Mr. Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA
Design Principal, Devrouax + Purnell Architects and Planners PC
President, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National Organization of Minority Architects Mid-Atlantic Regional Director

Mr. Purnell serves as the Design Principal of Devrouax & Purnell. He received his BS in Architecture and Planning and his Masters in Architecture & Planning from the University of Michigan. He is the first African-American to be elected President of the AIA.

Mr. Purnell formerly served in the Executive Offices of The American Institute of Architects, (AIA); on the faculty of the University of Maryland; and the staff of the University of Michigan. He is a Fellow of the AIA and former President of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He currently serves as Chairman of City First Bank of DC. 

Marshall has played a leading role in the designs of the DC City Museum, The New Washington Convention Center, MCI Arena, parking garages at national Airport and Union Station. Corporate Headquarters project work includes; the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), Crestar Mortgage Corporation, the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the National Medical Association.