Profile: Norma Sklarek, Builder of Landmark Architecture

Groundbreaker • Architect • Mentor

One image introduces the woman who opened doors in a profession where few expected to see an African American woman leading major architectural projects. The other showcases one of her most recognizable achievements—the Pacific Design Center—demonstrating that her influence extended far beyond blueprints to shape the skylines and public spaces where people live, work, and gather. Together, these images tell a story of vision, technical excellence, and determination. They remind us that architecture is not only about designing buildings but also about creating places that serve generations. Norma Merrick Sklarek's career transformed both the profession she entered and the built environment she helped create. Her story begins with a determination to succeed where opportunity was often denied.

Overview:

Norma Merrick Sklarek (1926–2012) became one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century and a trailblazer for women and African Americans in architecture. Born in Harlem, New York, to parents who immigrated from Trinidad, she developed an early interest in mathematics, art, and construction through her father's encouragement. After earning her architecture degree from Columbia University in 1950, she encountered repeated discrimination while searching for employment, eventually accepting a position with New York City's Department of Public Works. In 1954, she became the first African American woman licensed as an architect in New York. Eight years later, she became the first Black woman licensed in California. Throughout a distinguished career, Sklarek directed the construction of many prominent buildings, including the Pacific Design Center, Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport, and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, helping redefine both the profession and the communities her work served. 

Quick Facts:

• Born April 15, 1926, in Harlem, New York

• Daughter of Walter Ernest Merrick and Amy Willoughby Merrick, immigrants from Trinidad

• Graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Architecture (1950)

• First African American woman licensed as an architect in New York (1954)

• First Black woman licensed as an architect in California (1962)

• First African American woman admitted to the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

• First Black woman elected to the AIA College of Fellows (1980)

• Director of Architecture at Gruen Associates

• Vice President of Welton Becket Associates

• Co-founder of Siegel Sklarek Diamond, one of the nation's largest woman-owned architectural firms

• Professor at New York City Community College, UCLA, and USC

• Recipient of the American Institute of Architects Whitney M. Young Jr. Award (2008)

• Posthumously awarded the AIA Los Angeles Gold Medal (2019)

A Career That Reached Across Borders

This collage reflects the remarkable scope of Norma Merrick Sklarek's architectural career. At left is San Bernardino City Hall, one of the major civic projects associated with her work. At center is her American Institute of Architects fellowship certificate, recognizing her professional achievement and distinction within the architectural profession. At right is the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, an international project demonstrating the global reach of the work she helped bring to completion. Together, these images represent a career that moved from major American civic architecture to international projects while breaking barriers for Black women in a profession where few had been given such opportunities.

Why This Story Matters:

Norma Merrick Sklarek demonstrated that excellence, leadership, and technical expertise could overcome barriers that once excluded women and African Americans from architecture. At a time when few firms hired either women or Black architects, she became one of the profession's most respected project directors, overseeing complex projects valued in the millions of dollars. Although many of the buildings she supervised were publicly credited to others, colleagues recognized her exceptional ability to transform ambitious designs into successful, functioning structures. Beyond her own accomplishments, Sklarek mentored younger architects, taught at universities, and encouraged greater diversity within the profession. Her career expanded opportunities for future generations while leaving a lasting mark on cities in the United States and around the world. 

Legacy:

Norma Merrick Sklarek helped redefine who could lead in architecture. Her achievements opened professional doors for women and African Americans while demonstrating that leadership in architecture extends beyond creative design to technical precision, collaboration, and project management. Many architects who followed credited her mentorship, guidance, and example with encouraging their own careers. Today, scholarships, professional awards, and the buildings she helped bring to life continue to honor her influence. Every traveler passing through Terminal One at Los Angeles International Airport or visitor entering the Pacific Design Center experiences part of a legacy built through her dedication to excellence, proving that architecture shapes both cities and opportunities for future generations. 

Discussion Questions:

1. Norma Merrick Sklarek faced discrimination when seeking employment after college. How might repeated rejection have influenced the determination and leadership she later demonstrated in her career?

2. Many architects receive recognition for designing buildings, while project architects often receive less public attention. Why is leadership behind the scenes just as important as leadership in the spotlight?

3. How can seeing people from different backgrounds succeed in professions like architecture influence the career goals of young people today?

Reflection Prompt:

1. Norma Merrick Sklarek achieved remarkable success in a profession where both racial and gender barriers limited opportunities. How might the history of American architecture—and the opportunities available to future architects—have been different if pioneers like Sklarek had accepted those barriers instead of challenging them? 

Sources & Further Reading:

1. “Norma Merrick Sklarek (1928–2012).” BlackPast. Website.

2. “Norma Merrick Sklarek.” Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. Website. 

3. “Norma Merrick Sklarek Awarded Posthumous 2019 AIA LA Gold Medal.” Archinect. Website. 

4. “Norma Sklarek: AIA|LA Gold Medal Winner, 2019.” AIA Los Angeles. Website. 

5. “New York Architect's License No. 006735.” Document. Issued October 11, 1954. National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

6.  “San Bernardino City Hall.” Photograph. Pioneering Women of American Architecture. Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. Website.

7. “U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.” Photograph. Pioneering Women of American Architecture. Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. Website. 

8. “Pacific Design Center.” Photograph. Pioneering Women of American Architecture. Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. Website. 

9. “The American Institute of Architects Certificate of Fellowship, Norma Merrick Sklarek.” Document. 1980. Norma Merrick Sklarek Archival Collection. National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian Institution. Website. 

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