Business Details
23 Years
experience
Trusted Architects in Memphis, TN | Evans Taylor Foster Childress Architects
Established in 2003 as the successor to Mahan and Broadwell Architects (founded in 1912), we are one of the oldest continuously operating architectural firms in the southeastern United States. Our century-long legacy is built on delivering distinguished architectural design across diverse sectors including education, healthcare, justice, government, and commercial projects. Our approach prioritizes understanding client needsfunctional requirements, budget constraints, and desired environmental outcomeswhile maintaining a commitment to honesty, fairness, and quality. Each project is led by an experienced project manager who ensures accountability from initial programming through final completion, emphasizing daily client communication and regulatory compliance.Our success is reflected in long-standing client relationships and landmark projects such as the Shelby County Justice Center and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital facilities. We combine deep regional expertise with a dedication to design innovation, fostering educational environments and creating spaces that inspire. With a team of licensed architects and associates, we continue to uphold our values of professionalism and excellence as we look toward our next century of service.
Services
Educational Architecture
Healthcare Design
Government Buildings
Justice Facilities
Commercial Projects
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of architectural expertise in the southeastern United States.
- Our projects are led by dedicated, experienced project managers accountable to clients daily.
- We prioritize client needs through functional, budget-conscious, and aesthetically driven design.
- Our team includes licensed architects with specialized experience in diverse project types.
- We maintain long-standing client relationships evidenced by landmark regional projects.
Services
Educational Architecture
We create inspiring educational environments that enhance learning and community engagement. Our designs prioritize functional spaces tailored to student needs, incorporating modern pedagogical trends and sustainable practices. With projects like the Kingsbury Freshman Academy, we deliver facilities that support academic excellence and long-term institutional growth.
Healthcare Design
Our healthcare architecture focuses on patient-centered spaces that balance functionality with comfort. We specialize in hospitals, research centers, and outpatient facilities, including St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital expansions. Our team ensures compliance with stringent medical standards while optimizing layouts for efficiency and future adaptability.
Justice Facilities
We design secure, efficient justice facilities that uphold dignity and accessibility. Projects like the Hardeman County Criminal Justice Center reflect our expertise in integrating safety protocols, courtroom functionality, and public service areas. Our approach balances institutional requirements with community integration.
Government Buildings
Our government projects emphasize transparency, durability, and civic pride. From office complexes to administrative centers, we create spaces that enhance public service delivery. The Shelby County Justice Center exemplifies our ability to merge practicality with architectural significance in municipal design.
Commercial Projects
We craft commercial spaces that align with business objectives and brand identity. Our portfolio includes corporate headquarters and mixed-use developments, focusing on flexible layouts, sustainability, and occupant well-being. The Crescent Center and Perkins Everitt Headquarters showcase our commitment to innovative, client-driven commercial architecture.
People
Michael Childress
Managing Partner
Award-winning architect with over 30 years at ETFC, specializing in regional design. Graduate of the University of Memphis, active in community service and youth sports. Leads with a focus on client collaboration and architectural excellence.
R Ladd Garey
Partner
Licensed in Arkansas and Tennessee, Ladd Garey brings expertise in architectural design and community engagement. Active in Rotary International and youth coaching, he emphasizes traditional design principles while mentoring emerging professionals in the firm.
Nick Pirani
Associate Partner
LEED-certified architect with 20 years of experience in healthcare and academic projects. Skilled in BIM software and 3D visualization, Nick contributes technical precision to complex builds like St. Judes research facilities while maintaining a client-focused approach.
Matt V Sihvonen
Architect
Licensed architect with 13 years of experience across residential, civic, and educational sectors. Recipient of the AIA Medal of Excellence, Matt integrates sustainable practices and community needs into projects, balancing technical rigor with creative problem-solving.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in educational, healthcare, justice, government, and commercial architecture, with expertise in design, planning, and interior architecture tailored to client needs.
How long has your firm been in operation?
Our firm traces its origins to 1912 through predecessor Mahan and Broadwell Architects, with the current entity established in 2003 as Evans Taylor Foster Childress Architects, PC.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the southeastern United States, with notable projects in Memphis, Tennessee, and clients across the country.
How do you approach client collaboration?
Each project is led by a dedicated manager who ensures daily communication, aligning design with client goals from initial concepts through construction completion.
What distinguishes your firm’s design philosophy?
We prioritize functional, budget-conscious solutions that reflect client values, combining regional expertise with innovative design to create enduring architectural legacies.
