A designer based out of NYC/NJ. She collaborates on projects to bring sustainable and culturally responsive designs to life.
About
Disciplines
Architecture, Interiors, Art
As a trained architect and designer, Sydne Nance aims to improve the future of the built environment by advocating for culturally responsive and sustainable design principles. Passionate about diversifying design education and leadership, Sydne prioritizes empowering underrepresented youth and college level students.
She is interested in working with biobased and nontoxic materials, as well as methods of adapting vernacular building traditions into future architecture.
Sydne currently contributes to Henning Larsen’s New York studio collaborating on sustainable architectural projects and research. Outside of work, she is a member of industry organizations, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architectural League of New York, and National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA), and commits to improving the broader architectural community. In 2023, Sydne was the honored with the Associate of the Year award through the AIA New Jersey Chapter.
Bio
“Been Here, New Come: The Gullah-Geechee Architectural Footprint”
In 2024, Sydne was awarded a travel grant for her research project funded by the Center for Architecture - New York. The project features design and art based on African American heritage design, ethnographic research, and tabby concrete of the American South East.
Featured Project
Emblematic of African American culture and resilience, the Gullah-Geechee Corridor stretches across the US Southeast and retains profound ties to African lineage. The study “Been Here, New Come” by Sydne Nance, Assoc. AIA, examines regional African American architectural traditions, emphasizing the corridor’s trans-Atlantic link to Sierra Leone. It delves into historic design, cultural spaces, and distinctive tabby architecture, which have influenced American building styles. Expanding on Laverne Wells-Bowie’s original work, the investigation advances architectural discourse with overlooked narratives. Conducting ethnographic fieldwork across South Carolina, Georgia, and Sierra Leone, Nance will refine spatial storytelling and enhance future architectural principles with insights on African American heritage design.
Brief
Aweards + Recognition
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In 2024, Sydne was awarded a travel grant for a project titled “Been Here, New Come: The Gullah-Geechee Architectural Footprint” funded by the Center for Architecture - New York.
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Awarded to an alumni member of The American Institute of Architecture Students who is successfully representing the mission and beliefs of the organization in their chosen career path.
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This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession.
"Center for Architecture Awards Three Architects $25,000 in 2024 LeBrun Travel Grants ", AIA New York | Center for Architecture, 2025
"Showing Up: Henning Larsen's Sydne Nance On Adaptability, Community, And Taking Up Space", Madame Architect, 2024
"Senior Success: Architect, Student-Athlete Sydne Nance Joins Studio 1200", New Jersey Institute of Technology, 2022
"The Graduates: Interviews With The Next Generation Of Architects", AIANY Oculus Magazine, 2022
Press
Speaking + Interviews