International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day, and the month of March is dedicated to Women’s History. This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Next Great Architects is a teaching studio that uses history to educate and inspire, and our founder, Kionna Louise, is a story-telling woman. In 2018, Kionna Louise wrote the first book published by Next Great Architects entitled Jamila Pearl - The Architect Girl. It was illustrated by Tashema Davis and created to be another way to introduce children to architecture.
Who is Jamila Pearl - The Architect Girl?
The book is about a very creative six-year-old girl who wants to be an architect when she grows up. She enjoys using her imagination to design things. The book is the beginning of a series that follows a six-year-old architect and allows the reader to experience architecture through the eyes of an elementary school student. So far, the book has given Next Great Architects a further reach than our afterschool programming.
What inspired the story?
Kionna Louise decided to write this book, which is based on her childhood and daughter, as a way to extend the reach of Next Great Architects.
“I fell in love with architecture because it gave me the power to impact people through the spaces I create. When I think back to the first space I designed, I get a little emotional because I did not realize what I was doing at the time. I was just a little girl playing. I used my imagination and created a home for my Barbies on a bookshelf and I saw my home as their world. The kitchen was a restaurant, the living room was a movie theater, and the bathroom was a spa. That same creativity is now used to make life easier and more enjoyable for others.”
Kionna told the story through words, but Tashema Davis told the story through illustrations.
Who is the illustrator?
Tashema Nicole Davis is an artist who Kionna Louise met during college at Ball State University. Tashema graduated with an Interior Design degree and realized her passion for art so she went back to Ball State and received a Master in Arts Degree. Tashema is now the owner of Echo Gallery, an art studio in Marion, Indiana.
“The ultimate purpose for my art is to be an expression of all things beautiful and meaningful in my life. I believe art transcends the typical and doesn’t always dwell in the realm of just color, line, and form. Art is also composed of higher thought, in the divine commission to help others become better, and to spread peace. I pray that I can help everyone who comes across my work to express themselves, become better, and to love more.”
Tashema’s art brought the story to life in a beautiful way that children can experience.
5 Reasons Jamila Pearl - The Architect Girl is a Special Children’s Book
Jamila Pearl - The Architect Girl isn’t just another children’s book. There are five reasons why it should be in every child’s library.
1. Representation
The main character of the book is a little black girl who wants to be an architect. Black women account for approximately 0.4% of the architecture population based on the demographic data shown on the NCARB website. Having a character that represents the smallest population could be an avenue for other young girls who fit that description to imagine themselves in this profession. Architecture has had the reputation of being the “Gentleman’s Profession,” and we would like to assist in shifting that narrative.
2. Inspiration
The series will follow the main character as she navigates through the world as a six-year-old architect. Her imagination has a clean canvas which is the perfect foundation for creativity and design. The reader will begin to experience architecture from a purely creative perspective and be inspired to use their own imagination.
3. Education
Each story will introduce children to architecture and focus on an element of the profession. The first story is all about spatial problem solving and noting the other professionals in architecture. Each subsequent title will take one element from architecture and explore it from the perspective of our main character.
4. Dedication
Our mission is to introduce young people to architecture and nurture their development in the craft and creativity. This children’s book series is another method we are using to make sure we are reaching children everywhere. Most children that pursue architecture are connected to the profession through a family member or loved one. We are dedicated to making sure the vision of Next Great Architects is fulfilled and this book allows us to be that connection to the profession.
5. Architecture is fun!
Every child that has participated in one of our programs has said they enjoyed the experience. Once they witness design firsthand and are encouraged to engage creatively, they really have a great time. This story can be the experience they need to discover something they will love. The book targets the Next Great Architects Beginner Studio Students, ages 5-9. It is also a great read-aloud for group story time.
Where can you buy the book?
You can purchase a copy by clicking the Children’s Book tab on this page. If you would like to have Jamila Pearl - The Architect Girl in your library or bookstore, contact us for distribution.
Next Great Architects is an award-winning teaching studio that introduces architecture to students as early as kindergarten and nurtures them through college and licensure. Contact us if you are interested in bringing our programs to your children, schools, or organizations.