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New AIA President Steps into Office

Purnell succeeds RK Stewart, a principal at Gensler.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 12/19/2007 12:00:00 AM

On December 15th, the American Institute of Architects inaugurated its 2008 AIA president, Marshall E. Purnell, a principal at Devrouax + Purnell Architects and Planners based in Washington, D.C.

Purnell is the 84th president for the organization--and the first African American to fill the role. Elected at the AIA 2006 annual convention, Purnell succeeds RK Stewart, a principal at Gensler. He will oversee more than 83,000 AIA members.

During his acceptance speech Purnell called for collaboration, asking design professionals, developers, and politicians to work together to tackle challenges such as urban sprawl, deteriorating schools, and affordable housing.

"We have to take a serious look at who we are as well as the rising generations of young women and men in this country who would and could and should consider architecture as a profession," Purnell says. "We must be more representative of the society we seek to serve."

Purnell served as vice president during 2007. His leadership experience includes the position of Mid-Atlantic regional director from 2003-2006 and president of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the AIA in 2003.