In the world of architecture, there exists a glaring discrepancy when one evaluates racial representation. According to data from The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), out of 121,603 licensed architects in the U.S., a mere 2% are Black. Dive more profoundly, and you’ll discover an even starker reality—only 566 Black women grace this profession. That figure amounts to less than half a percent. This underrepresentation is neither an accident nor a contemporary anomaly.
Why such a minuscule representation? Historically, the barriers were stark. Racist laws and policies prohibited Black people from entering architectural schools, blocked them from sitting for licensing exams, or even associating with professional organizations. Though these barriers were officially removed, their shadows lingered, leading to a conspicuously white-dominated profession. Since 2010, despite efforts to change, the number of Black architects clearing the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) has stagnated at 2-3%.
However, from these challenges emerge tales of indomitable spirit and inspiration. Beverly Hannah stands as a beacon of hope and perseverance. As the first Black woman to be licensed as an architect in Michigan, her story is one of resilience.
In 1993, Hannah’s commitment to change bore fruit when she co-founded Hannah & Associates Inc.—one of the mere five architectural firms in the U.S. helmed by Black women. Beyond her architectural accomplishments, she endeavored to be a stalwart in the community, marking 30 years of transformative work in the industry.
“I was working at Albert Kahn, a notable firm that has been around for over 100 years, and I really wanted to learn the business of architecture but they had a long path for me, saying I’d have to first go to project management, then go to the field, and it was just a path that as an entrepreneurial person, I just couldn’t see myself doing,” she Hannah as she dived into the spark that ignited the flame to birth Hannah & Associates Inc. “So, once I got licensed my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in and I said, ‘I can do this myself.’ That was my spark.”
Being the CEO and Architectural Principal, Hannah boasts an impressive tenure of nearly three decades in the architectural domain, encompassing planning, design, and construction. Her professional credentials span multiple states, with architectural licenses in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New York. Characterized by her innovative spirit and unwavering tenacity, Ms. Hannah shines as an entrepreneurial figure, demonstrating a keen aptitude in all things business – a true testament to Black Girl Magic.
“My spirit goes back to my grandfather who owned businesses in Michigan as well as Florida,” expressed Hannah. “So, I watched him throughout my life work for himself and I knew I just never wanted to always work for someone else.”
Over the 30-year span of Hannah & Associates Inc., they’ve done hundreds of projects throughout the city alone, with their most notable project being the Wayne County Community College Curtis Ivery Wellness Facility —a new $25 million, ground-up construction project over on Fort Street in Detroit.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Hannah dedicates significant time and energy to community service and leadership roles. Among her notable contributions, she’s also a graduate of Leadership Detroit XIX, a former Cabinet Member of the Lawrence Tech University Alumni Board, and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Further illustrating her commitment to community and industry advancement, she stands as a founding member and an integral part of the executive leadership team for SAWF (Southern Automotive Women’s Forum), an organization that’s dedicated to inspiring young women to delve into unconventional technical professions.
“It’s interesting when people come to visit and ride around downtown and complement buildings and I can say, ‘we did that’,” Hannah expressed. “It’s nice to be able to see that this little girl from Detroit, raised right here in the city, and product of Detroit Public Schools has had that ton of impact over thirty years.”
Hannah’s influence extends to the next generation of Black architects, like Jadine Siblis. Fresh out of Lawrence Tech, Jadine embodies the dreams and aspirations of countless Black women determined to make their mark in the architectural realm.
“When I entered the workforce, I was fortunate enough to have Beverly Hannah as a mentor,” said Sibilis. “Beverly, being the first Black architect that I ever met at that point. It was a sight for sore eyes as she was so welcoming, along with everyone else at the firm and it was great to see representation was important for the firm and the people I would soon work with. For the next generation of Black female architects, I would love to get more involved in NOMA and provide that support and that voice wherever needed.” With mentors like Ms. Hannah to guide and inspire her, Sibilis has shown herself ready to challenge the status quo.
The architectural world, with its vast canvases of urban landscapes and intimate living spaces, gains depth and richness from diverse storytellers. Among them, young Black female architects bring a fresh and vital perspective, often rooted in a blend of personal experience and cultural heritage. Their designs might capture the rhythms of neighborhoods that mainstream architecture has sometimes overlooked, weaving in stories of community, family, and resilience. For Siblis, as a young architectural professional, she has a set goal.
“First and foremost, I plan to get my architectural license. To join the few Black women who have gotten their license and thrived would be amazing and to become a part of the representation that women can be and are architects,” she said.
The presence of these young Black female architects in the field is also a relatable inspiration for many. Their work resonates because it speaks to genuine experiences, bridging gaps between professional craftsmanship and the authenticity of lived life.
“Detroit is all about the communities and the history that ties it together,” Siblis shared. “The industry is slowly becoming more innovative and sustainable. While I’m not originally from Detroit I have recently begun to work here, and I’ve seen how small things such as using locally sourced materials and using local firms that have grown with Detroit over the years can benefit the future while respecting the past.”
For many young people, especially those here in the inner city, seeing these architects rise is like catching a glimpse of their own dreams taking shape – a powerful reminder that the world of creation and design is for everyone, irrespective of background.
When one contemplates the architectural journey of Black women, it isn’t just about numbers or representation. It’s about understanding the nuanced struggles they face—struggles that are magnified by the intersection of race and gender. The journey of Beverly Hannah or Jadine Siblis isn’t just about personal accomplishments in a challenging field; it’s reflective of a larger narrative of resilience, determination, and the quiet strength that Black women have historically showcased in various spheres of life.
It’s also an opportunity to understand how the architectural world, consciously or unconsciously, has remained insulated. The underrepresentation of Black women hints at lost opportunities—for diverse perspectives yield richer designs, deeper insights, and more holistic spaces. Architecture, in its essence, isn’t just about structures but about crafting spaces that resonate with diverse inhabitants. And who better to add to this tapestry than Black women, who bring with them a history, a culture, and a unique worldview?
In the annals of American architecture, the story of Black women might currently occupy only a few pages. But those pages are potent, filled with tales of tenacity, grit, and a quiet revolution. The numbers from NCARB may seem bleak, but the narratives of Black women in the field are imbued with hope, promise, and an unyielding spirit.
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