Letters to Ms. 1000: Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects

Did you know that Black women make up just 0.4% of licensed architects in the United States?

Letters to Ms. 1000 is a collection of short stories aimed to inspire Ms. Future Black Architect from licensed black women across the nation including our 2024 AIA President Elect, members of the First 500 Board, and women across various NOMA chapters around the U.S.

Embark on a journey of wisdom as African American Women Architects across the United States share their stories of intentionality in mentoring the next generation. The Directory of African American Architects currently identifies fewer than 650 African American Women Architects who are licensed and practicing in the United States.

If the current trajectory is maintained, "Ms. 1000" will become the 1000th licensed around the year 2040. These stories take root at the epicenter of establishing identity, depicting how black women have sculpted themselves from various walks of life and how we each share a role in elucidating the current state of the profession, expressing how far it has come and how far it must grow.

Together we can change the narrative and empower our future Ms. Architect for many generations to come with our words of wisdom and encouragement.

Contributors include:
Christian Joosse, Kimberly Dowdell, Valarie Franklin Hernandez, Dominique Hawkins, Latoya Nelson Kamdang, Jennifer Rittler, Zena Howard, Pascale Sablan, Shelly-Anne Tulia Scott, Jonné Smith, Imani Day, Nakita Reed, Leslie Sydnor, Whitley Stephens, Melvalean McLemore, Motunrayo Badru, Whitni Irving, Riding the Vortex, 400 Forward, First 500. 

Product Details:

By Christian Joosse

ISBN: 9798992723625

Published: Sept. 30, 2025 by Paper Veil Studio LLC

Pages: 112, Hardcover

Dimensions:  8.75 x 8.75 x 0.75 inches

Weight: 1.5 lbs.

About the Author:

Christian Joosse is the editor, co-author, and curator behind Letters to Ms. 1000 | Words of Wisdom from African American Women Architects, Vol. 1. She is an architect, academic, aspiring poet, mother, and mentor. Her first published poem at age eight ignited her love for the written word and her family construction business put the first hammer in her hand, both powerful tools to build a lasting foundation.

As an architect at Moody Nolan Inc., the largest African American owned and operated firm in the nation, nationally recognized design work requires captivating storytelling to imbue the culture of the communities in which she works. The world of architecture enriches her writing through research papers, national award submissions, articles, and her debut book.

As an academic, she has exhibited research internationally, co-curated gallery exhibitions, fabricated pop-up installations, moderated panel discussions focused on under resourced populations and often taken on unconventional projects aiming to redefine the profession. Her work across multiple disciplines demonstrates she is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive environments.

Her decade of academic and professional engagement with students and emerging professionals propels her vision for a tangible written mentorship piece that she believes will inspire many generations to come.