Changó Cummings is an interdisciplinary Architectural designer/Artist/Professor who practices in North America. Changó’s work exists at the intersection of art, design, placemaking and regenerative community building. His experience is rooted in the local community, having worked for over 10 years in Minneapolis/NYC art and community spaces. Changó uses his practice as a catalyst for social movement, focusing his efforts on the Black American diaspora.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, US, Adjunct Professor
The University of Minnesota, College of Design - School of Architecture
-Build/Destroy May Term 2022
-Build/Destroy 2 Fall Term 2022
Broadway X Emerson, Minneapolis, MN, US, Design / Marketing
The Laundromat Project, New York, NY, US, Artist Engagement Intern
Support Artist Development programs from research to execution
of socially relevant and socially engaged arts programming, in collaboration with community partners, cultural producers, artists and neighbors.
Ralph Appelbaum Associates, New York, NY, US, 3D Museum Design Intern/Exhibit Content Development
• Produced architectural exhibit elements that seamlessly integrate the visitor experience and the architectural environment.
• Collaborated with 2D designers, Content staff, consultants (lighting, audio/visual, media, etc.), and clients to determine exhibition design and layout
• Design/Developed over 5+ major museum projects
• Prepared architectural drawings (plans, elevations, sections, details, etc.), ranging from conceptual studies to fabrication
documents
• Built physical models and mock-ups for internal study as well as
client presentations
• Generated 3D models of exhibition spaces and elements & support
3D team
• Researched and selected materials, finishes, and equipment • Maintained firm’s drafting and modeling standards and file
management procedures
• Worked on multiple projects concurrently and meet project deadlines.
• Provide administrative support to RAA staff & participating in regular meetings
Lazor Office, Minneapolis, MN, US, Architectural Intern
-Worked with lead architect and firm to actualize three major projects
-Created models of commercial and residential spaces
-Designed and fabricated mobile seating nodes
-Generated physical 3D models and full architectural drafting
-Wood shop/Metal shop work
Juxtaposition Arts, Minneapolis, MN, US, Tactical Urbanism Apprentice
• Interviewed and engaged with underrepresented community stakeholders to help clients improve public spaces in Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District and along the Mississippi River (Upper Harbor Terminal Redesign).
• Translated information from stakeholders into ideas for infrastructure enhancements and program improvement recommendation to clients
• Pilot tested ideas in order to see which worked best to meet client and community members needs
• Used design and place making tactics to engage community in public space-to mitigate police presence
Juxtaposition Arts, Minneapolis, MN, US, Environmental Design Apprentice
• Worked under experienced architects and artist to create quality spaces for clients and community.
• Learned design software (SketchUp, InDesign, PhotoShop) and physical model making
• Designed public art sculpture for commercial developments
• Presented concepts to clients and community members
• Fabricated public art, pocket-park, planter boxes and other public
amenities
• Created visual language for client organizations
