America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Hi readers! It’s #FutureArchitectFriday. A day to celebrate those pushing themselves to becoming licensed architects.

Name:

Justin Naylor

Hometown:

Baltimore, Maryland

Educational Status:

College Senior

How would you describe your experience as a Black Architecture student?

My experience is very positive because the field is rich with untapped potential in the field that us as African Americans. I think that my experience is different because I attend an HBCU which has sheltered me from the reality of a majority white profession.

Why do you want to get your license?

It’s important to me because to show the next generation and the previous that we as black professionals are not wasting our potential.

Biggest inspiration/influence?

My biggest turning point was failing my Arch104 it put a chip on my shoulder that drove me to be so much better that what I would’ve been if I had passed and I can not see my career in architecture being the same without that experience.

How important is representation?

Extremely Important if we can show the next generation that we can be successful and innovative in a majority white field it gets us closer to leveling the playing field.

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?