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
Ode To My Father: An Ode To Monroe Waldemar Gibbs // Saturday Studio AB EP 49
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Sharing The Testimony and message of my Father Monroe Waldemar Gibbs. May His Legacy continue to bless and bring health and strength to this generation, this world.
I love you Dad!
If you find this podcast uplifting please consider supporting or donating to my page. Thx!
Obituary(Updated 2026):
Monroe was the beloved husband of Hettie S. Gibbs, MD., his partner in life for 57 years. Together, they built a strong family that was the center of his world. Monroe was preceded in death by oldest daughter Valerie Gibbs. Monroe is survived by his children, each of whom he was immensely proud: Monroe Waldemar Gibbs, Jr., Roumayah Erika Gibbs, Dayna E. Gibbs, MD., and Brandon Aaron Gibbs, AIA., as well as his loving daughter-in-law, Stella Nwadimma Gibbs.
His grandchildren, Erin Mary-Elizabeth Wilhelmina Gibbs, Carter Kentrell Rouser, David Chukwuyerem Gibbs, Olivia Danielle Rouser, and Joshua El-roi Gibbs brought immense joy to his life, and he cherished each moment he spent with them.
Monroe was preceded in death by his father, Monroe Alan Gibbs, his mother, Mathilda Louise Wilhelmina Every Maxwell, and his step-mother, Fannie Mae Gibbs. He now joins them in eternal rest, along with his siblings who passed before him: Claudette Josephine Gibbs, Vincent W. Gibbs, Valerie E. Maxwell, Edris Gibbs, Bernice M. Ferrari-Sibilly, Genevieve Ferrari, and Ulric Othello Ferrari.
He leaves behind his brothers, Richard B. Gibbs, MD., and Douglas MacArthur Gibbs, who mourn his passing but will forever cherish their memories of him.
Monroe was not only an exceptional attorney but also a man of integrity, compassion, and wisdom. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he traveled extensively and continued his passion for aviation as a pilot of his own private plane in his leisure time. He served faithfully under the leadership of Bishop G.E. Patterson and Bishop Milton R. Hawkins as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at the Temple of Deliverance. His legacy endures through the love and lessons he imparted to his family and the many lives he influenced throughout his personal and professional endeavors.
He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
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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