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
When to Hire an Architect: The Early Decisions That Shape Great Projects | AB Ep 39
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One of the most common questions in the building industry is simple but incredibly important:
When should you bring an architect into a project?
Many people assume the architect is needed once the vision is clear and it’s time to produce drawings. But in reality, some of the most important decisions in a building project happen long before design documents are created.
In this episode of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Gibbs explores how the timing of architectural involvement can influence the success of a project—from early feasibility conversations to long-term building performance.
Whether you’re a property owner, developer, community leader, or emerging design professional, this conversation looks at how early collaboration helps projects move forward with clarity, coordination, and confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
In this episode we discuss:
• The earliest stages where architects add the most value
• Why many project challenges begin before drawings are created
• What can happen when design teams are brought into projects too late
• How early conversations help align goals, budgets, and feasibility
• Practical ways to find the right architect or design professional
The goal of this discussion is simple: to make the first conversation with an architect easier and more productive for everyone involved.
Why This Conversation Matters
Building projects involve many moving parts—owners, designers, engineers, contractors, and communities.
When architects are involved early in the process, they can help guide discussions around:
- Site feasibility
- Project goals and priorities
- Budget alignment
- Long-term building performance
These early conversations often shape decisions that affect the entire life of a project.
Watch Video Episode here:
https://www.iamthestudio.com/when-to-hire-an-architect/
Explore Related Episodes
If you enjoyed this episode, you may also want to watch these conversations on Architecture Beyond:
Built For A Lifetime: How To Craft A Sustainable Future With Building Management | AB Ep. 22
A discussion on how long-term thinking and building management strategies influence sustainability and project success.
Leading with Design: Chad Polk on Building Joyful Architecture & Strong Communities | AB Ep. 33
A conversation about design leadership, collaboration, and how architecture can support thriving communities.
Sponsor
This episode is supported by CDP Architecture.
Their support helps make conversations like this possible—sharing insights that help clients, communities, and design professionals better understand the process of creating meaningful architecture.
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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