illuminate

black history month

AIA Triangle honors Black History Month by showcasing Black voices making a significant impact in the Triangle.

Kevin G. Montgomery

I joined O’Brien Atkins Associates (OBA) December 5, 1988, after a nine-and-a-half-year tenure at I.M. Pei and Partners. I was named Principal at OBA in 1997 and have served in multiple leadership roles in the firm, prior to becoming CEO. In this role, my colleagues and I have collaborated with our clients and users to provide projects that have benefited the communities they serve.

My opportunities to give back to the profession changed when I was appointed to the NC Board of Architecture in 1997. During my 12-year tenure I became the first African American to serve as President in 2003. During that tenure it also gave me the opportunity to serve on and chair National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) Committees and become the Southern Conference Regional Chair, another first for an African American for our region in 2007. I have also served and Chair NAAB Accreditation visits, served on the AIA National Ethics Committee and was a founding officer of NC NOMA.

My inspiration to become an architect came from seeing the TWA Building designed by Eero Saarinen when I was in elementary school in Brooklyn, NY. Even though my generation was the first in our family to go to college, not because of their ability, but lack of access, my parents encouraged me to pursue my dream, even though they were afraid that it would be a dream deferred, so I owe them my greatest gratitude for letting dream and dream become a reality.

The architects that have impacted my desire to become an architect were Max Bond, Harry Simmons African American Architects who took the time to talk with me when I was in Architecture School, and Joe  Licameli, who I call my Godfather in the profession, because he gave me my first job in the profession and encouraged me to pursue higher heights. We stay connected till this day.

The individual that has had the greatest impact on my professional development is John L Atkins III, the founder of O’Brien Atkins who opened doors for that allowed me to give back to our profession and communities.

I have a saying, “you have more by giving than by getting,” so for me the greatest memories from my career will not be the buildings that I’ve designed but the lives I’ve had the opportunity to sow into through mentoring and encouraging them. As lyrics form the Negro spiritual says; “If I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help somebody with a word or song, then my living will not be in vain”

Asya Shine

As an emerging architectural designer navigating the professional landscape of the Triangle area, my experience has been both inspiring and challenging. Working primarily in the life sciences and biotechnology sector, I am often one of the only women and person of color in the room. This reality has underscored the critical importance of representation and the need for intentional support networks to foster growth and retention.

Since moving to Raleigh in 2021, finding that support network through NCNOMA has made a profound difference in my journey. My involvement with the organization has provided me with a vital sense of community and a platform to amplify my voice. This network has offered both encouragement and practical resources, empowering me to confidently pursue licensure and leadership opportunities that once felt out of reach. My involvement with both NCNOMA and AIANC has allowed me to witness and contribute to the growing commitment to equity within the Triangle’s architectural ecosystem. Working alongside dedicated professionals to expand access through licensure scholarships and pipeline initiatives has underscored the transformative power of collective action. 

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