Durham, NC based architect Philip Freelon has been has been selected by President Obama to a four-year term on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts advises the president, Congress and federal administrators on designs in the District of Columbia and advises the U.S. Mint on commemorative coins and medals. The commission also reviews and approves designs for national memorials in the United State and overseas.

Earlier this year the Freelon Group was elected to design the current N.C. State University chancellor’s residence into a new home for the university’s Gregg Museum of Art and Design. The Freelon Group has also designed the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, the Sterling Chemistry Lab at Yale University, and is currently heading the design team for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Philip Freelon is the principle and owner of The Freelon Group. He is also the dad of Pierce Freelon, emcee for Durham’s hip hop and jazz band, The Beast.

N&O.