Female Architect Denise Scott Brown

Denise Scott Brown wasn’t only a female architect; she was also a writer, educator, and entrepreneur, establishing the architecture firm Venturi, Scott Brown, and Associates with her second husband, Robert Venturi.

Both played a pivotal role in twentieth-century architecture. Brown was born Denise Lakofski on October 3rd, 1931, to hardworking Jewish parents Simon and Phyllis Lakofski. As it were, her parents not only set the example of work ethic but were also very supportive of their daughter’s desire to become an architect. 

An important note is that this was the time in history when female architects were just about non-existent. The field wasn’t accepting of women in this vastly growing industry. Yet from the time Denise was five years old, her goal was to be an architect.

From the time Denise was 17 years old till she was 21, she spent her summers studying with various architects. Denise attended Kingsmead College in Johannesburg, then went on to study at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, which is also where she met Robert Scott Brown, whom she would marry in 1955. Denise was such a standout in her craft that she gained acceptance to the Architectural Association School of Architecture. 

This newlywed couple was undoubtedly in the throes of marital bliss as they planned for their future in their careers and personal life. In 1958 they settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and would both attend the University of Pennsylvania. Just a short year later, in 1959, Robert Scott Brown died tragically in a car accident. As we all know, this female architect had her destiny to fulfill. In 1960, she obtained her master’s degree in city planning. 

Denise later met architect Robert Venturi, who was to become her partner in business and life. She taught at the University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Berkeley, and was named co-chair of the Urban Design program at UCLA. When she taught at Yale University, she developed courses that would address environmental issues. Denise created a template for a systematic approach to planning. She named it the FFF Studios – form, forces, and function would determine the urban environment. 

Denise and Robert were equal partners; they wrote books, ran a firm, they were considered visionaries. Then in 1991, only Robert was named the winner of the Pritzker Award, even though Denise and Robert both contributed equally.

The Harvard School of Design started a petition for the Pritzker Award to recognize Denise and Robert jointly. The petition garnered over 20,000 signatures. Ultimately it was this gesture that meant the world to Denise.

ADG Lighting honors Architect Denise Scott Brown for National Women’s Month for all her accomplishments too numerous to mention.

Photo Credit: Arch Daily

Learn about how the ADG Advantage can help you with your design goals for your home or space.

Contact us today!

From the Factory Floor

Stealth work by a skilled team!

by Gerald Olesker, CEO, ADG Lighting