A Bold Declaration—and the Journey to Make it a Reality

University Magazine: Damon Hewlin Class and Portraits on Dec 5, 2024. Photo by Samantha Blankenship/Ball State University.

Damon Hewlin, ’99, overcame financial struggles as a college student to build a global architecture firm and inspire diversity in the field through his nonprofit, Archetainment

Growing up in northern New Jersey, Damon Hewlin, ’99, was surrounded by concrete and asphalt in an underserved community. Amid the urban environment, his fascination with buildings and design took root.

New Jersey may be known as “The Garden State,” but Mr. Hewlin joked that he didn’t fully grasp the nickname until moving to the state’s southern region as a teenager. Growing up with limited greenery—or perhaps inspired by its absence—he developed a passion for architecture that led him to college.

After researching programs, Mr. Hewlin chose Ball State University, more than 600 miles away, impressed by its reputation for excellence in architecture. As a student, his ambition caught the attention of many, leading to a feature article for Ball State’s Alumni Magazine. In the piece, he made a bold declaration about his future:

“I’m planning to have my name on the door of my firm one day. Ball State has prepared me for that kind of future. It’s given me opportunities to grow as a leader and to get the training I need to be successful in a very competitive profession.”

Despite his confidence as a young college student, Mr. Hewlin’s road to achieving his dream wasn’t without obstacles. Financial difficulties forced him to pause his enrollment during his third year at Ball State, leaving his future uncertain.

Overcoming setbacks

Although Mr. Hewlin couldn’t afford tuition, his professors allowed him to attend classes to stay on track academically. However, as weeks turned into months with no clear solution, he feared his dream of becoming an architect might end.

One day, while revisiting the aforementioned Ball State magazine article, Mr. Hewlin found inspiration in his own words. Determined not to give up, he scoured the pages and discovered an advertisement for a scholarship specifically for out-of-state, minority architecture students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. He met every criterion.

With the help of Dr. Don Mikesell, ’60 MA ’63, former dean of students, Mr. Hewlin applied and was awarded the scholarship. The financial lifeline allowed him to re-enroll and complete his degree.

“My journey was a little bit different, but it was the journey meant for me,” Mr. Hewlin said. “I credit so many of my Ball State professors for helping me and keeping me going.”

The determination and support Mr. Hewlin received at Ball State helped him overcome obstacles but also shaped the foundation of his professional journey.

Realizing a vision

After graduating, Mr. Hewlin co-founded METICULOUS Design + Architecture. The global firm, established in 2015, has grown from its Indianapolis headquarters to seven locations, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Memphis, and Abu Dhabi, earning a reputation for excellence. For Mr. Hewlin, however, success is about more than designing buildings—it’s about making architecture accessible to under-represented communities.

Another of his initiatives is Archetainment—a nonprofit organization he recently launched to increase diversity in architecture. Using music and entertainment as a conduit, he hopes to inspire and educate young people, especially minorities, about the field.

Mr. Hewlin believes architecture is a profession that impacts everyone, yet it remains inaccessible to many. According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), only about 2 percent of the 125,000 registered architects in the U.S.—roughly 2,500 individuals—are Black. Organizations like the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) aim to double this number, but Mr. Hewlin believes more is needed.

“Our country’s Black population is about 13 percent, so that’s the benchmark we should aim for,” he said. “By leveraging entertainment, Archetainment can spread the message about the impact architects have in positively changing the world.”

Mr. Hewlin hopes to inspire students, particularly in underserved communities, to see architecture as a way to turn passions into professions.

A lifelong campus connection

Beyond his nonprofit work, Mr. Hewlin remains connected to Ball State. He frequently returns to campus to give presentations and is an adjunct professor, mentoring the next generation of architects. His ties to the University are also deeply personal. His wife, Erica, ’00, is a Ball State graduate, and their daughter, Gabi, is enrolled in the University’s architecture program, continuing his legacy in the field.

Walking into his firm’s offices, where his dream has become a reality, Mr. Hewlin is reminded of the adventure that started with a simple yet ambitious declaration in a University magazine.

“That quote was more than just words,” he said. “It was a promise I made to myself, and I’m grateful that Ball State helped me keep it.”

Damon Hewlin still keeps a copy of that magazine as a reminder. From navigating financial struggles to co-founding a global architecture firm to inspiring future architects through Archetainment, his story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of community support in achieving one’s dreams.