Nkiru Gelles

AIA, NOMA

Associate Principal – Design Architect, Studio Head

Austin, Chicago

Nkiru Gelles, AIA, NOMA, joins SOM’s Austin office as Associate Principal & Studio Head. With nearly 20 years of global experience across four continents, she has contributed to award-winning cultural and community projects, including The Broad in Los Angeles and the Line Hotel in Austin. Holding an M.Arch from Rice University, she has led commercial, residential, civic, and community projects in Austin since 2014. She is the 2026 AIA Austin President and a Design Commissioner for District 3, advocating for a vibrant, inclusive, people-centered public realm.

  • Education
    Master of Architecture, Rice University Bachelor of Science, University College London - The Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Select Affiliations
    Registered Architect: Texas NCARB Certified
  • Community Involvement
    President of AIA Austin Chapter, 2026 - Board Member 2022 - ongoing Big Medium Board Member 2023 - 2025
  • Studio Austin, Chicago

Nkiru's Details

  • Education
    Master of Architecture, Rice University Bachelor of Science, University College London - The Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Select Affiliations
    Registered Architect: Texas NCARB Certified
  • Community Involvement
    President of AIA Austin Chapter, 2026 - Board Member 2022 - ongoing Big Medium Board Member 2023 - 2025
  • Studio Austin, Chicago
  • Education
    Master of Architecture, Rice University Bachelor of Science, University College London - The Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Select Affiliations
    Registered Architect: Texas NCARB Certified
  • Community Involvement
    President of AIA Austin Chapter, 2026 - Board Member 2022 - ongoing Big Medium Board Member 2023 - 2025
  • Studio Austin, Chicago

Nkiru's Details

  • Education
    Master of Architecture, Rice University Bachelor of Science, University College London - The Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Select Affiliations
    Registered Architect: Texas NCARB Certified
  • Community Involvement
    President of AIA Austin Chapter, 2026 - Board Member 2022 - ongoing Big Medium Board Member 2023 - 2025
  • Studio Austin, Chicago