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ASK ME WHY THIS BOOK NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW
BETTER YET, ASK ME
WHY I FEEL SO COMPELLED TO WRITE IT. AND MY ANSWER IS SIMPLE: IT’S TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS.ORO Editions
I started to ask historians for expanded content about women, people of color, and African Americans who had held prominent positions and impact in the profession. Over and over again, the answer was, “I don’t know.”
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When I started this career, I had no idea how many women and people of color were behind the iconic buildings that I have come to know and love. With the benefit of experience, I realize that it’s quite contrary to our profession to even talk about an architect in an individual sense. We work in teams—often large and rotating—and not everyone gets credit. Additionally, our projects are long-term, sometimes dragging on for years, if not decades, from when fresh ground is broken to when the ribbon is cut on the front door. We are built to focus on legacy because, if our work is worth its salt, the built environment will be our proof of concept. Our grandchildren will roam halls we built and our great grands will take photos of towers we once penned from our imagination.
Like all creators, architects expect our work to speak for us. However, there are a few things about that idea that simply do not work in this day and age. Just like a photographer gets public credit for a moment well captured, so, too, should architects be named for the benefit of the people who live and work in the spaces they design. In theory, this is simple. In reality, naming is much more complex.
When I won the coveted Whitney M. Young award in 2021, I was elevated to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows. The archivist at the AIA confirmed that I was the youngest African American to reach the height of being a fellow. Of over 115,000 architects in the United States, there are only 145 Black American fellows as of 2022. By my count, I was the 21st Black American woman named in the AIA’s 167-year history. While incredibly grateful for the acknowledgment of my own work, my immediate thought was to acknowledge upon whose shoulders I stood.
I started to ask historians for expanded content about women, people of color, and African Americans who had held prominent positions and impact in the profession. Over and over again, the answer was, “I don’t know.”
Of course I was disappointed, but I wasn’t surprised. In fact, I only became more determined to uncover these missing pieces of history. After all, that’s what my traveling activation exhibition, “SAY IT LOUD,” had been about in the first place. I wanted to revise the narrative, write architects back into the stories told about the work they produced, and free diverse designers from the cloak of invisibility common in our profession to claim their laurels—once and for all.
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GREAT
C U LTURAL DESIGNERS
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PHIL FREELON
SHANTELL MARTIN
JEANNE GANG
EVERARDO JEFFERSON
MARC JOHNSON
CHRIS T. CORNELIUS
VERSHAE HITE
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AMANDA FULLER
TERI CANADA
YAO XIANG LIN
DAMON F. HEWLIN
TOSHIKO MORI
ASHLEIGH WALTON
Designer Location:
Project Location: Greenville, SC
Ashleigh Walton is a multifaceted professional, serving as an architect, urban designer, and project manager within the esteemed Urban Design Associates. Her role involves extensive travel, engaging in charrettes with a dedicated mission to shape livable and traditional urban environments through responsive architecture. As a Board Member of the Congress for New Urbanism, Ashleigh ardently advocates for the creation of walkable communities.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashleigh finds immense joy in mentoring aspiring architects and designers, contributing to the development of the next generation in the field. Her commitment to thoughtful design, community engagement, and mentorship underscores her impactful presence in the realm of architecture and urban planning.
Project Description
Role on Project: Project Manager
The Greenville Strategic Downtown Master Plan is a visionary initiative guiding urban revitalization and growth in Greenville, SC, over the next decade. This comprehensive masterplan is rooted in community engagement and collaborative input, focusing on developing downtown Greenville into unique precincts, each with its distinct character and appeal. It encompasses not just physical development but a broad spectrum of strategies, including economic growth, transportation enhancement, retail preservation, affordable housing, and innovative public financing solutions.
With an emphasis on creating a balanced urban environment, the plan aims to maintain Greenville’s rich sense of place while fostering sustainable growth. The design process involved careful consideration of Greenville’s historical public spaces and infrastructure, ensuring that these elements are not only preserved but also enhanced to connect people and enrich the city’s overall character. The master plan addresses key urban challenges such as economic disparities, infrastructural needs, and environmental sustainability.
Included in the document are an executive summary, detailed market analysis, strategic economic development plans, comprehensive urban design focus areas, and actionable implementation strategies. This holistic approach positions the Greenville Strategic Downtown Master Plan as a forward-thinking vision, setting a precedent for future urban landscapes that are vibrant, equitable, and resilient
Project’s Connection to Master Plan Typology
The Greenville Strategic Downtown Master Plan aligns with the principles of masterplan typology by fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to urban development, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable growth, community engagement, and preserving the unique cultural and historical identity of Greenville.
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Designer Location:
IVENUE
As the co-founder of Stanley, LoveStanley, P.C., an Atlanta-based architecture and design firm, Ivenue Love-Stanley has left an indelible mark on the industry. Notably, she was the first African American woman to graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture. In 1983, she further solidified her trailblazing legacy by becoming the Southeast’s first African American woman-licensed architect.
Love-Stanley’s impressive portfolio includes noteworthy projects such as the Aquatic Center for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, the Lyke House Catholic Student Center at the Atlanta University Center, the Southwest YMCA, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (recipient of awards from the National Organization of Minority Architects), the Auburn Market in Sweet Auburn, and the National Black Arts Festival headquarters. Educationally, Ivenue Love-Stanley earned a B.S. in Math from Millsaps College in 1973 and a BArch from Georgia Tech in 1977, where she made history as the first Black female graduate and the first Black female registered architect in the South.
Project Location:
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She has held significant roles, including serving as AIA Trust’s President and an Atlanta Urban Design Commissioner. Additionally, she has been actively involved with the Georgia State Board of Architects & Interior Designers.
Acknowledged for her outstanding contributions, Ivenue Love-Stanley has received numerous accolades, including being named an AIA Fellow—the fourth Black female to achieve this honor. Her remarkable career has earned her the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award and recognition as an Honorary Fellow by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
William J. Stanley III, FAIA, NOMAC, stands as a distinguished architect and the founder/principal for design at Stanley, Love-Stanley, P.C. Holding the esteemed title of Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), he served as the Chancellor for the College of Fellows from 2014 to 2015. A groundbreaking figure, Stanley made history as the first African American to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in architecture. Subsequently, he became the youngest African American in the South to attain registration as Wan architect.
In 1978, alongside his wife, Ivenue Love-Stanley, William established the architectural firm Stanley, LoveStanley in Atlanta. His responsibilities encompass marketing and design, where he has contributed to numerous award-winning designs. Notable accolades in his illustrious career include receiving the 1995 Whitney M. Young Jr. Citation from the American Institute of Architects, recognizing him as the country’s most socially conscious architect. In 2000, AIA Georgia presented him with the Bernard Rothschild Medal, the state’s highest award.
Beyond his architectural achievements, William J. Stanley III has held significant leadership roles, serving as the National President of NOMA, President of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and President of AIA Georgia. He has been a member of Architectural Record Magazine’s Advisory Board, Georgia Institute of Technology’s National Advisory Board, and its Alumni Association Board of Trustees. A dedicated Atlantan committed to community service, Stanley provides outreach and pro bono design services to various organizations, including the National Black Arts Festival, Sweet Auburn Area Improvement Association, and local schools.
Educationally, William earned his BArch from Georgia Tech in 1972, marking him as the first Black graduate. His extensive involvement includes serving as President of AIA Georgia, Chancellor of AIA College of Fellows, member of the AIA National Board, Founder of NOMAtlanta, Convener of NOMAC, and President/Chair of 100 Black Men of Atlanta. He has also held the role of Sire-Elect for Sigma Pi Phi Kappa Boulé and is recognized among the AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Awardees & Honorary Fellows by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
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WILLIAM J. STANLEY II I
Project’s Connection to Institutional Typology
The Thacher School Dining Commons is an exemplary illustration of sustainable and context-sensitive institutional architecture. Achieving LEED Gold Certification, this project in Ojai, CA, reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship through the use of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design principles. The dining pavilion, blending seamlessly with the school’s historic context, transcends its functional role to become a hub for community interaction and learning. This design approach aligns with the current trends in institutional architecture, focusing on creating spaces that not only serve functional purposes but also enhance community well-being, foster educational growth, and preserve cultural and environmental integrity. The project exemplifies how institutional buildings can contribute positively to the broader societal landscape, emphasizing sustainable development and community engagement.
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About this GREAT Designer
As a child, Gustavo Rodriguez developed a passion for constructing with Legos. Inquisitive about the creative minds behind buildings, he questioned his father, who initially mentioned “engineers.” Seeking clarity on who dictates the form of buildings, Gustavo’s revelation came when his father introduced the term “architect.” From that moment, he knew that becoming an architect was his aspiration.
Gustavo Rodriguez finds excitement in the capacity to create something that enhances urban landscapes. He views design as a powerful force that allows for the transformation of our connection to the environment, fostering emotional impacts. For Gustavo, a building isn’t merely something seen; it’s an experience designed to leave a lasting effect.
Gustavo Rodriguez finds inspiration in the individuals who preceded him, contributing stones to the ladder of knowledge upon which the architectural community now stands. He is particularly inspired by those who seek the next stone, demonstrating the courage to dismantle existing paradigms. Additionally, Gustavo draws inspiration from all those who successfully bring great designs to life and acknowledges nature as the ultimate designer, influencing his perspective and approach to architecture.
Gustavo Rodriguez’s proudest professional achievement is the moment when he stands at the base of a building and witnesses the transformation of his ideas into a tangible, built form. The collaborative effort of many individuals, working together to enhance the design and bring it to fruition, fills him with a profound sense of accomplishment. This experience reflects his commitment to contributing to the collective efforts of designing and building a better world.
The biggest challenge for this project was how to occupy the site in a way that made sense from both an urban perspective and residential experience. The site yard regulations bisected the site and left two development areas in the lot. This constraint became the design catalyst for the base of the building. The project includes a lower-scale amenity and retail building on the avenue that activates the pedestrian experience and a taller residential building on the residential street that connects the building to the neighborhood. In the required yards became a series of terraces and patios that are the social hub of the project, “the greatest backyard in Long Island City.”
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About this GREAT Designer Continued
The primary role of a residential building is to create a safe and welcoming place for its residents. A place where we can find privacy and respite as well as community and interaction. At The Forge the team tried to find the balance between the two, creating residential and common spaces that the individual could make their own and that were strongly inspired by the neighborhood, a sense of place. They did not want to impose a language on the neighborhood but celebrate its industrial character. In post-occupancy conversations the residents said they felt the building gave them a sense of place and belonging not found in the other large-scale and largely anonymous buildings.
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Project Description
Blanco River Ranch, nestled in the Texas Hill Country, exemplifies a profound connection to the land through its thoughtful architectural design. This private residence harmonizes with its natural surroundings, featuring majestic oak trees, expansive views, and a stretch of the Blanco River. The design reflects a deep appreciation for the land, coupled with a practical approach to the environmental challenges of the region, such as intense sunlight, strong winds, and heavy rains.
Central to the River Ranch is its courtyard plan, a layout that organically integrates the main house, the guest wing, and the pool area. The defining feature of this arrangement is the two-foot-thick rammed-earth walls that form a protective shell around the building’s interior. These walls, emerging naturally from the ground, blend seamlessly with the landscape, thanks to their color and texture, and provide a sturdy, grounding presence on the site.
The architecture incorporates deep steel trellises and vertical wood screens, reminiscent of the dappled shade provided by the surrounding oak trees. These elements offer an additional layer of protection against the sun while allowing for shaded outdoor spaces. The thick walls and shading devices enable large glass expanses that open towards the courtyard, offering uninterrupted views of the river. This design choice strengthens the indoor/ outdoor relationship, creating spaces where occupants can engage directly with the natural environment, from the rustling leaves of the trees to the tranquil flow of the river. Blanco River Ranch is more than just a residence; it is an architectural ode to the Texas landscape. It showcases how residential architecture can be sensitively and intelligently designed to embrace and enhance its natural setting, offering both shelter and a deep connection to the environment.
Project’s Connection to Residential Typology
Blanco River Ranch embodies the essence of residential architecture that prioritizes harmony with the natural environment, showcasing how a home can be both a refuge from natural elements and a celebration of its landscape, aligning with the principles of residential typology that emphasize environmental integration and sustainability.
About this GREAT Designer
Camille Urban Jobe’s journey into architecture is rooted in her family’s engineering background. Despite her innate affinity for engineering, Camille desired a field that embraced experiential and poetic dimensions.
Architecture became the perfect intersection of both worlds, allowing her to navigate the realms of technicality and creativity. Initially starting college as an engineering major, an internship in airplane engine manufacturing sparked a realization that she craved a profession immersed in curiosity and a multi-faceted perspective.
Switching her major to architecture, Camille discovered a community of students passionate about using projects as catalysts for transformative change across various scales, an aspect she found both exciting and rewarding.
As a founding partner of a 100-percent woman-owned firm, Camille Urban Jobe takes pride in her role and eagerly anticipates a future where such firms are not rare within the architectural profession.
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Designer Location: Texas
Role
Camille Jobe, AIA, co-founded Jobe Corral Architects with Ada Corral, AIA, based on a shared vision of creating highly crafted architecture that is responsive to its context, culture, and people. The duo’s commitment to constant discovery and obsessive detailing has resulted in the creation of numerous recognized projects. Camille recently served as AIA Austin President and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.
CAMILLE URBAN JOBE
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Featured Project: Blanco River Ranch
Project Location: Blanco, TX
on Project: Principal Architect
