MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Robert Anthony Stanton, AIA, NOMa

Designing with Purpose, Building Community Through Story, Space, and Stewardship

DCNOMA proudly spotlights Robert Anthony Stanton, AIA, NOMA, a Detroit-born architect whose career reflects a deep commitment to thoughtful design, community connection, and mentorship across generations. With more than twenty years of experience, Robert brings both technical excellence and cultural insight to his role as a Senior Associate at Torti Gallas + Partners, where he helps shape multifamily, mixed-use, and community-defining developments nationwide.

Rooted in Curiosity, Shaped by Early Inspiration

Robert’s journey in architecture began in Detroit’s middle-school classrooms, where art and drafting courses sparked a passion that never faded. These early experiences nurtured his love of drawing and design—and revealed the profound ways built environments shape the lives of the people who inhabit them.

This foundation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, where he deepened his understanding of architecture’s relationship to urbanism and public life. His international studies expanded that perspective, cultivating a lasting appreciation for walkable cities, neighborhood cohesion, and the cultural narratives embedded in place-making.

Designing for People and Possibility

At Torti Gallas + Partners, Robert carries this ethos into a wide range of residential, commercial, and ecclesiastical projects across the country. His work spans communities of all scales and is consistently grounded in the belief that architecture should uplift, connect, and serve.

As global attention shifts toward climate change and resilience, Robert has become increasingly drawn to the responsibility architects and planners hold in shaping sustainable futures. Through material selection, urban strategy, and community engagement, he views design as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and long-term impact.

A Mentor, Historian, and Bridge Builder

Understanding the importance of support for emerging designers, Robert is an active participant in the University of Maryland School of Architecture’s Professional Mentorship Program, sharing insight gained over the course of his career.

Within DCNOMA, he proudly serves as Chapter Historian, a role in which he uplifts member stories, strengthens intergenerational ties, and preserves the legacy of Black architects and designers in the DMV. His commitment to storytelling ensures that new professionals not only connect with mentors, but also understand the lineage of excellence they inherit.

A Life Balanced Through Creativity, Movement, and Reflection

Outside the studio, Robert maintains balance through reading, cycling, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—pursuits that mirror the discipline, curiosity, and intention he brings to his design practice. His diverse interests reveal a professional who values both intellectual growth and physical well-being.

Celebrating a Thoughtful Leader and Community Steward

DCNOMA honors Robert Anthony Stanton for his unwavering dedication to elevating communities, enriching urban spaces, and supporting the next generation of designers. His work is a powerful reminder that architecture is not only about buildings—it is about people, connection, history, and the shared future we are shaping together.