It is important to approach everything in life with a purpose, especially when doing projects you’re passionate about. Every moment must count, so it is critical to ensure that every action and decision you make is driven by something meaningful. One individual fully embodies this philosophy, Wil Marquez. Wil is the president and owner of W/ Purpose, an urban and public design studio in Southwest Detroit.

Their unique name is far from just a label. It is a representation of both their work ethic and what sets them apart from other firms.

Marquez stated that they take the time to care about things that others ignore, deny, or can’t solve. They find purpose in every project or situation they are involved in, whether it be an urban challenge, or a residential house damaged in a fire. They provide a critical eye and care to situations in need.

Before establishing w/ Purpose, Marquez spent 10 years with several reputable firms. However, later on he came to the conclusion that it would be better for him to leave and create his own design business. This would allow him to expand how people understand architecture and its positive impact on a community or development. . He remembers vividly attending a 2010 event, where then President Barack Obama delivered an impactful message around our most important work being in the communities we represent. This mantra was an important driver for w/Purpose, who opened in 2010, out of his garage.

“I have a vivid memory of being at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana and listening to President Barack Obama. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and inspiration. At that moment, I decided to leave my job and opened w/ Purpose”

Marquez’s first customer was an emerging minority developer who was doing his first apartment deal. Together, Marquez and his client got to work, and collaborated with the local community, collected big ideas, and even secured funding for needed for transit and pedestrian infrastructure. Despite success at the garage, his company’s success has found him at SDBA headquarters, in Southwest Detroit.

Wil Marquez’s relationship with SDBA began post-pandemic (Covid-19), after realizing that trying to run a business from home wasn’t a long term option for his business. Plus, with two active children, he needed a location close to home. Marquez knew Southwest Detroit well since he did spend research time there as a graduate student at the University of Michigan in 2004; He saw it as the ideal location.

“I saw SDBA was leasing some space, and given my experience with being in the Chamber of Commerce in Evansville (Indiana), I was familiar with the tools and resources the SDBA provided. It was a great opportunity, alongside the big changes happening in Detroit and in this community. I felt this was where I wanted to do my most important work.”

SDBA has given Will and his studio the necessary flexibility for his business and has granted him access to a vast network professionals that have been important to the long-term success of his business.

Wil points to an SDBA business mixer as an example of this.

“SDBA had a wonderful mixer, and through that, I got to meet someone in insurance. I also got to meet local business owner Charlene Johnson of IAAF, and that relationship prompted me to think about how she might expand her business as a tenant in a new education focused development we’re working on.”

Wil Marquez 100% recommends SDBA to other business owners, for he sees them as an excellent source pointing you in the right direction and recommending the best tools that will help you move your business ahead.

Someone who owns a small business might seek assistance from SDBA regarding a certain resource, processes, or technical questions. SDBA may suggest attending their classes, but if the individual has a more pressing issue such as a problem with permits, SDBA does a great job providing references for professionals who can provide more specialized help and issues are resolved.

If you are in need of design or development focused services, please reach out to Wil Marquez and his company w/Purpose. For business focused services, please reach out to the SDBA via email at info@southwestdetroit.com.