Curtis Moody: A Change Agent Who Designed for Inclusion

Curtis Jerome Moody, FAIA, NOMA, 1950–2024

For over four decades, Curtis Moody challenged the boundaries of design and transformed the architectural landscape through his groundbreaking leadership at Moody-Nolan. As a pioneer in the industry and a true change agent, Curtis believed that great design happens at the intersection of innovative ideas and divergent points of view. He championed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not just as organizational values but as essential components of his design philosophy. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of architects and change-makers.

From its founding in 1982, Moody-Nolan has been a beacon of innovation, pushing the boundaries of design to generate positive social change. Curtis led the firm with a conviction that architecture could be a force for good, creating spaces that not only reflect the needs of communities but also elevate them. Under his leadership, Moody-Nolan grew into one of the most respected architectural firms in the country, with more than 350 employees in 12 locations. Curtis’s work was not merely about building structures—it was about building opportunities, fostering collaboration, and advancing equity.

I had the privilege of working closely with Curtis and his leadership team at Moody-Nolan to help embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the very fabric of the firm. These principles became a part of who they are, reflected in the designs they create and the culture they cultivate. Curtis understood that inclusion strengthens innovation, and he led with a commitment to fostering environments where divergent points of view were not only welcomed but celebrated. His leadership style was visionary—he didn’t just design buildings; he designed opportunities for people from all backgrounds to contribute and thrive.

Curtis’s contributions to the field were widely recognized. In 1992, he received the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which honors architects who contribute significantly to social responsibility. In 2007, he was honored with the AIA Gold Medal Award, acknowledging his remarkable achievements in architecture and his relentless pursuit of equity in the profession.

In 2020, Curtis passed the leadership torch to his son, Jonathan Moody, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Moody-Nolan. Jonathan’s appointment as CEO catalyzed the firm’s next era of innovation, leading to additional accolades, including the AIA Architecture Firm Award in 2021—the first African American-owned firm to receive this honor. Jonathan’s leadership continues to reflect the legacy of his father’s commitment to social change through design, and I am confident that he will carry forward the vision Curtis nurtured for so many years.

Through all of our conversations, it was clear that Jonathan shared his father’s passion for design as a tool for good and as a platform for advancing equity. The future of Moody-Nolan is in capable hands, and I believe Curtis’s legacy will continue to shine through the work of Jonathan and the talented team he leads.

Curtis Moody’s passing is a profound loss to the architectural community and to all who knew him. His dedication to uplifting underrepresented voices, to making diversity and inclusion an integral part of design, and to using the built environment to improve lives will be remembered for generations to come.

I extend my sincere condolences to the Moody family and to the staff at Moody-Nolan. Curtis was more than a leader—he was a mentor, a visionary, and an unwavering advocate for equity in all its forms. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the spaces he designed and the values he championed.

Effenus Henderson, HenderWorks