America’s Hidden Gem (TM)

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

Name: Durmon Jones

Hometown: Wetipquin, MD (1st Home) and Mitchellville, MD (Current Home) 

Educational Status: 1st year Grad Student-Pursuing a Master of Architecture at Morgan State University’s School of Architecture and Planning

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

My past four years at MSU’s School of Architecture and Planning have been very mellow. I’ve developed a rapport with the faculty and my fellow peers. When I became aware of the disparities within the built-environment academia, and within the profession, I was mortified and annoyed. I’m delighted that I attend Morgan State University because here I learn and get to understand another side of architecture. A side that doesn’t get as attention or respect. A side of architecture that isn’t driven by pure aesthetic and prestige. Instead, driven by functionality and the community.

Why do you want to get your licensed?

I never viewed getting my license as a “want.” I saw it as an obligation and as a “need.” By becoming a licensed Architect, it will open some doors, give me some space in the field. Also,  I wouldn’t have to worry about designing in other places. Most important of all, it would be a personal milestone for me. A Black Licensed Architect I’m so excited.

Biggest inspiration/influence?

The biggest inspiration and influence would be my family. My family has a prolific background in education and military service. They always figured their way through any problem that would come their way. I often think about that when I have a problem of my own. From the Great-Aunt that mentored me to the Aunts that made fun with me, the cousin that always has my back, the mother and father that would always greet me with hugs and kisses. The brothers and sisters that always make me smile, and the grandmother that was always there. I will forever treasure them.

How important is representation? 

Representation is by far one of the most important things on this planet. Too often do people get misrepresented and sometimes not seen or heard. When you have a room filled with people that have similar backgrounds and are tasked to solve a century-old problem. The odds of them coming to the same conclusion are high. This conclusion may not be a suitable or long-lasting answer to a systematic problem designed by and beneficial to the people in the room. It just becomes an echo chamber of what is best for those present in that room at that moment. I believe that everyone that has been affected by said problem should be present for that moment, in that room.

Favorite quote/poem/song/etc.?

Quote – Change is Normal. It is something I look forward to experiencing. – Durmon W. Jones III
Poem – “Don’t Quit” by John Greenleaf Whittier
Song –  “fever dream” by mxmtoon