DeQualés Thompson, AIA, NCARB, NOMA

DeQualés Thompson is Associate Managing Principal at IDG+ Architects’ Dallas office, who recently returned to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex after 13 years. As a former instructor and alumnus of Prairie View A&M University, he believes education is at the core of his personal ethos. Thompson’s pursuit of education has nurtured his curiosity, passion, and precision, all with the aim of creating a better tomorrow for all.

According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Black and African American architects only make up 2% of all licensed architects in the United States. However, Thompson is one of the architects that stands out in this minority group. He has won competitions in places such as Malawi and Switzerland, and his curiosity towards travel and culture has led him to explore how places can support, connect, and inspire people.

Thompson’s goal is to become the next CEO of IDG+ Architects, where he aims to foster an organization that produces thoughtful, sustainable, and socially responsible architecture around the world. He seeks to create an architecture that serves and is experienced by the general public and underserved communities.

In terms of education, becoming a licensed architect requires a great deal of study, commitment, and experience. According to the NCARB, it takes candidates an average of over 11 years to become a registered architect. During which, aspiring architects must also pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a six-part exam that can take years to complete.

Thompson is also a newlywed, and he credits his lovely wife Addis as his inspiration and support. Aside from his professional pursuits, he is an avid reader and a novice woodworker who enjoys art, culture, and politics. In a recent report by NCARB in partnership the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), there are significant disparities for people of color in the field of architecture. However, architects like Thompson continue to challenge the status quo and serve as role models for aspiring architects from underrepresented communities.

Thompson is part of a growing community of Black architects who are making a significant impact in the industry. In an interview with Cultured Magazine, 15 Black architects shared their experiences and perspectives on being Black in architecture. The interview highlights the challenges and opportunities that Black architects face in the field. Despite these challenges, architects like Thompson remain dedicated to creating a better future for all through thoughtful, sustainable, and socially responsible architecture.