The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is saddened by the passing of Patrick B. Davis Jr., who served as 1974-1975 AIAS President. He graduated from the University of Texas, Austin in 1975 and was a Vietnam War Veteran, serving in the US Navy.
Patrick was an advocate for change and worked tirelessly on public policy. He also helped many understand the importance and value of good design. He served in every leadership role at the AIA (local and state levels), and was also a leader within the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Board of Directors. In 2011, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans.
As a dedicated member of the profession, Patrick made a profound impact and contribution to the profession. After being elected president of the AIAS in 1974, he helped create the original Intern Development Program (later renamed the Architectural Experience Program) when he was the first intern architect on the Intern Development Committee for NCARB. He was president of his local and state AIA chapters, AIA Birmingham’s “AIA 150 Champion,” and he served as an advocate on behalf of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. Additionally, Patrick was an avid volunteer with the Alabama Architectural Foundation, a public community hospital, and his community planning commission. He was also a partner at Gresham Smith and Partners in Birmingham until retirement.
Past President Patrick B. Davis Jr. was instrumental in the AIAS and the profession of architecture. Please share your memories of him by emailing mailbox@aias.org.
