009. Norma Merrick Sklarek and Tobi Ashiru: Celebrating Black Women in Architecture

This dual feature episode celebrates the trailblazing career of Norma Merrick Sklarek, the first Black woman licensed in architecture in New York and California, whose work broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Guest Tobi Ashiru, a Black architectural designer and educator, shares how Norma’s legacy has inspired her own journey and shaped her perspective on diversity in design.

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About Norma Merrick Sklarek

Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926-2012) was a pioneering architect who shattered racial and gender barriers in the profession. As the first Black woman licensed as an architect in New York and California, Norma made significant contributions to iconic projects such as the Fox Plaza in San Francisco, the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles, the US Embassy in Tokyo, and Terminal One at  LAX. But as a black woman, she faced a lot of discrimination throughout her career. In fact, after graduation, she was rejected by 19 firms purely because of her race and gender. But she made an impact at 5 notable firms, including Victor Gruen Associates where she worked with Frank Gehry and Cesar Pelli. She also co-founding a firm with 2 other women, named Siegel-Sklarek-Diamond, which was the first architectural practice led by women in the US. She was also the first Black woman to be part of the AIA in 1959 AND became an AIA fellow later in 1980. Sklarek's legacy extends beyond her architectural achievements; she was a passionate advocate for diversity in the field, mentoring countless young architects and leaving an indelible mark on the architecture community.

About Tobi Ashiru

Tobi is a passionate designer and alumna of the USC School of Architecture. With a mission to change the world through design,  she strives to push the boundaries of creativity. Born in Nigeria and raised in South Africa, Tobi seeks to create contextually relevant work that celebrates blackness. She's a interdisciplinary designer with diverse experiences as an architectural designer, installation artist, forever student, educator, and business owner.

She stays committed to the advancement of underrepresented voices in many ways and through Poché Design Studio, a black woman owned design agency she co-founded, where the mission is to occupy and amplify the black space in design. Tobi is currently an adjunct professor at USC School of Architecture where she is the lead instructor for the A-Lab program.

Instagram: @bypoche
Website: tobiashiru.com, bypoche.com

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View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:

Instagram: Amber Asay
Instagram: Women Designers Pod