ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Nick Awori

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Nick Awori

February 02, 2021

Part of our 2021 Black History Month series "9 Designers Reflect on the Past, Present & Future of Black History in Architecture"

Nicholas Awori, associate principal and architectural designer who has been with ZGF since 2000 in our Los Angeles office, reflects on an influential Black architect from his hometown in Nairobi, Kenya.

One of my greatest influences that paved the way before me as an architect is my next-door neighbor growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, Stan Webb. He is currently a retired American Black architect and Howard University School of Architecture alumnus who designed both residential and religious buildings. In fact, the townhouses that I grew up in and one of the churches that my mother attended, Valley Road Church in Nairobi, were both designed by him.

In addition, as a Howard graduate, he influenced my decision to also attend his alma mater—an HBCU in Washington D.C.—and the same university Vice President Kamala Harris attended. Attending an HBCU opened my eyes to the African Diaspora in ways I could never have imagined, forging friendships that I still maintain to this day 23 years later. I met my wife Liliana Awori at Howard University as well, and she too is one of the few African American registered architects.

Related

9 Designers Reflect on the Past, Present & Future of Black History in Architecture

Designers from around the firm share their experiences and insight on the industry. 

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Yomi Adeyemi

Yomi Adeyemi, an architectural designer who has been with ZGF for two years in our Seattle office, reflects on what led him to be an architect and imagines a more equitable future.

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Jerry Bryant

Jerry Bryant, associate principal and architectural designer who joined ZGF’s Los Angeles office in 2004, reflects on the words and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that have influenced his approach in life and career. 

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Nicole Dodier

Nicole Dodier, an interior designer who’s been with ZGF for two years in our Portland office, sends a message to all Black architects and designers who are just embarking on their career.

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Matthew Joseph

Matthew Joseph, an architectural designer who joined ZGF’s Vancouver office in 2019, encourages a commitment to our local minority communities all year round.

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Nolan Lienhart

Nolan Lienhart, a pincipal and urban planner with ZGF for 15 years in our Portland office, speaks about the power of urban planning to design more equitable communities.

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Zachariah Petett

Architectural designer Zachariah Petett has been with our Portland office since 2019. He expresses the struggles he faces as a Black professional and the rewarding nature of overcoming these challenges to create change.

ZGF x BHM: Spotlight on Camilla Watson

Camilla Watson, associate principal and interior designer who has been with ZGF’s Seattle office for eight years, speaks about the importance of diversity for the future of design as a tool to drive innovation.