MONIQUE NICHOLS
Gresham Smith
SAY IT LOUD - North Carolina Exhibitor
North Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Modern contemporary architecture inspires me, including architects like the late Zaha Hadid and Santiago Calatrava.
MONIQUE NICHOLS
Bio:
The great designer, Monique Nichols is an architectural project coordinator in Gresham Smith’s Aviation market where she designs thoughtful solutions that are tailored to each airport’s unique vision. After running prints, errands and filling in door schedules as a teenager, she now has 15 years of experience. Monique earned a Master of Architecture Morgan State University, as well as a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I as introduced to architecture through Mike Brady from The Brady Bunch. I took drafting classes in high school, which gave me an internship opportunity at an architectural firm. That’s where I started, and I’ve been in architecture ever since.
What do you do?
I am responsible for developing programmatic requirements, design concepts, and providing construction administration services. It is our focus to meet each airport’s unique needs with innovate design solutions to enhance passenger experience.
What excites you in the work you do?
I love seeing a finished drawing full of details and information printed out. To see those drawings become actual buildings is the icing on the cake!
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Modern contemporary architecture inspires me, including architects like the late Zaha Hadid and Santiago Calatrava.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I worked on an airport concourse connector at BWI airport from conception through construction. While there were a lot of ups and downs along the way, in the end I could stand back and say “I did that, and it turned out pretty good.”
Featured Project Name:
Charlotte Douglas International Airport -Terminal Lobby Expansion
Featured Project Location:
Charlotte, NC
Featured Project Completion Date:
2025
Role in Featured Project:
Architectural Project Coordinator schematic design, design development and construction documentation
Featured Project Description:
As one of the busiest airports nationwide, the 370,000-square-foot expansion/renovation is an essential part of CLT’s long-term construction and development plan. The new terminal lobby aims to provide passengers the royal treatment, marrying grand, sweeping spaces with clean, understated modernism. The airport’s historic statue of Queen Charlotte provided inspiration for the design, which pays homage to the Queen City’s rich local history and southern hospitality.
