June 11, 2018 School of Architecture Professor Honored as Founding Member of Urban Land Institute in Nashville

School of Architecture Professor Thomas K. Davis was honored as one of the three founding members of the Urban Land Institute Nashville during the institute’s 10th anniversary celebration in May.

Urban Land Institute is an international organization that “provides leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide,” according to ULI Nashville’s website.

The celebration included the Excellence in Development Awards, which honored Davis as well as two other founding members, alumnus Hunter Gee (B.ARCH ’94), a principal of Smith Gee Studio, and Bert Mathews, a distinguished Nashville developer.

Ten years ago, when Davis served as Design Director of the Nashville Civic Design Center, Gee, Mathews and Davis worked together to establish the Nashville District Council. “[Establishment of the council] was an idea long overdue and much needed,” said Davis. “We were confident that it would be a complementary relationship to NCDC.”

Now, a decade later, both NCDC and ULI Nashville are thriving and partnering on many events. In April 2019, the Nashville District Council will host approximately 4,000 leading members for the ULI Spring Meeting. “Being selected as the host city is a distinct honor. [We’ll have a] chance to show off the city and the organization,” explained Davis. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for all members to get engaged [in our work].”

Other recent accomplishments of ULI Nashville include Gear Up 2020, the Building Healthy Places initiative, and the Civic Leadership Forum. In addition, ULI has established a Young Leaders mentor program and a Women’s Leadership Initiative.