Asiyih Lawrence-Minouei
JR3 Impact Design Fellow (2025-2026)
Asiyih Lawrence-Minouei is an Architectural Designer and Los Angeles native whose work is grounded in a deep connection to her community and cultural roots. She holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Howard University, where she honed her design philosophy around architecture as a service to community. Guided by a commitment to redefining architecture as a tool for humanity, Asiyih’s work explores how intentional design can expand access, foster collective well being, and create spaces that reflect and uplift diverse communities. Her perspective bridges personal experience with academic training, allowing her to approach design as both a cultural practice and a catalyst for global impact.
Alongside her architectural work, Asiyih has spent the past seven years mentoring youth ages 11–14 through the JYSEP (Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program), cultivating the next generation of change-makers and community leaders. This commitment to youth leadership and service informs her broader vision of architecture as a tool that fosters well being, access, and empowerment.
The JAF JR3 Impact Design Fellowship is a year-long professional development opportunity designed for recent architecture graduates seeking to explore both traditional and entrepreneurial career pathways within the built environment. The JR3 Fellow will split their time between JAF and a partner architecture firm.
This unique fellowship is designed for graduates who are uncertain about their long-term professional trajectory but are eager to explore a broader impact within the built environment. By integrating entrepreneurial, community-centered work with conventional architectural experience, the JR3 Fellowship ensures that participants can develop their skills, expand their network, and make a meaningful impact, without sacrificing progress toward licensure.
Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the JR3 Impact Design Fellowship serves as a launchpad for forward-thinking designers committed to reshaping communities through design, innovation, and social impact.
The name, “JR3” is a combination of “JR” and “3rd”. Established in memory of Andrew L. Foster Jr. and in honor of Andrew L. Foster III, two generations of leaders committed to community and service, this fellowship carries forward their legacies. Through the lens of the built environment, it reflects the mission of Joshua A. Foster, Founder of JAF, by supporting the development of the next generation of impact-driven leaders in architecture and design.