Welcoming Our New Team Members: Beth Piper and Kamaiya Johnson

Please join us in welcoming Beth Pieper as our newest social design fellow!

Originally from rural Virginia, she spent much of her childhood drawing, painting, and photographing her surroundings.

As an artist and graduate student in MICA’s Social Design Program, Beth explores how physical spaces hold stories, how communities evolve, and how design can honor the complex histories embedded in the places we inhabit.

In her fellowship role, Beth is supporting The Vision is Yours, NDC’s annual Placemaking conference.

Outside of work, Beth lives with her husband and two dogs in one of the northeast’s most charming neighborhoods.

Originally from Prince George’s County, Kamaiya Johnson recently returned home after earning their Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, following a BFA from SCAD.

As an architectural and multidisciplinary designer, Kamaiya brings a deep commitment to liberatory and cultural practices, community agency, and the power of imagination in shaping the built environment.

Their passion for collaboration, creative expression, and community-led design aligns beautifully with NDC’s mission, and we’re thrilled to have them on the team.

When they’re not working, you might find Kamaiya in their family’s garden, watching cartoons, or learning a new craft.

Welcome to NDC!