Thompson 'Tom' Charlton Nelson, FAIA, 1936–2026
A founding principal of BNIM shaped the profession through mentorship and civic commitment.
Thompson 'Tom' Charlton Nelson, FAIA, a founding principal of BNIM and a long-serving voice in AIA's governance and advocacy work, passed away on June 30, 2026. He was 90.
Nelson studied architecture at the University of Kansas before building early experience with firms in Houston, Boston, and London. He later joined Kivett and Myers, where he rose to Chief of Design. In 1970, he co-founded what would become BNIM alongside Bob Berkebile and other colleagues — a firm that would go on to receive the AIA National Firm Award in 2011, the Institute's highest honor for a practice.
His contributions extended well beyond his own firm. Nelson served as President of AIA Kansas City and spent three years on the AIA National Board. He was also an early participant in AIA's climate leadership efforts, engaging with the profession's environmental responsibilities at a time when few firms had made that commitment.
From 1978, Nelson served on the Kansas City City Plan Commission, including as Chairman from 1985 to 1988. His project work included the Truman State Office Building, One Kansas City Place, the Deramus Pavilion at the Kansas City Zoo, and work connected to the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Those who worked alongside Nelson most often cite his investment in the people around him. He took genuine pride in the younger architects he mentored — many of whom went on to lead BNIM or establish their own practices.
A celebration of his life is being planned for September.
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