African American Architect in Indianapolis, Indiana weathering the storm during economic downturn

1. An African American ArchitectWeathering the Storm during Economic
Downturn
Many people of the Great state of Indiana are probably not aware of the lack of women and
diversity in the architectural industry.
There exist only one (1) licensed, practicing African American female Architect in the city of
Indianapolis, Indiana and her name is Daryl Williams-Dotson.
Daryl has been an Architectural Designer/Planner with her own Firm for well over 20 years
and has been responsible for some major projects that you may have visited or Patron on a regular
basis, without the knowledge that she played an integral part of the Planning and Designing of that
structure. I had the Honor and privilege of being introduced to Daryl just recently and was quite
impressed with not only her accomplishments, but her resilience, perseverance, determination and
vision for the state of Indiana and the profession of Architectural Design/Planning.
Daryl has had many challenges starting her business in a predominantly Male dominated industry.
Particularly during the recession beginning in 2008 through 2012.
Fewer than 9 % of registered architects; own their own firm.
In its most recent annual report (2013), the National Architectural Accrediting Board
(NAAB) indicates that 43% of a total of 25,958 enrolled students in NAAB-accredited architecture
programs (B.Arch., M.Arch, and D.Arch) in 2012-13 were female. Although the representation of
women in architecture schools has been steadily growing, women still represent significantly fewer
than 50% at this early stage.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) estimates the number of
architects licensed in the United States at 105,847. Licensure is the highest form of professional

2. regulation, and all 50 states require an individual to be licensed in order to call him or herself an
architect.
It is such a challenge breaking into the architectural field not only in Indiana but nationally as well.
When I asked Daryl how did her initial start begin and what challenges did she face? Daryl replied:
“When work slowed due to the recession I used this time for housekeeping, meaning it was time to
review the business plans, work plans, strategic plans, and implement some of those processes
that weren’t previously addressed due to the workload. As well as follow up with clients to address
past projects, past concerns, and how we could do better moving forward once work became
available again”.
“Often times an Architect may have down time where projects are in the works or fewer
projects are in production.”
When asked how do you access the direction of your company at those times and does it
discourage you? Daryl remained not only optimistic but also generously concerned for others; as
she replied:
“Those are the times to give back to the community, maybe hire the janitor that only needed
a few dollars in his pocket here and there, or the student only needing to work a few days a week;
Also, this is the time to help the community with small church projects, retail, and office projects
that didn’t warrant multimillion-dollar architectural services, but perhaps an illustration and/or
advice to get them through the regulatory review processes”.
“This was also the time to assess my finances and realign my priorities to better reflect the
dwindling income, thereby literally wearing several hats to address the job that needed attention”.
I asked Daryl a series of questions to grasp the brevity of being a Minority in a conservative
state as Indiana to access if she was as positive as she seemed. Surprisingly; Daryl was hopeful of
establishing more/new networking connections and aligning herself with other Indiana Architects to

3. continue to make a significant contribution to the State of Indiana's architectural edifices, both
internally and externally.
Here is our Interview that I conducted with Daryl on 03/04/2016:
Reporter: How did you weather the storm during economic challenges?
Daryl: I had to wear a lot of hats, I had to sometimes plan, develop and implement, whatever was
needed at the time to keep business afloat and save money. I had to do everything.
Reporter: Did you not have the funds or was being frugal at that time is what was required, to
sustain your business during that recessionary period, awaiting the acceleration of business.
Daryl: All of the above, I needed to watch my funds closely; I had fewer projects in production.
subsequently; I had to stay busy, “with variable matters that were immediantly at hand,” such as
doing things around the office to save money. I had fulltime employees and had to reduce the hours
to make it work. During an economic recession it usually takes twice as long to recover for Minority
Companies in this industry; so you have to prepare yourself and accept the challenge if you want to
stay in the game for the long haul. I still needed to market, I still needed to write proposals, and
pursue business in the midst of all these other concerns.
It was a difficult time.
Reporter: What can you tell someone that is considering entering your profession, that would make
things easier to transition into this field?”
Daryl: One thing they should know is to not put all of your eggs into one basket. What I mean by
that is; diversify your income.
Reporter: So you do you dabble in Art?

4. Daryl: Architecture is Art! "I love Art"! I hand draw, paint, and I enjoy different styles of Art. I
genuinely have an appreciation for the various aesthetics of Art.
Reporter: What advice would you give to someone that is currently enrolled in school for
architecture.
Daryl; If you don’t love it; then don’t do it, simple as that.
I wake most mornings before the alarm eager to start the day with vigor and excitement. I don’t go
to work, I go to do something that I love very much.
I do not care about the challenges, it is all a part of life, I am doing what I Love. That's one of the
greatest reward that anyone could ask for in life.
Snap Shop of Daryl’s Past projects

The purpose of this Article is to shed light on the lack of diversity in the field of architectural
Design/Planning,also;the determination of one of Indiana's sole African American Licensed practicing
Architects.
Daryl has indeedprovenherself tobe abeaconof hope fornot onlyaspiringfemaleArchitects, but also;
anyone wishing to enter into this wonderful profession. It is undoubtedly one of the most important

5. fieldsof studytodate.Being able to construct, Design and Plan an edifice that will transcend your own
existence and remain for years to come, is indeed a remarkable achievment worthy of recognition.