The architect behind Bellevue Library and the massive African American History and Culture museum now tops the list of most influential black people in Britain. The African-born, British-raised architect, David Adjaye, beat out an Olympian and a prominent make-up artist to rise to the winner's circle. His ability to ride out the recession in a profession that took a beating was a large reason for the decision to anoint him most influential. That, combined with his high-profile clientele, is also what earned him the starchitect label. From the article:
In 2009 Adjaye agreed a company voluntary arrangement with creditors to prevent his business collapsing and he has since consolidated his reputation as a creative showman and "starchitect" to celebrity clients. · David Adjaye tops PowerList 2013 [Guardian]
· David Adjaye [Wikipedia]
· David Adjaye coverage [CDC]