Architect with Diverse Partnership

White architect and Black architect formed a new partnership, an unusual combination at the time.

LR was Caucasian (also known as “White”) born in Chicago, the youngest of three brothers. Like his siblings, he studied architecture at the University of Illinois, which emphasized modern designs.  

ADAPTING TO CHANGING PUBLIC NEEDS

By the time LR arrived in Philadelphia to work for an architectural firm, public and private enthusiasm for modernism was declining and the profession had a renewed respect for buildings that better fit in with their older neighborhood.

One of LR’s first assignments was to design free-standing public housing towers for low-income seniors. His designs avoided looking like big boxes but instead, were adapted to fit more graciously into the city grid. Despite being taller than the lower, surrounding buildings, the towers didn’t seem to overwhelm their rowhouse neighbors. He also made sure that each tower included space for outdoor seating. Another project included an arcade where residents could sit in the shade while keeping an eye on the goings-on in the neighborhood.

CREATING A RACIALLY DIVERSE BUSINESS

While working at an architectural firm in Philadelphia, LR met a fellow architect, WL, a well-respected but (then) rare African American working as an architect. The two men decided to start their own business. At the time, in the 1950s, it was unusual for an African American to be a part owner of an architectural firm in Philadelphia. 

CAREER CHANGE

After his older business partner, WL, died, LR intended to retire from architecture but instead, studied for and obtained his real estate license and continued working part time until he fully retired to enjoy his family, music, and golf. 

Editor’s note – This was one of the first career stories I prepared. At that time, I thought it best to avoid distracting the reader by not revealing whether the story was based on my personal interview or upon a news article such as an obituary. Thus, I failed to credit the obituary writer and the publisher, most likely The New York Times. Since then, all stories credit my sources (writer and publisher) by name. No stories have ever or will ever be fictitious or involve any A.I. (artificial intelligence).