Childers, Kenneth H., 1931-1997

Kenneth H. Childers AIA (1931-1997) was a successful architect in Chicago, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1969, his firm KHC Architect, received the first commission given directly to an African-American to design a fire station on the South Side of Chicago. Childers was born on September 11, 1931 in Chicago. As a child he participated in the radio game show “Quiz Kids.” He dropped out of high school his sophomore year and later joined the United States Air Force. He earned his high school degree while in the service. The Air Force stationed him in Europe and North Africa, and a visit to the Taj Mahal inspired him to pursue a career in architecture. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1954, Childers began to work in an entry-level position in a Chicago architectural firm. He worked his way up to draftsman and later passed the State Board Examination for Architecture, despite no higher education or degree in architecture. He married Clara “Jean” Austin on March 18, 1955, and she worked with him as he developed his business.

Childers believed there was a “black architecture” and his firm designed in this style. He felt that “black architecture must be re-established and brought back from the days of the Egyptian pyramids. It must be and can be an extension of today’s growing era of black pride.” His firm designed many buildings including shopping centers, apartments, motels, and commercial complexes. He made an effort to hire African American contractors and sub-contractors for his projects. He collaborated with other firms to design projects for the city of Chicago. He lived in the suburb of Harvey on the South Side of Chicago and served on the Harvey Planning Commission. Childers and his wife moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1978 in order to care for his widowed mother. He acquired his architecture license for Nevada, California, and Arizona, and worked for Anthony Campano from 1978 to 1981. He re-established his firm, Kenneth H. Childers Architect, and with his wife, continued to develop and design properties. Childers passed away on May 19, 1997.

Sources:

“Architect Seeks Minority Group Contractors,” Chicago Tribune, October 15, 1970.

“Bare Plans for School in Park,” Chicago Daily Defender, October 1, 1970.

Commission Self-Taught Architect,” Chicago Daily Defender, June 14, 1969.

“New Motel Site,” Chicago Defender, February 14, 1974. Conversation with family member.