Gary J. Nelson

Gary J. Nelson, AIA, built a career over more than 35 years dedicated to broad community impact through the practice of architecture. Licensed in more than 20 states, he has lead teams on large-scale, transformative public projects across the United States, mentored dozens of young professionals, and volunteered hundreds of hours toward improving conditions of people from all walks of life. Nelson was the first African American Director of Architecture for an ENR top 100 National Firm, leading to a 7-state expansion of a national architectural practice. His work includes MLB, NFL, MLS, and NBA facilities as a project architect, project manager, and owner’s representative, as well as local community-based projects for the City of Phoenix, and countless surrounding municipalities. Throughout his career, Gary has led design teams to embrace technology, improve practice means and methods, incorporate diverse voices, and connect directly to the individuals the industry serves. In 2017, he became founding president of Arizona’s Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), sparking the start of 8 additional chapters in the Western Region, including Colorado, Portland, San Diego, and Utah. In 2018, he became the first African-American Architect to lead projects for the City of Phoenix. Gary embodies the highest criteria that the Arizona Medal represents, having impacted our profession, especially in Arizona, with integrity in the categories of social responsibility, broad local community impact, and the advancement of the practice of architecture.