Marshall E. Purnell
As the first African-American president of The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Marshall Purnell was elected to represent nearly 80,000 AIA members. With more than 30 years of experience, Purnell has helped to assist clients in setting the goals and design direction for their projects. He currently serves as the Design Principal of Devrouax & Purnell.
Throughout his career, Purnell has been instrumental in the creation a number of notable design spaces including his work as design principal for the new Washington Nationals stadium, which will open in 2008 and as architect of record for the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. Other influential works include Pepco's headquarters in downtown Washington and the Washington Convention Center.
As president of the AIA, Purnell spearheads the organization's goal of promoting sustainable design and resource conservation in the residential and commercial building communities across the United States. The AIA has created a nationwide initiative to reduce the amount of fossil fuel consumption in the construction and operation of buildings by 50 percent by 2010. In order to accomplish this goal, the AIA is collaborating with other national and international organizations, the scientific research and public health community, as well as partnering with the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to raise awareness.
Before being elected as the AIA's 84th president, he served at the local component level in the AIA District of Columbia chapter, and is a fellow of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), of which he was elected president. Additionally, Purnell has made a substantial commitment to his hometown of Washington, D.C., by twice serving as chair of D.C. United Way Campaign, and chair of City First Bank of D.C. Former board activities include Washington Urban League, and the D.C. Commission on the Arts, Cultural Alliance, and Studio Theatre.
Purnell received his BS in Architecture & Planning and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, where he worked after graduation.