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

Deryl McKissack

Following in a longtime family tradition, Deryl McKissack started McKissack & McKissack in 1990. In the early 1900s, her grandfather and grand-uncle opened an architectural and engineering firm under the same name. The two men were also the first licensed African American architects in the South. After working for a time at Turner Construction; managing three facilities at Howard University; and working for the family business, she eventually decided to strike out on her own. Based in Washington, DC, her firm boasts 132 employees. A project management firm, the company also specializes in architecture and interiors and environmental engineering. A Howard University alum, McKissack’s firm has worked on the restoration of the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials, Washington Nationals baseball stadium, the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, and participated in the O’Hare International Modernization program.