phi architecture φ Leads NextGen Designers for Exhibit Columbus

Exhibit Columbus HSDT from left: Mila Lipinski, Gloria Phillips, Bryce Olson, advisor Spencer Steenblik, Ashley Perez, Davida Harden and Alex Depaul photo credit: Hadley Fruits

Professor R. Spencer Steenblik of phi architecture φ is helping shape the next generation of architectural talent through his role as advisor to the High School Design Team (HSDT) at the prestigious 2024-25 Exhibit Columbus program.

Founded in 2016, Exhibit Columbus celebrates the intersection of art, architecture, and community in Columbus, Indiana—a city renowned for its architectural heritage. The program advances this legacy through a two-year cycle of events that brings together leading designers and emerging talent.

During the recent Exhibit Columbus Symposium, Steenblik joined a panel discussion moderated by Mila Lipinski alongside HSDT students from the Bartholomew County School Corporation's C4 Columbus Area Career Connection program. The discussion explored the creative process and the future of architectural education.

"It's interesting because the students can kind of just pick things up and work on them for a little while and then put them away for a week," Steenblik observed during the panel. "That's definitely not the way that I'm used to working." This fresh perspective from young designers brings new energy to the design process.

The HSDT and Steenblik are currently developing their installation under this cycle's curatorial theme of "Yes And"—an approach that encourages building upon existing ideas to shape positive change. This continues the success of previous HSDT installations, including "Machi," a 64-foot by 53-foot gathering space that demonstrated innovative approaches to creating welcoming public spaces.

As both a practicing architect and educator, Steenblik brings unique insights to his advisory role. His work through phi architecture φ, which emphasizes the blend of vernacular and advanced digital processes, helps inform the students' understanding of contemporary architectural practice.

The design presentations for the 2024-25 cycle are scheduled for February 21-22, 2025, with the exhibitions to be displayed throughout Columbus from August 15 to November 30, 2025. This collaboration between phi architecture φ and emerging designers represents our ongoing commitment to architectural education and community engagement.

For more information about Exhibit Columbus, visit exhibitcolumbus.org.