Brent, Calvin
1854-1899 · Contribution: 1880s
Generally considered the first African American architect to practice in Washington, D.C.

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Impact on the world
Generally recognized as the first African American architect to practice professionally in the nation's capital.
Life & background
An architect generally thought to be the first African American to practice architecture professionally in Washington, D.C.
Sources
- Wilson, *African American Architects* (2004); American Institute of Architects (AIA); DC Preservation League / Cultural Tourism DC (African American Heritage Trail)
More in Architecture & Design
Abele, Julian Francis
1881-1950
Chief designer responsible for over 30 Duke University buildings and major East Coast institutional landmarks
Bailey, Walter T.
1882-1941
First African American graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's architectural engineering program
Bartholomew, Joseph M. Sr.
1888-1971
Pioneering Black golf course designer in New Orleans
Bates, Robert Charles
1869-1950
First African American author of an architecture textbook; first Black architecture teacher at an HBCU