Curtis Moody
Courtesy Moody Nolan Curtis Moody

Curtis J. Moody, a visionary architect who built one of the largest African-American-owned architecture firms in the U.S. and whose work reshaped urban landscapes across the country, passed away on Sunday at the age of 73. As the founder of Moody Nolan, his leadership and contributions to the architecture world were profound, earning him and his firm widespread recognition and setting a new standard for diversity and excellence in the field.

Moody's vision, ambition, and commitment to serving underrepresented communities through design made him one of the most revered architects of his generation. His firm, Moody Nolan, was at the forefront of innovative design solutions, expanding beyond Columbus to national prominence.

Early Life and Education

Born December 28, 1950 in Columbus, Ohio, Moody grew up in the Weinland Park neighborhood. From a young age, he was determined to achieve greatness. He attended North High School, where he was a standout athlete in three sports, and later walked on as a guard for the Ohio State University basketball team while studying architecture. Moody’s passion for the built environment was sparked during childhood when he came across architectural drawings at a friend's house. “My friend’s father was a builder, and he had some drawings in the house,” Moody told The Columbus Dispatch in 2013. “I saw them, and said, 'I want to do this.' I didn’t know that was an architect.”

Moody graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1973. The education and experience he gained at Ohio State laid the foundation for his future success and gave him the tools to turn his passion into reality.

Founding of Moody Nolan

In 1982, Moody took a leap of faith and founded Moody and Associates. His vision was to create an architecture firm that would not only focus on high-quality design but also serve diverse and underrepresented communities. A year later, Moody partnered with engineer Howard Nolan, and together they formed Moody Nolan. As the firm grew, so did its impact on the architectural world.

By the time Moody stepped back from day-to-day leadership in 2020, Moody Nolan had become the largest African-American-owned architecture firm in the nation, with 350 employees across 12 offices. As CEO and chairman, Moody led the firm in designing high-profile projects across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and sports facilities.

Reflections on Starting Out

Reflecting on the early years of his practice in an interview with ARCHITECT magazine, Curtis Moody recounted the challenges of starting out as an African-American architect in a largely white-dominated industry. "When I started my practice 38 years ago, my goal was to survive in a profession largely devoid of minorities," he said. "I dreamed of creating great design, but I also had business matters to square away."

Moody was candid about the struggles of navigating a field where he often had to charge less than his competitors to secure projects. "I wish I could say we had a choice in charging fair market value, but we didn’t at the time," he reflected.

However, Moody and his partner, engineer Howard E. Nolan, built their firm on principles of excellence and diversity. "In terms of diversity in architecture, we were it for a long time. Our mission wasn’t to go it alone as African Americans, but to be the best we could be with the best talent," he explained.

Over time, the firm developed a reputation for hiring talent from all backgrounds. "We looked for people who wanted to be part of a firm that embraced all ethnicities and genders," Moody shared.

AIA Firm of the Year 2021 – Recognizing Moody Nolan’s Excellence

Moody Nolan's Columbus, Ohio, office
Sam Brown/Moody Nolan Moody Nolan's Columbus, Ohio, office

In 2021, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that Moody Nolan had been awarded its prestigious Architecture Firm Award—the highest honor that the Institute confers on architecture practices. This recognition was a testament to the firm’s consistent excellence in design and its leadership in promoting diversity in the field. That year the firm’s success has demonstrated how diversity can be a force multiplier in architecture, with its 220-member staff representing 13 countries. Notably, in 2021, 42% of the staff were women, and 31% were people of color.

Kimberly Dowdell, past president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and current AIA president, praised Curtis Moody's mentorship and the firm’s legacy, saying, “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.”

Architectural Achievements and Awards

Moody Nolan’s designs are a testament to Curtis Moody’s belief that architecture could be both functional and socially impactful. The firm’s most recognized projects include the Martin Luther King Branch Library in Ohio, The Connor Group Headquarters in Miamisburg, the Moxy Hotel in Columbus, Dunbar Senior High School in Washington, D.C., the Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center in New York, and the France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center at Purdue University.

The firm designed the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, expanded the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, and completed the Music City Center in Nashville. In 2009, Moody Nolan was a finalist to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Since its founding in 1982, Moody Nolan has received more than 320 design citations, 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.

Advocacy and Legacy

While Curtis Moody’s architectural accomplishments were many, his legacy as an advocate for diversity in the profession is just as significant. Moody often spoke about the importance of creating opportunities for African-Americans and other underrepresented groups in architecture. His firm became a model of diversity, with Moody making it a priority to hire, mentor, and promote minority talent.

Moody was an active participant in numerous professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects. He also received Ohio State’s Distinguished Service Award in 2002, in recognition of his contributions to both his alma mater and the broader architectural community.

Jonathan and Curt Moody
Shon Curtis Jonathan and Curt Moody

In his ARCHITECT interview, Moody shared that his decision to transition leadership of Moody Nolan to his son, Jonathan, was proactive. “Ten years ago, I decided to transition from my role. It was essential that I be proactive, or time would get away. This year, I officially turned our firm’s leadership over to my son and fellow design architect Jonathan Moody, AIA.” His son, Jonathan Moody, who succeeded him as CEO of Moody Nolan in 2020, continues to carry on his father’s legacy.

Lasting Legacy

Curtis J. Moody’s death marks the end of an era for the architecture industry, but his contributions will be felt for generations to come. His influence extended far beyond the buildings he designed—he inspired countless young architects, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to pursue their dreams. As former Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman said upon hearing of Moody’s passing, “Curt Moody was a great American architect, a good person, a visionary, and we have lost an icon in the minority business space and an icon in the architectural design space as well. He’ll be sorely missed.”