Design as an Act of Service
At the heart of Duvall Decker’s philosophy is the belief that architecture is a form of service. This ethos resonates throughout their portfolio and is consistently praised by their peers. Billie Tsien, FAIA, of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, wrote in a nominating letter, “The focus of Duvall Decker is one of design as an act of service. There is no better exemplar.”
This approach moves beyond traditional practice. It involves a deep, compassionate listening to understand the complex needs of a community and then creatively developing solutions that deliver impactful results. As Kelle E. Menogan Sr., former vicepresident at Tougaloo College, puts it, “What separates Duvall Decker from most firms is that they possess the skill and compassion to truly listen to and understand the complex needs of a client.”
An Ethical, Community-Centered Practice
Duvall Decker has built a practice that redefines what it means to be an engaged architect. Their work is a testament to the idea that thoughtful design can be a catalyst for revitalization and empowerment in overlooked communities. Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, praises their model of “ethical, community-centered architecture that sets a purpose before profit.” He sees their work as a demonstration that “architecture can be a radical act of service,” uplifting communities through spaces that offer light, grace, and dignity.
This commitment to community advocacy is woven into every project. Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, of Ross Barney Architects, recognizes this unique integration. “Few firms so fully integrate advocacy into every aspect of their practice,” she observes. “Duvall Decker has established a nationally recognized practice defined by design excellence and profound community advocacy … their architecture stands as a physical expression of civic responsibility.”
This profound connection to community is evident in projects like:
The Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center at Tougaloo College: This center provides vital academic spaces while also housing the college’s vast art collection and serving as a hub for civil rights research.The U.S. Courthouse in Greenville, Mississippi: This project was designed to be more than a government building; it aims to be an equitable benchmark that honors the character and history of Greenville.Work with Jackson Public Schools: The firm’s “careful, incremental renovations” have played a vital role in elevating public education, a contribution described by Superintendent Errick L. Greene as “both rare and invaluable.”A Legacy of Impact and Inspiration
Duvall Decker’s practice is an expanded one, often including services in real estate, project management, and even building maintenance to serve their communities holistically. They fix leaky pipes, help secure historic tax credits, and provide strategic planning—all part of their mission to build more livable, vibrant communities. This hands-on, comprehensive approach ensures their projects are not just aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, functional, and economically beneficial for residents.
Their work has not gone unnoticed. From the Mississippi Center for Justice, which they transformed into a beacon of social justice to innovative housing for adults with disabilities at The Baddour Center, their portfolio is a collection of stories about positive change. As Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, notes, “Duvall Decker has already left us a legacy that will inspire architects for generations to come.”
The 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award is a fitting tribute to a firm that consistently uses its expertise to foster public good. Duvall Decker serves as an inspiring example for the profession, proving that the most profound architecture is born from a deep sense of care, respect, and empathy. Their legacy is one of blending brilliant design with tireless advocacy, creating a model that will undoubtedly influence the next generation of architects to build a more equitable and beautiful world.
Discover more about the prestigious Architecture Firm Award and explore its past winners here.