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Architecture is Political: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Melissa Daniel
A podcast where black and brown folks have a conversation about architecture.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Dec 3, 20251h 17m
School Buildings, Model City and the Struggle for Access
This episode features an exciting conversation with Amber N. Wiley, PhD, who has just published her new book titled 'Model Schools in the Model City: Race, Planning, and Education in the Nation’s Capital' The interview covers various topics including the challenges and triumphs of writing her book during the pandemic as well as the history and architecture of black schools in Washington, DC. Amber also discusses her upbringing, the significance of black public high schools, and the efforts to get them recognized as national historic landmarks. The interview concludes with a look at Amber's future projects and her upcoming book tour events.Amber N. Wiley Ph.D. is the Wick Cary Director of the Institute for Quality Communities. An award-winning scholar, Wiley has over 20 years of experience in teaching, research and professional practice in historic preservation, architecture and community engagement. She has dedicated her career to advancing the history and narrative of design and preservation in Black communities, as well as advocating for theoretically rigorous, thoughtful and inclusive expansions of preservation policy and practice. She currently serves on the board of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. Her first book, Model Schools in the Model City: Race, Planning, and Education in the Nation’s Capital was released by the University of Pittsburgh Press in April 2025. Her second book, Collective Yearning: Black Women Artists from the Zimmerli Art Museum is scheduled for release by the Rutgers University Press in May 2026.Amber received her Ph.D. in American Studies from George Washington University. She also holds a Master’s in Architectural History and Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia School of Architecture, and a B.A. in Architecture from Yale University. She is a native of Oklahoma City with roots in Washington, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Arkansas.Learn More:Purchase Model Schools in the Model City: Race, Planning, and Education in the Nation's Capital at www.ambernwiley.com and https://dchistory.org/events/book-talk-model-schools/Watch Clips:Walter Fauntroy, Urban Renewal and The Model City Video Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/s_-AKvIGZfY?feature=share
- Sep 6, 20251h 16m
Episode 100: Honoring Desiree V. Cooper Through Legacy and Scholarship
We celebrate this 100th episode with the recipients of The DVC Memorial Scholarship. The 2025 recipients are Taylor Latimer (Harrisburg Memorial Award), Cheryl Dixon (DC Memorial Award), Makenzie Anane Elam (NOMA Award), and Leslie Aileen Ponce-Diaz (Honorable Mention). The conversation opens with introductions from long-time friends of Desiree (Nikolas Hill, Carol Smith Twyman, Morina Peterson, Katherine Williams), who reflect on her legacy and the challenges of navigating the architectural profession. Recipients share how they discovered the scholarship, often through networking at NOMA events, and speak candidly about balancing the demands of rigorous exams with professional responsibilities. Together they explore ways to expand the scholarship’s impact by suggesting resources for study materials, fostering stronger community ties among recipients, and establishing a shared network directory. The discussion concludes with heartfelt gratitude for the support and recognition the scholarship provides. This year’s recipients each received $1,410 toward their exams.Makenzie Elam is a young black woman born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. She is a three time graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Design. Makenzie has a passion for teaching and mentorship of not just the next generation of youth, but the next generation of architects and designers. Makenzie currently volunteers at one of her local hospitals as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Volunteer as a Baby Cuddler and a Girl Scout Troop Leader/Volunteer for one of the local chapters in her area.A proud native ATL-ien and two-time alumna of Tuskegee University, Cheryl is an architectural designer, who provides a multidisciplinary approach to the built environment. With an affinity for design-build and hands on collaboration, Cheryl values opportunities to connect clients and industry experts to devise innovative solutions. Pairing her background in construction management with her strengths in architectural and interior design, Cheryl enthusiastically enjoys contributing to the full life cycle of a project, from schematic ideation and programmatic strategy to turn-key constructed implementation. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her parents and family, volunteering with graduate members of her sorority, traveling to live music performances, playing tennis, crate digging at vinyl record stores, and trying new vegan eats.Taylor Latimer is a Designer at OCA Architects in Newark, New Jersey. With over seven years of experience in the Architecture field, she has contributed to a wide range of projects across the U.S., including mixed-use residential, educational, public, hospitality, and transportation developments. Taylor brings a distinct lens to her work—one rooted in cultural awareness, user empathy, and social impact. Her approach to design is grounded in the three pillars of sustainability: environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social equity. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University, with additional studies in business and real estate development. As the current President of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Taylor is a fierce advocate for equity in the profession. In addition to her professional work, Taylor is deeply invested in mentorship and education.
- Jul 18, 202549 min
Community-Centric Architecture w/ Melisa Sanders, RA
In this episode, Melisa shares her path to becoming an architect in St. Louis, Missouri and the importance of involving community voices in the design process. Melisa talks about her career trajectory, from her experiences in various firms to founding her own practice, BlackArc, which centers on community-driven design. She shares insights from her involvement in panels and fellowships, emphasizing her design philosophy's global inspirations. Melissa also reveals her teaching methods at Washington University in St. Louis which focuses on collaborative and contextual learning. Melisa Sanders, RA, NOMA, SEED, is the founding Principal of BlackArc, a design collaborative advancing racial, economic, and social equity through community-centered design. A licensed architect, urban designer, educator, and advocate, she focuses on sustainable, equitable solutions for disinvested and BIPOC communities.With over a decade of experience, Melisa’s work integrates architecture, urban design, and social justice, exploring design justice, trauma-informed design, and architecture as a tool for resistance. She mentors students in inclusive design practices at Washington University in St. Louis.She has held leadership roles with STLNOMA, DeSales Community Development, and Design As Protest, advocating for anti-racist design. Named a Fellow of the Association for Community Design, she also serves as Director of Community Engagement for Counterpublic and was appointed by St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones to the Prop NS Stabilization Advisory Committee.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackarc.design/
- May 26, 202554 min
Housing, Politics and Mitchell-Lama
Jonathan Tarleton, an urban planner and oral historian, talked about his book 'Homes for Living: The Fight for Social Housing and a New American Commons.' We discussed his motivation behind writing the book, which focuses on two social housing cooperatives in Brooklyn and Manhattan. We go in-depth about the ongoing housing crises in the U.S., the difference between cooperatives and social housing as well as the disparities in wealth-building opportunities for Black and Brown communities. Tarleton explains his personal viewpoints on the Mitchell-Lama program, challenges in the co-op governance, the technicalities behind privatization and the broader fight for social housing. We also touch on how larger community involvement and public perception towards viewing housing as a public good can help sustain affordable housing models.Jonathan Tarleton is a writer, urban planner, and oral historian. He is the author of Homes for Living: The Fight for Social Housing and a New American Commons. He previously served as the chief researcher on Nonstop Metropolis: A New York City Atlas and as the editor of Urban Omnibus. His essays have appeared in Orion, Jacobin, Hell Gate, Dirt, and beyond.Social media: instagram: @jonathantarleton; twitter: @jttarleton; bluesky: @jonathantarleton
- Apr 30, 202551 min
How Social Housing can Work in DC
Andria Chatmon, a community organizer from Empower DC, and East Peterson-Trujillo, campaign director at the Green New Deal for DC, discuss strategies to address DC's affordable housing crisis. We discuss the severe underfunding of DC's affordable housing programs and the need for a new approach. Despite the creation of new housing units, the specific goal for affordable housing has not been met. Social housing may be the alternative solution that includes mixed-income government-owned properties with a focus on environmental sustainability and tenant empowerment. Also discussed was successful models like the The Laureate in Montgomery County, MD. The challenges and benefits of public-private partnerships in housing, the necessity of tenant involvement in management, and the legal obstructions faced in DC are also examined. The conversation ends on a personal note, discussing the speakers' backgrounds, motivations, and the impact of the new federal administration on their work.Andria Chatmon is a Community Organizer at Empower DC, a grassroots organization committed to building the organized political power of black, brown, and low-income District residents to fight displacement and expand affordable housing in the District.East Peterson-Trujillo is a climate justice advocate and campaign strategist dedicated to advancing environmental equity and sustainable transportation. They currently serve as the Campaign Director for the Green New Deal for DC (GND4DC), a coalition focused on racial justice, climate resilience, and economic equity in Washington, D.C.As discussed on the Podcast links:D.C. meets goal to add 36,000 housing units ahead of schedule Empower DC Social Housing Info Session and Talk Back
- Mar 18, 20251h 15m
Advocacy and Authenticity with Telicious Robinson
Telicious Robinson shares her journey from Ohio to DC, her experiences in the architecture industry, and her vision for the future of DC NOMA (National Organization for Minority Architects). She talks about her passion for healthcare architecture, the challenges of navigating professional spaces as a Black woman, and the importance of giving back to the community. We also discuss the need for honesty, the importance of mental health, and how advocating for change within the industry can empower younger generations of Black architects.Telicious Robinson, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED GA is a seasoned Technical Designer/Medical Planner with over 13 years of experience across a diverse range of project types. Her extensive portfolio spans Higher Education, Residential, Industrial, Hospitality, Commercial, Aviation, and K-12 schools, with a predominant focus on healthcare architecture.A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Telicious actively participates in initiatives within her firms and as a dedicated member of NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects). She serves as Vice President of the DC NOMA chapter, where she champions the advancement of underrepresented voices in architecture. She was also selected for the 2024 AIA Next to Lead program, an exclusive leadership initiative designed to support ethnically diverse women in the profession.In addition to her professional work, Telicious is deeply committed to education and mentorship. She serves as an adjunct professor at Kent State University and as a NOMAS advisor, guiding and inspiring the next generation of architects.Originally from Cleveland, OH, Telicious holds dual bachelor's degrees in Science for Architecture from Kent State University and Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree from Boston Architectural College. In her role as a Designer and Job Captain, she has led impactful healthcare projects, including Infusion Pharmacy Upgrades, ICU units, Family Health Centers, Surgery Centers, Oncology Units, Lab Design Services, and Imaging Suite Upgrades, showcasing her versatility and expertise in the field.IG: @teethearchitect
- Feb 3, 202555 min
Building Bridges and Communities with Anna McCorvey, RA
In the Season 5 premiere, Anna McCorvey RA, LEED AP BD+C talks about inspiring professional journey and her mission-driven work. Anna shares the story behind founding the River East Design Center (REDC) in Southeast D.C., emphasizing its focus on addressing community needs before initiating design projects. She discusses the center's focus on educational outreach and conceptual design services, aiming to empower local residents with crucial information. Anna also opens up about her role as an Equitable Development Manager at the Building Bridges Across the River (11th Street Bridge Park Project), her fellowship experience with the Goethe Institute and why authentic community engagement is critical to meaningful change. The episode concludes with reflections on her personal backgrounds and shared passion for community-focused design. Anna McCorvey is a practicing architect in Washington, DC whose initial interest in architecture was spiked at an early age through public housing. At the early age of 5 she noticed the subtle and sometimes flagrant differences between the housing and schools from one part of town to the next. Her desire to understand these differences and address them led her to a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University and a Master of City Planning degree from the University of California Berkeley with a housing and community development emphasis. Upon graduating, she spent 6 years working on affordable and low-income housing developments, schools, day care facilities and recreation centers, many of which were in some of DC’s most underserved communities. With a strengthened commitment to design equity in underserved communities, she founded The River East Design Center (REDC) in 2018. As a nonprofit community design center, REDC is a resource to communities that desire to learn more about architecture and planning and be active in development projects in their neighborhoods. After designing a mobile retail kiosk for one of the 11th Street Bridge Park’s small business initiatives, Anna was invited to join the 11th Street Bridge Park team as their Senior Equitable Development. In this role, Anna oversees a series of programs designed to prevent displacement in communities surrounding the park by equipping residents and businesses to thrive in future economic changes. In these various capacities, Anna regularly leads workshops and discussions on community engagement, community centered design, and issues of diversity representation within the design professions. This work awarded her the honor of being a 2021 Public Interest Design Fellow with the DC Public Library and the Goethe Institute and the recipient 2023 Wieb Award for Architecture in the Public Interest. Anna is a resident of DC’s Anacostia neighborhood and enjoys short runs along the Anacostia River, traveling anywhere she’s never been and Sunday night funk music at JoJo ’s Restaurant. Get to know Anna_Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTrymkOUdbk https://dcplpodcast.simplecast.com/episodes/all-things-creative-reimagining-civic-engagement-and-participatory-planning
- Jan 3, 202543 min
Listening to the Past with Peter D. Cook, FAIA
Happy New Year and welcome to the final episode of season four (4)! We're wrapping up the season with a conversation featuring the incredible Peter D. Cook, FAIA, NOMA. In this episode, we talk about his remarkable lineage, his role in shaping DC's architectural landscape, and his work at The Contemplative Site at Monticello. We also discuss the importance of community engagement, the challenges architecture students face, and his contributions to DC’s public spaces, including libraries. It’s the perfect close to a long season. Peter D. Cook, FAIA, NOMA is a Design Principal and Vice President with HGA, a position he has held since joining the firm in 2017. A graduate of Harvard College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, he is a nationally recognized architect based in Washington DC with a portfolio of award-winning art, community and educational projects demonstrating versatility with a variety of sites, typologies and scales. Common among them is his approach that values the establishment of a strong, personal connection with client and stakeholders, the result of deep listening and empathy. A direct descendant of Julian F. Abele (1881-1950), one of the nation’s most celebrated and accomplished African-American architects, Peter served as one of the three lead design collaborators for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Peter was appointed in 2021 by President Joseph Biden to serve as a member of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and was elevated in 2022 as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. He has also served for over 20 years as a Peer for the U.S. General Services Administration Design Excellence program. Peter continues to be engaged with many community-based institutions including serving on the Board of Directors at the Washington Architectural Foundation, the Board of Trustees at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and as a past Vice President of the National Organization of Minority Architects.
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