AIA Memphis is proud to honor Jimmie E. Tucker, a native Memphian and founding principal of Self + Tucker Architects, with the 2018 Francis Gassner Award. Self + Tucker Architects has embraced the philosophy of "Designing A Better Memphis" since its founding in 1995. Jimmie’s dedication to improving communities across Memphis through practice and service, his unwavering commitment to fostering equity and the future of practice by encouraging youth to see design-thinking and the built environment as a means for building better communities for all, and his leadership in organizations such as The American Institute of Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects is a testament to Francis Gassner’s legacy.

More About Jimmie
Since returning to Memphis from architectural practice in St. Louis and New York, Jimmie has made significant contributions to the architectural profession and practice in the Memphis community through dedicated professional service, community leadership in architecture and planning, placemaking, downtown redevelopment and neighborhood revitalization.

In a career that has spanned over 35 years, Jimmie has championed best practices in architecture, urban design, neighborhood planning and sustainability. Further, Jimmie has dedicated himself to making impactful, positive contributions to the Memphis community, particularly underserved and distressed urban neighborhoods. As part of the Memphis 3.0 district planning, Jimmie has focused on planning through community engaged design. Jimmie believes that better design can lead to better communities for all Memphis residents.

Jimmie has contributed to the fabric of Memphis’ forward looking vision to redevelop its riverfront through such planning efforts as the Memphis Riverfront Masterplan and Main Street to Main Street Multi-Modal Connector Corridor. Additionally, Jimmie has been engaged in initiatives including Master Plans for Memphis 3.0, Cleaborn Homes, Memphis Choice Neighborhoods, Robert R. Church Park, Uptown West, Memphis BioWorks and Memphis Heritage Trail. These plans speak to Jimmie’s passion for Memphis and the role of architects as leaders in community shaping. He has led community planning and neighborhood revitalization initiatives for South Memphis/Soulsville USA and Orange Mound.

The firm has been a leader, not only in placemaking, but also in “placesaving” through historic preservation and adaptive re-use. Jimmie led the redevelopment of the historic Universal Life Insurance Building in Memphis, successfully having it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other preservation projects include the revitalization of Lauderdale Courts, the stabilization of Clayborn Temple and Clayborn Temple Reborn. Focusing on South Memphis, Self + Tucker initiated the process of having LeMoyne-College listed on the National Register as an historic district and worked to preserve the presidents home, Sweeney Hall, the original structure, Steele Hall which also received a preservation award from Memphis Heritage, Brownlee Hall and Hollis Price Library. Following his belief that better design can lead to better communities, Jimmie has a passion for the development of quality, affordable housing. Notable projects include the previously mentioned Lauderdale Courts, LeMoyne Gardens Hope VI redevelopment, and each phase of Heritage Landing (formerly Cleaborn Homes).

As an adjunct professor of architecture at the University of Memphis, Jimmie has helped students gain insights into the profession and practice of architecture, not simply from theory, but has inspired passion for design, sustainability, community engagement and social responsibility. “We have a duty to give back to our community,” is Jimmie’s core belief. Through office tours, site tours and one-on-one mentoring, Jimmie has help expose the youth of the Memphis community to the field of architecture. He also served as advisor to Masters Degree candidates on their respective theses.

In service to the profession of architecture, Jimmie has served as President of the Memphis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a founder and first President of the Memphis Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and has served on the Downtown Memphis Design Review Board, Urban Land Institute, United Housing and the U. S. Green Building Council.

Self + Tucker Architects has garnered over 30 national, regional and local design awards for their work on such diverse commissions as Memphis Heritage Trail, FedEx Forum, Ground Transportation Facility at Memphis International Airport, Big River Crossing, National Civil Rights Museum and Teach for America tenant buildout. Other cultural projects include the STAX Museum of American Soul Music campus projects and the Interpretive Center at T. O. Fuller State Park.

Today communities around the globe are faced with unprecedented challenges. Architects, like Jimmie, are working with others to advance the quality of life and protect the public’s health, safety and welfare - for all. 

For more information about the Francis Gassner award and previous recipients, visit the Gassner Award page.