Bio:
 The great designer, Jimmie has combined a distinguished career as an architect, educator and community developer. He is Co-Founder of Self + Tucker Architects and has created projects that have had a positive impact throughout Memphis and the Delta Region. For the past 10 years Jimmie has also been an Adjunct Professor at the University of Memphis. Jimmie earned a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I developed an interest in Architecture in junior high school through Drafting and Shop classes. My interest solidified in high school as I better understood the positive impact Architects can have on the built environment and the people that use it

What do you do?
I provide leadership in all aspects of Building Design and Place Making, Project Management, Sustainable Design and Construction, as well as, Real Estate Development. In some cases, I also assist my clients with securing funding for their projects.

What excites you in the work you do?
My passion is creating self-sufficient communities through innovation and entrepreneurship while embracing sustainability. I firmly believe each public space and building that I design should enhance its site and the quality of life of its occupants.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired that we as Architects don’t just design buildings, we build community and economy through entrepreneurship and we can have an amazingly positive impact. Design has the capacity to help create a healthier, equitable and more just world.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
As Architect + Developer of the Universal Life Insurance Building, I helped save an iconic community asset and shaped a broad scope focused on strategic public-private partnerships, historic preservation, sustainability along with cultural heritage.

Object: 
Object Two - Practice Management, or Practice Technical Advancement

Year of Elevation:
2019

Featured Project Name: 
STAX Museum and STAX Academy
 
Featured Project Location: 
Memphis, Tennessee
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2003

Role in Featured Project: 
Managing Principal
 
Featured Project Description:
The project creates a soul music campus centered around a replica of the original STAX building that contained the recording studio and record shop including the classic theater marquee. The museum examines the history of STAX and its impact on the music world. The academy is located to the west of the museum and provides a state-of-the-art learning environment complete with classrooms, lecture halls, acoustically refined band and choir rooms, music technology labs and a recording studio.

Photography Credit:
Esto Photographics