Bio:

To educate future generations of architects, James Silcott, AIA, has contributed more than $3 million ---- making him the largest individual donor to African American architecture students in the United States. When James E. Silcott decided to study architecture at Howard University, it changed the trajectory of his life. Since his graduation in 1957, he has been giving back, and James Silcott’s donations have increased the number of African Americans who become architects. His gifts include the following: James E. Silcott Fund (helps with emergency funds for students); James E. Silcott Chair (covers salary of at least one faculty member per semester); T. George Silcott Architecture and Design Gallery (in memory of his late brother, George, Silcott’s donation enabled the creation of a permanent gallery exhibit space in the Howard University Department of Architecture). Silcott has served as a mentor to numerous Howard students and former students. He facilitated Howard students’ participation on a design project in Southern California for one of the largest privately held collections of African American history and culture in the nation. Through his philanthropy, mentorship and support for Howard University, he has impacted the trajectory of more than 500 African American architecture students over the past 20 years.

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Object:

Object Five - Alternative career, volunteer work with organizations not directly connected with the built environment, or service to society

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Year of Elevation: 

2020

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Featured Project Name: 

UCLA Boathouse

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Featured Project Location: 

Marina Del Rey, CA

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

1964

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal Architect

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Featured Project Description:

The UCLA Boathouse has been used for parties, receptions, weddings and other social events. Designed to resemble a seagoing vessel and with stunning views of the marina and the Pacific Ocean, it complements California maritime culture. Since its opening in the 1960s, it has served several generations of UCLA students. Also shown is 2010 Howard University architecture students on a visit to the Mayme Clayton Library and Museum in Culver City, near Los Angeles.

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Photography Credit:

UCLA Archives, KPG Architects