The American Institute of Architects announced today that Columbus, Ohio–based Moody Nolan has been awarded its 2021 Architecture Firm Award, the highest honor that the Institute confers to architecture practices. Founded by Curtis Moody, FAIA, and the late engineer Howard E. Nolan, the 220-member firm is the country's largest African American–owned and –operated design firm.
The firm's success demonstrates that diversity can be a force multiplier in architecture. Moody Nolan’s staff members work in 11 offices and represent 13 countries; 42% of the staff are women and are 31% are people of color. Its projects include the Martin Luther King Branch Library, Columbus Metropolitan Library, in Ohio; The Connor Group Headquarters, in Miamisburg, Ohio; the Moxy Hotel in Columbus; Dunbar Senior High School, in Washington, D.C.; the France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center at Purdue University; the Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center, in New York; and the Legacy House, in Columbus.
Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, president of the National Organization of Minority Architects and a principal and director based in HOK's Chicago office, wrote in support of the firm's nomination: “Curt Moody has been a mentor and role model to so many in the NOMA community that the full impact of his contributions will be felt for generations to come. He and the firm have done a phenomenal job of preparing for the future, particularly with setting an example for succession planning. Of the 12 NOMA Founders, all who were Black firm owners, regrettably, none of their firms grew beyond their own career. The legacy of Moody Nolan is something for all firms to aspire to and NOMA is exceptionally delighted to count Moody Nolan among our shining examples of firm excellence.”
R. Steven Lewis, FAIA, an urban design principal at ZGF, added, “Honoring Moody Nolan as firm of the year would not only celebrate the exceptional body of work of a deserving colleague, but also signal that the AIA is willing and anxious to continue beating the drum of equity and inclusion.”
Since its founding in 1982, Moody Nolan has received more than 320 design citations and significant awards, including Curtis Moody’s receipt of the AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award in 1992; the AIA Ohio Gold Medal in 2007, and the NOMA President’s Exemplary Service Award in 2008. The firm was also named NOMA’s firm of the year in 2000.
Listen to ARCHITECT's May 2020 podcast interview with Curtis and Jonathan Moody: "Episode 53: Curtis and Jonathan Moody on Being Leaders, African Americans, and Family Members in Architecture."
In November 2019, Moody announced he would transition his title as CEO of Moody Nolan to his son Jonathan Moody, AIA, effective January 2020. The elder Moody remains active at the firm as chairman.
“I set out to show the profession and the greater public that an African American firm could exist, thrive, and design significant architecture,” Curtis Moody wrote in his op-ed "Business First, Break Barriers Second" for ARCHITECT's March 2020 issue. “Today, I have hope that I’ll be remembered for my contributions not as an African American architect, but as an exceptional architect.”
Adding the 2021 AIA Firm Award to his firm's list of accolades should further solidify his outstanding legacy.
The AIA Architecture Firm Award is conferred by the AIA Board of Directors and the AIA Strategic Council from a short list of three finalists, as identified by an Advisory Jury. This year's Advisory Jury was chaired by Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, and comprised Trevor Bullen, AIA; Majora Carter; Chyanne Husar, AIA; Clarence Kwan, AIA; Steven Lewis, FAIA; Lisa Matthiessen, FAIA; and James Polshek, FAIA.
This is a breaking news story and will continue to be updated.
