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Samantha Josaphat

Assistant Professor Adjunct

Samantha Josaphat is an Architect and the founder of Studio 397 Architecture. Part of a mere 0.3% of Architects, she founded her firm and named it STUDIO 397 after her accomplishment of becoming the 397th African American female architect achieving licensure in all of USA history. 
 
Highly regarded by past and present clients, Samantha’s ability to be a decisive team leader has earned her the respect as an Architect and Designers. Providing project stakeholders, consultants and vendors with clear direction and guidance to ensure successful outcomes is the baseline of her work ethic.
 
In 2022 Josaphat was selected as a fellow for the Civita Institute Design Climate Action Fellowship and was awarded the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture Alumni award. In 2021 she was the award recipient for the Anna Hernandez/Luna Textile Visionary Award, which recognizes contributions made by women business owners in the design industry. 
 
In 2020 she received the Tribune Award from the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation for her commitment to advancing women in the building profession. 
 
In 2019 and 2020 Samantha served as the President of The New York Chapter of The National Organization of Minority Architects (nycoba|NOMA). During her presidency she grew the chapters membership by 150%, provided programming for 200+ members of various experience levels, led her chapter in hosting a multiple record-breaking National conference, and received a proclamation from New York City’s Public Advocate. She has taught 1st year, 3rd year, and Advance Design studio courses.
 
Josaphat’s work and research has been featured in several media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, NBC, CBS, ABC, Hulu, Forbes, Architectural Digest, Dwell, NOW THIS, and many more.

Josaphat's CV is available here. A portfolio of Studio 397 Architecture's work can be viewed here. 

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