Curtis J. Moody, FAIA, NOMAC, founder and chairman of the nation’s largest African American-owned architecture firm, Moody Nolan, and a transformative figure in the field of architecture passed away on Sunday, October 13 at the age of 73. His contributions reshaped the architectural landscape, fostering greater diversity and inclusion while delivering design excellence across the country.

Curt was born and raised in a small town northeast of Columbus, Ohio, where his love for architecture first blossomed. A family friend, who worked as a contractor, inspired Curt with his architectural drawings, planting the seed for what would become a lifetime of passion and achievement in design. After earning his bachelor’s degree in architecture from The Ohio State University in 1973, where he was also a walk-on for the Buckeyes Men’s Basketball team, Curt founded Moody and Associates in 1982. By 1984, he partnered with the late Howard E. Nolan, an engineer, to form what would become Moody Nolan, which has grown into the largest African American-owned and managed architecture firm in the U.S.

Throughout his career, Curt was widely celebrated, receiving accolades such as the 1992 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions as an African American architect, and being elevated to the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) College of Fellows in 1997. With less than 2 percent of licensed architects in the U.S. being African American, Curt’s journey in the industry was a profound testament to his perseverance and passion for breaking barriers. His resolve to increase representation in the field was evident in his mentorship of young architects and his advocacy for diversity within the profession. In 2021, Moody Nolan was awarded the prestigious AIA Architecture Firm Award, making it the first African American-owned firm to receive this honor. Curt also received an honorary doctorate from Ohio Dominican University in 2008 and completed additional education at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and Columbus Technical Institute. 

“My dad’s vision was clear: architecture could not only transform spaces but also uplift communities,” said Jonathan Moody, CEO and President of Moody Nolan, and Curt’s son.

In 2022, at the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Conference, Jonathan shared the stage with his father in one of their final public appearances together. When asked about his favorite project, Curt replied, “The next one.” This forward-thinking philosophy guided Curt throughout his career and inspired those around him.

There have been a number of milestone projects over the years under Curt’s leadership, including:

• Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University – A breakthrough project for the firm, setting it on a course for larger projects in a prime role.
• Recreation and Physical Activity Center at The Ohio State University
• Ithaca College Athletics and Events Center – The firm’s first national design competition win.
• The New Malcolm X College in Chicago – The largest prime contract ever awarded to a minority design firm in the history of Chicago and the state of Illinois. This $251 million project was a significant achievement.
• Wintrust Arena – Home to the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and DePaul University basketball teams. It is the primary assembly venue on the McCormick Place campus.
• Lincoln Center – Part of the design team for the reimagining of the Amsterdam Avenue side of the iconic New York institution.
• International African American Museum – Located in Charleston, South Carolina.
• Forbes Arena – The basketball venue for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, later donated to Morehouse College.

Before his death, Curt was intricately involved in the design of two projects slated for completion in 2025 and 2027, respectively:

• Home Court – An athletics, programs, and event facility at the Obama Presidential Center.
• Morgan State University Science and Research Complex – Located in Baltimore, Maryland.

As the firm mourns the passing of its beloved founder, Jonathan Moody remains committed to carrying his father’s legacy forward. Jonathan has led Moody Nolan since 2020 with the same integrity and innovation that defined Curt’s career, ensuring the firm’s continued leadership in creating designs that address social challenges and foster inclusivity.

Curt is survived by his wife Elaine Moody, three sons (Curtis Jr., David, and Jonathan), and five grandchildren.

Funeral Arrangements

The viewing will take place on Thursday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT at New Salem Baptist Church, located at 2956 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43224. The funeral service will follow immediately after at the same location. Curt will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery (3840 Sunbury Rd., Columbus, OH 43219) at approximately 1:00 p.m. EDT, with a funeral procession. Parking is limited.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the Moody family and firm encourage donations to the Legacy House Fund, a philanthropic initiative conceived by Curt and brought to life under Jonathan Moody’s leadership. The Legacy House project reflects Curt’s deep commitment to creating equitable housing solutions, providing a home to a deserving family in each of the communities where the firm operates.

To make a donation to the Legacy House Fund, please visit: Legacy House Fund Donation Link. To learn more about Curt’s vision for affordable housing, watch his TEDxColumbus talk, Rethinking How We Build Affordable Housing: Curtis J. Moody TEDx Talk.