On February 20, 2025, the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee (WIA) was pleased to host Roberta Washington, FAIA, NOMAC, Founding Principal of Roberta Washington Architects, as part of the February Committee Meeting to celebrate Black History Month. Roberta shared with us her research on the history of black women architects, Beverly Loraine Green and Georgia Louise Harris, the black male architects who were early mentors and friends, and the pioneering black women who started their own firms—including herself! 

Roberta also shared her personal story from her early years in North Carolina, living through segregation, her background in the arts, how she became interested in architecture—through a serendipitous encounter with the only black architect who was her neighbor—and her studies at Howard University and, in particular, Columbia University where she received a full scholarship along with 25 other Black students in response to the 1968 campus riots. We were captivated by her breadth of work from hospitals and housing in Mozambique to New York and monuments like the African Burial Ground Interpretive Center. As well, it was impressive to learn how Roberta navigated being a Black woman architect in a predominantly white and male-led industry. 

Following the presentation, we had an engaging conversation with Roberta on lessons learned, advice for those looking to start their own firm, and her future plans. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!