When UMKC architecture student Marteen Redman settles into her workstation in the Katz Hall studio, she has to prepare one extra thing before she goes heads-down on her latest architecture project: a makeshift tripod so her phone can stay propped up, documenting every moment. Redman often shares her architectural journey with her 102,000 TikTok followers and 26,000 Instagram followers. What most people don’t see, however, is the unique path that led her to architecture.
Before enrolling at UMKC, Redman was pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship. The experience helped her discover how much she enjoyed creating and visualizing designs. Around the same time, she found another surprising source of inspiration: architect Ted Mosby from How I Met Your Mother. His character sparked her interest in returning to school to pursue a creative field. Having already earned her associate’s degree, she wanted a program that felt both challenging and meaningful.
“Architecture stood out as the perfect way to combine my passion for design with a strong academic and professional foundation,” Redman said.
So, why UMKC?
“I chose UMKC because Kansas City is a major hub for architecture, with many respected firms located in the area,” she said. “Studying at a university with strong ties to the local architectural community allows me to stay close to home while preparing for my future career.”
It’s safe to say Redman is happy with her decision.
“The most exciting part of studying architecture so far has been how much I’ve learned about design and the way I approach it,” she said. “My studio professors Christopher Spaw and Dominic Musso have challenged me to think about architecture from perspectives I had never considered before. Spending extended time in the studio has also allowed me to build strong relationships with my classmates, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that has made the experience even more rewarding.”
The numerous hours spent in the studio also led Redman to start filming her architecture journey. What started as a simple way to document her work and create a personal portfolio eventually led to her online presence significantly growing, with some of her videos receiving over 20,000 likes and 100,000 views.
“I never expected the account to grow as quickly as it did, but it has opened opportunities to collaborate with architectural firms, companies and professionals in the field,” said Redman. “I now create content centered around my projects, studio life and design process. Being able to get paid to share my architectural work feels like a privilege, and I enjoy knowing that the content not only supports me but also inspires and educates others who are interested in architecture.”
Redman mentioned that one of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been receiving messages from students who are interested in pursuing architecture.
“Being able to share the realities of architecture school and help others understand what the path looks like has been incredibly fulfilling,” Redman said.
When asked to share some of the advice she often shares with future architects, Redman honestly answers.
“My biggest piece of advice for students considering architecture is to understand how much time and dedication the program requires, especially outside of scheduled studio hours,” said Redman. “I didn’t fully realize how many hours would be spent working on projects in the studio, but that extra time is where my passion and motivation have really grown. If you are passionate about learning, open to being challenged and willing to put in the work, architecture can be an incredibly rewarding path.”
Despite only being in her first year, Redman is grateful for the numerous opportunities studying architecture has provided.
“I am extremely happy with my decision to study architecture, and the studio has truly become my second home in the best possible way,” Redman said.