LEROY ALI-OSMAN
Andre Johnson Architects
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The various people we work for, as well as their stories inspire me. History and Art inspire me.
LEROY ALI-OSMAN
Bio:
The great designer, Leroy is the Senior Designer at Andre Johnson Architects. He has over 14 years in the profession, and prior to joining AJA gained a range of experiences at various architectural practices. Leroy is passionate about design and believes that along with the responsibility which architects are challenged with to provide safe and functional environments, there is a profound opportunity to reflect the histories, and project the aspirations of the people we serve through our work.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
Growing up I had a general sense of the role architects play in society. However, it wasn’t until I was in college and decided to take a design studio as a summer elective that I really began to understand the discipline of architecture.
What do you do?
I'm an architect and a designer.
What excites you in the work you do?
I'm excited by the challenge of imagining unique and integrated design responses to the various exercises we are tasked with as architects.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The various people we work for, as well as their stories inspire me. History and Art inspire me.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I'm proud of becoming a licensed architect. I'm also proud to serve our clients and society to the best of my abilities.
Featured Project Name:
Mount Vernon Baptist Church
Featured Project Location:
Creedmoor, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt
Role in Featured Project:
Design Lead
Featured Project Description:
The design is driven by the ideas of cleansing through baptism, divine illumination, and the witnessing and propagation of the Christian faith. From the glimpse one catches of the baptismal pool upon approach to the main entry, to the abundant yet primarily diffuse lighting throughout the building, the experience of the project is layered and scripted. The narrative journey through its spaces is thoughtfully organized to create clear and powerful moments for the congregation and its visitors.
Photography Credit:
Leroy Ali-Osman
Featured Project Name:
Excelsior Jazz Club, Hotel, and Museum
Featured Project Location:
Charlotte, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
Unbuilt Competition Entry
Role in Featured Project:
Design Lead
Featured Project Description:
The narrative which inspired our conception of the design is that the Excelsior club, and the Washington Heights neighborhood, have a rich and inextricable history based in the African American community of Charlotte. Our design response was influenced by several aspects of this history, from the legendary entertainers who performed at the club, to the fact that it was a critical social and political gathering place, and even the precedent of its Art Moderne architectural style in the city.
