House of black techxcellence

Microsoft reached out to imagine a concept of their House of Black Techxcellence event for AfroTech 2025 — an opportunity to place a full, imaginative garden experience right in the heart of Houston and at the center of the largest gathering of Black tech professionals.

My vision was to design a space that broke away from the traditional tech aesthetic and invited people into something vibrant, alive, and deeply rooted in culture.

from CONCEPT…

Designing this space started with who it was for. I wanted Black tech professionals to walk in and immediately feel seen, inspired, and poured into. The goal was to create an environment that sparked creativity, encouraged innovation, and made organic connection feel effortless. And even with a floral-forward theme, it was important that the space held men just as intentionally — welcoming, safe, and grounded.

Flowers, green moss, and neon light became the core visual elements that allowed me to bring a slice of Eden into an industry that often leans plain, minimal, and sterile. This concept layered color, art, and softness into a futuristic tech setting, creating a space that felt alive — rooted in culture, imagination, and possibility.

…to IRL

All the elements from the original concept were brought to life inside Studio Eight08, a Black woman–owned art gallery in downtown Houston. Guests stepped into a space filled with flowers, art, and soft industrial texture — the exact blend of creativity and connection we envisioned. The environment naturally encouraged conversation, networking, and authentic community.

Seeing the concept move from idea to IRL felt effortless; everything aligned exactly how we intended for our guests. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, confirming that the experience landed the way it was designed to — warm, inspiring, and unforgettable.

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