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.
Episodes
48 episodes
Can We Still Build The American Dream? On Housing, Architecture And Democracy | AB EP 47
What does the American Dream look like when given physical form?It can be found in a safe and attainable home, a strong neighborhood, a quality school, an accessible library, a thriving local business, or a civic space that allows...
Architecture Beyond Expands: Podcast Summer Update & More | AB Ep 46
A brief update from host and architect Brandon A. Gibbs on the podcast’s recent growth, ongoing architectural research and the conversations coming next.Architecture Beyond is entering an exciting new phase. Following one of our most suc...
Why Frank Lloyd Wright Still Matters: How He Redefined American Architecture | AB Ep 45
Architecture Beyond | Saturday StudioWhat makes architecture endure?Watch Video episode here: Is it the beauty of a building, the innovation o...
A Conversation About the Structural Logic Behind Great Design With Terrance L. Nash | AB Ep 44
What truly allows great architecture to stand the test of time?Behind every inspiring space, iconic building, and thriving community is an often-unseen framework of structural thinking. While architecture is frequently celebrated for its...
Remembering The Twin Towers And The Reasons We Go To Studio // Saturday Studio AB Ep 43
Architecture BeyondIn this reflective Saturday Studio episode, Architecture Beyond takes a different approach — moving away from a traditional presentation format and into a spoken-word narrative about memory, architecture, and th...
Beyond Geometry | Advanced Form-Finding Frontiers for Architects With Grasshopper & Kangaroo With Arie Willem de Jongh | AB Ep 42
What happens when architects stop designing static forms — and start designing with forces, behavior, and physics?In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we sit down with Arie Willem de Jongh, innovative designer and Co-Founder of
Letters to Ms. 1000 Begins - Christian Joosse On Architecture Writing and Purpose | Part 1 | AB EP 41
Architecture is not only shaped by buildings. It is shaped by memory, mentorship, authorship, and the voices that help define who belongs in the profession.In this episode of Architecture Beyond, Brandon Gibbs sits down with arc...
Zaha Hadid: The Architect Who Redefined Form and Possibility For All Designers // Saturday Studio AB Ep 40
Welcome to Saturday Studio, a series from Architecture Beyond where we study architectural pioneers and connect their thinking to how we design today.In this episode, we explore the life and impact of Zaha Hadid — an architect kno...
When to Hire an Architect: The Early Decisions That Shape Great Projects | AB Ep 39
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 tim...
Paul R. Williams: Elegance, Leadership, and Lasting Impact in American Architecture // Saturday Studio AB Ep 38
Architecture Beyond | Saturday StudioWelcome to the first installment of Saturday Studio, a new Architecture Beyond series where we study architectural legends and translate their thinking into principles you can apply toda...
Affordable Housing, Advocacy & The Path Towards A Newer Hopeful Architecture with Kelsey Wilson, AIA | AB Ep 37
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:&nbs...
Strengthening Community Through Equity, Architecture & Service With Dillon Dunn | AB Ep 36
In this episode of Architecture Beyond, host Brandon Gibbs sits down with Dillon Dunn, President of NOMA Nashville, for a timely and thoughtful conversation on leadership, representation, and the future of the arch...
The Architecture of Wellness: A Vision For Healthier Cities From The Inside Out with Christopher Goode I AB Ep. 35
Episode OverviewIn 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 wo...
Ask An Architect (Part 1) -- Honest Answers About the World of Design | AB Ep. 34
Ever wondered what architects really do all day, why projects take so long, or where design ideas actually come from? In this Architecture Beyond special, host Brandon Gibbs, AIA, NOMA opens up about the...
Leading with Design: Chad Polk on Building Joyful Architecture & Strong Communities | AB Ep.33
What does it mean to lead with design, serve the community, and build a practice with lasting impact?In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we sit down with Chad Polk, President of CDP Architecture, to explore his...
Designing for Healing: The Power of Healthcare Interior Design with Giselle Newman AAIA, RID| AB Ep. 32
“Healthcare design isn’t just about meeting codes — it’s about restoring dignity, supporting care, and shaping outcomes.” — Giselle Newman, Award-Winning Healthcare Interior Designer In this inspiring episode of
A Practical Guide to Style for Architects | AB Ep. 31
From Homes to Civic Designs— How to Communicate Style with Clarity and ConfidenceEpisode Overview: In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we unpack what style really means in architectural practice. T...
Built To Last: 2 Years of Ideas Shaping Architecture Beyond | AB Ep. 30
Celebrating 2 Years and 30 Episodes of Meaningful Design ConversationsWe’ve reached a major milestone—30 episodes and nearly 2,000 downloads strong! Architecture Beyond has officially made the Feedspot To...
Decoding The International Building Code | AB Ep 29
Why Tune In?Every design idea eventually meets the plan reviewer. In this 55‑minute master‑class, host Brandon Gibbs turns the IBC from creativity‑killer into design jetpack—perfect for ARE candidates, project architects, a...
A Lesson on Original Design & Thoughtful Product Selection with Betsy Lindell, LEED AP | AB Ep 28
What happens when a designer crosses over to the world of product representation? In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we sit down with Betsy Lindell — designer, founder of BetsyLi...
2025 Tax Tips For Design Professionals | AB Ep 27
Episode OverviewWelcome to this dynamic episode of Architecture Beyond, where we dive into two game-changing topics every design professional needs to know:Smart Tax Strategies:Uncover actionable ti...
New Years Resolutions for Architects | AB Ep 26
🚀 Set Your 2025 Resolutions for a Thriving Architecture Career 🎉The new year is here, and it’s time to level up! In our first episode of the year, Architecture Beyond is helping architects set powerful resolutions ...
Happy Holidays from Architecture Beyond! AB Ep 25
Happy Holidays from Us to You!As we close out another inspiring year, we want to thank you—our listeners—for making Architecture Beyond a space for impactful conversations and ideas. Your support fuels our passion to brin...
Civic Foundations: Why Voting Matters for Architects and Designers | AB Ep 24
In this episode of Architecture Beyond, we explore why voting is essential for design professionals. Architecture may not be a political field, but as citizens in a democracy, understanding the policies and leaders that shape our...
Designing Business For Architects | A Blueprint For Stronger Architectural Practice WIth Rachel Gresham AIA, MBA AB Ep 23
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 jour...