monolithic and demonstrates how architecture and design can support creative expression, expand access, and inspire the next generation. In recognition of his commitment to social justice, he was named the 2026 recipient of the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award.