Marshall Purnell
Encyclopedia
Marshall Purnell is a prominent African-American architect
and 2008 president of the American Institute of Architects
.
, Michigan
, he is the second son of Leila (Davis) Purnell and the late long-time professional jazz saxophonist Curtis Purnell (1922–2006). After attending Ottawa Hills High School and playing on its state high school championship winning basketball team, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science
in Architecture
& Urban Planning
and a Master of Architecture
from the University of Michigan
in Ann Arbor. He has been in private practice with partner Paul S. Devrouax
, FAIA since 1980.
(AIA), Washington, D.C. Purnell, an AIA regional director from the Mid-Atlantic Region and design principal of Devrouax+Purnell Architects and Planners PC, Washington, DC, has been involved in numerous AIA activities, including service on the Board Advocacy and Diversity committees, as well as on the AIA Scholarship, Historic Resources and Housing committees. He has also been involved in leadership at the local component level through the AIA District of Columbia chapter (AIA|DC) and is a Fellow of the AIA and Council Member of National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), of which he was elected president in 1985-1987, and to several other executive positions.
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
and 2008 president of the American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
.
Life
Born in Toledo Ohio, and raised in Grand RapidsGrand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, he is the second son of Leila (Davis) Purnell and the late long-time professional jazz saxophonist Curtis Purnell (1922–2006). After attending Ottawa Hills High School and playing on its state high school championship winning basketball team, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
in Architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
& Urban Planning
Urban planning
Urban planning incorporates areas such as economics, design, ecology, sociology, geography, law, political science, and statistics to guide and ensure the orderly development of settlements and communities....
and a Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
The Master of Architecture is a professional degree in architecture, qualifying the graduate to move through the various stages of professional accreditation that result in receiving a license.-Overview:...
from the University of Michigan
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
The A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is an undergraduate and graduate institution for the built environment at the University of Michigan. Formerly known as the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Taubman College gained the namesake of real estate developer and...
in Ann Arbor. He has been in private practice with partner Paul S. Devrouax
Paul S. Devrouax
Paul S. Devrouax was a prominent African-American architect in Washington, D.C..-External links:* Official firm website....
, FAIA since 1980.
Career
In 2006, Purnell was elected to serve as the 2007 First Vice President/President-elect/2008 President of the American Institute of ArchitectsAmerican Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
(AIA), Washington, D.C. Purnell, an AIA regional director from the Mid-Atlantic Region and design principal of Devrouax+Purnell Architects and Planners PC, Washington, DC, has been involved in numerous AIA activities, including service on the Board Advocacy and Diversity committees, as well as on the AIA Scholarship, Historic Resources and Housing committees. He has also been involved in leadership at the local component level through the AIA District of Columbia chapter (AIA|DC) and is a Fellow of the AIA and Council Member of National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), of which he was elected president in 1985-1987, and to several other executive positions.
External links
- Devrouax + Purnell Architects and Planners, PC Official firm website.