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Purnell, Marshall E.

1950- · Contribution: 1990s-2000s

Architect

The first African American president of the American Institute of Architects (elected 2006; served as 84th president, 2008); design principal and co-founder of Devrouax + Purnell Architects and Planners in Washington, D.C.; former president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (1985-1986)

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Architecture & Design

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Quick facts

Born
1950
Active since
1978
Category
Architecture & Design
Best known for
First Black AIA presidentDevrouax + PurnellWashington civic landmarks

Impact on the world

Purnell reached the top of the nation's largest architecture organization while helping design the major public buildings that shaped modern Washington, D.C.

An alternative history

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Sources

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    AIA / Center for Architecture ('Say It Loud')

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