“Architecture is a reflection of the attitude of the community – a physical manifestation of what we think is the good life. It can be a vehicle to enhance man’s dignity. If it doesn’t do that, it is a failure.”
– Francis P. Gassner, FAIA
Francis Gassner Award
Established in 1977, this award is issued annually to commemorate an extraordinary architect, Francis P. Gassner, FAIA, who practiced in Memphis from the 1950’s until his death in 1977. To continue his legacy of design excellence, service to the profession, and leadership to our community,
AIA Memphis honors an architect for outstanding contributions to the quality of the built environment in Memphis.
Past Recipients
2025 Juan Self, AIA, NOMA
2023 Archie Willis, III
2022 Valentina Shands-Puppione, AIA
2020 Robert B. Norcross, AIA
2019 Josh Flowers, FAIA
2018 Jimmie E. Tucker, FAIA
2017 James F. Williamson, FAIA
2016 Louis R. Pounders, FAIA
2015 Heather B. Koury, Hon. AIA
2014 Todd Walker, FAIA
2013 Keith Kays, AIA
2012 Shirley C. Raines
2011 Michael Hagge & Sherry Bryan
2010 Joseph P. Hagan, AIA
2009 Martin Gorman, Jr., AIA
2008 Jim Lutz, AIA
2007 Joseph “Pitt” Hyde, III
2006 Henry Frank Ricks, Jr., FAIA
2003 Robert Browne
2002 Eugene E. Burr, AIA
2001 Jack A. Belz
2000 Robert J. Fleming, AIA
1999 Kirk Bobo, FAIA
1998 J. Granville Taylor, AIA
1997 Mertie Buckman
1996 Lee Askew, III, FAIA
1994 Antonio Bologna, FAIA
1993 Jack R. Tucker, Jr., FAIA
1992 William Roberts Eissler
1991 Gregory O. Hnedak, FAIA
1990 William H. Gaskill, AIA
1988 Dr. J. Richard Gruber
1987 Morrie Moss
1986 Henry M. Turley, Jr.
1985 Francis Mah, AIA
1984 Eleanor Hughes
1982 Roy P. Harrover, FAIA
1981 Thomas Nathan, FAIA
1980 Edward (Ted) Rust
1979 Clayton Dekle, FAIA
1978 Zeno Yeates, FAIA
1977 William P. Cox, FAIA