May 15, 2017
Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Michael Grant
mrgrant@design.upenn.edu
215.898.2539
Kordae Henry came to PennDesign after completing the Architecture and Environmental Design program at Morgan State University. He is currently working at MASS Design Group as an Associate Designer and is a creative director at JNTS.
What does a typical day as Kordae look like?
Before work I work out, or ‘move’ is what I call it, I usually bike or take the train here in Boston. At work, I am moving through iterations for both landscape and architectural projects in the US and Africa. After work I focus my energy and time on creating a place for a design initiative or cultural incubator called JNTS.
What do you miss most about your time at Penn Design?
As cliché as it sounds I miss the energy. There was always someone who was a master at something. From students to professionals to the custodians, there was an answer. We just had to look hard enough for it.
What was the best advice you’ve received and who was it from?
“Never let anyone define you.” From my mother.
What’s been your favorite professional project so far?
The Memorial to Justice and Peace in Montgomery, Alabama
If you could go backward or forward in time, what era would you choose and why?
The birth of Hip-Hop: August 11, 1973
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an artist, specifically a character and graphic designer.
What’s your favorite place in Philly?
Race Street Pier
Favorite book or movie about art/design?
Adjaye: Africa: Architecture by David Adjaye
Design hero, living or dead?
Tadao Ando
Who’s had the most influence on your work?
[Assistant Professor of Architecture] Simon Kim
Who’s on your current playlist?
MUJO, Thunder Cat, Sampha, Kendrick Lemar, CFCF
Pretzel or cheesesteak?
Chicken Cheesesteak
Paris or London?
London