Kyle Spence

Kyle Spence is an Assistant Professor of Critical Design Futures and Computation at the David R. Ravin School of Architecture, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the founding principal of The BAKLab, a concept-driven architectural design practice in New York City. His work merges cultural sustainability, resilient design, digital fabrication, and AI integration with community engagement and social responsibility.

Education:

• Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University (2012)
• Bachelor of Architecture, Howard University (2011)

Research Interests: Professor Spence’s research explores the intersection of digital fabrication, AI, cultural practices, and timekeeping. He emphasizes repair as a paradigm for design and community healing, as seen in his Places Journal essay and community-engaged timepiece projects. His work often addresses African-American heritage and Gullah-Geechee cultural preservation.

Recent Contributions: His articles and presentations, such as the ACSA conference paper on JazzSpace and the Places Journal series Field Notes: Repair, highlight innovative approaches to design education and community-driven solutions.

Awards & Grants:

• Columbia University Alumni Incubator Prize
• Gambrell Faculty Fellows Program (UNC Charlotte)
• Women + Girls Research Alliance Seed Grant (2024–2025)

Advising & Partnerships: Spence collaborates with organizations like urbanCORE and Deep Roots CPS Farm on community planning initiatives. He has also participated in design competitions for culturally significant sites like the Mitchelville Heritage Trail.

Labs/Teams: The BAKLab (design practice) and collaborations with UNC Charlotte’s Urban Institute and the Gambrell Fellowship network.