Archinect - News

AIA Houston President Melvalean McLemore on architecture's lack of Black women representation

2024-06-03T17:08:00-04:00

When Melvalean McLemore earned her license to practice architecture in 2016, she was only the 16th Black woman in Texas to do so. McLemore became the first Black woman president of the American Institute of Architects Houston chapter late last year [...]. While being first is exciting, McLemore said it was a bittersweet feeling. “It’s a little bit sad to hear that someone is the first of anything in 2023, 2024,” McLemore said.

Bisnow recently interviewed Melvalean McLemore, AIA Houston President, Moody Nolan Texas studio design leader, and a 2024 AIA Young Architects Award recipient; discussing her path to architecture and the lack of Black women in architecture.

"There are still less than three dozen Black female architects in Texas, and Texas is a huge state," McLemore told the outlet. "We produce a lot of architects, so you have to really think about how rare it is."

Kimberly Dowdell is inaugurated as the AIA's first Black woman president

2023-12-18T14:20:00-05:00

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrated a significant organizational milestone with the inauguration of Kimberly Dowdell as its AIA National President for 2024.

The AIA's 100th president overall is also the first-ever Black woman to head the post, following in the wake of 2023 President Emily Grandstaff-Rice.

At an inauguration ceremony last Friday, December 15th, the Cornell University and Harvard Kennedy School alumna who formerly headed the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) from 2019 to 2020, said: "Being elected as the 100th president of AIA is both an honor and responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.”

“My journey in architecture, from my roots in Detroit to this influential role, has deepened my conviction that design has the power to transform communities and elevate the human experience,” she continued. “This opportunity to serve my profession beautifully aligns with my overarching mission to improve people's lives through design, foster...

Architecture student Maya Matabwa named University of Illinois Chicago's Hartshorne and Plunkard Fellow

2023-02-22T14:42:00-05:00

Maya Matabwa, a first-year M.Arch student from the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts, is the recipient of the second Hartshorn and Plunkard Fellowship.

The program officially launched in 2022 by awarding its first fellow, M.Arch student Martina Smith, and is named and funded in honor of UIC alumni Ray Hartshorne and Jim Plunkard of Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture (HPA). To increase the opportunities for architecture students from traditionally underrepresented communities, the fellowship provides students with financial support for up to three years, academic and professional mentoring, and a paid internship at HPA.

Matabwa, who was born in Malawi, shared with UIC Today that receiving the award is "still sinking in."

Across academic institutions and firms, initiatives to create stronger pipelines, mentorship, and funding for students of marginalized communities have increased. "Being here as a young, Black, Malawian woman is an honor, ...

Maya Bird-Murphy and the Chicago Mobile Makers deepen their roots in community change with the opening of their new headquarters

2022-07-01T17:54:00-04:00

When reading through architectural media, it's easy for larger architecture firms or "prominent" names to rule headlines. However, many design practitioners and groups are making impactful changes in the industry and their communities beyond the media clout. This is the case for architectural designer, maker, and educator Maya Bird-Murphy, Founder and Executive Director of the Chicago Mobile Makers.

If you're familiar with the Oak Park, Illinois native, it's due to her work with Chicago's local youth and her team of designers and educators leading workshops in their hard-to-miss repainted UPS trucks.

What started as a thesis project for Bird-Murphy during her time at Boston Architectural College soon grew into the award-winning non-profit it is today. After reflecting on her own experiences as a Black female architecture student and designer working in firms, she saw the need to increase diversity within the industry. The architect/non-profit founder soon realized this change in re...

Selasi Setufe awarded MBE for work in diversifying architecture

2022-01-07T14:28:00-05:00

31-year-old, London-based architect Selasi Setufe has been awarded a Member of the Orders of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to diversity in architecture in the Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honors.

Setufe is currently a Senior Architect and Innovative Sites Program Manager at development and urban regeneration company Be First Regeneration Limited. In 2018, she co-founded the Black Females in Architecture (BFA) network, and is also a trustee and ex Co-Vice President for Students and Associates at the Royal Institute of British Architects. With BFA, Setufe has worked as the organization's membership manager, ensuring that its membership continues to grow and develop.

Setufe received her Bachelor’s degree in architecture at the University of Portsmouth and her Master’s at the Manchester School of Architecture. According to BFA’s profile on the architect, she is “exploring socially responsive approaches to design, architecture and placemaking with particular focus on cultural and...

RIDING THE VORTEX is named as 2022 recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award

2021-12-10T19:20:00-05:00

RIDING THE VORTEX has today been announced as the 2022 recipient of the AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award honoring the group’s commitment to challenging social issues.

The 50th edition of the award went to the 14-year-old breakout group that was formed after the 2007 AIA conference in San Antonio. Since then, VORTEX has gone on to establish itself as a torchbearer for the inclusion of Black women in all aspects of the industry, taking Mr. Young’s observations on the profession from the 1968 AIA conference as their charge.

A group photo after the RIDING THE VORTEX session at the 2008 AIA National Conference. Photo: Steven Lewis, image courtesy RIDING THE VORTEX.

“Everyone involved in VORTEX’s programming, whether they are a collaborator, panelist, or audience member, has emerged from the experience with a unique blend of intellect, creativity, and aspiration that empowers them to move confidently through the profession,” the AIA citation read. “Many often find support through the conne...

Lakisha Woods named EVP and CEO of the American Institute of Architects

2021-11-19T13:10:00-05:00

Lakisha Woods, CAE has been named as the 15th Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects.

Woods is currently the President and CEO of the National Institute of Building Sciences as well as the Secretary and Treasurer of the U.S. Green Building Council. She previously served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the National Institute of Home Builders and has spent the entirety of her professional career in the D.C. metro area.

The University of Maryland alumna has had a successful career, rising from her beginnings in Fairbanks, Alaska to become a leader in the CRE industry.

"I am excited, from day one, to build on AIA’s strong foundation of achievements and to expand its leadership role in the industry and society,” Woods said in a statement. “I look forward to working with the AIA team, volunteer leaders, and most of all, AIA’s passionate and engaged members to take full advantage of this dynamic moment in histo...

Sarah Akigbogun is uncovering the forgotten stories of female architects of color with XXAOC

2021-05-14T18:18:00-04:00

London-based architect, filmmaker, and educator Sarah Akigbogun is bringing to light the stories of female architects of color, a demographic that has lacked adequate representation and acknowledgment.

Akigbogun is the founding director at transdisciplinary practice Studio Aki, Vice Chair of Women In Architecture, and a newly elected London member of RIBA Council. In 2017, she directed the film She Draws: She Builds, a film that amplifies the voices and experiences of 15 female architects.

Sarah Akigbogun. Photo: Twitter

Her current project, the XXAOC Project, is an online, crowd-sourced initiative that serves as a platform to document female architects of color both currently and throughout history. The project started in early 2019 with a tweet by Akigbogun calling out to the internet in search of these women and their stories.

So, new project for 2019 ...I’m starting a project to collect the stories of female #ArchitectsofColour, past and present. Who should I be talking to? Abo...

Sarah Akigbogun is uncovering the forgotten stories of female architects of color with XXAOC

2021-05-14T18:18:00-04:00

Sarah Akigbogun. Photo: Twitter

So, new project for 2019 ...I’m starting a project to collect the stories of female #ArchitectsofColour, past and present. Who should I be talking to? Abo...

Number of licensed Black female architects increases to 500

2020-12-21T17:55:00-05:00

The push for increasing the number of Black licensed architects has been an ongoing effort. Organizations like NOMA and individuals like Norma Merrick Sklarek, Paul Williams, Zena Howard, Phillip Freelon, Gabrielle Bullock, Curtis Moody, and many others have paved the way for a new generation of Black architects and architects of color to continue to make a difference within the industry.

(L) Norma Merrick Sklarek was among the first Black women to become a licensed architect in both New York state and California. She was also the first Black woman elected to the AIA College of Fellows. Image courtesy of AIA|LA (R) Georgia Louise Harris Brown was the first African American woman to graduate with an architecture degree and the second professionally licensed African American female architect in the nation. Image courtesy of Sarah Brown.

However, when it comes to licensed female architects, specifically Black female architects, the disparity in numbers is quite evident. Katherine Willia...

Architect and activist Pascale Sablan named 2021 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award recipient

2020-12-09T17:13:00-05:00

Dedicated professionals and leaders within the industry have been hard at work, pushing to raise awareness for underrepresented architects while making progressive changes within the industry. Pascale Sablan is no exception. As a senior associate for the New York-based firm S9 Architecture, her years of experience as a practicing architect are matched by her commitment to creating platforms where women and architects of color can be recognized and celebrated. Today the AIA announced Sablan as the recipient of the 2021 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award.

Established in 1972, the award is named in honor of civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr. The AIA explains the award is presented to an individual or organization that "embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue, such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access."

ARIEL VIEW MILOT, HAITI VOCATIONAL SCHOOL CAMPUS. Image courtesy of Pascal Sablan/Courtesy of AIA

During a year filled with challenges i...

Melissa Daniel, host of Architecture Is Political podcast, creates a new voice for architectural discourse

2020-09-22T08:55:00-04:00

As Black and minority voices continue to impact the industry's progress towards equity and inclusivity, one woman is sparking opportunities for Black and Brown voices and opinions to be heard.

Architectural designer Melissa Daniel is the creator and host of the growing podcast series Architecture is Political. Daniel specifically emphasizes the podcast is where "Black and Brown folks have a conversation about architecture," and the reasons for starting the podcast is to "rediscover why I went into architecture." It's this point that makes her mission towards amplifying the experiences of minority voices and their views on how the discipline impacts their lives a much-needed outlet for digestible discourse.

Having launched her first podcast episode earlier this year, topics include mapping segregation in D.C., Muslim Women in architecture, gentrification, and issues on "curated tolerance." After listening to a few of her podcasts, it's clear that her vocal presence, openness, and con...

Architects Foundation Launches Black Women in Architecture Scholarship

2020-09-06T16:03:00-04:00

Mobilizing the architecture industry to provide opportunities for women, specifically for Black and minority women, has been an ongoing effort in recent years. Not only that, but the discussions over the state of racial and social injustice in field, the continued mistreatment of Black communities taking place in the larger world, and the growing and disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have together sparked greater efforts to re-evaluate racial biases inherent to many industries.

However, if there's anything the events of 2020 have taught the architecture industry, it's that architects, design professionals, and students should not be complacent with the mere "discussions" of making changes, but should instead focus on instilling real solutions in institutions and practices.

The AIA's philanthropic partner, the Architects Foundation, recently launched a new scholarship specifically to raise funds for Black Women in architecture. The Desiree V. Cooper Memorial fund aim...

African-American women are propelling Detroit's architecture and interior design scenes

2019-08-26T15:32:00-04:00

For August, Archinect has explored a variety of topics relating to the changing landscape of the city of Detroit, including new initiatives in design and public policy, academics, and architectural practice.

As we near the end of the month, our focus turns to the architects, designers, urban planners, and community-centered programs in Detroit that have collaborated to enrich neighborhoods and develop stronger examples of equity within the area.

According to Erica Snow of Business of Home, a 2018 report from Design Core Detroit states the nature of Detroit's growth. "Design is thriving in the Motor City [..] architecture and interior design were $489.6 million and $148.6 million industries, respectively, in the city's metropolitan area, and the design industry as a whole grew 15-percent between 2012 and 2016."

This type of growth and focus on design has made Detroit into a "must watch city." The area has a vibrant past and bright future that is coming together thanks to dedicated...

Zena Howard: Architecture's powerhouse strategist and advocate for diversity

2019-02-12T15:58:00-05:00

There are little more than 400 African American female architects in a profession of over 110,000. Although an improvement over the roughly 90 that existed when I entered the profession, the current numbers continue to reflect the obvious dearth of women like me. [...] My primary advice to young people is to seek mentorship as early as possible. Take advantage of many architects like myself who are willing to expose you to our studios, our staff, our work, and our own experiences.

If you're unaware of her name, you know of her work. Zena Howard's contributions to the architecture profession are rooted in design strategy and advocacy. With over 25 years of experience, the seasoned architect has worked on several notable projects. As Principal and Managing Director of Perkins+Will's North Carolina practice, her work is a reflection of her passion as an architect, mentor, team builder, and strategist. Several of Howard's projects focuses on public and private institutions, museums, and other educational typologies.

Earning her Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from the University of Virginia, Howard's expertise revolves around creating and leading design projects in sustainability, inclusive design, and historical and cultural buildings. Her background in LEED certification projects allows her to drive projects that no...

A look at visionary architect Georgia Louise Harris Brown, the first female African-American architecture graduate

2018-02-07T20:50:00-05:00

Pioneering African-American architect Georgia Louise Harris Brown had a knack for seeking out the most fertile architecture scenes in the world during her long career. She practiced in Chicago during Mies van der Rohe’s prime and, from there, moved to Brazil, where a singular modernist language was being created for Brasilia, the most ambitious planned capital of the 20th century.

Georgia Louise Harris Brown has been featured as part of Redshift's Respect series, focusing on architect visionaries. Brown was the first African-American women to graduate with an architecture degree, and the second professionally licensed African-American female architect in the nation. Beverly Loraine Greene was the first, and a role model to Brown.

She studied under Mies at his Illinois Institute of Technology and was heavily influenced by his modernist style. Her first job in Chicago was with Kenneth Roderick O'Neal, an African-American architect and structural engineer who also studied with Mies.

Working with Frank J. Kornacker Associates by 1949, Brown worked on several key projects such as 860–880 Lake Shore Drive. This high-rise was influential in its minimalist grid of steel and glass and constructed with Brown's structural calculations.

Eventually moving to Brazil, Brown became professionally licensed in 1970 leading many firms for over the next twenty years. Read mor...

Tiffany Brown wants to bring more black women into the architecture field with her project “400 Forward”

2017-12-13T17:42:00-05:00

“I try to be the face that I was looking for growing up,” Brown said. “So if I go into a room or an auditorium and just one person is interested in architecture, then I’ve accomplished my mission.” The name comes from a milestone this past August, when the 400th African-American woman became licensed as an architect. There are 110,000 licensed architects in the country.

Raised in Detroit, architectural designer Tiffany Brown won a 2017 Knight Arts Challenge grant for her project “400 Forward”, which aims to bring in more black girls and women into the field of architecture and urban planning. According to Brown, only 0.3 percent of U.S. architects are black women.