Lakeland School Corporation is proud to highlight the achievements of alumna Nicole Tabata, a licensed architect and entrepreneur whose journey from the classrooms of Lakeland to the skyline of Chicago serves as an inspiration to the Laker community.
Since graduating from Lakeland, Tabata has carved a distinguished path in the world of design. After earning her undergraduate degree in Architecture from Ball State University and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University, she relocated to Chicago to specialize in workplace and office environment design. Her work has been featured in several prominent design publications. Today, she is the founder and principal of Corten Collective, her own architecture and interior design firm.
Tabata credits her professional trajectory to the specialized programs offered at Lakeland, specifically noting that her career began at age 16 in a high school classroom.
"Mr. Schulz’s architectural drafting class at Lakeland was my first introduction to architecture and ultimately shaped my entire career," Tabata shared. "He inspired a generation of Lakeland students to pursue architecture, and I’m grateful I discovered what I wanted to do at just 16 years old.”
Beyond technical skills, Tabata emphasizes the confidence she gained through extracurriculars. She credits her gymnastics coaches, Linda and Sherill, for fostering self-esteem and poise, and fondly remembers the cultural impact of Frau Chapman’s German classes.
Achieving licensure as an architect—a rigorous process involving six years of higher education, over 5,000 internship hours, and seven professional exams—stands as one of her proudest milestones. It is a testament to the work ethic she developed as a Laker: "You get out of something what you put into it. Seek opportunities, take initiative, and be willing to put in the work - good things tend to follow.”
Despite the transition from a small town to competitive university environments, Tabata found herself more than prepared. "I quickly realized that my education at Lakeland had put me on a level playing field with students from prestigious private schools," she noted, highlighting the value of Lakeland's AP courses, which earned her nearly a full semester of college credit.
Now residing in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons, Tabata remains a firm believer in the power of the Laker legacy and the importance of community support for local education. Her advice to current students is a reminder of the strength found in their roots:
"Growing up in a small town shouldn’t hold you back; it can be a strong foundation for building the future you want."
When we asked Nicole what it meant to be a part of the Lakeland Legacy, she stated: “Being part of the Lakeland legacy means carrying a lifelong sense of connection and pride. Once a Laker, always a Laker.”
Lakeland Schools is incredibly proud to celebrate Nicole Tabata, not just for her remarkable professional achievements in the field of architecture, but for the heart she continues to show for her hometown. Nicole’s journey from a high school drafting desk to the head of her own firm in Chicago is a powerful testament to what is possible when talent meets a supportive community.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Nicole for taking the time to share her story and for honoring the mentors who shaped her. Her recognition of educators like Mr. Schulz and Frau Chapman, and coaches like Linda and Sherill, reminds us all that the true strength of Lakeland lies in its people—the dedicated staff of the past who built this foundation, and the passionate educators today who continue to champion our students' dreams.
Nicole’s story is a beautiful reminder that while our graduates may travel far, they always carry the Laker spirit with them. It is the pride shared across generations that makes Lakeland so special.