In recognition of the 125th Anniversary of AIA New Jersey, the AIA NJ Equity in Architecture Committee invites you to a powerful and enlightening conversation with Larry Johnson, Sr., AIA, a trailblazing architect and influential figure in New Jersey’s architectural history. This special webinar explores the often-overlooked legacy of Black architects in the state and within AIA New Jersey. Mr. Johnson, principal owner of Johnson Jones Architects Planners, Inc., formerly based in Princeton and Newark, began his journey as the first employee of Brown and Hale Architects, the first African-American architectural firm in New Jersey. Founded in 1960 by William M. Brown Jr., AIA and Reginald C. Hale, AIA, Brown and Hale became a vital training ground for many aspiring Black architects, including Mr. Johnson.

 

Moderated by AIA NJ Equity in Architecture Chair Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, and AIA NJ Past President William Brown, III, FAIA, NOMAC, this webinar reflects on the personal stories, mentorship, and resilience that helped shape a generation of architects who contributed significantly to the built environment of New Jersey—yet whose stories remain largely untold.

 

 

Mr. Johnson’s distinguished career spans more than 5 decades and bridges many different life phases.

After he graduated from New Brunswick High School in 1958, he attended the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts. He graduated in 1961 with a certificate in Industrial Design. Larry went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, being honorably discharged in November 1964.

He began his Architectural career that year and attended night school, starting with non-matriculating courses in math, algebra, trigonometry, and solid geometry. He moved on to the Institute of Design and Construction in Brooklyn, New York, where he studied Architectural design along with steel, concrete, wood, and strength of materials.

In 1964, Mr. Johnson began his apprenticeship toward his goal of becoming a licensed architect. At that time, one had to work for 13 years under the direct supervision of an architect in order to qualify to sit for the New Jersey Board of Architects’ exam. Mr. Johnson worked for other architects and studied for 18 years to achieve his goal.

Mr. Johnson holds an architectural license in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia, his Professional Planners license in New Jersey, and is registered with NCARB. 

Starting with drafting one-family residences for architects in the sixties. Mr. Johnson expanded both his experience and his knowledge to include Major school design projects. In 1967, Mr. Johnson was blessed to be awarded First Prize in the New Jersey Master Draftsman competition for a major site plan design. He also designed many school projects and provided construction field observations.
In 1968, Mr. Johnson worked in the City of Newark, where he gained a vast knowledge of renovating old residential buildings, along with schools, both old and new.

In 1972, Mr. Johnson’s career brought him to Princeton, where via a working relationship with two friends, eventually led him to become one of the founding partners for the firm JOHNSON JONES ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS. Mr. Johnson was the firm’s Partner in charge of Production and Operations. The Projects ranged from several thousand to many millions of construction dollars. He headed the in-house production and field teams that observed day-to-day construction activities. The firm maintained offices in Princeton, Trenton, Newark and Philadelphia.

Some of those projects include:

Cathedral International, Perth Amboy, NJ

Award-Winning Tennis Facility,  Mercer County Park, NJ.

Mont Zion AME Church, New Brunswick, NJ,

Several Major NJ Transit Bus Facilities
New Jersey State House, Trenton, NJ

Public Schools in Newark, Plainfield, and Trenton (NJ)
SEPTA Light Rail Woodland Maintenance Facility, Philadelphia, PA

Major UPS Facility, Delaware
A 500-Unit Housing Complex Renovation; Richmond, Virginia

All this considered, Mr. Johnson believes his greatest accomplishment is following GOD’s path for his life, marrying a wonderful wife, raising an excellent family, and maintaining family ties with siblings and extended family.