Meet Jack Davis, FAIA

Jack Davis, FAIA has been a leader in architecture for more than forty years — representing the profession in Virginia, the middle-Atlantic region, nationally, and internationally. His insightful impact on the profession through service to the AIA as President of AIA Virginia, Invited Member of the AIA Large Firm Roundtable, as well as Vice President of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction, has blended his professional and academic experiences to the benefit of the future of the profession in a most profound way.

Jack served as President of AIA Virginia in its centennial year. In doing so, he laid out a vision for the next 100 years through his development of the Virginia Accord. The symposium gave the opportunity for professionals across the state to affirm their commitment to the environment, economy, sustainability and quality of life of all Virginians. The several daylong gatherings, envisioned by Jack, assembled architects and members of allied fields together with legislators, economists, and educators to focus on the built environment creating spaces to better serve our society.The Accord has been shared with all national chapter officers, Virginia legislators and additional contacts in 15 states.

Jack has been eminently involved in and responsible for the Professional Degree Programs at Virginia Tech for over thirty years. For most of Jack’s eleven years as dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech, Design Intelligence has ranked the program within the top five, with one year in the first position.

Jack’s career has been a tapestry of constructive research, design, education, public service, and professional practice. He has advanced the profession of architecture within the state, to the nation, and to over a dozen countries internationally. Through both membership and leadership in multiple organizations, he has represented the architects of Virginia in critical professional venues.

Where did you go to college?
Virginia Tech

Would you recommend studying architecture to a young person?
Absolutely. Both of my children are in the architecture and landscape architecture world. I have enjoyed sharing the fields with young people for 40+ years.

What does it take to be an architect?
A strong work ethic, interested in the potential for change in the world around us.

Was there an architect that particularly inspired you?
It sounds predictable but I would have to say Frank Lloyd Wright. My mother introduced me to his work after she became aware of it through the magazine, “Arizona Highways,” which frequently featured his early work. She continued to receive the magazine after she and my father were stationed in Arizona during the second World War.

What are you currently reading?
I read quite a bit, at least 2 books a month, often more. I just finished, The Power of One, and am currently reading, Workin our Way Home: The Incredible true story of an Ex-con and a Grieving Millionaire.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
A picnic of wine, cheeses, breads, and diverse accompaniments on the lawn of the Seji Ozawa Music hall at Tanglewood near Lenox, Ma. (Designed by William Rawn, Associates in Boston).

Why do you volunteer with the AIA?
I enjoy the community of professionals, the discussions and the sharing of design stories.