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Thomas K. Davis, FAIA

Professor

School of Architecture

Beginning in 1984, TK Davis taught at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture for a decade until joining the University of Tennessee, where he has taught advanced level architectural and urban design, and theory. From 1995-2002, Davis ran the Kingsport Regional Interactive Design Studio, which addressed urban design problems in John Nolen’s planned industrial city of Kingsport, TN.  Davis later served as Design Director at the Nashville Civic Design Center from 2004-2008.

Today, his students’ ’studio work focuses on urban design issues and opportunities confronting Nashville.  TK Davis is committed to the academic paradigm of community outreach engagement, which unifies all of his efforts in teaching, creative activity, research and service.  This work manifests itself in public presentations and exhibitions, both in the community and at national conferences, as well as in studios sponsored by public sector agencies forming a body of research activity as public advocacy.

Contact Information

Education

  • Cornell University Master of Architecture
    • Ithaca, New York: 1983
  • Cornell University Bachelor of Architecture
    • Ithaca, New York: 1977

Professional Associations & Certifications

  • Urban Land Institute Real Estate Development Certification: 1996
  • National Charrette Institute – Charrette Leader Certification: 2005
  • National Charrette Institute – Charette Organizer Certification: 2005
  • American Institute of Architects
  • American Planning Association
  • Society of Architectural Historians
  • Society of City and Regional Planning History
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation

Courses Taught

  • ARCH 496: Advanced Architectural Design – Urbanism
  • ARCH 370: Programming
  • ARCH 371: Programming / Design
  • ARCH 515: Seminar on Issues in Urban Design
  • ARCH 425/525: Architecture, the City and Film

Expertise & Interests

  • Architectural and Urban Design and Theory
  • Urban Housing

Honors & Awards

  • The 2016 Samuel Morgan Lifetime Service Award for Contributions to Architecture in the Public Realm (co-award recipient with Marleen K. Davis)
  • Peter McGrath University Community Outreach
  • Exemplary Program Award (one of six nationally): 2013
  • 2012-2013 Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
  • Collaborative Practice Award (one of four awarded nationally)
  • Leadership Nashville (selection to class of 2009)
  • Awarded Fellowship in the American institute of Architects (FAIA): 2008

Our College’s students are very bright, highly motivated, enthusiastic and diverse in both their interests and aspirations.  It is always very gratifying as a faculty member to see former students excelling in their careers and assuming leadership roles in their professions.

TK Davis