Paul S. Devrouax facts for kids

Paul S. Devrouax (born October 4, 1942 – died March 22, 2010) was an American architect. He was known for designing many important buildings in Washington, D.C.. He started his own architecture company called Devrouax+Purnell.

Paul Devrouax helped design famous places like the Verizon Center, Nationals Park, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. He also worked on the headquarters for companies like Freddie Mac and Pepco. He played a part in creating the African-American Civil War Memorial and helped with the design of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

Early Life and Education

Paul Devrouax was born in October 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His parents were Paul Devrouax, Sr. and Freddie Warner Devrouax. He grew up in New Orleans and Los Angeles, California. In 1966, he earned a degree in architecture from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

After college, Devrouax joined the United States Army. He became a sergeant in the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment. In 1968, he was stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland.

Starting an Architecture Firm

In 1972, Paul Devrouax married Brenda Stallworth. They had a daughter named Lesley.

In 1978, Devrouax teamed up with another African American architect, Marshall E. Purnell. Together, they started their own company, Devrouax+Purnell Architects and Planners, PC. This firm became very successful.

Devrouax was also a leader in his field. In 1980, he became the president of the National Organization of Minority Architects. In 1988, he led the Washington Project for the Arts.

Designing Major Buildings

Devrouax co-designed the Pepco headquarters.

Paul Devrouax and his firm designed many important buildings. In 1986, he designed the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Building for the D.C. government. This building helped bring new life to the historic U Street NW neighborhood.

In 1995, Devrouax+Purnell won a big project. They designed one of the headquarters buildings for Freddie Mac in McLean, Virginia. This was a major achievement because they were the first African American architects to design a headquarters for a Fortune 500 company.

Five years later, they made history again. Devrouax+Purnell became the first African American-owned architecture firm to design a corporate headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C. This was for the new Pepco building.

Devrouax also helped design major sports and convention centers:

• The Verizon Center (now Capital One Arena), which opened in 1997. This is where the Washington Wizards basketball team and the Washington Capitals ice hockey team play.
• Nationals Park, completed in 2008. This is the home stadium for the Washington Nationals baseball team.
• The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, which opened in 2003. This is a huge building used for large meetings and events.

In 2009, Devrouax+Purnell's design was one of six chosen as finalists for the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Important Memorial Work

Paul Devrouax also contributed to several important national memorials.

• In 1998, he and landscape architect Edward D. Dunson designed the site for the African-American Civil War Memorial. This memorial honors African American soldiers who fought in the Civil War.
• In 2004, Devrouax helped with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. His firm helped refine the design, presented plans to government agencies, and oversaw the construction documents.

Death

Paul S. Devrouax passed away from a heart attack at his home in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2010.