{"id":187786,"date":"2026-03-03T03:45:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T03:45:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/187786\/"},"modified":"2026-03-03T03:45:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T03:45:18","slug":"architecture-alumna-advocates-for-inclusive-design-and-childrens-self-worth-march-2026-texas-tech-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/187786\/","title":{"rendered":"Architecture Alumna Advocates for Inclusive Design and Children\u2019s Self Worth | March 2026 | Texas Tech Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

Erica Grant-Wilson is using her past experiences to build a better future. She pushed
\n past low expectations of herself and wrote a picture book to encourage kids to do
\n the same.<\/p>\n

\t\tCREATORS<\/p>\n

\"Portrait<\/p>\n

When Erica Grant-Wilson sees a need, she doesn\u2019t make a recommendation. She begins
\n implementation.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s how the Caribbean Student Association<\/a> came to be founded at Texas Tech University<\/a>. Erica, a native of the Bahamas, believed even though she was separated from home
\n by water she could still connect with others who shared her experiences and bring
\n a sense of community to campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn my undergrad, I was so far away from home I was just trying to figure out who
\n I was, where I was and how to bring my own culture and parts of me to the forefront,\u201d
\n she recalled, \u201cI think I did that very well at Texas Tech.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erica enrolled in the Huckabee College of Architecture<\/a>, so far away from where she grew up, because she believed the top-rated program could
\n help her improve buildings back on the island.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"CaribbeanCaribbean Student Association
\n (Erica top row, far right)<\/p>\n

This was a goal she developed as a teenager after watching her little brother struggle
\n in their community. He is on the autism spectrum and experiences sensory issues in
\n many built environments.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe buildings weren\u2019t supporting his growth mentally, physically or emotionally,
\n and I knew I wanted to make a difference,\u201d she said. \u201cThat\u2019s why I chose to attend
\n Texas Tech specifically for architecture: to learn how to design spaces that truly
\n serve people with mental and physical disabilities and to bring those initiatives
\n back home.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Erica\u2019sErica\u2019s little brother, EJ <\/p>\n

From her observations, Erica believed hypo\/hypersensitivity rooms with dimmable lights
\n or quiet areas would help the neurodiverse feel more comfortable. Once she learned
\n about architecture, the building industry and related fields, graduating with her
\n Bachelor of Architecture in 2020, she was prepared to continue into the Master of Architecture<\/a> graduate program to obtain an accredited professional degree.<\/p>\n

It was in this program that she began to focus on health care design. She got a taste
\n of her future ambitions through her thesis, in which she created a center for people
\n with autism.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that as architects, designers and interior designers, we have the responsibility
\n to shape the built environment around people\u2019s diverse needs so that every individual
\n feels supported, included and empowered, rather than expecting individuals to adapt
\n to the limitations of a building,\u201d she noted.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"AA diagram from Erica’s studio class in graduate school. <\/p>\n

Erica\u2019s work includes features such as textured grips for railings and handles, specialized
\n lighting and break-out spaces such as reading rooms. Her mentor, architecture lecturer
\n Darrick Wade<\/a>, specializes in sensory design \u2013 he also pursued this career path from his experiences
\n with a sibling. His sister is unable to see or hear, but Wade learned she could still
\n enjoy her environment through designs that appeal to other senses like smell and touch.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He is confident and proud that Erica can help further the changes they wish to see
\n within their industry and beyond.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cErica\u2019s commitment to inclusive design is deeply rooted in who she is as a person,\u201d
\n Wade said. \u201cShe sees opportunity where others see obstacles, and that quality translates
\n directly into the kind of design thinking that produces spaces where everyone feels
\n welcome and represented. I have no doubt that her clients and communities will be
\n positively shaped by her vision.<\/p>\n

\"Erica'sErica Grant-Wilson<\/p>\n

Erica graduated not only with her master\u2019s but also with a certification in health
\n facility design in 2022. She went on to work for a firm in health care architecture
\n for four years, which she enjoyed every second of \u2013 especially her work with interior
\n design. \u00a0<\/p>\n

She soon began considering a career shift as she discovered the impact she could make
\n inside buildings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe feeling people get when they experience a well-designed space and the finishes
\n selected that brings it all together creates a magic one can\u2019t fully explain,\u201d she
\n said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Full of gratitude for her past colleagues and peers in architecture, Erica started
\n a new role as an interior design coordinator in Dallas in December 2025. While her
\n daily focus may have shifted from the exterior of a structure to indoors, her end
\n goal remains firm: using her skills to better the lives of those like her brother
\n in the Bahamas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"EricaErica nominated as 2024 Outstanding Professional of the Year at the Luna Awards in
\n DFW.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people may assume that interior design has little impact on individuals with
\n autism or mental and physical disabilities, but thoughtful design can make a significant
\n difference,\u201d she explained. \u201cFor example, sensory-friendly spaces with soft lighting,
\n reduced noise levels, clear wayfinding and calming colors can help reduce anxiety
\n and overstimulation. Accessible layouts, wider circulation paths, adaptive furniture
\n and safe materials can also support mobility and independence for people with physical
\n challenges. I hope that in the future I can contribute to advancing these kinds of
\n design efforts.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Erica believes she can meet such challenges because her past has strengthened her
\n resilience. Specifically, as a teenager, one educator was convinced she would never
\n reach the place she is today.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn high school, I struggled a lot with spelling,\u201d she shared. \u201cIronically, it\u2019s still
\n something I continue to work on today. I had an English teacher who told me I wouldn\u2019t
\n amount to anything and that I just was not that smart. Hearing that from an adult
\n who was supposed to guide and support me was very damaging.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erica repeated the criticism in her mind so often that she eventually began to doubt
\n her own abilities. She carried that insecurity with her when she moved to Texas Tech
\n \u2013 postponing an English course until just before graduation out of fear.<\/p>\n

However, instead of reliving a negative experience, she discovered newfound confidence.
\n During the course, Erica began writing poetry and one of her pieces was selected to
\n be kept as an example for future classes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat English class at Texas Tech stayed with me because I was convinced I was going
\n to fail,\u201d Erica admitted. \u201cNot just failing, but that I wasn\u2019t even good enough to
\n be in the room. I never would have imagined becoming a writer after that.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cBut someone once told me that we go through things in life to be a representation
\n for others, so they don\u2019t have to go through them alone. They said my story was worth
\n telling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Picture Book with a Purpose<\/p>\n

Once Erica realized the teacher\u2019s words weren\u2019t true, she wanted to give kids a positive
\n track they could play on repeat in their minds: one that would empower them instead
\n of destroy their self-esteem.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf someone tells you every day that you\u2019re smart, capable, beautiful and destined
\n for great things, eventually you won\u2019t need to hear it from them anymore; you\u2019ll begin
\n to believe it yourself,\u201d she said. \u201cJust like grass that is constantly walked on forms
\n a clear path, our brains naturally create pathways based on the words, actions and
\n messages repeated most often.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Who<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the phrases you repeat are \u2018I can\u2019t\u2019 or \u2018I won\u2019t,\u2019 your mind will continue to
\n echo those thoughts back to you. It becomes a habit. That\u2019s why I wanted to write
\n this book: to help children speak positive words to themselves and build new, encouraging
\n mental pathways.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erica titled her picture book \u201cWho Says?\u201d to encourage readers to question the source
\n of the negative messages they may hear or internalize. Throughout the story, she repeatedly
\n asks, \u201cWho exactly is telling you these things?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of those reflective questions is, \u201cWho says your abilities are limited by challenges?\u201d
\n The narrative then shifts to an empowering affirmation: \u201cI say your strength gives
\n you power and your challenges give you freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Erica held her words, newly bound into book form in October 2024, she felt healed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a really meaningful process because it forced me to sit down and confront
\n my own experiences and challenges in a deeper way,\u201d she said. \u201cHonestly, I feel like
\n everything \u2013 from that English teacher to the life changes I\u2019ve gone through, like
\n leaving my country and moving to the U.S. \u2013 helped shape me into the person I am today.
\n Even though the journey wasn\u2019t easy, I wouldn\u2019t change it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BookErica at an interview about her picture book, “Who says?”<\/p>\n

Erica has learned there are a wide variety of tools to build a better tomorrow. Some
\n are used to construct the physical walls of spaces, while others are used to break
\n down emotional barriers not just internally but within communities.<\/p>\n

So today, she chooses to fill her toolbox with purpose, encouragement, compassion,
\n and the belief that uplifting people \u2013 especially children \u2013 can shape stronger futures.
\n Through her work and her story, Erica hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves
\n and push past doubt. As she continues to grow and take on new challenges, the phrase
\n guiding her this year is simple but powerful: \u201cKeep Going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most powerful voice you will ever hear is your own,\u201d she said. \u201cDon\u2019t let anyone
\n convince you that you\u2019re not good enough or that you don\u2019t belong, because you do!
\n Walk into every room with purpose, trust the work you\u2019ve put in and keep moving forward
\n even when doubt gets loud. At the end of the day, you are your greatest advocate and
\n if you choose to believe in yourself, no obstacle can define your future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erica credits Texas Tech as the starting point of her journey: a transformative time
\n that built her a strong foundation.<\/p>\n

To learn more about opportunities within architecture, visit the Huckabee College
\n website.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Erica Grant-Wilson is using her past experiences to build a better future. She pushed past low expectations of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7269,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[168,170,169],"class_list":["post-187786","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lubbock","tag-lubbock","tag-lubbock-headlines","tag-lubbock-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187786","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=187786"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/187786\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=187786"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=187786"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=187786"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}