VOLTERRA
SCHOLARSHIP
VOLTERRA
SCHOLARSHIP
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
Meet
STEPHANIE MILLER,
our Britto Charette
Scholarship for
Volterra Study Abroad
Fun winner for 2026.
DAVID ALLAN CHARETTE AND JAY BRITTO
STEPHANIE MILLER
Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development who show an aptitude for excellence and innovation in architecture, and who have demonstrated the necessary requirements.
DAVID ALLAN CHARETTE AND JAY BRITTO
STEPHANIE MILLER
Meet STEPHANIE MILLER, our Britto Charette Scholarship for Volterra Study Abroad Fund winner for 2026.
Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development who show an aptitude for excellence and innovation in architecture, and who have demonstrated the necessary requirements.
BRITTO CHARETTE
2026 SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER
Class of 2027
I am grateful to be the recipient of the Britto Charette Scholarship for Volterra Study Abroad. Your generous support helps me continue to grow in my education and pursue my future goals.
My name is Stephanie Miller, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Business Administration, and I plan to graduate in 2027. Growing up in Romeo, Michigan, a small town in the Metro Detroit area, I am excited to expand my horizons through the Volterra Study Abroad Program. My sister is also a Detroit Mercy graduate, and seeing her experience greatly influenced my own decision to attend UDM.
At Detroit Mercy, I am involved in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and have served as treasurer for the past three semesters. This opportunity has strengthened my connections within the UDM community and has allowed me to give back to my fellow classmates. Additionally, I am a Research Assistant, which has introduced me to an aspect of the architecture field that I never imagined exploring. One of my favorite things about UDM is the sense of community. As a transfer student, I have found a home at Detroit Mercy. The faculty, staff, and other students truly create a thriving learning environment and a place to grow not only professionally but personally as well.
Upon graduation, I hope to continue my professional education by pursuing my Master’s of Architecture and eventually obtaining my architectural license. Thank you once again for your support and generous scholarship donation.
BRITTO CHARETTE
2026 SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER
Stephanie Miller, Class of 2027
I am grateful to be the recipient of the Britto Charette Scholarship for Volterra Study Abroad. Your generous support helps me continue to grow in my education and pursue my future goals.
My name is Stephanie Miller, and I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Business Administration, and I plan to graduate in 2027. Growing up in Romeo, Michigan, a small town in the Metro Detroit area, I am excited to expand my horizons through the Volterra Study Abroad Program. My sister is also a Detroit Mercy graduate, and seeing her experience greatly influenced my own decision to attend UDM.
At Detroit Mercy, I am involved in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and have served as treasurer for the past three semesters. This opportunity has strengthened my connections within the UDM community and has allowed me to give back to my fellow classmates. Additionally, I am a Research Assistant, which has introduced me to an aspect of the architecture field that I never imagined exploring. One of my favorite things about UDM is the sense of community. As a transfer student, I have found a home at Detroit Mercy. The faculty, staff, and other students truly create a thriving learning environment and a place to grow not only professionally but personally as well.
Upon graduation, I hope to continue my professional education by pursuing my Master’s of Architecture and eventually obtaining my architectural license. Thank you once again for your support and generous scholarship donation.
BRITTO CHARETTE
2025 SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER
My desire to pursue architecture stems from a lifelong passion for creativity and problem-solving. From a young age, I was captivated by how individual elements could come together to form something greater, whether through playing with blocks or sketching designs. As l’ve matured, this creative outlet has evolved into a deep fascination with the ways architecture shapes the spaces we inhabit and how those spaces, in turn, influence our lives.
Architecture is unique in that it blends artistic expression with practical function, offering a way to create meaningful, sustainable environments. I am drawn to the challenge of designing spaces that not only meet human needs but also respect and enhance the natural world. For me, architecture is a means to bring vision and purpose together-creating designs that are not only visually striking but also thoughtful and responsible. Through my studies and future career, I aim to contribute to a field that continuously pushes boundaries and reimagines how we interact with the world around us. I plan to achieve my goals of expression by traveling the world, obtaining my master’s degree, and ultimately designing innovative, sustainable spaces that inspire and improve the way we live.
Taylor Myers
BRITTO CHARETTE
2025 SCHOLARSHIP
WINNER
Taylor Myers
My desire to pursue architecture stems from a lifelong passion for creativity and problem-solving. From a young age, I was captivated by how individual elements could come together to form something greater, whether through playing with blocks or sketching designs. As l’ve matured, this creative outlet has evolved into a deep fascination with the ways architecture shapes the spaces we inhabit and how those spaces, in turn, influence our lives.
Architecture is unique in that it blends artistic expression with practical function, offering a way to create meaningful, sustainable environments. I am drawn to the challenge of designing spaces that not only meet human needs but also respect and enhance the natural world. For me, architecture is a means to bring vision and purpose together-creating designs that are not only visually striking but also thoughtful and responsible. Through my studies and future career, I aim to contribute to a field that continuously pushes boundaries and reimagines how we interact with the world around us. I plan to achieve my goals of expression by traveling the world, obtaining my master’s degree, and ultimately designing innovative, sustainable spaces that inspire and improve the way we live.
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
PRINCIPAL
David Allan Charette
In 1995, David Allan Charette studied in Volterra and Florence Italy as part of the University of Detroit Mercy’s Volterra Study Abroad program.
Participating in the Volterra program was inspiring. Coming from a rural town and with limited resources, I was able to see the buildings, archeological sites, and art museums that I had previously only read about and dreamed of visiting. It fueled my desire to learn, to push myself, and to create.
Missing out on an opportunity to study in Poland because I couldn’t afford the miscellaneous expenses inspired me to help other students who might be at a financial disadvantage like I was. I’m so honored to be at a point in my career where I can help students who aspire to be great architects and designers participate in this international educational experience. My hope is that this scholarship will provide an opportunity for generations of deserving students.”
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
PRINCIPAL
David Allan Charette
In 1995, David Allan Charette studied in Volterra and Florence Italy as part of the University of Detroit Mercy’s Volterra Study Abroad program.
Participating in the Volterra program was inspiring. Coming from a rural town and with limited resources, I was able to see the buildings, archeological sites, and art museums that I had previously only read about and dreamed of visiting. It fueled my desire to learn, to push myself, and to create.
Missing out on an opportunity to study in Poland because I couldn’t afford the miscellaneous expenses inspired me to help other students who might be at a financial disadvantage like I was. I’m so honored to be at a point in my career where I can help students who aspire to be great architects and designers participate in this international educational experience. My hope is that this scholarship will provide an opportunity for generations of deserving students.”
David grew up in rural Northeast Michigan with dreams of studying architecture and traveling the world. He began his higher education at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids after receiving the Fr. Hanley Scholarship and then graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a BArch in 1995 and completed his March in 2003. During David’s time at the University of Detroit Mercy, he was selected to participate in the Warsaw, Poland exchange program. Unfortunately, due to financial needs that surpassed the scholarship allotment, David was unable to attend the program in Poland. But in 1995, he participated in the Volterra, Italy Summer Program—an experience he considers life-changing. The positive Volterra experience, coupled with his missed opportunity in Poland, inspired David to help a new generation of Detroit Mercy students avail themselves of the program in Volterra.
“After trips as a child to the Detroit Institute of Art, and traveling across the United States with my family, I developed a great interest in design, art history, and archaeology. My biggest creative outlet? LEGOs Having a limited amount of them forced me to constantly tear apart one idea to create another. I applied that process of constructing, tearing apart, and rebuilding to my own life. I dreamed of the life I wanted and left the confines of what seemed comfortable to make it happen, because the hardest choices/risks hold the biggest dividends. For me it’s all about imaging what could be. What can be. That inspiration guides me in every project and venture I undertake.”
– David Allan
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
DAVID ALLAN CHARETTE
David grew up in rural Northeast Michigan with dreams of studying architecture and traveling the world. He began his higher education at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids after receiving the Fr. Hanley Scholarship and then graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a BArch in 1995 and completed his March in 2003. During David’s time at the University of Detroit Mercy, he was selected to participate in the Warsaw, Poland exchange program. Unfortunately, due to financial needs that surpassed the scholarship allotment, David was unable to attend the program in Poland. But in 1995, he participated in the Volterra, Italy Summer Program—an experience he considers life-changing. The positive Volterra experience, coupled with his missed opportunity in Poland, inspired David to help a new generation of Detroit Mercy students avail themselves of the program in Volterra.
“After trips as a child to the Detroit Institute of Art, and traveling across the United States with my family, I developed a great interest in design, art history, and archaeology. My biggest creative outlet? LEGOs Having a limited amount of them forced me to constantly tear apart one idea to create another. I applied that process of constructing, tearing apart, and rebuilding to my own life. I dreamed of the life I wanted and left the confines of what seemed comfortable to make it happen, because the hardest choices/risks hold the biggest dividends. For me it’s all about imaging what could be. What can be. That inspiration guides me in every project and venture I undertake.”
– David Allan
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
PRINCIPAL
Jay Britto
“I am proud that this scholarship will help a student who has been dreaming of the chance to learn and travel in Italy.”
I’ve had the privilege of being a guest speaker in Peru on several occasions and I always enjoy sharing with students what I’ve learned. Growing up poor in a really small town in Peru, I lacked the resources to attend university. So I set out for NY and worked for design firms while taking night classes. It was challenging, but it paid off.
Some of the best advice I have for young people who are starting their careers in A&E is to work for an established interior design firm while attending, or right after graduating from, design school because it will give you a jumpstart and confidence for when you’re ready to venture out on your own.
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
PRINCIPAL
Jay Britto
“I am proud that this scholarship will help a student who has been dreaming of the chance to learn and travel in Italy.”
I’ve had the privilege of being a guest speaker in Peru on several occasions and I always enjoy sharing with students what I’ve learned. Growing up poor in a really small town in Peru, I lacked the resources to attend university. So I set out for NY and worked for design firms while taking night classes. It was challenging, but it paid off.
Some of the best advice I have for young people who are starting their careers in A&E is to work for an established interior design firm while attending, or right after graduating from, design school because it will give you a jumpstart and confidence for when you’re ready to venture out on your own.
Born and raised in Peru, Jay grew up surrounded by a rich and vibrant culture that continues to inspire him. For decades, Jay has placed great emphasis on traveling to help him learn about new interior design solutions and to further inspire the interiors he creates for Britto Charette. His visits to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, cityscapes, and natural habitats help him express his creativity, and they influence not only his passion for interior and furniture design, but also for photography.
“My interest in design evolved, really. Music was one of my first passions and essentially opened the door to creativity and the arts for me. At eighteen, when I was struggling with affording college and choosing a major (architecture or interiors), music was always there, pushing me forward. Patterns and rhythms in music just seemed to be echoed in everything around me. That’s when I realized that my calling was actually interiors. I could walk into a space and visualize the textures, colors, and patterns that it needed.
Those are attributes that I still lean on when designing an interior. Colors, textures, culture, the importance of family—those all contribute to my design process. I understand the need to design spaces that bring families and friends together in comfortable yet beautiful surroundings.”
– Jay Britto
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
JAY BRITTO
Born and raised in Peru, Jay grew up surrounded by a rich and vibrant culture that continues to inspire him. For decades, Jay has placed great emphasis on traveling to help him learn about new interior design solutions and to further inspire the interiors he creates for Britto Charette. His visits to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, cityscapes, and natural habitats help him express his creativity, and they influence not only his passion for interior and furniture design, but also for photography.
“My interest in design evolved, really. Music was one of my first passions and essentially opened the door to creativity and the arts for me. At eighteen, when I was struggling with affording college and choosing a major (architecture or interiors), music was always there, pushing me forward. Patterns and rhythms in music just seemed to be echoed in everything around me. That’s when I realized that my calling was actually interiors. I could walk into a space and visualize the textures, colors, and patterns that it needed.
Those are attributes that I still lean on when designing an interior. Colors, textures, culture, the importance of family—those all contribute to my design process. I understand the need to design spaces that bring families and friends together in comfortable yet beautiful surroundings.”
– Jay Britto
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
SACD LECTURE SERIES
David Allan Charette presents at University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development invited alumnus David Allan Charette to speak to faculty, students, and community members. He discussed market sectors–focusing on the luxury residential market sector that is the backbone of his award-winning interior design firm. David Allan also shared with students the realities of working for large A&E firms vs. owning your own firm, and how he incorporates the latest technology into crafting his high-end interior and industrial designs.
CAP-RA
Jay Britto presents at Colegio de Arquitectos in Chimbote, Peru
Instituto Bitec invited Jay Britto to speak to students and faculty at the College of Architecture and Interior Design. The international conference highlighted Jay’s entrepreneurial success. Born and raised in Peru, Jay connected with students about the rewards and challenges he encountered as he started his career. He shared his blueprint for successfully turning a dream of entrepreneurship into an award-winning international design firm.
BRITTO CHARETTE
VOLTERRA STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP
VOLTERRA
SCHOLARSHIP
SACD LECTURE SERIES
David Allan Charette presents at University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and Community Development invited alumnus David Allan Charette to speak to faculty, students, and community members. He discussed market sectors–focusing on the luxury residential market sector that is the backbone of his award-winning interior design firm. David Allan also shared with students the realities of working for large A&E firms vs. owning your own firm, and how he incorporates the latest technology into crafting his high-end interior and industrial designs.
CAP-RA
Jay Britto presents at Colegio de Arquitectos in Chimbote, Peru
Instituto Bitec invited Jay Britto to speak to students and faculty at the College of Architecture and Interior Design. The international conference highlighted Jay’s entrepreneurial success. Born and raised in Peru, Jay connected with students about the rewards and challenges he encountered as he started his career. He shared his blueprint for successfully turning a dream of entrepreneurship into an award-winning international design firm.
Luxurious Interior and Industrial Designs for discerning clients, worldwide.
LET'S STAY CONNECTED
Sign up for our newsleter to get
the latest from our studio
LET'S STAY CONNECTED
291 NE 47TH STREET MIAMI, FL 33137
Copyright 2010 © -present. BRITTO CHARETTE. Websites and Digital. All rights reserved.