Kurt Neiswender, AIA, is Principal of Urban Colab Architecture, L3C, a social-enterprise practice based in Flint, Michigan. His studio operates as a lean, distributed model — pairing a small core team with independent contractors and collaborators across the country to deliver community-centered work, an approach that lets a place-based practice punch well above its size. 

Kurt is also an Assistant Professor of Practice at Lawrence Technological University, where he mentors emerging architects, and co-founder of the Coffee Sketch Podcast, a Top-10 architecture podcast reaching listeners in 146+ countries. Across practice, teaching, and media, he is interested in how architects build connection, mentorship, and culture when the work is remote. 

A 2017 AIA National Young Architect Award recipient, he currently serves as 2026 AIA Michigan Secretary-Elect.