Kyra Sykes

My name is Nakyra Sykes but I typically go by Kyra (Kuh•eye•ruh). I grew up partially in Coney Island, New York and Burlington, North Carolina. I decided to study architecture and ultimate focus on story telling in architecture while traveling the east coast with my family and experiencing space from the perspective of an inhabitant and not a designer. I became interested about how identity of a community, place, or city forms in relationship to architecture after that. 

 What are you working on as part of your research assistantship? 

I am mainly working on the Phil Freelon Container/Contained exhibition installation for the Auburn Avenue Research Library with Emily Makas. The opportunity to closely study the work of Phil Freelon has changed my design outlook for the better. I am grateful to be a part of this project and learn from everyone on this team. 

Why do you think its important to connect heritage and the arts to communities?

I personally believe heritage and the arts is what makes an authentic community. Whether we bring that into designs of architecture, music, or art it is important for me to acknowledge the cultures which reside in these communities. 

What are you studying?

I am currently enrolled to behind the M.S. in Architecture for Critical Heritage in the spring. My specialized research experience began by delving into the historically black African American Neighborhoods in Charlotte where I focused on the Historic Cherry neighborhood. My hope is to continue to look into the interaction between Black Space and black history.

What kind of career do you hope to have?

I hope to have a career which is intertwined with community work whether that means designing for communities, preserving history, or drawing out stories which are defining to community identity. My goal is to also keep a foot in the academic work in order to influence the next generation of designers to design with an understanding of place and identity. 

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?

Recently, I have begun reading for fun again. I like to grab boba or coffee and sit in a public area and read by myself. Typically I like areas what have a view of the city, but if not then sometimes I also just read in my car.