AIA Tennessee (“AIA TN” / American Institute of Architects, TN Chapter) is proud to announce three individuals were recently honored at the AIA TN Conference on Architecture with prestigious lifetime awards whose efforts and achievements have significantly improved the presence of AIA Tennessee, the profession of architecture and the built environment in Tennessee.
Frank Ricks, FAIA
2024 William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award for the Profession of Architecture
Frank Ricks, FAIA, is the recipient of the 2024 William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award for the Profession of Architecture. This award recognizes achievements of those architects who, by their skill, professionalism, dedication, ability, and commitment, have consistently fostered quality in the built environment, creating a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture.
Frank Ricks, a Tennessee native and graduate of the University of Memphis, has been a transformative figure in the field of architecture. For more than 40 years Frank has led the firm he co-founded in 1983, a multi-disciplinary architectural firm that has built community across the state of Tennessee (and the country), with innovation, wisdom, and compassion. Under his leadership, LRK’s work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Awards for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute, Charter Awards from the Congress for the New Urbanism, and National AIA Honor Awards. In total, LRK has received more than 830 recognitions for design, collaboration, and project performance.
Frank’s dedication to the architectural profession and his community is evidenced by his extensive service and leadership in organizations that bring people and resources together to creatively resolve issues too far-reaching and complex for any one to resolve alone. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and is President of RegionSmart Memphis, the Board of Governors of The New Memphis Institute, and the University of Memphis College of Communications and Fine Arts Board. Additionally, Frank is a founding member of the Memphis Chapter of the Urban Land Institute, a member of The Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman’s Circle, the Congress for the New Urbanism, Lambda Alpha International Real Estate Society, and the American Institute of Architects.
In 2006, the local chapter of AIA awarded Frank the Francis Gassner Award, their highest honor, for his outstanding contributions to the quality of Memphis’ built environment. He also received the University of Memphis’ Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.
Throughout his career Frank has been devoted to championing the students and faculty of the Department of Architecture at the University of Memphis, not only by teaching and mentoring, but by being a tireless advocate seeking accreditation of the Master of Architecture degree program by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. In 2008 accreditation was granted, ranking among Frank’s most personally fulfilling accomplishments.
Frank’s impact on the practice of architecture and planning extends beyond Memphis, influencing projects nationally with his skill, professionalism, and commitment. His leadership and community engagement have consistently fostered quality in the built environment, creating memorable places that have improved people’s lives and provided positive experiences and connections to buildings and public spaces. Frank’s contributions to the profession are both forward-looking and respectful of the past, inspiring others to dream more, learn more, and achieve more. His body of work stands as a testament to his dedication and vision, making him a deserving recipient of the William Strickland Lifetime Achievement Award.
Former Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte
2024 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Achievement Award
It is with great pleasure that we announce Former Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte are the joint recipients of the 2024 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes their outstanding contributions to the public realm and the built environment in Tennessee.
Governor Phil Bredesen served as mayor of Nashville from 1991 to 1999, during which time he implemented a transformative plan for the downtown area. He spearheaded the construction of a large downtown arena and was instrumental in relocating the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to its new site near the arena. His efforts also brought professional football to Nashville, resulting in the construction of a new stadium. Additionally, he facilitated the trade of the Farmers’ Market property for land once occupied by Central State Mental Hospital, ultimately attracting Dell Computer Company to the area.
Under Bredesen’s leadership, Nashville saw the development of an exemplary library system, culminating in the design and construction of a new main library and several branches. As governor of Tennessee from 2003 to 2011, Bredesen championed the long-awaited Tennessee State Museum. He also established the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund and founded the Land Trust for Tennessee, reflecting his dedication to conservation and the outdoors.
First Lady Andrea Conte, during Bredesen’s tenures, made significant contributions to the community. A crime victim herself, she founded two nonprofit organizations: You Have the Power and the Nashville Children’s Advocacy Center. She sponsored the design and construction of the Children’s Memory Garden in Centennial Park. She is also renowned for her extensive and meticulous leadership for the renovation of the historic 1931 Governor’s Residence, which not only preserved the architectural integrity of the original structure but also enhanced its functionality and aesthetics by creating Conservation Hall, a state-of-the-art underground reception center designed to host large gatherings while seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape. In recognition of her efforts, two pathways at the Bicentennial Mall were named in her honor.
We are proud to honor Governor Phil Bredesen and First Lady Andrea Conte with the 2024 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Achievement Award. Their vision, dedication, and achievements have greatly enriched the public realm of Tennessee.