Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Bourne.
Hi Stacy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved art as a child: drawing, painting, pottery, legos etc. In the 10th grade, my brother told me to take a drafting class for an easy A, and I fell in love with architecture. I designed an accessible home for my grandmother that year. The following year, I designed a McDonald’s restaurant because I had worked there and thought it was inefficient. In the 12th grade, I designed a community center with an outdoor field where the A&P was located at Natural Bridge and Jennings, because our neighborhood needed one.
I attended Tulane School of Architecture in New Orleans. After graduation, the only job offer i had was in the US Virgin Islands to participate in disaster recovery and design as they rebuild from Hurricane Huge, the first in over 70 years.
Today, I practice hurricane-resilient architecture in the US Virgin Islands and across the Gulf States. I am an award-winning architect & disaster preparedness expert, speaker, and author, with over 35 years of lived experience in surviving and rebuilding after 12 major hurricanes. Through my cultivated resilience strategies, educational tools, and speaking events, I focus on disaster preparedness for communities, institutions, and commercial property owners to save lives, protect property, and support business continuity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road…
The architecture school, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, had few black students in the 80’s, and only 1 other black woman attended with me. In addition to the coursework and long hours, we had the challenge of just belonging.
When I became a licensed architect at 27, it was difficult to command the project. With most architects being in their 50s, white, and male, I found myself, by default, in my masculine energy for many years. I always had to work three times as hard. I still found myself rising through leadership at the American Institute of Architects, first locally as president of our chapter, and eventually becoming the first black woman to serve on the national board in 2009.
The US Virgin Islands is also a black-led community, from the governor down through all levels of leadership. There, we are separated by where you were born, not by race. Again, I worked harder just to belong.
In the end, I had a good support group and church family to keep me focused and encouraged throughout all the phases of my life. Some for a reason, some for a season, and still others for a lifetime. I thank God for each of them.
We’ve been impressed with The Bourne Group, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others? Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
The Bourne Group is an award-winning architecture and consulting firm with over 30 years of experience, specializing in disaster-resilient design and project management. We’re based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Louisiana, and Missouri, but our work impacts communities across the Gulf States and the Caribbean. Our mission is to help clients weather any storm—literally and figuratively—by building smarter, safer, and more resilient environments. We’re a small firm with a national reputation, driven by a commitment to both technical excellence and community well-being.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We help clients protect their buildings—and their people—against hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters. Our expertise lies in resilient architecture, emergency preparedness, and guiding institutions through recovery and adaptation. We’re especially known for our hands-on approach, deep local knowledge, and practical solutions that help clients avoid catastrophic costs and maintain continuity. Whether it’s a campus, commercial property, or government facility, we deliver strategies that work in the real world, not just on paper.
What sets you apart from others?
We’ve rebuilt after 12 hurricanes, so our guidance isn’t theoretical—it’s lived experience. Led by Stacy Bourne, one of only 500 Black female architects in the U.S. and a national leader in resilience, our firm brings unmatched credibility, trust, and a commitment to community-first design. Clients value our proactive communication, cost-saving strategies, and the peace of mind that comes from working with true experts. We’re not just consultants—we’re partners invested in your long-term success and safety.
What are you most proud of brand wise?
We’re proud to be recognized as resilience champions—trusted partners who help organizations not just recover, but come back stronger. Our brand stands for integrity, action, and real-world results. We take pride in the relationships we’ve built and the difference we’ve made for communities facing some of the toughest challenges. Our work is a testament to the power of preparation, partnership, and perseverance.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
If you’re looking to safeguard your campus, business, or community from future storms, we offer practical, proven strategies that deliver real ROI. From full-scale architecture to emergency planning and recovery consulting, we’re here to help you prepare, adapt, and thrive—no matter what comes next. We welcome collaborations and are always ready to bring our expertise to new challenges, big or small.
One project I’m especially proud of is the “Be The Architect: DisasterSmart” coloring book series, releasing in April 2026. The four titles—“Wind Ready,” “Flood Ready,” “Earthquake Ready,” and “Fire Ready”—introduce kids to the basics of resilient design in a fun, hands-on way, using real-world challenges as learning opportunities. The goal is to spark curiosity and empower the next generation to think creatively about safer, stronger communities. The series will make resilience education accessible and engaging for ages 9 to 11.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship has been at the heart of my career and our firm’s culture. I’ve had the privilege to both mentor and be mentored—each role has shaped my journey in profound ways. During my time as chair of the board diversity council, I developed mentorship programs designed to open doors for underrepresented voices in architecture. I’ve also worked one-on-one with students, offering guidance and encouragement as they build their own paths.
My advice: Start by seeking out people whose values and work inspire you, whether in your immediate circle or beyond. Don’t be afraid to reach out—most leaders remember what it was like starting out and are happy to share their experiences. Real mentorship is a two-way street; be open to learning from every interaction, and look for opportunities to give back as you grow.
Networking is about building authentic relationships, not just collecting business cards. Show up, listen, and contribute. Some of the most meaningful connections in my career have come from volunteering, joining professional groups, and simply being present in the community. Invest in others, and you’ll find the right mentors—and mentees—along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebournegroup.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-a-bourne-faia-noma/
