Bio:

Harold is the Principal Architect for Harold Thompson Architects - the evolution of Jones Thompson Architects founded in 1972 in Memphis, TN. Harold merged the practice with McKissack & McKissack Architects in 1983 and subsequently established HTA to have a more hands-on approach to his clients. After more than 50 years in practice, Harold is semi-retired serving as architectural consultant on selected projects. Harold's specific expertise is programing and developing design concepts.

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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?

My pastor's son was an architect in Chicago who visited Memphis and talked about architecture and showed me his professional brochure. I was amazed and knew at that moment that this was the profession I was looking for.

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What do you do?

I researched architecture and architects. I was disappointed to find very few black architects, especially in the south. I then researched schools of architecture and selected Howard University, where a significant number of black architects attended

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What excites you in the work you do? 

I'm excited to meet with the clients and jointly create a project that satisfies their needs, within the budget. My greatest excitement is when the client takes occupancy and is able to function as desired.

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Who or what inspires you professionally? 

I was inspired by 2 architects - Paul Williams who I never met, and Francis Mah - my mentor. I learned excellence and perseverance from Paul Williams and design approach from Francis Mah - there is a process.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest accomplishment was the establishment of Jones Thompson Architects in Memphis in 1972, the first AA architectural firm home-based and operated in Memphis.

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Featured Project Name: 

National Museum of African American Music

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Featured Project Location: 

Nashville, Tennessee

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

June 2021​

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect and Architectural Designer

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Featured Project Description:

The concept was to create a music museum that focused on the impact of AA music on the nation and the world. The exterior design challenge was to create a cultural icon with a strong sense of identity within the context of a controlled urban setting. The exterior material needed to reflect the colors, hues and richness of the Serengeti region of Africa., being dynamic and subtlety changing as sunlight and clouds do, much like American Music is shaped by socio-economic influences of the time.

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Photography Credit:

Harold Thompson