Author Archives: Tarik Hameed

AIA North Carolina Outstanding Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Award

Morris-Berg Architects was recognized with the 2023 AIA North Carolina Outstanding Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Award, which highlights our dedication to nurturing the next generation of architects. Throughout our 50 years, the firm has emphasized mentorship by providing Emerging Professionals (EPs) with practical experience in project management through all phases of projects.

Mentoring is imbedded in our culture, with senior members guiding EPs, recognizing the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences for a lifelong career in architecture. Our small firm offers EPs access to various aspects of project management, fostering an environment where they can learn, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully.

Business transparency is paramount at Morris-Berg, illustrated through regular presentations of performance metrics and financials, emphasizing the impact of every team member, including EPs. EPs actively lead projects, gaining valuable experience in project management and design decisions. Our strategic plan, co-created with EP input, focuses on promoting a balanced, diverse, and nurtured workforce.

As active members of professional organizations, our commitment to EP growth extends beyond the firm. Our EPs are regularly awarded recognition for their efforts by AIA Charlotte and reflects our support for EPs in their professional journey. In community service, EPs participate in initiatives like guest juror roles, street cleanups, and contributing to clothing and food drives. In Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), EPs play a pivotal role in establishing new holiday policies and fostering diversity in project teams.

The 2023 AIA North Carolina Outstanding Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Award is a testament to our holistic approach to mentorship, development, and community engagement, actively shaping the future of architecture through a culture of inclusion and innovation.

NCNOMA Equitable and Inclusive Practice Award

Morris-Berg Architects proudly received the inaugural 2023 Equitable and Inclusive Practice Award from the North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NCNOMA). As a small architecture firm, we’re committed to reshaping industry norms and meeting today’s professional demands by actively supporting diversity and interrupting bias.

The firm was recognized for the award in part through our work to actively engage in HBCU and community college career fairs as well as fostering partnerships with local community groups that serve disadvantaged youth. Our commitment extends internally to our own staff by providing dedicated hours of mentorship programs and aiding individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in advancing their careers. The firm has implemented a structured interview process to minimize unconscious biases and assess candidates based on skills and experience. Our inclusive leadership development initiatives are designed to consider the unique experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, we prioritize ongoing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) training for both leadership and staff, covering topics like unconscious bias, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment.

Receiving the Equitable and Inclusive Practice Award from NCNOMA affirms our dedication to transforming the architectural profession. We are committed to providing equal opportunities, breaking down barriers, and actively shaping a future where diversity and inclusion are integral to our success and the success of our industry.

Morris-Berg Architects Celebrates 50 Years!

Founded on January 10, 1974, Morris-Berg Architects has been an integral part of Charlotte and surrounding communities, providing planning, architecture, interior design, and construction administration services for half a century.

As we joyfully enter our golden jubilee, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable individuals who have shaped our firm, all while upholding a reputation built on trust, honesty, and collaboration.

The legacy of founding partners Ralph Brice, AIA, and Keith Morris, AIA, is visible in the Charlotte skyline and resonates across numerous medical, institutional, office, and publicly-funded projects throughout the Southeast. Todd Berg, AIA, successfully expanded our portfolio into the educational sector in the late 1990s, and with Ralph’s retirement, the firm proudly adopted its current namesake, Morris-Berg Architects.  With Keith’s passing in 2013, Todd pivoted the firm into a collaborative, community-focused firm which gained the recognition in 2014 of AIA Charlotte Firm of the Year.

In 2020, Morris-Berg Architects underwent its third leadership transition, appointing Matthew Hart, AIA, Lane Allmon, AIA, and Tarik Hameed, AIA, as Principals. Their leadership led to significant recognition in 2023 with both the AIA North Carolina Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm Award and the NOMA Equitable and Inclusive Practice Award. Looking ahead to the next fifty years, our commitment remains steadfast. We will continue fostering enduring relationships with clients, consultants, and contractors to design projects that meet the evolving demands of our communities for future generations.

A heartfelt cheers to the dedicated and collaborative team at Morris-Berg Architects, both inside and outside the office, for their unwavering dedication to benefiting our community. Cheers to 50 years!

Construction Professional’s Network of North Carolina (CPN) Star Award – CPCC Parr Center

We are thrilled to announce the Central Piedmont Parr Center project won a 2023 Construction Professionals Network (CPN) Star Award in the category for projects exceeding $25 million. The CPN Star Award honors project excellence among CPN firms and is one of the highest achievements in the design and construction industry.

A testament to the collaboration between Central Piedmont, Rodgers Builders, and the design team, this project delivers a signature building that seamlessly integrates a new library, student success center, theater, and food court. Boasting vibrant communal and student-centric spaces, the Parr Center is the cornerstone for the Central Campus and student body. Establishing a social and educational heart on the edge of the existing campus Quad, the facility provides a new “front door” for CPCC along Elizabeth Avenue while creating a myriad of dynamic, social and collaboration spaces for students.  The signature building is spread over 172,000 sf and reinforces CPCC’s Vision as a champion for students, a catalyst for opportunity, and an exceptional provider of learning experiences that transform lives and strengthen our community.

This project was designed with a dedicated team of over 150 stakeholders whose commitment and teamwork brought this vision to fruition from planning through construction! We are thankful to Central Piedmont Community College for the opportunity to be part of an award winning project. We also thank the full design team that includes CPN Members Firms: Timmons Group, CMTA, RMF Engineering, and ECS for a job well done!