CLAIRE ANTRASSIAN
Licensed Architect with 8+ years of experience delivering thoughtful, technically rigorous design solutions from early planning through construction administration. Experienced guiding multidisciplinary teams, coordinating consultants, developing detailed construction documentation, and translating design intent into meaningful built environments. Passionate about creating people-centered spaces through curiosity, collaboration, and careful attention to craft. Committed to cultivating design environments where mentorship, meaningful dialogue, and diverse perspectives strengthen both the work and the people behind it.
Registered Architect – Michigan
Historical Architect – Michigan SHPO
NCARB Certificate
Highlights
Michigan Central Station | Detroit, MI
Adaptive Reuse + Historic Rehabilitation
Contributed to the transformation of Detroit’s iconic train station into a new mobility and innovation hub, working across design development through construction administration. Developed technical solutions that balanced historic character, contemporary use, and long-term adaptability.
Buffalo Central Terminal | Buffalo, NY
Historic Revitalization + Community Landmark
Supported the phased stabilization and reopening of a significant civic landmark through collaborative design, documentation, and construction administration.
Existing Building Assessments + Institutional Planning
Led existing building assessments, programming studies, treatment recommendations, and feasibility planning for historic institutional clients, helping stakeholders identify future opportunities while responding thoughtfully to existing conditions.
Teaching, Mentorship + Design Leadership
Develop and teach studios focused on adaptive reuse, contextual design, and community engagement, fostering dialogue around architecture, place, and social impact
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Core Strengths
Architectural Design & Detailing • Construction Documentation & Delivery • Construction Administration • Adaptive Reuse & Existing Building Transformation • Client, Consultant & Stakeholder Coordination • Programming & Feasibility Studies • Project Planning & Team Collaboration • Revit | Bluebeam | Newforma | AutoCAD | Adobe Creative Suite
Education
Master of Architecture | University of Detroit Mercy | 2018
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Bruno Leon Outstanding Thesis Award
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Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal
Bachelor of Science in Architecture | University of Detroit Mercy | 2017
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Warsaw University of Technology Exchange Program
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Volterra International Residential College
Quinn Evans | Detroit, MI | Architect | 2018–Present
Contributed to the delivery of nationally recognized adaptive reuse, preservation, and rehabilitation projects across all phases of design, from early assessment and programming through construction administration. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, clients, consultants, and contractors to translate complex design challenges into thoughtful solutions. Project experience includes cultural, institutional, hospitality, and mixed-use adaptive reuse projects. Beyond project delivery, helped cultivate a collaborative studio culture through mentorship, design advocacy, and firmwide initiatives focused on communication, creativity, and inclusive practice. Selected Projects:
Professional Experience
Michigan Central Station | Detroit, MI
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Contributed to multiple phases of the rehabilitation of Detroit’s iconic train station, from design development through construction administration.
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Developed design narratives, construction documents, and technical detailing for exterior masonry, Guastavino tile systems, and interior finishes, balancing historic character with contemporary use.
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Coordinated with consultants, contractors, Ford Land, and project stakeholders to support design intent through construction.
Buffalo Central Terminal | Buffalo, NY
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Supported the stabilization and phased reopening of a significant civic landmark through design documentation, consultant coordination, and construction administration.
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Developed technical documentation for exterior masonry, Guastavino tile systems, and interior finishes.
Institutional Planning & Existing Building Assessments
Cranbrook Academy of Art | St. Mary’s Academy | Dearborn Inn Cottages | St. Joseph Shrine Stations of the Cross
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Led existing conditions assessments, programming studies, treatment recommendations, capital planning initiatives, and feasibility studies for institutional clients.
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Worked with stakeholders to identify challenges, envision future opportunities, and develop practical design strategies.
Leadership & Firm Initiatives
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Advocated for an inclusive design culture through the Firmwide Design Counselor Engagement Group, encouraging meaningful dialogue and empowering team members to contribute their perspectives.
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Co-created Foundations, a firmwide professional development program focused on communication, design thinking, and inclusive collaboration.
University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit, MI | Adjunct Professor | 2019–Present
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Teach graduate and upper-level architecture studios and seminars focused on adaptive reuse, contextual design, and the relationship between architecture, place, and community. Develop and lead coursework rooted in research, dialogue, and community engagement while mentoring students through thoughtful, context-driven design processes.
Challenge Detroit | Detroit, MI | Year 7 Fellow | 2018-2019
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Collaborated with nonprofit organizations, civic partners, and multidisciplinary teams to develop community-focused design solutions rooted in engagement, collaboration, and Detroit’s evolving needs.
Environmental Design Research Association | Virtual | EDRA 52 Conference Manager |
Detroit Collaborative Design Center | Detroit, MI | Co-Op |
Warehaus | York, PA | Co-Op |