Dave Powell honored with the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognized HASTINGS Principal David M. Powell, FAIA, with the 2023 Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. This award, previously known as the Thomas Jefferson Award, was established in 1992 to recognize the importance of individuals who, by their role and advocacy, have furthered the public's awareness and appreciation of design excellence in public architecture.

Dave arrived in Nashville in 1991, after receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from Oklahoma State University, with plans to simultaneously practice architecture and pursue his love of music. After juggling both careers for nearly a decade, he retired from music to establish his practice as a founding partner of polifio, inc.

Since 2008, Dave has been an owner and principal of HASTINGS Architecture, where he continues to employ a design process akin to songwriting. He clearly articulates his vision and uncovers “the hook,” ultimately developing an overarching structure that tells a complete story. This process has been integral in Nashville, where unprecedented growth and development have advanced the importance of public architecture and community spaces rooted in culture. All of Powell’s work tells a story, and each authentic design highlights the project's role in its community.

"Dave is an engaged leader in his firm and his community, educating the public on the importance of design and working tirelessly to advance the practice of public architecture."

He has been an AIA member since 1992 and was elevated to the College of Fellows in 2016. He has been deeply involved with the Committee on Design and with AIA Tennessee. In addition, he has stewarded Nashville’s design community and served on the city’s Civic Design Center Board of Directors from 2013 to 2021. In that role, he championed initiatives such as Design Your Neighborhood, a curriculum for middle school students, and Socially Conscious Design 101, a six-week public course that educates participants on the broader impacts of design.

He has served on many committees and boards for a variety of non-profit organizations, such as the Urban Land Institute Nashville, Thistle Farms, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Restore Ministries, Urban Housing Solutions, the Civic Design Center, and Museum of Contemporary Arts Nashville.

Dave's community-focused vision is clearly articulated in projects such as Azafran Park, Bellevue Library, The Bridge Building, Coffee County Middle and Deerfield Elementary Schools, Donelson Library, Family & Children’s Service, Franklin Theatre, Geodis Park, Madison Park and Smith Springs Community Centers, Metro Police Headquarters and Family Safety Center, as well as the renovation and expansion of the Ryman Auditorium, the and adaptive reuse of the former Nashville Public Library at 225 Polk - now home to HASTINGS studio.

AIA Press Release

AIA Award Recipient Page