Michael Sykes knows what it means to blueprint a new beginning. Once unsure of his own path, he now uses his story and skills to open doors for others – helping young people discover new possibilities through architecture, education, and mentorship.
As a teenager, Sykes didn't see college or career possibilities in his future. Instead, he was misguided by the influences around him.
His turning point began with education. While serving nearly 15 years in prison, Sykes enrolled in NWTC's Technical College of the Air (now referred to as print-based correspondence) – starting with general education and horticulture classes. What began as a way to pass time soon evolved into something deeper. Through learning, Sykes discovered a sense of direction and purpose that would shape his path ahead.
After his release, he completed his horticulture degree at NWTC and worked in landscaping, but he didn’t feel fulfilled.
“There was just something nagging at me – like, I want to do something more,” Sykes said.
That “something more” turned out to be architecture – and a mission to help others see new possibilities for their lives.
When Sykes returned to NWTC to study Architectural Technology, he embraced a new direction in life – one that blended technical skills with community involvement.
“Communication and relationships with people are very foundational in the architecture profession,” Sykes, who graduated in 2023, said.
Encouraged by his Architectural Technology instructor Wendy Follett, Sykes connected with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and joined its Wisconsin chapter, Wisco NOMA, which focuses on supporting underrepresented groups in architecture.
Although representation in architecture has improved in the past five years, only one in five architects identify as a person of color, according to the 2024 edition of National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) By the Numbers report.
Sykes quickly became a leader in the organization where he now directs Project Pipeline, a free summer camp that introduces architecture and design to middle and high school students from underserved communities.
The program offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and gives students early exposure to a career path they might not have considered. It’s a meaningful mission for Sykes, who didn’t have access to similar opportunities as a teen and is now dedicated to making sure others do.
“I want to give somebody an opportunity that may change their life because architecture changed my life in ways I had never expected,” Sykes said. “If I can help a young person see what’s possible – maybe even before they believe it themselves – that’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind.”
Under Sykes’ leadership, Project Pipeline continues to grow each year, supported by volunteers – including NWTC students – and community partners who share his belief in the importance of helping young people explore new career possibilities early on.
Photo courtesy of Wisco NOMA. Michael Sykes works with students at Wisco NOMA’s Project Pipeline.
In June and July, Wisco NOMA held their third annual Project Pipeline camps in Madison and Milwaukee. Five Architectural Technology students from NWTC volunteered at the Madison camp.
This year’s camp explored design justice, a framework in architecture and design that focuses on creating spaces shaped by the people who use them, rather than being driven by aesthetics, profit, or elite interests.
Over four days, campers engaged in hands-on design activities like model making, space planning, and collaborative problem solving. They explored advanced tools such as 3D scanning, virtual reality, drones, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Site visits, building tours, and guest experts informed their projects, which teams presented to a client and community audience on the final day.
See this year's Project Pipeline in action.
“In our industry, to operate and be successful, you have to be able to talk to people – and Sykes is very social,” Jason Trombley, NWTC Architectural Technology instructor, said.
Michael Sykes (center) catches up with his former Architectural Technology instructors, Wendy Follett (left) and Jason Trombley (right).
Having those people skills is central not only to Sykes’ success, but to the program itself. While NWTC’s Architectural Technology students gain hands-on experience with advanced tools like 3D scanning, virtual reality, drones, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, they also learn to collaborate, communicate effectively, and apply critical thinking in real-world scenarios.
Trombley saw these skills in Sykes from day one – though their first meeting wasn’t in the classroom. It was actually at a tradeshow, and to Trombley’s surprise, Sykes seemed to know more people than he did.
That moment wasn’t just a strong first impression; it was a glimpse into what makes Sykes so effective in the field. “Communication and relationships are what our industry is built on, and Sykes has that naturally,” Trombley said.
Now working as an architecture technician, Sykes is on the path to becoming a licensed architect. He’s gaining experience, logging mentorship hours, and preparing for licensure exams.
But his vision goes beyond his own career. He hopes to bring Project Pipeline to Green Bay, expanding access and opportunity for even more youth.
Once unsure of where his path would lead, Skyles is now helping elevate the next generation to imagine more, soar higher, and step into futures they can shape for themselves.
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