Leading Black Architects Who Have Shaped the United States
By Federico Cadella
Paul R. Williams
Notable Works: LAX Theme Building, Beverly Hills Hotel, and the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Paul R. Williams was known for his elegant and innovative designs. The LAX Theme Building is an iconic structure at the Los Angeles International Airport, featuring a futuristic design that has become a symbol of the city. The Beverly Hills Hotel, often referred to as the "Pink Palace," is a historic luxury hotel that has hosted numerous celebrities. The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility.
Norma Merrick Sklarek
Notable Works: Pacific Design Center, U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, and the Terminal One at the Los Angeles International Airport.
Norma Merrick Sklarek was a trailblazer in the field of architecture. The Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood is a vibrant and colorful complex that serves as a hub for the design community. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is a significant diplomatic building that showcases modern architectural elements. Terminal One at LAX is a major terminal that handles millions of passengers annually.
Sir David Adjaye
Notable Works: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Sugar Hill Development, and the Ruby City.
Although born in Tanzania, David Adjaye is a prominent architect who has made significant contributions in the United States. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is a landmark building that celebrates African American history and culture. The Sugar Hill Development in Harlem, New York, is a mixed-use project that includes affordable housing and cultural spaces. Ruby City in San Antonio, Texas, is a contemporary art center with a striking design.
J. Max Bond Jr.
Notable Works: Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
J. Max Bond Jr. was known for his work on culturally significant projects. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia, is a major site dedicated to the legacy of Dr. King. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, is a leading institution for the study of African American history and culture. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama is a museum and research center that focuses on the civil rights movement.
Phil Freelon
Notable Works: Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Museum of the African Diaspora, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Phil Freelon was a key figure in the design of culturally significant buildings. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., is a major cultural institution. The Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, California, explores the history and culture of the African diaspora. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia, is a museum dedicated to the civil rights movement and global human rights.
Marcel Breuer
Notable Works: Whitney Museum of American Art, UNESCO Headquarters, and the St. John's Abbey Church.
Marcel Breuer was a modernist architect known for his innovative use of materials and forms. The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City is a prominent museum that showcases contemporary American art. The UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, is a significant international building. The St. John's Abbey Church in Collegeville, Minnesota, is a striking example of modernist religious architecture.
Robert R. Taylor
Notable Works: Tuskegee University Chapel, Booker T. Washington's Residence, and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site.
Robert R. Taylor was the first accredited African American architect and a pioneer in the field. The Tuskegee University Chapel in Alabama is a beautiful and historic building. Booker T. Washington's Residence, also known as The Oaks, is a significant historic home. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site commemorates the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
Vertner Woodson Tandy
Notable Works: Villa Lewaro, St. Philip's Episcopal Church, and the Ivey Delph Apartments.
Vertner Woodson Tandy was a prominent architect and the first African American registered architect in New York State. Villa Lewaro in Irvington, New York, was the home of Madam C.J. Walker and is a National Historic Landmark. St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Harlem, New York, is a historic church with a rich history. The Ivey Delph Apartments in Harlem are an example of Tandy's residential work.
Julian Abele
Notable Works: Duke University Chapel, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Widener Memorial Library.
Julian Abele was a key figure in the design of many significant buildings. The Duke University Chapel in Durham, North Carolina, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a major cultural institution with a vast collection of art. The Widener Memorial Library at Harvard University is one of the largest libraries in the world.
Beverly Loraine Greene
Notable Works: UNESCO Headquarters, New York University Buildings, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Buildings.
Beverly Loraine Greene was one of the first African American women to become a licensed architect in the United States. She worked on the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, contributing to its international significance. She also designed buildings for New York University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, showcasing her versatility and talent.