Jonathan Moody

Moody Nolan CEO Jonathan Moody, who received the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architect Award in 2021, will share insights into the acclaimed architecture firm’s 40-year history, starting with its founding by his father, architect Curtis Moody (1950–2024), and engineer Howard E. Nolan. The firm, which now has more than 350 employees in 12 US locations, is the largest owned by an African American in the country. Among many other awards, Moody Nolan won the AIA Architecture Firm Award in 2021, the first African American–run firm to do so.

From the start, Moody Nolan has championed diversity and equity, leading the way at a time when the field of architecture had little minority representation. Their belief that architecture can change both individual lives and society for the better infuses each one of their projects.

Be inspired by the firm’s commitment to designing and delivering projects in Columbus and nationally that focus on “responsive design, pairing empathetic listening with innovation thinking, to find harmony between client, community, and environment.” Moody Nolan’s projects span a variety of purposes and include community spaces like recreation centers, wellness centers, and libraries; shared environments like museums and theaters; commercial buildings like airport terminals, stadiums, and corporate headquarters; educational facilities; and supportive and affordable housing for students, the unhoused, and the workforce.

A Q&A moderated by Wexner Center for the Arts Executive Director Gaëtane Verna follows the talk.

Can’t make it in person? The event also streams on this page, and online viewers can text a question via the Wex hotline at (614) 813-3416.