Profile
Dr. Sharon Egretta Sutton, FAIA is an educator, author, and citizen architect with worldwide reach who has shifted the profession of architecture toward a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future. Throughout a career that has been shaped by the obstacles and opportunities inherent in this nation's political landscape, she has held fast to an uncommon passion to represent the unrepresented, while developing tools of activism for the next generation of design professionals. Sutton was just the twelfth African American woman to become a licensed architect in the United States, the first to be promoted to full professor of architecture, and the second to be elevated to AIA fellowship. In addition to her current position at Parsons, she has served on the faculties of the University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, University of Washington, Columbia University, and Pratt Institute. She is the first African American ever to receive the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion Award for Excellence in Architectural Education. Sutton’s research, shared across six books and countless articles she has either authored or co-authored, encapsulates hidden histories, broken pipelines, and other factors that hamper the potential of architecture education to affect change.
Degrees Held
Higher Education
1976-1982
City University of New York Environmental Psychology Program
Master of Arts and PhD in Psychology (1982)
Master of Philosophy (1981)
1969-1973
Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation
Master of Architecture (1973)
1967-1969
Parsons School of Design Department of Interior Design
Transferred to Columbia University
1962-1963
University of Hartford Hartt College of Music
Bachelor of Music (French Horn) (1963)
1959-1962
Manhattan School of Music, Studied with Gunther Schuller
Transferred to Hartt College
Continuing Education
1995-Present
American Institute of Architects
Mandatory Continuing Education System
1986-1989
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Leadership Development Conferences and Seminars
1970-2013
Art Studio Internships
Sev Shoon in Seattle (Collagraph, Photolithography
Lawrence Barker Studio in Barcelona, Spain (Papermaking)
Printmaking Workshop in New York City (Intaglio)
Studio di Santa Reparata in Florence, Italy (Intaglio)
Professional Affiliation
ACSA
American Collegiate Schools of Architecture
College of Distinguished Professors (Founding Member)
AIA
American Institute of Architects
College of Fellows
AIA New York Chapter (Medal of Honor) AIA New York
Formerly AIA Seattle Chapter (Medal of Honor) AIA Washington
APA
American Psychological Association
Recent Publications
Books and Monographs
Sharon Egretta Sutton (June 2023). Pedagogy of a Beloved Commons: Pursuing Democracy's Promise through Place-Based Activism. New York: Fordham University Press, Polis: Fordham Series in Urban Studies, Daniel J. Monti, Series Editor.
Sharon Egretta Sutton (February 2017). When Ivory Towers Were Black: A Story about Race and the Struggle to Transform Cities and Universities with Foreword by James Stewart Polshek. New York: Fordham University Press Empire State Editions.
Reviews
Rico Self (Spring 2020), [Book Review] “Sharon Egretta Sutton, When Ivory Towers Were Black: A Story about Race in Americas Cities and Universities,” Journal of African American History 105, no. 2: 344–346.
Brian D. Goldstein (09 March 2018), [Book Review] “Sharon Egretta Sutton, When Ivory Towers Were Black: A Story about Race in Americas Cities and Universities,” Journal of Architectural Education Online, http://www.jaeonline.org/articles/reviews-books/when-ivory-towers-were-black-story-about-race-americas-cities-and#/page1/– page8/.
Press
Brentin Mock (19 May 2017), “Behind the Black Architectural Resistance.” Bloomberg City Lab: np, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-19/inside-decades-of-black-architectural-resistance.
Christopher Hawthorn (06 April 2017), “Challenging the Whiteness of American Architecture, in the 1960s and Today.” Los Angeles Times: np, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-ca-cm-when-ivory-towers-were-black-20170406-htmlstory.html.
Gretchen von Koenig (04 April 1917), “How to Get More Minority Students in Architecture? Look to 1968.” Metropolis: np, https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/how-get-minority-students-architecture-1968/.
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (eds.) (2011). The Paradox of Urban Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized Communities. New York: Palgrave Macmillian.
Reviews
Alice K. Butterfield (13 August 2014), [Book Review] “Sutton, S. E. & Kemp, S.P. (Eds.),The Paradox of Urban Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized Communities,” Journal of Community Practice 22, no. 3: 414–417.
Editor (July 2012), [Reviewed Work] “The Paradox of Urban Space: Inequality and Transformation in Marginalized Communities by Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp,” Contemporary Sociology 41, no. 4: 542.
Tina Richardson (2011, 06 July). “Urban Space as a Medium for Democracy.” Parallax 17, no. 3: 113–115.
Sharon E. Sutton, Susan P. Kemp, Lorraine Guiterréz, and Susan Saegert (2006). Urban Youth Programs in America: A Study of Youth, Community, and Social Justice Conducted for the Ford Foundation. Seattle, WA: University of Washington.
Book Chapters and Articles
Sharon E. Sutton (2015). Foreword; and Chapter eleven: reality-based learning in design studio education. In Carla Jackson Bell (Ed.), Space Unveiled (pp. xvi–xvii and pp,102–112). New York: Routledge Research in Architecture Series.
Sharon E. Sutton (2013, September). Special Issue "Designing Spaces for City Living" [Special Guest Editor], Buildings. [Open access available online at http://www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings/special_issues/designing_spaces_for_city_living].
Sharon E. Sutton (2011). Struggling for the right to housing: a critical analysis of the evolution of West Seattle's High Point. In The Paradox of Urban Space (pp. 29–51).
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2011). Introduction: place as marginality and possibility. In The Paradox of Urban Space, pp. 1–9
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2011). Place: a site of social and environmental inequity. In The Paradox of Urban Space (pp. 13–28).
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2011). Place: a site of individual and collective transformation. In The Paradox of Urban Space (pp. 113–134).
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2011). Conclusions: Standing shoulder-to- shoulder in a place-conscious society. In The Paradox of Urban Space (pp. 259–265).
Sharon E. Sutton (2008). Engaging the public, seeking common ground; and Discovering the power of youth. In Nancy B. Solomon (ed.), Architecture: Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future (pp. 64–77;and pp. 84). New York: Visual Reference Inc.; Washington, DC: The American Institute of Architects.
Sharon E. Sutton (2007). A social justice perspective on youth and community development: theorizing the processes and outcomes of participation. Children, Youth, and Environments, 17 (2), 616–645. [Available online at: http://www.colorado. edu/journals/cye].
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2006, September). Integrated social science and design inquiry through interdisciplinary design charrettes: an approach to participatory community problem-solving. American Journal of Community Psychology, 38 (1–2), 125–139.
Sharon E. Sutton and Susan P. Kemp (2005). Children's participation in constructing a social just public sphere. In Mark Blades and Christopher Spencer (eds.), Children and Their Environments: Learning, Using, and Designing Spaces (pp. 256–276). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Book Reviews
Sharon E. Sutton (2014, Spring). Review essay: can the ideals of public scholarship help resolve conflicts between urban universities and declining post-industrial communities? Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 96–101.
Sharon E. Sutton (2012, Fall). Review essay: can service-learning help restore the public university's role in safeguarding American democracy? Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, 69–73.
Journalism and Commentaries
Sharon E. Sutton (2015, 31 January). New urban unlimited. Alternative-Talk 1150 KKNW, AM Radio.
Sharon E. Sutton (2012, 13 January). Listen to citizens on Virginia Mason expansion. Puget Sound Business Journal, Guest Opinion, Print Edition.
Sharon E. Sutton (2009, 5 June). Major institutions should not be immune from Seattle's pedestrian-friendly municipal code. The Seattle Times.
Sharon E. Sutton (2008, 10 July). Public needs to stay involved when development is reviewed. The Seattle Times, Local B9.
Sharon E. Sutton (2008, Winter). One man's quest for the everyday practice of architecture: honoring the legacy of Stephen A. Kliment, FAIA. Arcade, 47.
Sharon E. Sutton (2004, 30 July). Get youth involved in their communities: art activities help young people connect with their world. Seattle Post Intelligencer.
Performances and Appearances
Recent Academic Papers, Presentations, and Workshops
Has been a distinguished lecturer and guest studio critic at more than 50 colleges and universities internationally. Presentations published as proceedings listed under "Book Reviews, Proceedings, and Other Minor Publications.
Sutton, Sharon Egretta (2020, 06 March). “I do not work for clients . . . I work with them:” a pedagogy for working collaboratively. Goff Chair of Creative Architecture and keynote lecture at the Schools of Thought: Rethinking Architectural Pedagogy Conference at the University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture.
Sutton, Sharon Egretta (2019, 14 November). Activists transforming injustice: this is what change looks like. Keynote lecture at the Transformations: Action on Equity Symposium at the University of Melbourne in Australia, sponsored by Parlour.
Sutton, Sharon Egretta (12 April, 2019). Re-mapping America’s landscape of injustice: a call for environmental activism. Lecture at Mississippi State University School of Architecture with support from the Office of Diversity.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017) 07 October). A case study from the Civil Rights Movement: when ivory towers were black. Panel presentation at the Organizing and Mobilizing Session of the Black in Design Conference at Harvard University Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, MA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017) 06 September). When ivory towers were black: lessons in re-imagining universities and communities. Public lecture at the University of Southern California School of Architecture in Los Angeles, CA.
Also given on: (2017, 26 September) at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning in Ann Arbor, MI.
Also given on: (2017 02 November) at the University of Pennsylvania City and Regional Planning Department in Philadelphia, PA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017) 18 May). Designers’ privileges and responsibilities. Speech at the SCE Recognition Ceremony at Parsons School of Design in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017 23 February). Book launch: When Ivory Towers Were Black. Panel discussion by Reinhold Martin and Mabel O. Wilson with State Senator Bill Perkins at the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, Columbia University in the City of New York.
Sharon E. Sutton (2016, 16 March). A vision for the future: realizing the promise of justice. Keynote lecture at the ACSA/AIA Housing and Community Development Workshop, 104th ACSA Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA.
Recent Presentations in Professional and Public Settings
Has been a keynote speaker, panelist, and facilitator at meetings in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, and psychology; and in community settings.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017, 25 October). Evolving role of research in architecture. Panel presentation at the AIANY Social Science and Architecture History Primer Session in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017, 18 August). Learning to conduct a chorus: community design charrettes as the stage for a broader voice. Lecture at the AIANY Civic Leadership Program in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2017, 13 February). Oculus book talk: When Ivory Towers Were Black. Lecture with moderated discussion by Carol Lowenstein, FAIA, Center for Architecture in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2016, 20 May). Panel presentation at Moving the Needle: Achieving Equity States with Architecture Schools, 2016 AIA National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2015, 22 September). Workshop facilitation at ENCAMPED in Ballad: let's house the urban poor at the Seattle Design Festival 2015: Design for Equity, Seattle, WA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2015, 31 July). Panel presentation at Conversations with the Diaspora, Center for Architecture in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2015, 14 May). Panel presentation at Community Engagement: Professional and Academic Collaboration, 2015 AIA National Convention in Atlanta, GA.
Sutton, Sharon E, (2014, 06 November). Panel presentation at the State of Design Education session at the Design Leadership Summit, United Nations and Industry City in New York City.
Sharon E. Sutton (2014, 02 October). Practice makes perfect: coaching emerging professionals in the arts of leadership. Luncheon keynote at AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Leadership Summit, University of Washington–Tacoma in Tacoma, WA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2014, 03 October). Alternatives to gentrification: can Hilltop's cultural heritage as a working-class community be preserved? Continuing education seminar for AIA Southwest Washington Chapter, Glass Museum in Tacoma, WA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2013, 25 October). Panel presentation at the American Institute of Architects Women's Leadership Summit, Hotel Palomar and Phoenix Art Museum in Phoenix, AR.
Sharon E. Sutton (2011, 17 June). Book reading and moderated discussion by Victoria Kaplan. Summer Solstice sponsored by AIA Seattle Diversity Roundtable, Miller Hull Architects in Seattle, WA.
Sharon E. Sutton (2011, 13 May). Whitney M. Young Jr. Award Forum with Jack Travis, FAIA. Continuing education seminar for the AIA National Convention in New Orleans, LA.
Research Interests
Afrocentric design, diversity and inclusion, participatory planning and design, racial justice, social justice, youth and community development
Awards And Honors
2023
American Institute of Architects/Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
Topaz Medallion Award for Excellence in Architectural Education.
2023
Architectural Record Magazine
Women in Architecture Award
2017
American Institute of Architects, New York Chapter
Medal of Honor Award
2014
American Institute of Architects, Seattle Chapter
Medal of Honor Award
2011
American Institute of Architects
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award
2006
American Architectural Foundation
K-12 Architectural Education Award of Merit for CEEDS
2005
American Institute of Architects, Seattle Chapter
Community Service Award
1999
Jeannette and David McKinley Fellowship
Faculty Research Support
1997
Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame
Life Recognition Award
1996
Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
Distinguished Professor Award
1995
American Institute of Architects
Elevation to Fellowship
1992
University of Michigan
Regents Award for Distinguished Public Service
1991
American Planning Association
Education Award for Teaching the Public about Planning
1989
UM School of Business Administration
First Round Award, National Zell Lurie Fellowship
1986 - 1989
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Group VII National Fellowship
1983
National Endowment for the Arts
Design Research Recognition Award