Susan Knox Wilson
Gary J. Nelson, PebbleCreek resident and architect with the Phoenix Office of the City Engineer, was recently awarded the prestigious Architects Medal by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Arizona Chapter. Since the award’s inception in 1981, he is the first African American to receive this honor. Nelson also is the first African American architect to be employed by the City of Phoenix.
The AIA Arizona Architects Medal is awarded to honor and celebrate members of the organization who have advanced the profession of architecture, recognizing their outstanding professional achievements and sense of social responsibility. The nominee’s achievements must be viewed as an advancement of the profession.
“Winning this award is one of the highlights of my 37-year career as an architect,” said Gary. “I became an architect to make a difference, not just in the building environment but in the community as well. As a recipient of the AIA Arizona Architects Medal, I am honored and proud that my passion and contributions through my profession were recognized by my colleagues.”
During his 37-year career as an architect, including four years with the City of Phoenix, Nelson has compiled an impressive list of professional achievements and serves as an advocate for minorities and women within his profession.
As an architect with the City of Phoenix, highlights of his projects include the Weather Respite Shelter on 27th Street and Washington Street, the Phoenix Convention Center shoring wall, Fire Station 62, the renovation of the Footprint Center in downtown, and Operation Patch and Paint neighborhood commercial rehabilitation.
A registered architect in 20 states, his private sector work includes project architect of Phoenix’s Chase Field, and George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, and project management of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He also led Michael Baker International’s expansion of its architecture practice in the western United States, and was the company’s first African American assistant vice president.
Nelson is the founder of the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Minority Architects (NOMA). NOMA is a community-based multicultural organization that has programs to introduce architecture to youth in underserved communities, mentor college and emerging professionals, and increase the number of minorities and women in architecture. Less than 2% of registered architects in the United States are African American. In October 2022, during its national conference, NOMA selected NOMAarizona as large chapter of the year.
In his second term as NOMA West Region Vice President, Nelson led the organization’s expansion into the West Region, growing it from three chapters in 2017 to eight by 2022, with the most recent chapter addition coming in Utah.
Nelson is a 1985 graduate of Hampton University, a Historically Black College or University.