Q&A with Ashley Herrera

Briefly describe your fellowship project. What part of St. Louis was the project and what was the goal of the project? What was your portion of it?
I worked with the Lafayette Park Conservancy to develop a reactivation plan for two underutilized historic buildings, the Kern Pavilion and the Park House. My role focused on community engagement and design strategy to recommend programming and physical interventions that support public use while honoring the park’s historic character.

How did you connect with the community stakeholders working on this project? How did that impact your work?
I conducted a survey through the community, gathering 109 community responses, and conducted interviews with neighborhood leaders, past renters, and partner organizations. This engagement shaped my understanding of the buildings’ past use, community desires, and future opportunities, ultimately guiding the recommendations I shared with the conservancy board.

What has been surprising as you’ve worked on this project?
I was surprised by the range of expertise required, especially as I took on a more urban planning–focused approach, which was less familiar to me. I found myself conducting market feasibility studies, mapping neighborhood assets in ArcGIS, and researching case studies to inform potential programming strategies. I also gained unexpected insight from the community, particularly about the buildings’ histories and their ties to the neighborhood. One of the most surprising and encouraging parts was how willing people were to help. Even those with no direct stake in the project helped just because they had experience with similar activation efforts.

What has been surprising as you’ve worked on this project?
I was surprised by the range of expertise required, especially as I took on a more urban planning–focused approach, which was less familiar to me. I found myself conducting market feasibility studies, mapping neighborhood assets in ArcGIS, and researching case studies to inform potential programming strategies. I also gained unexpected insight from the community, particularly about the buildings’ histories and their ties to the neighborhood. One of the most surprising and encouraging parts was how willing people were to help. Even those with no direct stake in the project helped just because they had experience with similar activation efforts.

How has this project shifted your understanding of art, architecture, or design?
Working on a community project has shown me that creative freedom doesn’t disappear with constraints. It becomes more meaningful. Having to navigate things like budget limits, historical preservation, community needs, and city regulations pushed me to think more strategically about design. I’ve come to see that impactful design isn’t just about how unique and cool the project can be. It’s about how those ideas adapt to real people, places, and systems. The constraints challenged me to be more resourceful and grounded, ultimately making the design process feel more relevant and rewarding.

How have you evolved as an artist/architect/designer over the years?
Over the years, I’ve explored many different angles of the built environment, which has shaped a well-rounded and people-centered approach to design. I started in high school with the ACE Mentor Program, thinking I would become a traditional architect. During my undergraduate studies in design and environmental analysis, I shifted toward human-centered design and interior environments, developing a strong foundation in strategy research and user experience. Alongside that, I gained hands-on experience working in museums, theaters, and design-build projects, settings that sparked my interest in cultural and public spaces that foster connection. Now, as I pursue a dual graduate degree in architecture and construction management, I’m focused on merging my passion for socially responsive design with the skills needed to lead and deliver complex projects. My recent work with urban planning and community activation has pushed me to think even more broadly about how systems, people, and places interact, and how design can be a tool for equity and long-term impact.

Why did you choose to go to WashU?
I chose WashU because of its strong emphasis on community-engaged design, especially through the Office for Socially Engaged Practice. I was drawn to the opportunity to work on projects that have a real impact beyond the studio, and to learn from faculty and peers who are deeply invested in civic engagement. After spending several years in upstate New York, I also wanted to return to the Midwest and root my work in an urban context like St. Louis, where there’s both a rich cultural history and pressing design challenges. Beyond academics, I really appreciate how WashU supports interdisciplinary exploration, offering space to pursue interests outside of class through workshops, discussion groups, and collaborations that span art, architecture, and beyond.