MAP

Designing Minds:Metropolitan Architecture Practice

Walking into their studio with the sound of "Icky Thump" blasting in the background, it’s evident this is not your usual architecture firm. Tucked away among the artists of the Russell is the architectural firm of Metropolitan Architecture Practice (MAP), made up of Roger Berent and Kyle Hulewat. They’ve been there for six months now. From the disregarded drywall the pair found and stacked into a bookshelf to the handcrafted coffee table, MAP is always interested in exploring different projects.

“We do all kinds of work. We do some residential work. We primarily do commercial work — loft designs. We’ve done interior, furniture design. We kind of consider ourselves general practice architects,” Berent said. “It’s the same disciplines that go into large buildings that go into small buildings. It’s just different scales, and we like to work at all different scales, from furniture to large elements. We’re a full-service firm.”

The architects have found themselves at home in the highly artistic community, even if they are the only architects. “Everyone is really nice here,” Berent said. “It’s kind of weird, we work regular hours and most people don’t get here until later in the afternoon or work here on the weekend. It’s been pretty exciting. I think a lot of people like the idea of having different disciplines here.”

After both received their Master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, they’ve emphasized developing Michigan, and were first runners up in the Transit Riders United design contest, as well as advisory board members for the Woodward Action Association, both in hopes of rapid transit for Metro Detroit. With visions of transforming Motown, Russell seemed ideal for them.

“We were drawn to the raw, industrial feel of this place,” Berent said. “The history of the [Russell] is amazing. We liked the idea of the community with the other artists, we felt the synergy. We thought this was a cool place and we could see ourselves starting out here. The whole place is great.”