KEVIN G MONTGOMERY
O’Brien Atkins Associates
African American AIA Fellow
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
SAY IT LOUD - Washington DC Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents and grandparents inspire me, because even though they did not have the chance to attend college and realize their dreams, they made it possible me and my generation to do so. For that I will always be grateful: On their shoulders I stand.
KEVIN G MONTGOMERY
Bio:
The great architect ,Kevin Montgomery is a graduate of Cornell University with tenure with I.M. Pei & Partners, Kevin joined O’Brien Atkins in 1988. He was named Director of Architecture in 1997, Principal of the firm in 1998 and President | COO in 2015. Kevin serves the architectural profession with dedication, determination, and distinction as recognized with his elevation to the AIA College of Fellows, his receipt of the NCARB President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and his recognition of the AIANC Deitrick Service Medal.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
When I was in elementary school, my father took my sisters and me to Idlewild Airport (JFK). There I saw the TWA Terminal designed by Eero Saarein. I was told it was an architect designs these and from that day, I wanted to become an Architect.
What do you do?
As President and COO of O'Brien Atkins, I am responsible for the firm’s operational strategic planning and execution. I am also actively engaged in mentoring staff, marketing and reviewing designs as they progress through the office.
What excites you in the work you do?
Seeing how architecture can impact lives and communities. Architecture is more than beautiful buildings and spaces. It is about the people we work with to design and construct the buildings and the individuals that will occupy and experiences them.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
My parents and grandparents inspire me, because even though they did not have the chance to attend college and realize their dreams, they made it possible me and my generation to do so. For that I will always be grateful: On their shoulders I stand.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My proudest achievement is becoming the 89th African American Architect elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. My proudest accomplishment was having my father join me for the ribbon cutting for the Winston-Salem State University Student Center.
Object:
Object Two - Practice Management, or Practice Technical Advancement
Year of Elevation:
2007
Featured Project Name:
Durham County Courthouse
Featured Project Location:
Durham, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
2013
Role in Featured Project:
Principal in Charge | Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
Prominently sited in Downtown Durham’s historic heart, the 11-story Courthouse is located adjacent to the existing Durham County Detention Center. A key design consideration was the County’s desire for the Courthouse silhouette to take prominence over the Detention Center. With its placement and stately civic plaza, the Courthouse is now the signature, civic profile as one enters the City. It has also become the catalyst for development of that portion of downtown Durham.
Photography Credit:
Joel Lassiter Photography
Featured Project Name:
Mary Lou Williams Center at Duke University
Featured Project Location:
Durham, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
2013
Role in Featured Project:
Principal in Charge | Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture (MLWC) was named in honor of the renowned jazz pianist, composer, teacher, and humanitarian, Mary Lou Williams. MLWC hosts cultural and social activities serving as the focal point for Black Student activities. The opening of the MLWC coincided with the celebration of two significant and historical dates for Duke University: The 50th anniversary of the first undergraduate African American students to attend Duke and the 30th anniversary of the MLWC.
Photography Credit:
Featured Project Photography Credit: O’Brien Atkins Associates
Featured Project Name:
Winston Salem State University Thompson Students Services Center
Featured Project Location:
Winston Salem, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
1996
Role in Featured Project:
Principal in Charge | Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
The Thompson Student Services Center, located at the highest point on the WSSU campus, centralizes student services functions, including the offices for the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid and Housing departments. This multi-functional building provides most of the services offered to students, exclusive of academics and athletics, in one location. From admissions and registration to daily meals and mail, this is a full-service center for student needs.
Photography Credit:
Rick Alexander and Associates, Inc.
Featured Project Name:
Duke University Trinity Residence Hall
Featured Project Location:
Durham, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
2017
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager
Featured Project Description:
Duke University retained the O’Brien Atkins’ design team for the new Trinity Residence Hall, located on East Campus. With 271 beds, the new residence hall completes the Bell Tower quad Duke has developed in the southwest portion of its undergraduate campus. Kitchen facilities, a gaming room and a “common gathering space” capable of hosting several small groups, or one large group, add to the residential quality of student life. All residential and public common areas include LED lighting.
