Lester Ferdinand, AIA
Project Manager
Accessible Design
Affordable Housing
Civic
Commercial
Education
Medical
Museum
Religious
Residential
Sustainable Design
Mason Village
Multi-Family Housing
Duplex Homes
Custom Homes
Affordable Homes
Move-up Homes
Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing
Memphis Innovation Corridor mConnect BRT Stations
NAACP Headquarters
New Albany-Union County Airport Terminal Building
Grizzlies Garden Project Pavilion
T. O. Fuller Interpretive Center
Tunica Airport Corporate Hangar
Greenlaw Community Center
Consolidated Ground Transportation Center (CGTC)
FedExForum
Hickory Hill Comm. Center
MATA Trolley
Memphis Visitor’s Center
Plough Park
The Vasco A. Smith, Jr. Administration Building Renovation
Historic Melrose School Redevelopment
Fleet Maintenance Facility
Southern Elegance Event Center
Memphis Music Initiative
Pinnacle Loan Production Office Whitehaven
Pinnacle Loan Production Office Whitten Road
Property Maintenance Building
Teach For America
Tri-State Bank
Universal Parenting Place
South Memphis Farmers Market
National Civil Rights Museum Renovation
Kenneth Cole
Minna Place – FHHA
New Towne Center at Soulsville
Universal Life Insurance Building
The Memphis Bioworks Innovation Center
Leadership Preparatory Middle School
Crenshaw Library
Post Higher Education Academic Building
LeMoyne Owen College - Brownlee Hall
Memphis Business Academy Expansion
Ernestine Rivers Child Care Center
Bolton High School
Collierville Elementary
Douglass Head Start
Germanshire Elementary
STAX Academy
Steele Hall
Sweeney Hall
Woodstock Elementary school
Aretha Franklin Center
South Main Design Challenge Long Term
South Main Design Challenge Short Term
National Civil Rights Museum Renovation
National Civil Rights Museum
STAX Museum
First Congo Fellowship Hall and South Entrance Pavilion
First United Methodist Church
Riverside Missionary Baptist Church
First Baptist Church Broad Avenue
Hill Chapel Baptist Church
Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church
St. Andrew AME Church
Temple of Deliverance
Mason Village
510 MLK
Uptown Property Development
Habitat for Humanity Uptown Memphis Housing Prototypes
Spencer Residence
Central Gardens
Eighth Avenue Townhomes
Cleaborn Pointe at Heritage Landing
Friday Residence
Fowler Quads
Hartwell Residence
Latham Terrace
Melrose Place
The Leath Green Homes
Riverbend
The View
Uptown Square
Green Leaf Learning Farm Commons Building
Cordova District Planning
Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan
Green Leaf Learning Farm Agri-tourism Master Plan
Memphis Heritage Trail Green Streets Retrofit Initiative
Green Leaf Learning Farm Expansion
COGIC Master Plan
Hickory Ridge Mall
Memphis Riverfront Master Plan
Soulsville USA Comprehensive Community Plan
Memphis Heritage Trail
Whitehaven-Levi Planning
Historic Melrose School Redevelopment
Historic Clayborn Temple
Memphis Innovation Corridor mConnect BRT Stations
First Congo Fellowship Hall and South Entrance Pavilion
Fleet Maintenance Facility
510 MLK
Green Leaf Learning Farm Commons Building
Green Leaf Learning Farm Agri-tourism Master Plan
Memphis Heritage Trail Redevelopment Plan
Throughout his 27 years of practice, Lester has a demonstrated talent for project management through various projects across the US. Notably, he was the Project Architect of the Greektown Casino Expansion in Detroit, MI, an integral part of the $245M development of the Greektown Casino facility.
Since joining Self + Tucker Architects as a Senior Project Manager, Lester has sucessfuly completed multiple high-importance projects for private and public clients. Lesters dedication to project managerment and high-quaity design has been a great help to STA as we engage with our clients and proactively tackle project concerns. Regardless of project scale, Lester is an asset to any project team!
Project Manager
Steve Hallock received his M.Arch degree from Bowling Green State University, where his studies emphasized design, sustainability, construction management, and organizational leadership. He has designed and managed projects ranging from urban planning to commercial, educational, athletic and residential. He believes in using design to make the world a better place.
Joining Team STA in 2021, Steve brings strong conceptual and aesthetic skills in service of providing functional and desirable outcomes for project stakeholders. As a project manger, he is outcome-driven and motivated to see projects carried out both efficiently and at the highest possible quality.
Project Manager
Onjelica joined STA in 2020 as a project coordinator. She is a driven emerging interior design professional with a passion for community service. Onjelica’s attention to detail and her focus on end-user comfort and health have made her an integral member of STA’s Design Team.
Interior Design & Project Coordinator
Mathieu Joined STA in 2018 working to organize and preserve historic documents and photographs for the historic Universal Life Insurance Company and Building exhibit as part of the Memphis Heritage Trail.
A lifelong artist and a proud Memphis native, Mathieu studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he sharpened his creative skills into assets. He is dedicated to incrementally improving Memphis through creative entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and community development. Mathieu has used his skillsets while working with non – profit organizations, museums, Institutions, and creative enterprises within the city.
Now as Marketing Coordinator, Mathieu uses his skills in creative writing and digital media to enhance Self + Tucker Architects marketing efforts and brand profile.
Marketing Coordinator
"There will be much time to sit when I'm old. And there will be much time to lay down when I am dead. For now, I must stand. While I am young and while I can, I must stand."
– Mathieu D. White
Shavonne joined STA in 2018 serving on the admin team as an Administrative Coordinator. She contributes to STA’s mission of Designing a Better Memphis by supporting our designers and principals with superb documents and a well managed office.
Administrative Coordinator
Antonio Tirado joined Self+Tucker Architects in 2018 as a Project Coordinator shortly after earning his Master in Architecture degree from the University of Memphis. He also earned a Bachelors degree in Architecture and Interior Design from the University of Memphis in 2016. Since joining Self+Tucker Architects, he has assisted in projects from various clients such as City of Memphis, First United Methodist Church, and Clayborn Temple.
Antonio has experience in utilizing software such as AutoCAD, Revit, Photoshop, Lumion, and Sketchup. He contributes his talents toward STA’s mission of Designing a Better Memphis by his level in creativity and interest in using architecture and design as a tool for creating stronger communities.
Project Coordinator
Victor M. Robinson Jr. joined Self Tucker Architects in 2015 as a Project Coordinator. He earned a Bachelor degree in Architectural Engineering from Tennessee State University in 2010 and a Master in Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2014. He contributes his talents toward STA’s mission of Designing a Better Memphis by his level of creativity and dedication to socially responsible architecture.
Victor’s design experience includes private single family housing, multi-family elderly housing, institutional, building assessments, event center design and educational developments. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (Assoc. AIA), Memphis Chapter.
Project Coordinator
"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody."
– Jane Jacobs
Colby has coordinated and managed several multi-million-dollar projects since joining STA in 2014. He earned both his graduate and undergraduate degrees in Architecture at the University of Memphis.
Colby has experience with several project types including educational, residential and commercial facilities. He is highly skilled in creating Renderings and 3D Visualizations through the use of Revit and Adobe Photoshop. He’s an Embark graduate from the New Memphis Institute, Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professional, member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and serves on the board of Directors for Leadership Preparatory Charter School (K-8).
Colby’s work is strategically infused with community development and sustainable design practices.
Project Manager
"I am for richness of meaning rather than clarity of meaning; for the implicit function as well as the explicit function. I prefer "both-and" to "either-or," black and white, and sometimes gray, to black or white. A valid architecture evokes many levels of meaning and combinations of focus: its space and its elements become readable and Workable in several ways at once. "
– Robert Venturi
Nikole joined the firm in 1998 as an Administrative Coordinator. During her 12 years with STA, she has held many administrative titles while increasing her knowledge of the Architecture industry and is now the Project Facilitator for the firm. In 2008, Nikole became a Certified Construction Contract Administrator through Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). An active member of the Memphis Chapter of CSI, Nikole was the Membership Chair for FY2010/2011. As the “Go to” person for the firm, she supplies colleagues, clients and contractors with solutions that help each project run smoothly.
Project Facilitator
"It’s never too late to be what you might have been."
– George Elliot
Before arriving at Self Tucker in 2001, Robert worked for an array of design firms throughout the Southwest (his birthplace) and the Southeast. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from Georgia Tech in 1992 while coming up the ranks from draftsman to Project Manager.He attributes his attention to construction detailing to hands-on residential & commercial construction experience, an Art’s major background and a unique opportunity to attendthe nation’s oldest of the modern schools of blacksmithing arts, Turley Forge.
Besides a focus on detailing he is well-versed in contract administration, code & zoning research, building rehabilitation, construction budget assessment & scheduling. In his 9 years association with Self Tucker he has gained wide project experience with charter and childcare school facilities along with general education and religious center developments. He has actively woven his management experience into a wide variety of client-oriented skill sets. Robert received his LEED AP in 2009 and is currently working on his professional practice license
Project Manager
"I’m intrigued by the art in architecture, what Ignasi de Sola Morales described as a ‘reality reserve’ ...resistant to standards & systems, namely, the surreal"
– Robert Fountain
Juan, a founding Principal of Self Tucker Architects, Inc., has nearly thirty years' experience in architecture, construction, project and program management. He has extensive experience with schools, churches, child-care facilities, single and multi-family housing, medical facilities, civic/government facilities, and commercial spaces.
Juan received his degree in Architecture from Howard University School of Architecture and Planning in Washington, DC. He has an intimate knowledge and intense passion for ecclesiastical design, liturgical nuances and church administrative functions.
He served on the AIA Memphis Board of Directors and currently serves as Chairman of the Memphis/Shelby County Building Code Advisory Board and is a member of the Tennessee Preservation Trust Board, Tennessee Historical Commission Review Board and Memphis Center City Commission Design Review Board.
Managing Pincipal
"The use of technology is important in helping our clients understand our design ideas and completing projects on schedule and within budget."
– Juan Self
Cleora joined Self Tucker Architects in 2006. She brought with her over 25 years of managerial and administrative experience in a variety of sectors, including business development, business outreach and recruitment, mental healthcare and other human service related areas. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Arkansas State University and earned a Master of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. As a business consultant, she has worked with nonprofit social service organizations and small businesses to develop programs and funding sources.
Cleora holds an administrative position with STA. She provides support to business operations, personnel administration, marketing and facility management.
Administrative
Jimmie is a founding principal of Self + Tucker Architects (STA). During a career spanning 30 years, Jimmie has remained highly committed to designing and building better communities. He is a native Memphian and in recent years he has focused his work at STA toward revitalization projects throughout Memphis and extending to many communities in the Delta. Among those projects are the Memphis Heritage Trail, FedEx Forum, Stax Museum and Academy, Southern Elegance Event Center, Tunica and New Albany Airport expansions and the renovation of affordable housing all through the Delta region.
Jimmie holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from Princeton University and received his Masters degree in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. In 2006 he was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of the Washington University School of Architecture.
Jimmie is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA); he is Past President of the AIA Memphis Chapter and of the NOMA Memphis Chapter. In 2019, Jimmie became a member of the AIA College of Fellows. AIA Fellows are recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Jimmie is also actively involved with the Paul R. Williams Project as a founding member of the Project Committee.
Since 2007 as an Adjunct Instructor of Architecture at the University of Memphis, Jimmie has also been a leader in educating the public and promoting good design. He is often asked to address community groups about community planning and revitalization strategies.
In addition to his planning and architectural expertise, Jimmie engages in real estate development. His current projects are the renovation of the Universal Life Insurance Building and a 36 unit multi family project proposed for 510 Dr. ML King Jr. Avenue.
Managing Principal
"It's not necessarily all about the building. You definitely want to engage the people and create Architecture that meets their needs and enhances their lives."
– Jimmie Tucker
Mario Walker is a passionate young designer and architect who has been a part of Self + Tucker Architects since 2005. He earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2012.
His high level of creativity and responsible, sustainably minded design is fundamental to every design opportunity and he strongly believes that quality of life is enriched by every well-designed structure and public space.
With over 15 years of experience in the architecture profession, Mario is motivated to push the field of architecture toward greater cultural and community engagement. He is interested in the lessons that contemporary architecture can take from historic architecture as practical sustainability. Evidence of this can be seen in Memphis' diverse, well-preserved and maintained historic neighborhoods, which he sees as a model for contemporary development.
His design experience includes neighborhood planning and streetscapes development; institutional and mixed-use developments including schools, museums, medical and religious institutions, transportation hubs, and public open spaces. He has experience in all phases of the design process as well as in managing complex project teams and working closely with Owners, Contractors and Community Partners. His design work has been recognized and has won awards locally, regionally and nationally.
Mario has served as a studio instructor assistant within the undergraduate studios at the University of Memphis, served as guest juror at the university, lectured at design industry events, and participated in numerous community-centered design events benefitting greater Memphis. He also holds a position on several local boards including, President of the local NOMA Chapter, AIA National Emerging Professionals Task Force, Memphis and Shelby County Building Code Board and the Memphis Zoological Society Board. He has previously served as Emerging Professional Director of AIA Memphis Chapter. He greatly enjoys biking, photography, traveling, and sharing his passion for architecture with his family, friends and community.
Mario resides in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife Hope, son Jude, and daughter Maréa.
Project Designer/Manager
"So...You worked for free to worsen a presentation for a meeting that won’t happen for a project that doesn’t exist?! Oh…You must be an ARCHITECT! "
– Dilbert
Andrew is a Registered Architect with over 45 years experience in master planning, design, project management, and construction phases of architecture.
He has experience in all building types and has extensive experience in the design of residential facilities. He has designed thousands of residential units ranging from single family homes to large continuing care retirement communities. He was the Managing Architect for ServiceMaster Facilities Development Services International which owned, developed, designed, constructed and managed assisted living facilities throughout the United States. Since joining Self Tucker Architects in 1999, Andrew has managed a variety of projects.
Associate Principal Director of Architecture
"When the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."
– Leonardo Da Vinci