Artist Intro of Draft Horse

Competitive Runner + Outdoor Enthusiast + Health Designer

Hello friends, welcome to Draft Horse Studio — an inclusive, friendly, and creative space where design thinking explores studio work.

As an emerging architect working as an architectural associate in a small but dedicated firm, I continue to prioritize hand drawing as a core part of my practice. Draft Horse exists to honor this craft—celebrating architectural detail and the meaningful connection that hand drawing brings to design.

Architectural Interests

As I approach three decades, I strive to find the missing links between design, physical, and mental health. The spaces that are shaped around us, in turn, shape our habits and thinking about our way of life. I recently completed a dual master's degree in architecture and urban design in the spring of 2025, along with a certificate in healthy cities. Throughout my final year of schooling, I contributed to healthy environments through my studies, and now I aspire to use this platform to underscore the importance of slowing down through the art of design.

As a competitive runner and outdoor enthusiast, my appreciation for human movement and limitations drives my passion for functional spaces where we live, work, and play. I’ve lived in Detroit and San Francisco, studied in Paris for two months, enjoyed Amsterdam, and now I am in Ann Arbor living my post-master’s life as a young professional. I continue to learn by observation, reading, and applying design thinking. My goal is to involve you and give you a front-row seat to my explorations, both in studies and individual goals.

So here’s to finding, learning, and appreciating more of what slowing down can do for us. All thoughts are welcome, all voices are heard, and all stories are to be shared.🏙

-Lo Pettinga

For a quick snapshot of Draft Horse Studio, follow along on Instagram @draft.horse_studio