Breaking Barriers: Black Architects Panel on Firm Ownership at The Octagon
by Milan Jordan, Assoc. AIA, Architects Foundation Board Secretary
The panel discussion “Breaking Barriers: Black Architects on Firm Ownership,” hosted at The Octagon, was a powerful conversation that highlighted the triumphs and challenges of Black architects who have forged their own paths in the industry. Using its backdrop of The Octagon, the Architects Foundation actively seeks partnership that supports the advancement of the profession and underrepresented architects; The Octagon is a historic space that welcomes activation and conversations on the future of architecture and design.
The distinguished panel included Michael Marshall, FAIA, Founder of Michael Marshall Design and Architects Foundation Board Member; Kathy Dixon, FAIA, Principal of K. Dixon Architecture and Architects Foundation Board Member; Ronnie McGhee, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Founder of R. McGhee & Associates Architects; Genell Anderson, AIA, NOMA, ICC, Principal of AMAR Group, LLC; and Sean Pichon, Principal at Michael Graves.
The event aimed to offer valuable insights for students, emerging professionals, and seasoned architects. Students were encouraged to learn from these trailblazers, gaining guidance on how to navigate their careers in a competitive industry. Emerging professionals were given strategies to advance and thrive, while seasoned architects had the opportunity to network and contribute to the ongoing conversation about fostering diversity and inclusion in architecture.
The panelists shared their personal stories, reflecting on key questions such as “What made you start your own firm?”, “What qualities are most important in becoming a leader”, and “What challenges did you face as Black firm owners?”
The Road to Firm Ownership
For some panelists, the journey to owning their own firms was driven by a sense of survival and resilience. Genell Anderson explained that for her, diversification was key to success. She made it clear that expanding her services—such as adding inspections to her offerings—was crucial in growing her business. Michael Marshall, on the other hand, recalled his early experiences of learning about the architect’s role in drawing “blueprints” (as they were more commonly called at the time) and dreaming as a young boy of owning a firm at the age of 11.
Challenges Faced by Black Firm Owners
The challenges panelists faced as Black architects and small business owners were significant. Kathy Dixon shared that starting a firm was particularly tough due to limited capital and marketing resources, with much of her business relying on referrals. Ronnie McGhee spoke about the importance of forming partnerships and being adaptable to secure work, especially when facing the limitations that often come with being a smaller firm. Genell Anderson noted the importance of surrounding yourself with talented people and being agile in order to overcome the challenges that come with running a small business.
The conversation also touched on the financial barriers and systemic issues Black architects face, including restrictive policies and the difficulties of securing insurance and certifications. Even when discussing challenges, the thread of creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance was always present and exemplified in the endurance of their firms.
Moderator Telicious Robinson (third from left) with panelists and AF Board members Michael Marshall and Kathy Dixon, and panelists Genell Anderson, Ronnie McGhee, and Sean Pichon.
What Makes a Good Leader?
When asked about the most important qualities of a leader, the panelists emphasized persistence, honesty, and the ability to listen. Ronnie McGhee stressed the importance of being a good listener and surrounding yourself with a strong team. He also emphasized learning from failures to improve in the future. Every project not awarded is an opportunity to learn how to respond stronger next solicitation. Genell Anderson spoke about the need for persistence and being honest with oneself, especially when it’s time to walk away from a project. Sean Pichon noted the importance of being resourceful and well-rounded, with a keen understanding of the financial aspects of a project.
The Role of Cultural Background
The panelists were also asked if their cultural background influenced the projects they pursued. Pichon explained that he specifically avoids projects related to incarceration, instead focusing on work that uplifts people. Genell Anderson shared that her background—particularly her connection to John’s Island—deeply influences her design approach, with African architecture playing a significant role in her work. She believes that her clients trust her because they know she understands their cultural context and values.
Reflections on Diversity and Inclusion
Reflecting on the last 30 years, the panelists shared their thoughts on the state of diversity and inclusion in architecture. Kathy Dixon noted that while there are fewer Black-owned firms today, she hopes to see more young people starting their own businesses in the future. The panelists agreed that access to capital and opportunities has improved, but challenges remain. Genell Anderson pointed out that limiting beliefs often hold Black architects back, and while progress has been made, architects are still losing ground in terms of representation, leadership, and opportunities.
The event provided valuable insights into the realities of Black firm ownership, the importance of diversity, and the ongoing challenges in the field of architecture. It was a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done in creating an industry that is truly inclusive and accessible to all.
Octagon Intern Research Blog: Anniversary of the Signing of the Treaty of Ghent
Written by AF Staff, Research by Kayla Laws
Saturday, February 17 marks the 209th anniversary of the day that the Treaty of Peace and Amity reached President James Madison at The Octagon and was signed in what is known today as the “Treaty Room”.
This treaty ended the War of 1812, fought between Great Britain and the fledgling United States. The war had caused great destruction in the young nation’s newly established capital. In 1814, British troops burned federal buildings, including the White House and the United States Capitol. After the burning of the White House, President James Madison and First Lady Dolley Madison moved into The Octagon House, the nearby Washington home of their acquaintances John and Ann Tayloe, for a period of six months, from September 1814 to March 1815.
The purpose of the treaty was to achieve “universal Peace between His Britannic Majesty and the United States.” Prisoners of war were to be returned; both sides agreed to seek peaceful relations with the Indians; and efforts would be made to end the slave trade,” according to Hugh Howard’s Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the Second War of Independence.
Three different copies of the treaty were sent from Ghent, Belgium, where negotiations took place, to Washington, D.C., in case one shipment was delayed or lost. After reaching the United States Congress, the treaty was delivered to The Octagon by Henry Caroll, secretary to Congressman Henry Clay. “Madison walked into his study, an exquisite wood-paneled circular room over the entrance hall. He crossed the pine floor and sat down before a delicate mahogany desk; its round top covered by dark green leather stamped with gold. With characteristic precision and formality, Madison put his signature to the “Treaty of Peace and Amity,” Howard said.
The ceremony took place in the “President’s office in the circular room on the second floor over the entrance of the Octogen,” according to historian, Audrey Cutler.
Servants yelled down the stairs to bring the champagne, and Paul Jennings played “The President’s March” on his fiddle.
In his Reminiscences, Jennings writes that “we were crazy with joy.” The butler liberally dispensed wine to all, including the servants and slaves… [Sioussat] and some others were drunk for two days, and such another joyful time was never seen in Washington.”’
According to Joseph Gale, an eyewitness, “Soon after nightfall, Members of Congress and others deeply interested in the event, presented themselves at the president’s house, the doors of which stood open. When the writer of this entered the drawing room at about eight o’clock, it was crowded to its full capacity, Mrs. Madison (the president being with Cabinet) doing the honors of the honors of the occasion. And what a happy scene it was.”
Candles were later burned in The Octagon’s windows celebrating the end of the War of 1812 and Madison’s exemplary leadership.
REFERENCES
Cutler, Audrey. “A Synopsis of Events of the War of 1812 and its Relationship to the History of the Octagon”
From the Octagon Files. “Interpreter’s Insights: Presidential History and Legends at the Octagon”
Green, Contance McLaughlin. “Washington Village and Capital, 1800-1878.
Howard, Hugh. Mr. and Mrs. Madison’s War: America’s First Couple and the Second War ofIndependence. Bloomsbury Press, 2012
Hunt-Jones, Conover. “Doly and the ‘Great little Madison.’” AIA Foundation, 1977
Jennings, Paul. A Colored Man’s Reminiscences of James Madison. Cornell University Library, 1865.
Lord, Walker. The Dawn’s Early light, New York, 1972.
Miller, Hope Riding. “Great Houses of Washington.”
Originally aired in February 2023, this Tangible Remnants episode at The Octagon Museum features a conversation with Sarah Shoenfeld and Derek Musgrove. The focus of the discussion was Sarah and Derek’s work to elevate 20th century Civil Rights sites and Black Power sites within Washington, DC. This is part of The Octagon’s programming series “Revealing Parallel Histories hidden in Plain Sight.”
Rosenwald Schools full lecture now available on Youtube
In December 2022, the Octagon Alliance hosted the first of its continuing lecture series. “Revealing Parallel Histories Hidden in Plain Sight” is a premier lecture series to give visibility to BIPOC voices and stories underrepresented in the national architectural canon, aiming to educate and engage attendees in topics related to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
As the first installement in the series, photographer Andrew Feiler and Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, discussed Feiler’s book on The Rosenwald Schools.
Watch the full lecture below.
Octagon Alliance members receive exclusive benefits for Octagon visitation and events like the The Rosenwald Schools with Andrew Feiler and Brent Leggs.Become a member today.
SAY IT LOUD exhibit launches at The Octagon!
WASHINGTON – The Architects Foundation today announced the launch of its latest exhibit at The Octagon. SAY IT LOUD, curated by Pascale Sablan, FAIA, will be on view through December 2022.
SAY IT LOUD is an exhibit featuring projects by women and diverse design professionals, as well as interviews about their experiences in the architecture and design professions. This exhibit shares, protects and celebrates the journey of the underrepresented to inspire the next generation. SAY IT LOUD at The Octagon in Washington, DC, will include a special component featuring Black architects from The American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows.
SAY IT LOUD is curated by Pascale Sablan, FAIA, the 2021 AIA Whitney Young Award recipient. SAY IT LOUD is sponsored by the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the AIA College of Fellows, and the Architects Foundation.
The Octagon is open Thursday-Saturday from 11am-4pm. Museum admission is $10/adult, $5/children and teens under 18, and free for children under 5.
Free guided tours will be offered at 11am and 3pm (roughly 45 mins) and are included with museum admission. Self-guided tour information is available on-site.
On May 20, 2022, we celebrated our reopening of The Octagon to the public. Local guests were invited to tour the updated historic facility, enjoy food and beverages, and experience the new art installation “I Was Here”.
The Octagon originally closed to the public in 2020 due to COVID-19. During the closure, we hosted digital exhibits, conducted several preservation projects as well as emergency and urgent repairs.
We also conducted planning for the museum programming and interpretation. “I Was Here”, launched in December 2021, is the first component of a multi year research project to commemorate the enslaved people who built and worked at The Octagon, their descendants and the role of enslaved people in the national architectural canon. This initiative is called “Parallel Histories Hidden in Plain Sight”.
Attendees were asked to give us their reactions to the installation (See: word cloud below). This activity brought about excellent dialogue. Some participants needed quiet space for reflection, while others were eager to discuss with others.
The Architects Foundation is actively seeking a full-time manager for The Octagon museum.
Job Description
This is a professional position reporting to the Executive Director, AIA Foundation and will oversee the stewardship and maintenance and public programs of the Octagon Museum. This position supports the Executive Director and Development Manager in seeking opportunities and developing proposals for grants in support of AIAF’s mission and programs related to the Octagon. The manager will oversee daily general administrative functions & operations of the Octagon Museum including but not limited to staffing the museum during open hours, leading museum tours, research, and collection management. This position will work in close collaboration with the AIA Foundation staff for museum programs and operations. This position will require some weekend and evening work, so flexibility is necessary. The incumbent will have some interaction with the AIAF Board of Directors and other AIA staff.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities and Training and Experience:
Demonstrated experience in initiating, managing and successfully implementing new programs and initiatives with excellent problem-solving skills. Creativity, excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively and efficiently manage several detail-oriented projects simultaneously. Experience with research to identify new opportunities to support museum activities. Superior interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated experience, patience and comfort in dealing with a diverse range of people.
Bachelor’s degree in Museum Science or nonprofit management with a minimum of three years experience in similar nonprofit organization required. Previous experience in museum research and collections management highly desired. Experience in historic preservation, architecture and nonprofit fundraising a plus.
The Octagon to host digital exhibition on public art with CODAworx
WASHINGTON– The Octagon, the museum of the Architects Foundation, today announced the launch of a digital exhibition for CODAWorx’s 2020 awardees.
Through September, visitors will be able to explore award-winning projects celebrating excellence in the field of commissioned art.
The internationally acclaimed CODAawards celebrate the projects that most successfully integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces. The CODAawards program honors the individuals and the teams whose collective imaginations create the public and private spaces that inspire us every day.
The Octagon will also be hosting virtual lectures throughout the summer about award-winning projects that focus on diversity, social justice, and community engagement.
“CODAworx’s awardees elevate art and architecture by raising awareness about environmental and social issues, demonstrating the importance of innovation and creativity, contributing to healing and hospitality environments, and developing community engagement and pride,” said Marci Reed, Architects Foundation Executive Director.
“We are delighted bring the CODAawards exhibit into the digital arena while The Octagon remains closed to the public.”
View the exhibit >
ABOUT CODAworx
CODAworx provides a platform to celebrate design projects featuring commissioned artwork in interior, architectural, and public spaces. The CODAworx team is on a mission to transform every space in the world by making more great commissions happen. Since 2012, the site has been the online “Hub of the Commissioned Art Economy,” where anyone can showcase work, hire artists, and get hired. Visit www.codaworx.com.
Ghost stories from the Octagon
Architects Foundation Executive Director Marci Reed and Mortarr’s Jen Levisen toured through some of The Octagon’s most spirited spaces this week in Mortarr’s inaugural episode of The Forum LIVE on Instagram.
The Unbuilt Crosby Arboretum and the Legacy of E. Fay Jones
This virtual discussion explores the work by Hans Herrmann, AIA and students to create physical and virtual reality models of four unrealized E. Fay Jones buildings at the Crosby Arboretum, buildings intended to accompany the iconic Pinecote Pavilion completed in 1985.
The Unbuilt Crosby Arboretum is the only known E. Fay Jones multi-building composition/campus. Robert Ivy, FAIA, AIA CEO and biographer on E. Fay Jones highlights how Jones’ work is deeply rooted to place and nature. Jones received the AIA Gold Medal in 1990, the Institute’s highest honor.
Panelists:
Hans C. Herrmann, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., NCARB, Associate Professor of Architecture at Mississippi State University
Robert A. Ivy, FAIA, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Moderator:
George Smart, founder of USModernist.org and host of USModernist Radio
Timing is Everything: The Architects Foundation’s Octagon
The Architects Foundation’s Octagon comes to Mortarr in all its federal glory! Join Mortarr’s Communications Director, Jen Levisen, and the Architects Foundation’s Marci Reed as they dive into the history of The Octagon and highlight the role AIA’s first national headquarters plays in the institute’s social and civic contributions to the world.
The Octagon and Architects Foundation Featured on Mortarr
With a goal to support, inspire and empower the next generation of architects, the Architects Foundation, the philanthropic partner of The American Institute of Architects, has been working over the last three years to build a platform that allows for a broader conversation about the inspirational nature of the industry and the impact architecture has on the world.
“The foundation’s headquarters, The Octagon, is a place of inspiration, but we’ve struggled with how to bring this historic place to life and how to bring it into context with today’s world,” says Marci Reed, the foundation’s executive director.
Architects Foundation Board statement on The Octagon
The staff and board of the Architects Foundation, owner of The Octagon, want to share the AIA Board statement on systemic racial injustice. As the philanthropic partner of AIA, we agree that systemic racial injustice in any form, whether it be police brutality, employment discrimination, or any other efforts to marginalize people of color, is appalling and cannot be allowed to continue.
We recognize The Octagon symbolizes wealth generated at the expense of enslaved African Americans. We believe it is important to listen, learn and move forward, together. We acknowledge that as a cultural institution, The Octagon has an important role to play in challenging historic oppression through our collection, interpretative efforts, visiting exhibits, and our unique partnership with the AIA to convey the role architects can play in creating a more just and equal society.
The 2020 Architects Foundation Board of Directors James Walbridge, AIA, President
R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, Vice President
Carole Wedge, FAIA, Treasurer
Bill Roschen, FAIA, Secretary
Ken Higa, AIA
Dan Kirby, FAIA
Constance Lai, FAIA
Sharon Liebowitz
Thomas Luebke, FAIA
Katherine Malone-France
Kenneth Schwartz, FAIA
The Octagon is featured on Leaders and Legends in Government
On September 13, 2019, Octagon Manager Margaret Phalen and AF Executive Director Marci Reed were guests on Federal News Network’s Leaders and Legends in Government.
