André Richardson King

André Richardson King is an African American designer and architect. After completing his education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill before beginning his own firm. King was part of a group of African American designers who had successful careers throughout major Chicago firms after taking advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend local design and art schools.

Early life and education A Chicago native, King was born in 1931. After completing his military service is the United States Air Force, King took advantage of the G.I. bill to attend local design and art schools.

Career After graduation King joined the architecture firm Skidmore Owing & Merrill where he designed graphics, signage and informational systems. Primarily focusing on environmental design and architectural graphics, his work for clients including Harris Trust Bank and O'Hare airport and has served as an honorary consul since 1974.

Recognition King was featured in the 2018 exhibition African American Designers in Chicago: Art, Commerce and the Politics of Race which took place at the Chicago Cultural Center.