Leon Bridges (architect)

Leon Bridges
Born	(1932-08-18) August 18, 1932 Los Angeles
Nationality (legal)	American
Alma mater	University of Washington, Loyola College of Maryland
Occupation	Architect
Practice	Bridges/Burke, The Leon Bridges Company, Sheladia/Bridges

Leon Bridges FAIA (born August 18, 1932, in Los Angeles) is an American architect, and professor at Morgan State University.

Early life

Bridges was born in the East Los Angeles, California neighborhood of Boyle Heights to a mother who was a postal worker and a father who worked various jobs. He met his mentor, architect Paul Williams, while a student at Adams Junior High School. Bridges earned his high school diploma from Dorsey High School in 1950 where he was a member of the track team.

Bridges went on to attend East Los Angeles Junior College, Los Angeles City College and the University of California, Los Angeles before being drafted into the military in 1952 (whole studying at UCLA).

Life

He graduated with a bachelor's of architecture from the University of Washington in 1960 and from Loyola College of Maryland with an MBA in 1984.

Career

Bridges worked for Bridges/Burke, in Seattle, and in Baltimore. He was principal at The Leon Bridges Company, and Sheladia/Bridges. He was the first registered African American architect in Maryland.

Bridges was the National Director of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and in 1976 and 1984 he was nominated as a Fellow of the College of Fellows, AIA. He also co-founded the AIA/Ford Minority Scholarship fund, which has provided college scholarships for many needy students. Bridges is also a former president and a member of the counsel of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

Some of his projects have included the restoration of Baltimore Penn Station and Baltimore City College High School.