Portia Strahan, AIA, is the founding Principal of POM Studio Architects, a young firm founded in 2020 in Bowie, Md., just outside Washington. This fact alone is amazing.

According to data from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Black women make up less than 1% of licensed architects in the United States, representing a fraction of a percentage point of the total architect population.

Strahan has said that she founded her firm to create visibility of responsible minority architects and designers who are committed to socially and ecologically restorative design.

With a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Utah, Strahan has the educational chops and a growing body of work that is showing strong promise.

Design Vibes recently sat down with the architect to talk about design, purpose and representation.

Design Vibes: Based on statistics, an architecture firm led by a black licensed architect doing residential work is rare. What has been your path to owning your own firm?

Portia Strahan: Super rare is correct. We work on a diverse range of projects and scales other than residential, like landscape projects, graphic design, commercial, community-based and natural building. The path has been a long winding one but to summarize it’s been one of pursuing knowledge and experience with my craft, making connections with people, and ultimately feeling like I have an architectural perspective to share with those in my community.

DV: Who are your typical clients–if you have one?

PS: Our typical clients are local nonprofits and community-based organizations. We also tend to work with homeowners who have building science knowledge and are experienced with renovations.

DV: Do you have a design philosophy?

PS: Deep listening and sensitivity to people and planet is foundational to our design philosophy. I feel if we lead with this design outcomes can be something that everyone is proud of.

DV: There are many people who don’t see the value of an architect; what would you say to them?

PS: Interesting question, I’m not one who likes to debate what people find of value. We all value everything differently. I guess I would ask ‘what has led them to this conclusion.’ I think this could open the conversations on both sides.

DV: Clearly not every residential project needs an architect, but how do consumers know when it’s time to consult one?

PS: I think if consumers are feeling overwhelmed by a design project or problem and need help to see the bigger picture and how to execute it, they should consult with an Architect. Architects can bring the vision of the owner into reality while tackling obstacles and roadblock there may be along the way. We are the true design problem solvers, we’re awesome!

DV: Where do you see your firm in 10 years and do you have a dream project?

PS: I would hope that whatever the firm is doing we are having fun with clients and projects and staying balanced. My dream urban projects are adaptive reuse, transforming what was to something completely different.  My dream rural projects would be projects that are different and innovative with construction like prefab Strawbale or shipping containers. Spaces that bring people together.

DV: Are you interested in designing other architectural items–hardware, faucet, light fixture?

PS: Absolutely, I love a change in scale. I always toyed with the idea of designing and making some custom architectural object with each major renovation. Maybe I’ll start pitching this during the early phases. In our office we have design-built furniture like tables and benches.

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DV: Where do you draw inspiration to keep your designs fresh without getting too trendy?

PS: This Old House and Grand Designs are my go to inspirations shows. This Old House is drama free, you are constantly learning throughout the show about construction and building systems. I’m taking notes on everything. Grand Designs is totally over the top mostly modern European Architecture that you can’t help but Ooh and Aww over.

DV: What design trends do you try to avoid?

PS: Showing houses painted in all black or making an open floor plan too open.

DV: What design trends (old or new) do you love?

PS: Always going to be a fan of mid-mod, eclectic, bohemian styles. These are my spirit styles. And very random but I’m starting to like it when rooms are painted all one bold color which includes the ceiling.