Beyond ILLUSION: The Role of the BLACK Architect

Jack Travis established his namesake design studio in June 1985. To date, the firm has completed projects for clients such as film director Spike Lee, actor Wesley Snipes, John Saunders of ABC sports and fashion retailer Giorgio Armani. Currently, Travis is working on the flagship exhibition for the Museum of Black Civilization in Dakar, Senegal.

Jack Travis encourages investigation into Black history and culture where appropriate in his work and includes forms, motifs, materials, and colors that reflect this heritage. Travis has evolved ten principles for Black cultural Design investigation towards that aim.

In recent years, Travis has broadened his interests beyond cultural content strategies to sustainable in environmental design methodologies, alternative educational practices such as a community design studio and the entrance of more students of color into academia and the profession.

In 1977, Travis received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Arizona State University and in 1978 a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign- Urbana.

In 2004, Jack Travis received a "Fellowship" in the AIA, and in 2006 was inducted into the Council of Elders" of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the highest honor that each organization bestows upon its individual members.

To watch a video replay of the event, see below: