The American Institute of Architects has honored Duvall Decker with the prestigious 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award, recognizing the Mississippi-based firm's exceptional commitment to using architecture as a force for social change and community empowerment. The award celebrates the firm's unwavering dedication to purpose-driven design that prioritizes community advocacy, equity, and the public good over traditional commercial success.
Founded in 1998 by husband-and-wife team Anne Marie Duvall Decker, FAIA, and Roy Decker, FAIA, the firm has established itself as a powerful example of how architectural practice can serve communities, particularly those with limited resources. Their approach focuses on creating spaces that foster dignity, equity, and meaningful community impact through thoughtful, compassionate design solutions.
At the core of Duvall Decker's philosophy lies the fundamental belief that architecture should function as an act of service to society. This ethos permeates every aspect of their work and has earned widespread recognition from industry peers. Billie Tsien, FAIA, of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, praised the firm in a nominating letter, stating, "The focus of Duvall Decker is one of design as an act of service. There is no better exemplar." This service-oriented approach goes far beyond conventional architectural practice, involving deep, compassionate engagement with communities to understand their complex needs and develop creative solutions that deliver meaningful, lasting impact.
The firm's methodology sets them apart in the architectural profession through their exceptional ability to listen and respond to client needs. Kelle E. Menogan Sr., former vice-president at Tougaloo College, highlighted this distinctive quality: "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." This approach has enabled them to create architecture that truly serves the communities they work with, rather than imposing external design concepts.
Duvall Decker has built their practice around a model of ethical, community-centered architecture that consistently places purpose before profit. Fellow architect Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, commends their approach 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 seamlessly integrated into every project they undertake, creating a practice that redefines what it means to be an engaged, socially responsible architect.
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, of Ross Barney Architects, recognizes the unique integration of advocacy throughout all aspects of Duvall Decker's work. "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."
The firm's portfolio showcases numerous projects that exemplify their community-centered approach. The Bennie G. Thompson Academic and Civil Rights Research Center at Tougaloo College stands as a prime example, providing essential academic spaces while housing the college's extensive art collection and serving as a vital hub for civil rights research. The U.S. Courthouse in Greenville, Mississippi, represents another significant achievement, designed to transcend its function as a government building and serve as an equitable benchmark that honors the character and rich history of Greenville.
Their work with Jackson Public Schools demonstrates the firm's commitment to public education through careful, incremental renovations that have played a crucial role in elevating the quality of educational environments. Superintendent Errick L. Greene has described their contribution as both "rare and invaluable," highlighting the significant impact of their thoughtful approach to educational architecture.
Duvall Decker operates through an expanded practice model that extends well beyond traditional architectural services. They provide comprehensive support including real estate services, project management, and even building maintenance to serve their communities holistically. This hands-on approach includes practical tasks such as fixing leaky pipes, helping secure historic tax credits, and providing strategic planning—all integral parts of their mission to build more livable, vibrant communities. This comprehensive methodology ensures their projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, functional, and economically beneficial for residents.
The firm's impact extends across a diverse range of projects that tell stories of positive community transformation. Their work includes the Mississippi Center for Justice, which they transformed into a beacon of social justice advocacy, and innovative housing solutions for adults with disabilities at The Baddour Center. Each project in their portfolio represents a commitment to creating meaningful change through thoughtful design.
Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, acknowledges the lasting influence of their work, noting that "Duvall Decker has already left us a legacy that will inspire architects for generations to come." This recognition speaks to the firm's role in reshaping how the architectural profession approaches community engagement and social responsibility.
The 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award represents the highest honor the American Institute of Architects bestows upon an architecture practice, recognizing firms that have consistently produced distinguished architecture for at least ten years. The award serves as a fitting tribute to Duvall Decker's consistent use of their expertise to foster public good and demonstrates how architectural practice can serve as a catalyst for positive social change.
The selection process involved the AIA Board of Directors and Strategic Council, with finalists chosen by an advisory jury chaired by Angela Brooks, FAIA, of Brooks + Scarpa Architects, Inc. The jury included Clark S. Brockman, AIA, of Brockman Climate Strategies LLC; Graciela Carrillo, FAIA, of Nassau BOCES Facilities Services; Kathy D. Dixon, FAIA, of K. Dixon Architecture, PLLC; Heather G. Holdridge, Assoc. AIA, of Lake + Flato Architects; Beresford Pratt, AIA, of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Cory T. Rouillard, AIA, of Henson Architecture; and Vikram Sami, AIA, of Olson Kundig.
Duvall Decker's recognition serves as an inspiring example for the entire architectural profession, proving that the most profound and meaningful architecture emerges from a deep sense of care, respect, and empathy for the communities being served. Their legacy demonstrates the powerful potential 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 through purposeful, community-centered practice.
