America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

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

Name: Kherby Jean

Hometown: Cap- Haitian, Haiti

Educational Status: 4th-year Architecture Student at Tuskegee University

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

In this profession of Architecture, a black architect is very scarce. Before Tuskegee, I went to Miami Dade College and there weren’t much black architecture students in my classes and the firms that we visited were 95% white. It is not until I came to Tuskegee where I realized that blacks actually had an interest in architecture. Fast forward a year I am in an internship that talks about African Architecture where I am exploring architecture from all over Africa and realizing how many African architects there are worldwide. Overall, knowing the small percentage of licensed black architects in the U.S makes me even more passionate about becoming a successful architect. 

Why do you want to get your licensed?

I want to get licensed because it provides more freedom in the field. I will have a better chance of being hired if I am licensed and also get better pay in comparison to someone who is not licensed. In addition in certain states, there are some restrictions of what you can build if you are not licensed. 

Biggest inspiration/influence?

Francis Kere. The reason why I chose Francis Kere is because of the cultural identity focused architecture that he produces. He creates architecture for his people and that’s what I would like to do for Haiti. I also respect him because while he went away for school in Germany, he came back to build in his home town. That’s very commendable because some people leave and never come back, I will not be one of those people. 

How important is representation?

Representation is important because that is the view we will see ourselves in our careers. Before learning about so many African architects, I didn’t really know how I was gonna succeed, now that I have seen so many African architects the ladder doesn’t seem so far up, everything is more tangible. Because now I see so many Haitian architects who are successful and see that I can get in contact with them, I am able to have hope in this dream that I have of building in Haiti.    

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?

Song: 11:47 Pm by Montell Fish