Architectural history goes back to a time when racism and sexism permeated various industries and architecture was no exception. The field celebrated creativity, dynamism, and functionality—welcoming diverse colors, shapes, and forms in design but sadly this freedom of expression did not extend to the people within the profession initially.
Norma Merrick Sklarek is not just another name in the list of architects across the world, she was a leader who boldly challenged the barriers of race and gender that restricted her way. Entering a field that often excluded people based on race and gender, she not only survived but thrived in the industry, contributing to renowned projects that reshaped cityscapes. Sklarek stood firm, proving her intelligence and skill while breaking down walls that had long confined others.
Norma Merrick Sklarek
Sklarek was a pioneering figure as she became one of the first African American women architects in the United States. With her dedication and perseverance, she became the first licensed African American woman architect in New York and California. Sklarek played a key role in numerous projects and co-founded Siegel Sklarek Diamond, which became the largest woman-owned architectural firm in the country.
She also served as the architecture faculty and lecturer at well-known universities. To promote universality, she also founded the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). NOMA is an organization that works with a motive to encourage diversity and inclusion uniting the field. She also mentored and shaped young minds entering in the industry and made them feel confident.>>
Early Life
Norma Merrick Sklarek was the only child of Trinidadian immigrants, with her father working as a doctor and her mother as a seamstress. She grew up in Harlem and Brooklyn attending white schools. Her aptitude for math and art prompted her father to suggest architecture as a career. She attended Barnard College to get liberal arts education which was mandatory for admission to the School of Architecture at Columbia University.
According to her, architecture school was challenging. Most of her classmates were World War II veterans or held bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and they often collaborated on assignments. In contrast, she had to commute to school and found herself struggling to complete her work on the subway or at home, working alone. Sklarek’s circumstances explained, “The competition was keen but I had a stick-to-it attitude and never gave up.” Even after facing discrimination and continuously proving her worth she graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelors in Architecture in 1950.
Career
After graduating, Sklarek faced difficulties as she looked for jobs, she was rejected repeatedly by firms due to her race and gender. Despite her talent and qualifications, she faced problems in entering professional practice. Eventually, she accepted the role of a junior draftsperson with the City’s Department of Public Works.
After getting her architect’s license on her initial attempt in 1954, Sklarek got the opportunity to work with architectural firms, she joined the firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1955. After 5 years, she decided to move to Los Angeles and began her work at Gruen Associates, in 1960. Her career bloomed with professional success, and in 1980, she achieved the milestone of being named vice president at Welton Becket Associates.
Her next professional achievement broke more barriers when, in 1985, she co founded the woman-owned firm, Siegel Sklarek Diamond, with Margot Siegel and Katherine Diamond, which was the largest woman-owned architectural firm in the United States at the time. Sklarek became the first black woman to co-own a firm. After four successful years, she moved to the Jerde Partnership as principal of project management.
Sklarek retired in 1992, leaving an impactful legacy of achievements that transformed the architectural industry.
Works
Sklarek played a pivotal role in hiring and supervising staff architects, along with aligning the technical aspects of major projects when she worked as the director of architecture at Gruen Associates. Her notable contributions included iconic developments such as the California Mart, Fox Plaza, Pacific Design Center, San Bernardino City Hall, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
In 1980, when she became vice president at Welton Becket Associates, Sklarek was tasked with overseeing Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a $50 million project that she successfully completed ahead of the 1984 Olympic Games.
Later, at the Jerde Partnership, she contributed to significant projects, including the Mall of America in Minneapolis, further solidifying her impact on the architectural landscape.
Achievements
Sklarek was deeply committed to public and professional service, serving as a lecturer at institutions like Howard University and Columbia University while mentoring younger minority and women architects. Her colleagues such as Marshall Purnell and Katherine Diamond credit her with inspiring their success through her example and guidance.
She received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award from the AIA in 2008, in commendation of her contributions. The award honors organizations and architects demonstrating the profession’s commitment to addressing social issues. Her involvement with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) contributed to creating a supportive community for architects of color, encouraging professional development and advocacy opportunities.
Sklarek was the pioneer who brought the transformation in the industry by being the first African American woman to be a licensed woman architect in New York and California, first to be a member of AIA and elected to the College of Fellows; and first to co-own an architectural firm.
On February 6, 2012, after a life enriched with extraordinary accomplishments in architecture, Sklarek died of heart failure in California, at age 85. She was posthumously awarded the AIA|LA Gold Medal in 2019.
Public Figure
As a renowned personality in the architectural community, Sklarek was often invited as a speaker at conferences and symposiums worldwide. Her presentations had an insightful exploration of the connection between architecture and social justice. Sklarek was an influential speaker due to her ability to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly.
Outside of her professional practice achievements, Sklarek was also a mentor and role model for aspiring architects. She imparted her experience and knowledge to nurturing young talent by dedicating her time and expertise, and ensuring guidance and support. Sklarek’s mentorship programs established a pipeline for diverse architects, paving the way for future generations to continue advancing the profession.
Norma Merrick Sklarek serves as an inspiration today. Even after facing numerous challenges throughout her life, she forged a path for future generations to come. Not only was she actively involved in architectural practice, but she also played a crucial role in transforming the industry’s mindset. Her dedication to knowledge and perseverance, along with her guidance for newcomers, demonstrated her commitment to making architecture an inclusive field for all.
Her contributions—through architectural works, mentorship, and lectures have left a everlasting positive impact on the profession and paved the way for those who follow. Sklarek laid the groundwork for architecture to embrace unity in diversity, not just in practice but also in its core principles. Her life journey is an example that breaking barriers in the journey of moving ahead paves the way for us and helps the people who follow.
Citation:
- Quaggadesigns.com. (2021). Breaking Barriers: Architect Norma Sklarek’s Inspiring Fight Against Racism and Sexism. [online] Available at: https://www.quaggadesigns.com/post/breaking-barriers-architect-norma-sklarek-s-inspiring-fight-against-racism-and-sexism [Accessed 22 Sep. 2024].
- Morton, P. (n.d.). Pioneering Women of American Architecture. [online] Pioneering Women of American Architecture. Available at: https://pioneeringwomen.bwaf.org/norma-merrick-sklarek/.
- www.docomomo-us.org. (n.d.). Norma Merrick Sklarek. [online] Available at: https://www.docomomo-us.org/designer/norma-merrick-sklarek.
