Curtis Moody Sr.

Curtis Jerome Moody, Sr. was born December 28, 1950 and departed this world peacefully Sunday October 13, 2024 at the age of 73 years. He was born in Columbus, Ohio and grew up on the northside of Columbus on the infamous “5th” street to the union of William G. and Jessie (Lindsay) Moody.

He was raised in the Apostolic faith at the Church of Christ Apostolic Faith on Brentnell Avenue but later transferred his membership to New Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he was an active member until his untimely death. Curt attended Weinland Park Elementary School, Indianola Middle School and graduated from North High School.

He attended The Ohio State University and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the College of Engineering while playing basketball as a “walk-on” guard. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Fine Arts from Ohio Dominican University in December 2008. After graduation, Curt worked at several architecture firms before starting his own firm Moody and Associates in 1982 with three employees in a small building located at 38 S. Champion Avenue on the near east side of Columbus.

In 1984 as the firm grew to nine employees, Curt partnered with civil engineer Howard Nolan to form Moody Nolan and the firm moved to 1780 E. Broad street. Seven years later they purchased the building adjacent to the location at 1776 E. Broad Street in 1991. Moody Nolan is currently located at 300 Spruce Street since 2004 with 160 employees. Nationwide, the firm has 12 locations with a total of 350 employees.

Prior to his death, he was president of Moody Nolan appointing his son Jonathan Moody CEO in 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Vance and William “Tutu” Moody.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine of 44 years and children Curtis Moody Jr., David (Dana) Moody, and Jonathan (Montra) Moody; brothers Victor (Gwen) Moody and Armand Moody; sister Vera Moody; sisters-in-law Tina Moody, Julia Jeffries; brother-in-law Konni (Catherine) Sutfield; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Elise, Kai, Eli and Ari Moody; cousin, Curtis (Cora) Miller; along with many other relatives, friends, associates, and business partners. Among his notable awards and distinctions: In 1992, Curt was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award given to an architect or architectural organization that embodies social responsibility and actively addresses a relevant issue, such as affordable housing, inclusiveness, or universal access. In 2018, Curt decided it was time to devote time and resources toward addressing the plight of the east advantaged in our community and provide direct and meaningful service to those who have been underserved for far too long.

The Legacy house project was conceived, and the house built in the Linden area. It is the beginning of giving back to the community in a direct and tangible way by providing a superior example of affordable housing to one deserving family and hopefully establishing a viable template for others to follow. In October 2019, Curt was the speaker for a Ted Talk on the subject of Affordable Housing: https://tinyurl.com/CurtTedTalk Also in 2019, Curt and Lewis Smoot were the honorees at the 13th annual Legends and Legacies Award Ceremony. The format was a fireside chat to get to know them as pioneering businessmen whose remarkable life’s work has paved the way for countless others in the fields of architecture and construction.

In 2002, Curt was awarded The Ohio State University’s Distinguished Service Alumni Award presented to alumni who attended and have achieved distinction in their field and/or made a difference in the lives of others through outstanding professional, personal, or community contributions. Also in 2002, Curt was honored and elevated by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to Fellow (FAIA), the highest membership honor. Fellowship is bestowed for exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Only three percent of AIA membership hold the distinction of being designated a Fellow.

In 2007, Moody Nolan received the prestigious award of Architectural Ohio Gold Medal Firm of the Year from the American Institute of Architects. In 2021, Curt was honored to be the commencement speaker for the Spring 2021 graduation commencement ceremony for The Ohio State University. Also in 2021, Moody Nolan was awarded the American Institute of Architecture’s most prestigious award - Architecture Firm of the Year, becoming the first African American Firm and the first Ohio firm to receive the award. The firm’s designs have won more than 330 design citations, including 49 from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and 45 from the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Curt was also a long standing an active member of NOMA.

The awards and projects Curt designed and Moody Nolan received recognition for include the following: Columbus Schottenstein Basketball/Hockey Arena; Cleveland School for the Arts; Cincinnati School of Creative and Performing Arts; New York City the Jacob Javitz Center; Philadelphia the Aramark Center; Chicago Home Court for former president Barack Obama; Nashville Music City Center; Washington D.C. Dunbar High School; Boston Omni Hotel, Atlanta Morehouse Basketball Gym for the 1996 Olympics; Houston Texas Southern Library and Dallas Parkland Hospital Bridges. Of specific note, Curt designed the Karl Rd and MLK Libraries; both libraries were redesigned and constructed more than 30 years later by his son, Jonathan Moody.

Curt had membership and community involvement with the Lambda Boule Fraternity. Hobbies include fishing and boating, watching OSU football and basketball, watching movies and spending time with family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm with a Funeral Service immediately following at New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH. Burial will process to Riverside Cemetery, Columbus - OH. (Please note cemetery parking is limited)

To leave condolence for the family please visit his Tribute Wall.