FAMILY FOCUS: Local architect makes positive impact on city

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Darrel Williams is an architect driven by a purpose that goes beyond the structures he's created.

“The work that we do is not as much about the buildings, but it is more about the people and giving people hope, and making them feel better about where they live and their communities,” Williams said.

His firm is responsible for The Mosaic Village in the northwest corridor near Johnson C. Smith University.

His new project, as well as projects in neighborhoods such as Renaissance, Belmont and Cherry, earned him this year's Charlotte Post Lifetime Achievement Award.

“As we walk around the city you can see Mr. Williams' footprint practically everywhere,” Charlotte Post CEO and publisher Gerald Johnson said. “But more importantly, his community involvement which he doesn't get nearly enough credit for is outstanding.”

Williams mentors local youth which moved him to serve eight years on the county commission, championing bonds for better schools, libraries and parks.

Now, he is on the board of center city partners working to make Charlotte the best it can be for everyone.

“Diversity is good. When communities start improving, then other people want to be a part of it. I think that creates both social and economic diversity to make a community stronger and better,” Williams said.

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Cox Media Group