STUDENT SPOTLIGHT | Ashley Morand

Ashley Morand, NOMAS, ULI Etkins Scholar
University of Maryland, Master of Architecture & Community Planning Candidate

Ashley Morand: Designing with Purpose and Equity

Ashley Morand is an emerging designer and planner who is using her voice and skills to advocate for equitable development, cultural preservation, and community-driven design. Currently pursuing a dual Master of Architecture and Community Planning at the University of Maryland, Ashley is passionate about transforming urban spaces into inclusive, sustainable environments that reflect the people they serve.

Ashley’s academic and professional journey is defined by her deep commitment to serving marginalized communities. Her work centers on anti-displacement strategies and affordable housing, focusing on how the built environment can combat gentrification and protect cultural identity. Her approach to architecture and planning is grounded in thoughtful community engagement and intentional design.

At Ayers Saint Gross, where she currently serves as a Planning Intern, Ashley contributes to a range of impactful projects—from the University of Baltimore’s Facilities Master Plan to redevelopment strategies for Security Square Mall in Woodlawn, MD. Her responsibilities include creating 3D models, diagrams, community engagement materials, and synthesizing feedback from residents to guide design solutions.

Ashley also brings a wealth of leadership experience to her role as President of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) at the University of Maryland. She previously served as Program Chair and continues to lead programming focused on student engagement and professional development. Her leadership extends into national networks as a ULI Etkins Scholar, where she connects with real estate professionals dedicated to equitable urban development.

Prior to graduate school, Ashley earned her B.S. in Architecture and Environmental Planning from Morgan State University, where she graduated cum laude and was named a Thurgood Marshall Scholar. She also held key leadership positions, including Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Vice President of AIAS, and President of the Pre-Alumni Council. Her selection to participate in a design studio with Gensler allowed her to contribute to a reimagined East Baltimore.

Ashley’s achievements have been recognized with the 2023 AIA Maryland Master of Architecture Scholarship, the KCF/SHG Endowment in Architecture, and her selection as a ULI Etkins Scholar in 2024. These honors reflect her dedication to excellence in both academics and service.

Ashley’s goal is to create work that fosters environmental and social resilience. Through her evolving career in architecture and planning, she aims to ensure that underserved voices are uplifted and embedded into the future of the built environment. Her commitment to empowering communities through design makes her an outstanding Student Spotlight this month.

Ashley Morand exemplifies the next generation of socially conscious designers—thoughtful, engaged, and committed to shaping a more just and inclusive future through architecture and planning.