Teri Watson explores how her upbringing sparked her passion for reimagining the role of architecture. She shares how her experiences working on high-profile projects in wealthy areas, such as Miami’s Design District, revealed that the same innovative designs transforming luxury developments could be applied to underserved communities. It was through these prestigious projects that she realized she could blend cutting-edge design and sustainable resources to create something entirely new in impoverished neighborhoods.
Teri explains how this duality—working on both ends of the socioeconomic spectrum—opened her eyes to an uncharted intersection of innovation and well-being that benefits everyone. In affluent areas, she pushes the boundaries of design, while in struggling communities, she brings that same level of creativity and vision, but with a focus on social impact. This approach allows her to elevate impoverished neighborhoods with the same thoughtfulness and care, proving that sustainability and beauty are not exclusive to wealth.
Teri inspires audiences by demonstrating how breaking from the traditional paths of architecture enables a deeper connection to humanity, where design becomes a force for equality and empowerment. Teri’s journey challenges the notion that high-end and low-income communities exist on separate design planes—showing that with vision and empathy, architecture can serve everyone, creating spaces that foster dignity, innovation, and lasting change.
Teri Watson is a visionary Architectural Designer and Project Manager dedicated to revitalizing impoverished neighborhoods with a blend of innovative technology and sustainable design. Her work reflects a deep care for architecture that not only preserves the unique character of communities but also propels them into a sustainable future. Over the past six years, Teri has earned recognition, including AIA building awards and the 2023 Project Manager of the Year title, for her innovative approach to materiality and construction methods. Her practice is driven by a commitment to integrating human characteristics with natural elements, ensuring that each project harmonizes with its environment. Teri’s focus on sustainability is matched by her passion for technology, using cutting-edge tools and techniques to push the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. Teri is paving the way for a new era of architecture that is both socially responsible and technologically advanced. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
