The Legacy of Architect John S. Chase: A Round Table

Moderator | Daimian Hines, AIA, NOMA
Hosted by the African American Library at the Gregory School, Houston Public Library | 2018

In 2018, Daimian Hines had the honor of moderating “Chasing Perfection: The Legacy of Architect John S. Chase,” a public roundtable reflecting on the profound life, work, and influence of John S. Chase—the first licensed African American architect in Texas and a founding voice in Black architectural history.

Hosted by the Houston Public Library’s African American Library at the Gregory School, the panel brought together peers, historians, and community voices to discuss Chase’s architectural legacy, professional milestones, and civic impact across Houston and the nation. The event served as both a tribute and a call to action—framing Chase’s work not as a historical footnote, but as a living foundation for the next generation of Black architects and designers.

For Hines, the opportunity to facilitate this conversation was deeply personal and professionally meaningful. “His story is part of why my work exists,” he shared. “To reflect on John’s legacy in this setting—among community and memory—was a full-circle moment.”