On November 15, 2025, AIA Memphis (American Institute of Architects, Memphis Chapter) awards Juan R. Self, AIA, NOMA, CSI, founding principal of the firm, Self + Tucker, has been named the 2025 recipient of the distinguished Francis Gassner Award.
The Francis Gassner Award is an annual honor presented by AIA Memphis to commemorate the extraordinary architect Francis P. Gassner, who practiced in Memphis from the 1950s until his death in 1977. The award is given to an architect for outstanding contributions to the quality of the built environment in Memphis. The recipient’s work is recognized for enhancing
the dignity of man and serving the community. The award continues Gassner’s legacy of design excellence and leadership in the architectural profession.
With a career spanning more than 40 years, Mr. Self has played a pivotal role in shaping the built environment of Memphis and the Mid-South. Since co-founding Self + Tucker Architects in 1995, he has led transformative projects across a wide range of sectors—including affordable housing, education, cultural and civic institutions, commercial developments, and sacred spaces. His notable works include the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the T. O. Fuller State Park Interpretive Center, the Universal Life Insurance Company Building, the Georgette and Cato Johnson YMCA, and multiple landmark facilities across Memphis International Airport.
Central to Mr. Self’s career is his belief that architecture should uplift communities. His approach—called Empowerment Architecture—prioritizes rigorous stakeholder engagement, design sensitivity, and a deep respect for cultural identity. Inspired by his upbringing in the Mississippi Delta, Mr. Self’s work reflects a lifelong dedication to preserving dignity, strengthening neighborhoods, and ensuring the built environment promotes a better quality of life for all.
His passion for preservation extends beyond buildings. Mr. Self is actively documenting the untold histories of African American architects through oral histories, photography, and videography, helping ensure their contributions are recognized and remembered.
In addition to his design achievements, Mr. Self has demonstrated unwavering commitment to professional and civic service. He has served on the boards of AIA Memphis and the AIA Trust, chaired the Memphis/Shelby County Building Code Advisory Board, served on the Downtown Memphis Design Review Board, and currently serves as 2025 Chair of the AIA Trust. His leadership also extends to organizations including NOMA Memphis, the Tennessee Preservation Trust, the Tennessee Historical Commission Review Board, and the Black Chamber of Memphis.
This award celebrates not only Mr. Self’s architectural legacy, but also his enduring vision for empowering communities, honoring cultural heritage, and designing for a sustainable future.