Architecture Beyond
I am Brandon Aaron Gibbs, AIA, NOMA—a licensed architect, researcher, educator, media producer, and advocate working across architecture, technology, and public engagement.
My story begins with my parents, who met while attending Howard University. My mother came from Mississippi, and my father came from the U.S. Virgin Islands. They raised me in Memphis, Tennessee, where I developed an early love for music, creativity, architecture, and design.
As a youth member of several orchestras including the Memphis Youth Symphony, I traveled nationally and internationally and experienced cities, cultures, and remarkable spaces beyond my hometown. Those experiences showed me how buildings and public places can express identity, history, and possibility. They helped inspire my decision to pursue architecture.
I studied architecture at Pratt Institute as a recipient of the Pratt Institute Presidential Scholarship. I later earned my Master of Architecture from the Architectural Association Design Research Laboratory in London. Over more than 15 years, I have contributed to sports and entertainment venues, healthcare facilities, churches, community spaces, commercial developments, and residential projects across Tennessee, New York, the American South, and beyond.
My work has expanded into research, education, entrepreneurship, and media. Through MotionFORM, I explore design, sustainability, computational methods, and emerging technology. I also founded Iamthestudio to help architects and designers strengthen their creative and technical skills.
Selected accomplishments include:
- LICENSED ARCHITECT IN TENNESSEE
- CO-CHAIR OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, NOMA NASHVILLE
- PRATT INSTITUTE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
- BISHOP G. E. PATTERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
- AUDIENCE AWARD RECIPIENT, QUICKFLICK LONDON
- WORK FEATURED BY PRATT INSTITUTE AND AIGA MOBILE
- PANEL SPEAKER WITH MUSIC CITY NSBE
- SPEAKER AT PODCAMP NASHVILLE AND BARCAMP NASHVILLE
- SHORTLISTED AS A PROSPECTIVE TEDX MOBILE SPEAKER
- ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING THROUGH THE NASHVILLE ENTREPRENEUR CENTER AND NASHVILLE BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTER
Through Architecture Beyond, I bring together professional experience, independent research, and storytelling to make architecture more accessible and relevant. As “The Architect in Your Corner,” I explore how design affects our communities, industries, opportunities, and everyday lives.
Architecture Beyond
Designing Business For Architects | A Blueprint For Stronger Architectural Practice WIth Rachel Gresham AIA, MBA AB Ep 23
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Join us for a compelling conversation with Rachel Gresham, AIA Senior Director of Professional Practice, as we explore the pivotal role of business skills and professional development in elevating architectural practices. Rachel shares her journey from designing impactful community projects to advocating for equity-centered workplace cultures and practice management across the AEC industry. Discover how business acumen, mentorship, and organizational culture are crucial to the success of modern architects and firms alike.
Key Topics Covered:
- The personal journey of growth in architecture
- Developing business skills alongside design expertise
- The importance of workplace culture for retention and recruitment
- Insights from Rachel's MBA research on organizational structures in the architecture industry
- How firms can better support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives
- Practical tips for emerging architects looking to advance their careers
Guest Speaker:
Rachel R. Gresham, AIA, MBA, WELL AP, CDT
Rachel is a Nashville-based Registered Architect and the Senior Director of Professional Practice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). With a decade of experience managing $40+ million construction projects and a passion for mentoring emerging professionals, Rachel advocates for better workplace cultures, practice management, and social justice across the architecture profession. She is also a thought leader on organizational culture and equity within the AEC industry.
Bonus:
Check out our new merchandise here, 10% off this month only:
https://iamthestudio-shop.printify.me/products
Architecture Beyond is where architects, designers, and creative thinkers share the stories shaping life and impact beyond the studio. Since launching, we’ve released dozens of inspiring episodes and grown into a global community of listeners who care about architecture’s role in the world.
We’d love to hear from you—what topics inspire you most, or who you’d like to see as a guest. If you’re interested in sharing your own story on the show, visit Iamthestudio.com and click ArchBeyond in the menu. Join the conversation and help us continue building a platform that elevates architects everywhere.
Sponsored by iamthestudio architecture software courses (site here).
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