KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 17, 2024

Growing up, Darral Tate knew architecture was an important vocation but did not recognize the beauty in it until later in life. Encouraged by his mother to find his place as an artist, he found the perfect outlet in architecture.

Since graduating from Kennesaw State University in 2019, Tate has continued to use his skills to launch a flourishing career in the built environment.

"From a young age, my mother noticed how well I drew and how much I enjoyed it,” he said. ”She always told me that I would become an architect, but I didn't really think anything of it. I was looking into being an engineer when applying to colleges."

Tate applied for the  Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, where he was given a counselor to speak with about pursuing engineering.

“During our conversations she would notice how passionate I was about the built environment.,” Tate said. “I remember she asked was I sure I didn’t want to become an architect and encouraged me to just try an architecture course for a year to see how I would like it. I truly enjoyed it. From there, I began to see a future in the architecture profession.”

He recognized that architecture was always the right decision for him within weeks of being in the program at KSU.

"During my time at Kennesaw State, I had immediate opportunities to find people I could relate to and easily build a community that has now turned into lifelong connections," he said.

He also received several honors during his undergraduate journey. After securing a first-place finish and the People's Choice Award for the Cooper Carry Three Minute Thesis Competition, he won the Portman Prize Award for Outstanding Thesis in 2019.

While obtaining his architecture degree, he published his award-winning thesis, "The Anti-Panopticon: Rethinking the Architecture of Surveillance."

The project proposed new organizational strategies for creating more human-centric spaces that will not only rehabilitate, but also question the notion that the ideal prison is not the panopticon but the anti-panopticon.

"I wanted to look at this project by questioning what is an architects ethical and or moral responsibility in rehabilitation," Tate said. "What can we do to create spaces that allow vocational access or help those communicate with the community to reintegrate back into society."

Tate credits his KSU mentors, Associate Dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management and Professor of Architecture Kathryn Bedette and former Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor Ed Akins, for instilling in him the confidence and dedication to pursue his passion.

"Darral's talent and passion for architecture and design has been truly inspiring to see as a professor," Bedette said. "His drive has always been evident, not just in the projects he undertook, but also in the way he embraced challenges, refined his work, and sought out opportunities to innovate. It's been exciting to watch him thrive in the professional world, and I know he will continue to use his talents to improve our field."

Currently, Tate works for Moody Nolan as a project design coordinator. It is an architectural and design firm and the largest African American owned and operated architecture firm in the United States.

"I noticed that there were not many people that looked like me when I started," Tate said. "The past few years have been encouraging, as design firms put forth more effort into connecting with different communities and cultures, however we still have a lot more work to do."

In addition, he serves as the 2024 vice chair for the American Institute of Architecture National Associates Committee. Before then, he was the former associate director for the 2023-2023 AIA National Board.

"Our committee aims to move in an inclusive and equitable direction, and advocate for all its members." he said.

He is also a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects, which is rooted in a rich legacy of activism, to empower local chapters and membership to foster justice and equity in communities of color.

"My advice for students in my field is to always go with your gut. Trust the process," Tate said. "Also, don’t be so hard on yourself, in the end you will look back and wish you were much nicer to yourself throughout the process.”

– Story by Ana Johnson

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.