Our Founder

Howard F. Sims, FAIA

A pioneer at birth, and growing up without many of the options available to minority students today, Howard Sims knew from an early age that he wanted to be an architect. As the landscape in Detroit at the time didn’t provide internship opportunities to blacks in architecture, he joined the Navy as a draftsman to get experience in the field. Stationed in Morocco during the Korean War, he helped to design naval facilities. Following his discharge, Howard received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1963, and a Master of Architecture degree in 1966, both from the esteemed A. Alfred Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. In 1964, he started Howard Sims and Associates to further his creative vision as an entrepreneur.

One of his strongest passions was to provide both effective and exceptional design to all, and more importantly, to not exclude those less fortunate. Award winning McMichael Middle School in Detroit and the Redford Branch Library are just two examples among a diverse and impressive portfolio. 

Howard’s dedication to the community was further demonstrated by his strong philanthropic and mentorship activities. He travelled globally as a Board member of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and provided extensive support to the Boy Scouts of America, United Way, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and many other organizations. He and his wife Judith established scholarships at multiple universities, including the University of Michigan School of Architecture and Wayne State University.

Howard’s firm was one of the first minority architecture firms in Michigan, and his talents subsequently allowed him to gain experience and recognition outside of architecture as well, as a writer of Michigan’s first building codes, and as a board member of institutions such as the Federal Reserve, and Detroit’s Comerica Bank and DTE Energy.

The Charles Wright Museum, a prominent Detroit landmark, remains one of Howard’s most iconic works. Visitors have the unique opportunity to enjoy the beautiful cultural emblems and experience, and marvel at the breathtaking design and amazing echoes of the main rotunda. 

 Driving through Detroit and its surroundings you’ll see many of his other memorable works, including the Cobo Convention Center, Millender Center, University of Michigan School of Social Work and Golightly Vocational Center, not to mention major work at Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport and Martin Luther King Jr. High School. Most importantly, amidst all of this, he always found the time and energy to be an avid golfer, and an amazing and dedicated husband and father.