Ernest L. Banks, Assoc. AIA

Ernest Banks, Assoc. AIA, is a visionary designer, educator, and advocate committed to transforming architecture into a more inclusive, accessible, and community-driven profession. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Ernest founded RISE (Reinvest in Students Everywhere), a nonprofit providing scholarships and mentorship to over 70 underrepresented students, helping raise over $40,000 and establishing a permanent endowed scholarship at the University of Arkansas.

Through his leadership with studioMAIN, Ernest champions community-focused design, from improving pedestrian safety in underserved neighborhoods to engaging children in hands-on design workshops. His projects—including the Malin Opitz Outdoor Classroom and the historic renovations at Little Rock Central High School—merge healing, empowerment, and civic memory with architectural innovation.

Ernest’s commitment to equity extends to education and representation. He co-created an outreach video series, “What is an Architect?”, and curated the ELEVATE exhibition to amplify the voices of underrepresented design students. His work honors the legacy of civil rights while building pathways for future generations, making him a catalyst for change in Arkansas and beyond.

With a deep belief in architecture as a tool for empowerment, Ernest continues to inspire, mentor, and reimagine what the built environment can mean for those long excluded from its creation.