Video commissioned by LRK and produced by Prodigi Arts, 2019

AIA Memphis wishes to congratulate Rob Norcross, AIA,

2020 Francis Gassner Award Recipient.

The following was written by his colleague, Scott Van Der Jagt, AIA, as a part of the nomination process.

Achievements in Design 

As a Principal at LRK, Rob utilized his leadership role to help shape the Memphis built environment. His experience ranges from single family housing, office, hospitality, multi-family and civic facilities. Rob’s vast experience and unique ability of maintaining high level of planning and design, client perspective and sound knowledge of construction help him in leading diverse teams to design some of the most distinct, significant projects in Memphis over the past 30 years. Rob’s influence on Memphis can be seen in the following examples: 

• FedEx World technology Center 
• AutoZone Corporate Headquarters 
• AutoZone Park – Memphis Ballpark District 
• FedEx Forum, Parking Garage and Administration Building 
• University of Memphis Men’s Basketball Training Center 
• Soulsville Charter School and Multipurpose Building 
• Memphis Rox 
• Central Station Renovation 
• Transformation of the Renasant Convention Center

Achievements in Practice, Education, Leadership and Service 

Rob approached the profession in a way that Practice, Education, Leadership and Service are inseparable. Through his leadership at LRK, he positively impacted all those he worked with, clients, consultants, and team members. Rob believes leadership is encouraging everyone to push themselves beyond what they believe themselves capable of doing. He consistently provided encouragement, seeking opportunity to help staff learn how to construct a building, develop a set of documents, and lead project teams. One of his greatest goals was to successfully help younger staff learn to communicate with others. His understanding of communication as a valued skill led to delivery of successful projects. Part of his leadership at LRK included risk management for the firm. In this role, he was involved with many projects, understanding the various design issues, evaluating potential risks, and helping teams resolve the issues. 

Throughout his career, Rob continually sought ways to give back to the profession and Memphis through service. He participated through various roles in AIA Memphis, including serving as chapter president in 1999. Other service to the profession includes: 

• Leadership Memphis, Class of 2007 
• Landmarks Commission 
• University of Arkansas Deans Circle, Fay Jones School of Architecture 
• Grace St. Luke Vestry and Building and Grounds Committee 
• St. Columba outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee 
• AIA 150 Committee Member (2007-2009) 
• Memphis/Shelby County Land Use Control Board, Member 
• Regional Memphis Design Center, Founding Committee Member, 2008-2009 
• Boys & Girls Club of Memphis - Board Member (2007-present) 
• Memphis Leadership Academy 

Rob’s desire to preserve the history AIA Memphis and the profession led him to spearhead an effort to chronicle an oral history of 1950s Memphis architects and architecture. Through his fundraising efforts and management, Rob was able to produce a video documentary of some of the most influential Memphians for the period. 

Rob Norcross is a true architect who never considers accomplishments and accolades to be his own, but rather those of everyone who contributed to the result. Though there is no method to measure it, Rob’s greatest accomplishment is the profound influence he has had on architects throughout Memphis and the country. He has acted as a mentor to numerous architects, at times without them even realizing it. To him it is natural to reach out to others, to help them grow, to help them become better, help them get involved, it simply is who he is. Oscar Wilde said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” It is by Rob’s example that I have fashioned my own approach to the profession. 

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