Bio:

The great architect, Nekia holds the role of Vice President with Barrett Symone Property Managers since early 2015 where she leads operations, building management and leasing. BSPM manages commercial retail properties owned by parent company, Strong Enterprises, Inc. Her first 10 years of career were spent in design practice. Prior to joining BSPM she held the role of Associate with Grimm + Parker Architects in the Washington D.C. metro area, and Architect with HOK’s Atlanta office.

​

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

In high school. Someone suggested architecture to me as a way to combine my love for art class with the investment business focus my parents wished me to inherit in their real estate business.

 

What do you do?

I spent the first 10 years of my career practicing architecture. Currently, I am involved in property management and real estate development with the company my Parents built. Our company owns and manages small neighborhood sized retail centers.

​

What excites you in the work you do?

The joy I receive from others when they show surprise at seeing a Black woman property owner or architect, as a representation of a work life direction most didn’t know was possible. I am encouraged by their excitement and wish to recruit more.

​

Who or what inspires you professionally?

Social architects, non-traditional designers, free thinkers inspire me to be more than just an architect. They push me to want to expand into development for social good, to reach back to teach others who look like me to build generational wealth.

​

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

The completion of this LFCC Student Union. It was my first job I was able to work on from start to construction finish as a licensed architect. I was challenged by my firm as an emerging leader to jump right in to running projects solo.

​

Featured Project Name: 

Lord Fairfax Community College Student Union

 

Featured Project Location: 

Middletown, Virginia

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

January 2014

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

This building was tasked with strengthening the student experience in and out of the classroom. With a $9.1 million budget, the 31,800 square foot Student Union houses a high-tech fitness center, student lounge spaces, the campus bookstore, fast casual dining hall, and student support offices. Construction began in November 2012 and was completed in time for the first classes of January 2014.

​

Photography Credit:

Grimm + Parker Architects