Purnell, Marshall E.
1950- · Contribution: 1990s-2000s
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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Impact on the world
Led the National Organization of Minority Architects as its elected president while serving as design principal of his own Washington, D.C. firm, becoming an active voice in numerous AIA initiatives.
Life & background
An architect, Purnell serves as design principal of Devrouax and Purnell Architects and Planners in Washington, D.C., and was elected president of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He is a Fellow of NOMA and has been heavily involved in American Institute of Architects activities throughout his career.
Sources
- AIA / Center for Architecture ("Say It Loud"); Architectural Record; NC State University College of Design
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