Karl Daubmann sits in his office at PLY headquarters, adjacent to his home in Ann Arbor, and he points to the light hanging above his head as he describes the research and intent behind its design. The thinly cut plywood, he says, allows for light to shine through the body of the fixture and give it a glow that traditional, directional lamps can’t provide.
The light is one of several objects in the room designed by PLY Architecture. Daubmann, an associate professor of architecture at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, co-founded PLY in 1999 with Craig Borum, professor of architecture at the Taubman College. The two began entering design competitions together, and then formalized their partnership.
Photo by Scott Soderberg, U-M Photo Services.
“It’s another opportunity for us to explore how design can make a difference,” he says.
Since then PLY has designed several commercial properties in Ann Arbor, along with furniture, houses and office buildings. Because of his dual responsibilities as a professional architect and a tenured professor, Daubmann and his team also experiment and research new creative designs and technologies, such as the light fixture in his office.
“For us it’s more about the investigation,” he says. “The practice (PLY) is our creative output.” Daubmann adds that several former students also work for PLY.
Daubmann has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Roger Williams University in his home state of Rhode Island, as well as a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that he earned with intent to go into teaching.
What moment in the classroom stands out as the most memorable?
When a student is able to break out of his or her perceived role and make a discussion inclusive of many students.
If you were selling Ann Arbor to a faculty colleague, how would you describe what it has to offer?
Young, vibrant and well-educated community.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Third floor of the architecture building. Hundreds of students constantly working in one shared open space.
What inspires you?
Objects where the design adds value and negotiates multiple requirements that far exceed the intended function.
What are you currently reading?
“Shaping Things,” by Bruce Sterling. Who had the greatest influence on your career path? Teachers from undergrad who were both teaching and practicing architects.
He joined the architecture school in 1999, when he held the Oberdick Fellowship in Architecture. Today, Daubmann typically teaches four classes per year, in topics such as design, technology, interactive media and architecture studio.
“(I enjoy) the energy of working with students and operating in a really creative and innovative environment,” he says.
Daubmann also serves as creative director for Blu Homes, a Boston-based housing manufacturer that specializes in environmentally friendly homes.
Working as a professional architect has taught Daubmann that the business involves a number of factors and people doing different jobs. He’s also been able to see how the manufacturing aspect of architecture works. Daubmann says his work outside of school, and the experience of dealing with real clients and money, benefits his students.
“Being connected to the industry helps the students,” Daubmann says, adding that faculty he studied under also offered both classroom and practical experience. “I had really amazing professors, and they were practicing,” he says. “They were really great models. They knew a lot about the field, but were great professors, too.”
The weekly Spotlight features faculty and staff members at the university. To nominate a candidate, please contact the Record staff at [email protected]
