![]() ![]() Spanning a nearly 50-year career, which included appointments to the first Los Angeles City Planning Commission and LAX design and planning team, service as an architect for the US Navy during World War II, as well as dozens of awards and accolades, Williams was also responsible for designing and executing upwards of 2000 building projects in Los Angeles. Born in Los Angeles in 1894, Williams shattered racial barriers with his remarkable talent as a young architect, securing internships and jobs at respected LA firms upon graduating from high school in 1912. Williams, one of said colleagues, both influenced and was influenced himself by Kennard in his own work as an architect. Kennard was honored by the AIA as its first Black member in 1986 for “notable contributions to the architecture profession,” and he was widely recognized by his colleagues “as a role model for young people of minority groups aspiring to become architects and urban planners.” Two of his last projects completed before his death were the City of Los Angeles 77th Street Police Headquarters in which the community room is named in his honor, and a new entrance to the Hollywood Bowl. Notable completed public projects include the City of Carson City Hall and Community Center, Van Nuys State Office Building with architect Harold Williams, Parking Structures 1, 3 and 4 at the Los Angeles International Airport, and the Metro Purple Line Wilshire/Normandie Station. Kennard started KDG Architecture and Planning, the oldest Black-owned and operated architecture firm in Los Angeles since 1957, which is now under the leadership of Kennard’s daughter Gail Kennard alongside noted architect James E. In his early years, he was professionally connected to Neutra & Alexander, Victor Greuen Associates, and more, but eventually left to start his own firm, which specialized in transportation facilities, educational structures, and residential units. Seen as a pioneer himself, Robert Kennard, FAIA notably designed and constructed 40 residences through the early 60s, including one of his first homes, the Zeiger Residence, now designated a historic cultural monument for the City of Los Angeles. Kennard responded in the affirmative, to which Williams replied: “Then consider yourself successful.” When discussing the measures of success for themselves as burgeoning Black architects, Williams asked whether Kennard was still on the payroll. Influential Los Angeles architect Paul Revere Williams once counseled fellow architect Robert Kennard, who felt stalled in his career. This Black History Month, aided by research and resources compiled by SCI-Arc’s Kappe Library, we will be highlighting a selection of Black and African American architects who have made indelible imprints on the landscape, both architectural and cultural, of this city. It is also necessary to acknowledge the role of systemic racism and white supremacy in the historical lack or underrecognition of Black representation within the field of architecture, making it all the more critical to feature and appreciate moving forward. SCI-Arc honors the contributions of the Black and African American architects whose work has influenced and formed the built environment of Los Angeles, as well as the broader role these figures played in shaping the fabric of the city as a whole. ![]()
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