Women of Color Looking to the Past and Future for Diversity in Architecture

In the 1950s and 60s it was uncommon to see a black woman practicing architecture. Norma Merrick Sklarek, pictured above during her tenure at Gruen Associates, was an uncommon woman. She excelled in math and science despite having few peers at her predominantly white high school and virtually no role models in the workplace. In 1980 she became the first African-American woman with fellowship in the American Institute of Architects, and made it her mission to mentor and support young architects of color following in her footsteps. It would have been a dream for her to join an organization of African-Americans in her field, but for students at Hillier College of Architecture and Design today, that dream is a reality.

HCAD alumna Nadene Taylor, an associate at Beyer Blinder Belle, and Brunie Pierre, a student pursuing the bachelor of architecture degree, while still exceptions to the rule, represent the change they want to see. Both are African-Americans dedicating themselves to the mission of increasing the numbers of minorities, particularly women of color, in the practice of architecture. Groups like the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) established professional chapters across the country along with student chapters in high schools and at most institutions of higher education that offer architecture programs.

According to Pierre, president of the NJIT NOMA student chapter, the mission they embraced is “to champion diversity within the education of design by promoting academic excellence, community engagement, networking, national conferences, and professional development of its members." The chapter has about 15-20 members, not all of whom are minorities. They focus on creating a community within the school, connecting students with professionals and providing guidance by sponsoring events such as speaker panels with recent graduates.

Taylor, also African-American, began her own path to an architecture career in high school. She joined her school’s local architecture, construction and engineering program in Piscataway. The program connects professional mentors with young students, often working together in firms and offices on a real-world project. When presenting her final project at a community college, a representative from HCAD encouraged Taylor to apply. Effectively recruited, she was admitted and began exploring her interests in design and her desire to improve people's lives. 

Many organizations and individuals are taking matters into their own hands and creating the conditions for diversity and representation to expand and make an impact on the practice of architecture itself.

Taylor doesn't want to be known only for her talents and skills, but rather for the difference she makes in the world. Citing the philosophy of her firm, she is very clear that designing affordable housing, usually not a high-profile project, can be designed with as much beauty and care as a five-star restaurant. She also works on cultural sites of significance to the black community, such as a recent project at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, noting that there’s a heightened awareness of the need to preserve historical and cultural sites that represent black history.  

Many organizations and individuals are taking matters into their own hands and creating the conditions for diversity and representation to expand and make an impact on the practice of architecture itself. Pierre and Taylor embrace the challenge of FIRST500, an initiative launched by Tiara Hughes, a senior urban designer at Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. FIRST500’s goal is to raise awareness of the contributions of African-American women architects and increase their numbers.

Pierre echoes the importance of having role models and providing mentorship to others. "Seeing black women like Norma, Nadene, and those involved in the FIRST500 helps to affirm my presence in architecture school,” she said. “They are a reminder that there's a larger duty I have in my architecture career to be just as much an example to younger girls as they are to me. They provide great guidance, of leadership and hard work, that I continue to use as I persevere through my academics towards my future license."   

All of these organizations are making a difference, as the numbers of young black women pursuing a degree in architecture has seen a steep increase during the past 15 years. The University of Cincinnati’s Directory of African-American Architects is tracking the numbers: of the 113,000 licensed architects, only about .3% are black women. In a 2007 survey article, Hannah McCaan of Architect magazine wrote that “more black women are enrolling in architecture schools; they represent as much as 4% of the graduating population, according to the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Yet an uptick in black women studying architecture doesn't necessarily translate to architectural practice. In a field where graduates regularly strike out on unexpected paths, women and minorities seem more likely than most to forego licensure and choose alternate careers.”

The University of Cincinnati’s Directory of African-American Architects is tracking the numbers: of the 113,000 licensed architects, only about .3% are black women.

Further, says McCaan, “anecdotal evidence suggests that the high cost of architectural education, a lack of role models, and an inflexible model of success—which rewards long hours and ignores community-based design—are all factors in keeping American architecture less than fully diverse, as many American black women architects say they find satisfaction in socially responsible design.”

Now more than ever, the shift is visible, as a more diverse group of architects find themselves squarely in the position of taking responsibility for how, where and for whom communities are built, what materials get used, the environmental impacts, and environmental justice. Yet this shift is not exclusive to minority architects.

“I believe that diversity in every aspect is important — racially, economically, even age and gender,” Taylor said. “If I walk in a room full of people who see things differently than me, have different life experiences, different perspectives, who can bring that to the table — that is when solutions, innovation and real change can happen … And that's why our voice needs to be heard. We need every single piece of the puzzle,” she added.

Whether it’s designing buildings that bring people together, or as a role model and mentor for young students of color, for Pierre and Taylor architecture is also about building a community for the next  generation of young architects. Following the lead of giants like Sklarek, they’re working with students to build their future according to what they love to do and the vision of the future they want to see.