Welcome, Joshua Surratt, UDream intern at Hazelwood Initiative Inc. | The Homepage

Architectural intern Joshua Serratt on Aug. 10, his first day at Hazelwood Initiative Inc. Photo courtesy of Joshua Serratt

By Hazelwood Initiative Inc.

Architectural intern Joshua Surratt joined Hazelwood Initiative Inc. in August as a UDream intern. A graduate from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural studies, Mr. Surratt has a zeal for community engagement and sustainability. He created a human-centered participatory design card game for his capstone project. The game, Co-Design in a Flash, helps participants practice skills Mr. Surratt describes as “co-design methods, active listening, ethical reflection, and collaborative decision-making in complex community scenarios.”

Regular readers of The Homepage may recall that several members of the UDream program presented ideas for the Gladstone Annex at the July Greater Hazelwood community meeting. UDream is a no-cost, paid academic and internship program run by Carnegie Mellon University. It aims to open doors to young architects, urban designers and urban planners who face barriers to the advancement that unpaid post-graduate training offers.

Mr. Surratt will talk about his work at the Oct. 13 Greater Hazelwood community meeting.

Where are you from?

I am from the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

What are the primary responsibilities of your role?

My primary role as an architectural intern combines architectural design, building documentation, site analysis, historical research, zoning, code compliance and building conceptual design.

Why is this job important to you and how does your educational, professional or personal background help you to do your job well?

This opportunity is important to me because it aligns with my passion for community engagement, architectural design, and contributing to something bigger than myself. I am motivated by work that allows me to connect with people, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact on the communities I serve. As an architectural studies student with a concentration in sustainability, I have developed a strong foundation in architectural design, community-centered planning and civic engagement. Through my studies and experiences, I have learned how to translate community needs into thoughtful, inclusive design solutions. I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside community members and help strengthen and uplift the community.

What do you love about this neighborhood?

What I love most about Hazelwood is its people. I admire how residents are active participants in community-led development in shaping the neighborhood’s future. This has helped shape a culture of collaboration and resilience.