7 African-American Architects Who’ve Built Successful Careers in a Challenging Industry

David Carpenter

Working with a focus on community is how architect David Carpenter began his career. After graduating from UCLA with a Masters degree in architecture, he secured a job at KFP Architects in Massachusetts. There, he got the opportunity to design housing projects for battered women and the homeless. In 2003, he made the move to Metzler/Mandl, a firm located in New York City. After seven years at the company, 46-year-old Carpenter was recently made partner. He is one of few African-American architects to achieve that position within a major firm. His work continues in the tradition in which started, with designs that focus on affordable and multi-family housing. Some of the firm’s projects include The Paradigm and The Viridian condos and the rental buildings The Montrose and Berkley Park. Metzler/Mandl also designs art galleries, museums, religious facilities and theaters.