America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

Welcome to #MentorMonday! Mondays are dedicated to celebrating Black LICENSED Architects, Designers, and individuals in the profession of Architecture!

The questions asked to these individuals are to allow us into their lives and to be used as an inspiration. I hope you all enjoy this series.

Name: Malcolm Anthony Jones

Hometown: Tampa, FL

What/who sparked your interest in Architecture and when?

Interestingly enough it was my Mother! At a young age she often noticed me sketching and playing with building blocks such as Legos. From that, she would always say to me, “You are going to be an Architect.” With this declaration being engrained in me, I chose to attend a high school that had a Drafting & Design program. Fast forward some years later and here I sit today with a Master of Architecture degree.

What does it mean to be a black architect/ urban designer to you? Do you feel that you have more responsibility?

What are some obstacles you’ve experienced or currently experiencing as a black architect/ urban designer?

Should we ignore race in this profession?

If you could give advice to a black student in Architecture /Urban Planning school right now, what would it be?

Describe a moment you were at your lowest on your pursuit to licensure and how did you overcome it?

I have failed my first few ARE exams, which is a tough pill to sallow when you had all the confidence in the world that you were going to pass. However, I simply look at it as me now knowing what to expect on the second time around and using that to my advantage to focus my studying efforts.

How important is representation?

Representation can be the difference as to whether or not a younger “Malcolm” decides to take on the wonderful challenge of becoming an architect, or the lack there of deters them from believing that they are worthy and deciding that they do not have what it take to walk in my shoes or the shoes of others who look like me in the same position.