Shaela Nelson, Master of Architecture Student, Receives Prestigious National Scholarship

Shaela Nelson has been chosen to receive the Paul R. Williams Scholarship from DesignClass. Paul Williams kicked off a prolific career by becoming the first licensed African-American member of the AIA in 1923. Throughout his life he designed over 2,000 buildings in California and helped shape Los Angeles into the metropolitan city it is today. In 1957, Williams became the first African-American elected as a Fellow of the AIA. DesignClass honors the legacy of Paul R. Williams with a scholarship for African-American architecture students seeking to foster curious and creative confidence in their communities. The scholarship provides financial assistance to African American students studying at a NAAB accredited architecture program.

The scholarship was funded by the DLR Group. Nelson also received a mentor along with the scholarship. He is a principal at the Los Angeles office.