Bio:

The great architect,  Belinda Stewart, FAIA is the founder/principal of Belinda Stewart Architects, PA, a predominately female architectural firm based in Eupora, Mississippi. For 30 years, they have created and restored cherished landmarks, serving clients and communities throughout Mississippi and the Southeast. They specialize in historic preservation/rehabilitation and contextually inspired new design and construction, all with the goal of making a positive difference in the life of a person and a community.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I first learned about architecture in high school, from a career presentation. I have been interested in the built environment since my earliest memories, particularly existing and historic structures and the stories they embody.

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What do you do?

I am a Citizen Architect. I lead my firm, currently celebrating our 30th year. I lead my community as Mayor. I help enable others to lead, and help communities to see their uniqueness, beauty and significance - helping show “There’s Always a Way”.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Seeing a community start to take pride in their structures and in their stories. Watching them see the vision, embrace their dreams and step up and take charge of the direction of their community and lift their neighbors around them as they go.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Local Champions. Every project has a champion in their community who helps lead the community through their projects, who inspires and motivates their neighbors and who holds everyone account- able to the ultimate goal for their community.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Celebrating 30 years of my company, that I start- ed in my grandmothers living room, and then moved into the downtown of my community. And, the people who have moved here from all over the country to help grow our company and develop our expertise.

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Featured Project Name: 

Tallahatchie County Courthouse Restoration

 

Featured Project Location: 

Sumner, Mississippi

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Ongoing

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal architect and lead designer

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Featured Project Description:

Belinda Stewart is the project leader for the full range of projects related to the development of the Tallahatchie County Courthouse as the Emmett Till National Historic Site. Belinda and her firm were initially hired to provide an existing building analysis and feasibility study to determine if the courthouse could be restored to its appearance during the Emmett Till murder trial in 1955. The murder of Emmett Till and the historic trial provided the spark for the Civil Rights Movement.

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Photography Credit:

Langdon Clay

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