Original Article by AIA Arizona
Omar Bailey, AIA, NOMA, Senior Architect, Associate at Shepley Bulfinch in Phoenix, has begun a two-year term as the 2024-2025 president of the Arizona chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He succeeds Maurita Harris, AIA, NOMA, who is now Past President. Bailey has been with Shepley Bulfinch in Phoenix for nearly five years after extensive experience in practice in both Chicago and San Francisco. A native of Brooklyn, Omar earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech. In this interview, Bailey describes his early inspiration, his current work, his outlook on leading NOMA Arizona, and describes the influence of his mentors.
Tell us about yourself. What should we know about you, and how did you get your start in the architecture profession?
I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York, and had dreams of being a comic book illustrator. An uncle saw my passion and curiosity in drawing, and encouraged me to pursue architecture. During college at Virginia Tech, I learned the importance of mentorship and having a network. My brother was a software engineer with Intel in Portland and, one evening, he went to a NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers) meeting and met a NOMA member, Prescott Reavis, and they sparked a conversation about how I was an architecture student looking for an intern position. Prescott happened to be there because his roommate at the time was an engineer and invited him along. My brother set up a meeting with Prescott and me, and we had a great talk that soon led to a summer internship for me. To this day, I don’t know where my architecture path would have taken me, but I had the pleasure of sitting side by side with Prescott Reavis and learned what it meant to refine your craft. Prescott is no longer with us, but his principles are always with me and I’m thankful every day for it.
What are the types of projects that you currently work on with Shepley Bulfinch? Describe a significant recent project that you worked on and why it is unique.
Currently, I am involved in our housing and mixed-use projects, each offering a significance beyond just structures within urban landscapes. What’s exciting to me are the urban revitalization endeavors, where neglected areas can be rejuvenated through our projects. What intrigues me about highrises is their capacity to foster community and connection vertically, while integrating with the local community.
One project that resonates with me is Moontower Phoenix, a multi-family high-rise recently completed at 811 N. Third Street near Roosevelt Row. A fundamental goal of LV Collective, the developer, was to blur the boundaries between public and private spaces, transforming the property into a node for the community. We crafted a lobby that coexists with the café on the ground floor. Every time I visit, whether it be morning or afternoon, offers a remarkable sight: both residents and members of the community engaging comfortably within the space, using it as a meeting point, study area, or workspace. Witnessing this interaction reinforces the meaningful impact our projects can have on fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement.
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