Director of Interior Design & Assistant Professor of Practice
Sophie Yan is a designer and educator practicing in Detroit whose work spans the scales of architecture, interiors, furniture, and textiles. She focuses on creating environments and objects that invite physical interaction and curiosity, encouraging a deeper connection to the spaces we inhabit. Her practice investigates the intersection of practical utility, such as durability and adaptability, with the intangible qualities of memory and embodiment that give design lasting value.
She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice and the Program Director of Interior Design at Lawrence Technological University. Her professional background includes more than a decade of experience leading projects within design firms and start-up environments.
Her research and creative scholarship examine the intersection of design, craft, and material longevity as a critical approach to sustainability. She is the recipient of multiple honors, including a Research and Development Grant from the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center and a Creative Scholarship award from the Interior Design Educators Council. Her work has been exhibited at international venues such as Ventura Future during Milan Design Week and NYCxDesign. Additionally, her projects and insights have been featured in publications such as Surface Magazine, Dwell, and Azure.
She is certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification and remains active in professional practice through consulting and creative partnerships. Her service to the professional community includes current appointments as the Director of Student Affairs for the Michigan Chapter of the International Interior Design Association and as a member of the Leadership Knowledge Network for the Interior Design Educators Council.
