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
The Architecture of Wellness: A Vision For Healthier Cities From The Inside Out with Christopher Goode I AB Ep. 35
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Episode Overview
In this inspiring episode of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Aaron Gibbs, AIA, NOMA sits down with entrepreneur, community builder, and wellness advocate Chris Goode—whose mission-driven work is reshaping how cities think about health, design, and equitable public spaces.
Chris recently shared his story for Paseo Stairs Project at the 2025 NOMA KC Convention, joining Populous leaders Al Harris and Ashley Renfro on a powerful panel exploring design, community heritage, and public good. This episode continues that conversation, diving deeper into how architecture and wellness intersect in transformative ways.
From founding Ruby Jean’s Juicery in honor of his grandmother to reimagining civic spaces through creative partnerships—including Populous and the iconic Paseo Stairs project—Chris demonstrates what it means to design with purpose, empathy, and cultural impact.
What We Discuss in This Episode
1. The Mission Behind Ruby Jean’s
How personal loss inspired Chris to champion health equity in underserved communities.
2. The Built Environment & Health
Why architecture, public spaces, and community identity directly shape wellness and opportunity.
3. Continuing the NOMA KC Conversation
Insights carried forward from Chris’s 2025 panel with Populous leaders Al Harris and Ashley Renfro on design equity and public impact.
4. The Paseo Stairs Project
A visionary example of community-centered revitalization—combining art, architecture, and storytelling.
5. Lessons for Designers & Architects
Advice for emerging professionals on using design to strengthen communities and create meaningful, lasting change.
Meet the Guest — Chris Goode
Entrepreneur • Community Health Advocate • Founder of Ruby Jean’s Juicery
Chris Goode’s work sits at the intersection of mission, wellness, and design. His ventures honor his late grandmother, Ruby Jean, and advocate for healthier futures in communities that have been historically underserved.
His leadership extends beyond business—into public space activation, cultural restoration, and partnerships with architects and designers shaping the next era of equitable cities.
Learn more about Chris and his work:
Ruby Jean’s Juicery – https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/
Ruby Jean Foundation – https://www.rubyjeansfoundation.com/
The Paseo Stairs – https://www.thepaseostairs.com/
IG– @genuinejuiceguy
Episode Sponsor — CDP Architecture
This episode is proudly sponsored by CDP Architecture, a firm dedicated to creating thoughtful, and well crafted environments across civic, education, sports, and community spaces.
https://www.cdparchitecture.com/
Watch video episode on our site here: https://www.iamthestudio.com/architectureofwellness/
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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