Foster, George Washington
1866-1923 · Contribution: 1908-1916
Architect
Among the first African American architects licensed by the states of New Jersey and New York
Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1866
- Active since
- 1908
- Category
- Architecture & Design
- Best known for
- Early licensed architect in NJ and NYTwo-state pioneerEarly-20th-century practitioner
Impact on the world
Foster was among the very first Black architects to gain state licensure in the Northeast, establishing a professional foothold in two states during an era of near-total exclusion.
Sources
- Wilson, 'African American Architects' (Routledge, 2004)
1 more sources and references are available to members.
Related visionaries
Cooke, William Wilson
1871-1949
First African American to obtain an architect's license in Indiana (1929); among the first African Americans employed in the U.S. Treasury's Office of the Supervising Architect
Tandy, Vertner Woodson
1885-1949
Co-founded Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 1906; designed landmark Harlem church and Madam C.J. Walker's estate Villa Lewaro
Wilson, John Louis Jr.
1898-1989
Designed the Harlem River Houses public housing project; one of the first African American architects registered in New York State
Brent, Calvin
1854-1899
Generally considered the first African American architect to practice in Washington, D.C.