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
Affordable Housing, Advocacy & The Path Towards A Newer Hopeful Architecture with Kelsey Wilson, AIA | AB Ep 37
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What does it really mean to design with dignity—and how can architects play a meaningful role in affordable housing and community development?
Watch this episode recorded here:
In this kickoff episode of Season 4 of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Gibbs sits down with Kelsey Oesmann Wilson, AIA, Principal at Nelson Community Partners, for an honest and practical conversation about affordable housing, advocacy, and the evolving role of architects beyond traditional practice.
Kelsey shares her journey into affordable housing, what it actually takes to deliver high-quality, community-centered projects, and how architects—especially students and emerging professionals—can explore whether this work aligns with their skills, values, and long-term goals.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn
- What “designing with dignity” really means in affordable housing
- How affordable housing projects come together—from design to development and partnerships
- How architects can explore impact-driven work without needing all the answers upfront
- Practical advice for students and young professionals looking to get involved
This episode is especially valuable for architecture students, emerging professionals, firm leaders, and designers interested in community impact, equity, and meaningful practice.
Learn more about Nelson Community Partners here.
Related Architecture Beyond Episodes
If today’s conversation resonates, continue exploring these connected discussions:
- 🎙️ Designing Business For Architects with Rachel Gresham
A deep dive into mentorship, leadership, and navigating growth in architecture. - 🎙️ Strengthening Community Through Equity, Architecture & Service with Dillon Dunn
A powerful conversation on advocacy, representation, and strengthening communities through design.
These episodes build on the same themes of purpose, responsibility, and expanding the architect’s role.
Sponsor: Iamthestudio
This episode is supported by Iamthestudio, a premier course platform for architects and designers focused on real-world workflows and practical skill development.
If this conversation inspired you to strengthen your skills, you can get 50% off Iamthestudio courses with the code:
👉 Visit iamthestudio.com and use the code januarydesignpro26 to invest in the tools that help turn intention into impact.
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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