A Passion for Building, for Life, for Paying It Forward
School of Architecture
written by
Pam Wigley
To say that James B. Harrison III is driven would be an understatement. After earning his undergraduate degree from Hampton University in Virginia, Harrison earned his master’s degree in 1993 from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture. Just 10 years later, Harrison opened his own firm, Harrison Kornberg Architects, in Houston, and his career blossomed.
Even though he serves as principal of the firm, Harrison continues an active role in projects. The organization is guided by a tag line: “Enriching life through the power of the built environment.” To Harrison and his colleagues, it’s more than a statement. It’s a guiding principle in all they do.
“I would hope that everyone has a desire and passion to support their fellow man or woman,” he said recently. “We are all committed to making people’s lives better through the work we do.”
James B. Harrison III and his wife Consuella at the CMU Alumni Awards. Pictured above: Houston Community College, West Houston Institute.
It’s not surprising that Harrison feels this way as an adult. Guided by his parents — his mother was a principal who started as an English teacher and his father was a principal who started as a music teacher — Harrison learned early about caring for others. He and his sister grew up in Houston and were encouraged by their parents to pursue their dreams. A self-described “doodler,” Harrison also was encouraged by a grade school teacher who recognized his drawing talent.
“She told me I should meet John Chase, a Houston architect, and made that possible,” Harrison said. “Seeing him as a successful African American architect cemented my interest.”
In fact, John Saunders Chase Jr. was an American architect who was the first licensed African American architect in the state of Texas. He was also the only Black architect licensed in the state for almost a decade. Upon learning Chase attended Hampton University, Harrison chose the university for his undergraduate studies, too. While there, he attended an architecture lecture and heard about Carnegie Mellon. Curious, he visited the campus and was convinced it was the place he wanted to earn his graduate degree.
Harrison received a scholarship to attend CMU for his master’s, and he was grateful for the support that helped him earn his degree.
“Hampton and CMU made me what I am,” he said. “Undergraduate and graduate school are where we develop into the people we’re going to be.”
Not content to be idle, Harrison said he absorbed all he could while at Carnegie Mellon, both in and out of the classroom. He joined clubs and became a member of the crew team, where he said he became more disciplined. He advises current students to do the same. Harrison also learned about university rankings and was thrilled to see that he was part of a university that was highly rated in architecture.
“I realized I made a good choice,” he said. “Our faculty members also were highly rated. I especially remember Vivian Loftness and Ömer Akin for their tutelage and guidance. I was very fond of all my instructors.”
When he graduated and began his professional career, his work focus fell in line with his personal beliefs: start with service to others.
“My heart hurts when I see despair, when I see people hurting,” Harrison said. “I often think of this quote: ‘Bless me, so I can be a blessing to others.’”
He has been true to his word and is committed to paying his good fortune forward. Harrison is a member of the CMU Alumni Association Board and served as co-chair of the 2025 CMU Alumni Awards and the Carnegie Mellon University Admissions Council (10 years). An ardent supporter of access to higher education, Harrison volunteers and serves on the Lone Star College Foundation Board.
He said he is grateful that CMU’s College of Fine Arts, in which the School of Architecture is housed, helped him to learn about giving back via financial support, as well.
“CFA Advancement showed us how to get there, as far as giving, in a way we could afford,” he said. “Now, all the [scholarship] money that Carnegie Mellon gave to me I’ve given back.”
Harrison is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He is married to Consuella Harrison and has two children, Avery Elise and O’Neal Stafford James Harrison.