Honoring the past, defining the present, shaping the future – since 1912.
Meet Our Firm
Davis Architects is one of the country’s oldest architecture firms, nationally recognized for architecture, design, and planning. We understand what’s at stake, since you’re not just building for today — you’re creating spaces that will serve generations. That’s why you need a knowledgeable partner who listens and delivers exceptional design, tailored to meet your unique needs.
Since 1912, we’ve partnered with institutions across the country to turn their vision into reality through thoughtful, purposeful design. We start with performance, then elevate with design, delivering spaces that are both highly functional and visually striking. You have a lot of people to please, but you don’t have to do it alone. We collaborate with you every step of the way. From classrooms and concert halls to museums and stadiums, Davis has brought lasting impact to countless communities — each project starting with a vision just like yours.
Our Core Values
+ Purposeful Design
We design with intention, ensuring every space serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. Every detail matters because great design is functional, adaptable, and enduring.
+ Lasting Legacy
We honor the past as we design for the future. Our work outlasts us, shaping communities for generations, and reflecting the values that guide us.
+ Rooted in Relationships
We’re more than a team — we are a family. Our culture is built on mutual respect, shared passion, and a commitment to one another and our craft.
+ Client Partnership
We listen first, collaborate always, and design with your vision, schedule, and budget in mind. Every client, every project, every time. Our work begins and ends with people.
+ Innovative Thinking
We believe every challenge has a solution. Our legacy of innovation drives us to rethink what’s possible and design with the future in mind.
Merrill Hall School of Business and Industry - Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville, AL
Experience in Higher Education
Experience in Higher Education
Thoughtfully designed learning environments have the power to inspire growth and shape the next generation. From K-12 schools to university campuses, our educational spaces support academic success, foster connection, and reflect the evolving needs of students and educators. We design flexible, forward-thinking spaces to stay ahead of ever-changing educational trends.
Science and Engineering Complex - University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
W. Beeson University Center - Samford University - Homewood, AL
+ Factors to Success in Higher Education Design
- Understanding and celebrating the unique identity of the campus in architecture and interior design.
- Grasping the nuances of the building program and supporting its traditions through thoughtful design.
- Planning spaces that enhance students’ daily experiences, focusing on their security, and wellbeing, while fostering collaborative learning and study.
- Designing facilities that support the faculty’s interaction with the student and any unique teaching methods for the discipline.
- Creating spaces that engage students, enhance their daily university experience, and strengthen their connection with their area of study.
+ Expertise
- Spaces for Learning and Collaborating
- Research and Laboratory Buildings
- Administrative Facilities
- Athletic and Recreation Venues and Training Spaces
- Performance and Visual Arts Facilities
- Student Housing
- Plazas and monumental elements
+ Past Clients
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- Samford University
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia
- University of Central Florida
- Georgia Tech University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of South Alabama
Ralph
Brock School of Business at Cooney Hall
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Samford University commissioned the Davis team to plan and design a state-of-the-art facility to house the rapidly growing Brock School of Business. The owner challenged the design team to site the building on a steeply sloping parking lot just outside of the campus center. While the original design called for a 5-story structure with parking on the lowest level, subsequent redesigns and a modified budget removed the covered parking and allowed the lowest level to house student functions. The design centers around a 3-story atrium that allows for student and faculty interaction, enhanced circulation, and inviting lounge and breakout spaces. The adjacent grand staircase on the quad-facing side of the building was perceived as a lantern for the whole campus, with ample windows to vertically unite the hillside campus and allow light to fill the atrium and lounge beyond. The instructional spaces include a sixty-student tiered lecture hall, several forty-student classrooms, seminar rooms, and collaborative spaces. The portfolio management room houses six Bloomberg terminals and stock tickers that allow students to quickly access worldwide financial data. Administrative spaces are comprised of a dean’s suite, offices, executive conference center, and career development center. The large meeting room on the top level is used by the University and community for various events, while the rooftop deck provides stunning views of campus. The integration of graphics was key to creating cohesive and exciting interior spaces for students and faculty alike. A special commemorative wall recognizes donors using a 100-year old oak from the site as the backdrop for donor plaques.
Date Completed: 2015
Cost:
$25,163,000
School of Business and Industry
Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville, Alabama
Description:
In April of 2018, a devastating tornado ripped through the Jacksonville State University campus and destroyed Merrill Hall, the iconic 1960 campus building that was the home of the School of Business and Industry. The school decided to use the unfortunate opportunity to expand and update the programs of their flagship college. The new school, currently under construction and planned to open for the Fall semester of 2021, incorporates the latest in business and finance teaching pedagogy. It includes a variety of classroom types: 100 seat lecture halls, 70 person flexible classrooms, 50 person cluster classrooms and 35 person case study classrooms. The Finance Lab is situated at the main entry to the building and will act as an active display of the college. Small student team breakout rooms are located throughout the building to encourage team project collaboration. A 400 seat capacity auditorium, designed for both music and speaking, was incorporated and will be used by the entire campus. Faculty and staff offices are located on the top floor and are designed to encourage student interaction.
In keeping with the university’s desire to make the building welcoming for the entire student population, a large atrium with a small café and dining area are located on the main floor, which will be used as a pathway to other parts of campus. The dining area opens onto a welcoming outdoor courtyard looking towards the mountains surrounding Jacksonville. A large FEMA rated storm shelter is incorporated into the ground floor and will accommodate up to 3,000 people.
Date Completed: 2021
Cost: $43,883,000
Smart Communities and Innovation Building
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Description:
Davis Architects was retained by the University of Alabama to complete the design for the Smart Communities and Innovation Building (SCIB). This project gutted a 1980’s era residential building and converted it into laboratory, exhibit, and office space for multiple tenants associated with transportation. The newly created Alabama Mobility and Power Center, which is a partnership between the University of Alabama, Alabama Power, and Mercedes-Benz UA International, serves as a research and development hub for creating new mobility and power technologies, developing charging infrastructure, and managing power delivery to support the usage of electric vehicles; this Center will be housed in SCIB and will bring together researchers from across the region to collaborate on technologies to support this growing industry. Spaces include a 4-vehicle research lab connection to a micro-grid, which includes a T4 generator to support research, plus flexible collaborative spaces and a gathering space that feature a 40’x10’ video board showcasing AMP’s research.
Date Completed: 2024
Cost:
$27,700,000
Holle Center
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
Description:
The Holle Center, an incubator and collaborative space for modern storytelling, is a newly renovated department of at the College of Communication and Information Sciences at The University of Alabama the Holle Center for Communication Arts.
The work of the Holle Center is guided by a commitment to advance narratives through innovative and arts-informed research, community engagement and creative co-operation. The center, located on the fourth floor of Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium adjacent to the Digital Media Center, features a Collaboratory for digital storytelling that includes a podcast studio, editing workspace and cyclorama — a panoramic, cylindrical backdrop for filming.
Date Completed: 2024
Cost:
$2,122,295
Carmichael Building
Southern Union State Community College
Description:
The Renovation of the John R. Carmichael Building included the design and addition of a new two new laboratories: the Veterinary Technician Lab and the Phlebotomy Lab. The renovation also refreshed the lobby, library, classrooms. Spaces within the building, such as the restrooms, were updated to meet current codes and ADA standards.
Date Completed: 2024
Cost:
$1,827,000
Drummond Lyon Hall
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
Description:
Drummond Lyon Hall serves as the new home for the School of Fashion and design, offering a dynamic, four-story space, dedicated to fostering creativity and collaboration.
The basement level of the School of Fashion and Design houses the fashion archive alongisde essential preservation facilities such as a collections workroom and a conservation lab. The main floor of the building features a large lecture hall and event space designed for speakers and various functions, as well as an exhibition gallery. The third floor accommodates the college’s administrative offices, offering an open layout and a balcony.
Our design also incorporated a new connector courtyard between Adams Hall, home to the department’s classroms, and the new Drummond Lyon Hall. The courtyard functions as both a student gathering space and an event venue.
Date Completed: 2022
Cost:
$19,000,000
Ralph W. Beeson University Center Renovation
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
The Davis team has proudly collaborated with Samford University for over half a century on their most significant projects. The recent renovation to the Ralph W. Beeson University Center was no exception. The University Center is the functional heart of the campus, continuously buzzing with student and faculty activity. Over the past two decades, small improvements took place as needed, but recent student-body growth showed the need for a holistic renovation of the facility.
Through extensive planning discussions with students, faculty, and staff, our team identified the most pressing issues and spatial needs. Central to the renovation’s goals was an expanded and more functional food court and bookstore, the creation of a grand lobby, and the relocation of offices to a connected annex. Throughout the renovations, university services such as dining and the mailroom had to remain entirely operational, necessitating an elaborate phasing plan to ensure students were mostly unaffected.
Date Completed: 2019
Cost:
$15,286,000
Theron Montgomery Building Third and Fourth Level
Renovations
Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville, AL
Description:
The project sough to transform two existing computer labs on the third level of the campus student center into a presentation space for prospective JSU students, with an adjacent waiting area that would promote recruiting. The fourth level housed the old mail room, with hundreds of student mailboxes in a dark, non-active area of the building; JSU wanted to integrate a new electronic mail system into the space and convert it into student gathering and study space. The design sought to introduce JSU branding through graphics, lighting, and the finishes palette that would be engaging but easy to maintain. The client wanted to minimize above-ceiling work, so existing HVAC and fire suppression systems were only minimally impacted. The tight floor-to-floor heights required creativity in making the space seem open and welcoming. The renovated area was just under 15,000 SF at a cost of $57 / SF.
Date Completed: 2022
Cost:
$838,000
Randy Owen Performing Arts Center
Jacksonville State University - Jacksonville, Alabama
Description:
Currently under construction, the new Randy Owen Performing Arts Center complex renovation and addition that will include a state of the art concert hall. The 1,000 seat concert hall has been designed so it can be “tuned” acoustically to host performances ranging from 160 person bands to solo acoustical recitals to rock and country groups. Built as an addition to the old Jacksonville First Baptist Church, the new complex will house the College of Fine Arts. The challenges of overcoming inherent in a large addition to an older building were overcome through creative design. Costly fire walls were avoided by keeping the majority of the new construction separated from the existing building and only providing a connection where absolutely necessary for performers. The existing church facility will be renovated to house choral and music perfomance/ practice spaces, a recording studio, dressing rooms, classroom space and administration areas. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the building is dedicated to legendary country music performer and JSU alumnus, Randy Owen of the group Alabama.
Date Completed:
2026 (Anticipated)
Cost:
$38,700,000
Dining Hall and Conference Center
Marion Military Institute - Marion, Alabama
Description:
The one-story Dining Hall and Conference Center will have a 7,425 sf Dining Hall and all required support spaces to serve up to 660 cadets at time. A 2,00 sf Event Space shares a common entrance with the Dining Hall to allow for overflow use of the spaces for large events. The facility also has a Private Dining area that can seat 30 and which opens up to the main dining hall for formal dinners.
Date Completed: 2023
Cost: $10,522,000
Science & Engineering Complex Phases II & III
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, AL
Description:
Davis Architects was responsible for both Phase II and Phase III of this over one hundred million dollar research and education facility. It is another example of the firm’s fine work on college campuses where historical and contextual design challenges are met. It is also an excellent example of group facilitation where the College of Engineering faculty were introduced and bought into an entirely new organizational model for their facilities in a one day kick off charrette. The old department–centric model was replaced by a research based approach conceived to promote an interdisciplinary research environment. The programming work continued for weeks, but the initial “buy in” at this one day kick off charrette was critical to the successful outcome.
Date Completed: 2010
Cost:
$123,000,000
Arts Lofts Renovation
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
The Arts Loft at Samford University is a unique and cost-effective design solution for the visual arts on a campus with extremely limited space for new construction. The original campus maintenance area included an existing two-story pre- engineered metal building that had been used mainly for storage of old building materials and supplies. The University had outgrown the space for their growing arts program, located in the main part of campus, and asked Davis to study the concept of converting the old warehouse building into an arts studio. Originally built to house their facilities and maintenance department in the early 1960’s, the building presented interesting aesthetic, functional and structural challenges to overcome for its proposed new use. Included in the “new” Arts Lofts building are various design studio spaces, student storage, staff and faculty offices, senior art, new restrooms with locker area and a fully functional two-story sculpting/pottery studio with kilns. The out of the way location on campus allowed outdoor patio space for the messier art projects that were not feasible in the old building. Samford University is well known across the Southeast for its traditional Georgian Colonial architecture. Through this creative reuse of an old building destined to be demolished, we created an exciting, modern facility for the art students and faculty. The distinct creative and programmatic needs of the Arts were met in a very non-traditional way and their program has grown and prospered as a result.
Date Completed: 2015
Cost: $1,800,000
Renovation for College of Health Sciences
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Sitting on a picturesque, 247-acre campus in a suburb of Birmingham, AL, Samford University has seen strong enrollment growth over the past decade. The university, originally started in 1841, has been heavily investing in academic facilities to support their growing programs. In 2015, the university approved the purchase an adjacent 28acre property that, until recently, housed Time Inc.’s Birmingham headquarters.
After an extensive facility master plan process, the university and the Davis team concluded that the existing buildings on the property were perfectly suited to house Samford’s newly formed College of Health Sciences. While the publishing company’s headquarters were primarily offices and workstations, the College of Health Sciences needed vast classroom, lab, faculty office, and collaborative spaces. In the end, the renovated facility includes 19 classrooms and seminar rooms, two 135-seat tiered lecture halls, an entire floor of nursing simulation labs and pharmacy teaching labs, two pharmacy research labs, 16 kitchens for dietary and nutrition sciences, collaborative active learning labs, kinesiology and physical therapy labs, audiology, and speed labs, and over 250 faculty offices with additional staff offices and workstations.
Date Completed:
2016
Cost:
$11,589,000
Houser Hall Renovation
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Description:
Originally constructed in 1949, Houser Hall underwent a comprehensive renovation to the interior and exterior of the building. The renovation includes a complete interior rebuild of the 38,760 sf facility to house the Office of Disability Services, Office of Testing & Technology Services, and Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Additional spaces provided in the project include faculty and support staff offices, conference rooms, storage rooms, two large classrooms with tiered seating, and a large flexible meeting/ testing room. Great effort was made to keep the original design intent of the building and campus vernacular while providing interior spaces and building systems to meet the efficient, modern demand of the University. Project design and documentation was achieved using the latest 3D modeling technology as well as on site 3D scanning for the most accurate documents possible.
Date Completed: 2015
Cost:
$7,540,000
School of Health Professions Expansion
University of Alabama at Birmingham- Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
In order to provide additional space for its growing School of Health Professions, UAB engaged Davis Architects to design a two-level addition on the School’s existing fourlevel facility located in the heart of the urban campus. The 34,000 SF addition includes two new Physical Therapy Labs, the Dean’s Suite, an Executive Learning Center, small and large conference rooms, offices, and other support spaces. Organized around a main corridor, spaces are organized into suites to provide departmental identity and ease of wayfinding, and the layout allows for natural lighting in corridors through the use of borrowed lights and frosted glass in the offices.
UAB also tasked Davis Architects with enhancing the exterior design, rather than simply extruding the envelope of the lower four floors. As a result, the six floor slab was extended beyond the lower floors to cantilever slightly from the building. This allowed for some larger program spaces on the top floor and affords the Executive Learning Center and Dean’s Suites access to day lighting and views. The exterior design brings a more contemporary theme to the building while still maintaining some of the traditional window and cornice details.
Cost:
$10,350,000
Pittman Residence Hall Renovation and Expansion
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Pittman Hall is a four story Georgian Colonial residence hall constructed in 1962 on the campus of Samford University. The project consisted of a complete renovation of the existing facility, including a new entrance for ADA accessibility, new ADA rooms, along with a new east wing addition to match seamlessly with the existing brick and limestone construction.
Date Completed: 2011
Cost:
$6,469,247
West Campus Residence Hall
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Located on the west side of Samford’s campus, this project includes three, four-story dormitories that nestle around a central courtyard and green space. The design and site location was intended to compliment the surrounding residential area while creating a community that facilitates student recreation, relaxation, and growth. Each of the three residence halls totals nearly 34,600 SF and houses 100 beds, a central lobby, student lounges, and laundry amenities. Each suite has four private bedrooms, two bathrooms, and is centered around large living room and kitchenette spaces filled with natural light. An adjacent fourth dormitory building has also been designed in anticipation of future growth.
Date Completed: April 2013
Cost:
$19,700,000
Greek Residence Hall
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Samford’s newest Greek housing project is a new three-story Georgian Colonial residence hall currently occupied by Tri-Delta sorority. The design matches the double bedroom, private bath layout and sizes of existing Greek housing on campus for equity between Greek organizations. The new 23,590 SF building houses 70 beds, with welcoming foyer and residential formal living room opening onto large informal lounge area that converts easily for chapter meetings. The building is supported by full kitchen, enclosed study room and laundry. It also includes a two bedroom, two bath apartment suite for the residential life staff member responsible for supporting residents in this sector of campus. The building exterior uses traditional brick and limestone to blend in harmony with adjacent Samford campus. The site allows for two future housing units on the area currently allocated as parking.
Date Completed: July 2017
Cost: $6,639,673
Center for the Arts
University of Montevallo - Montevallo, Alabama
Description:
The Center for the Arts Building at the University of Montevallo is a new 300 seat theatre, 100 seat “black box” theatre, gallery & hospitality areas, and ancillary spaces such as wardrobe & scene shops, large and small chorus rooms, classrooms, staff offices, a digital design lab, and a dance rehearsal room. The building site rests in the heart of the Montevallo campus, and the new building will serve the many and expanding needs of the entire School of Fine Arts at the University of Montevallo.
Date Completed:
2020
Cost:
$19,000,000
Jane Hollock Brock Recital Hall
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Samford University, a Georgian Colonial style campus and home to a world-class performing arts program, desired to build a new recital hall, smaller than the large Wright Center, as a venue that would allow patrons to experience performances in an optimum environment. The result is a classically-inspired 333 seat recital hall that is capable of being tuned to accommodate a variety of repertoires from operatic solos to full orchestra concerts. The building also has a full size rehearsal hall for the college’s band and orchestra; individual acoustically-isolated spaces for chamber ensembles; six practice rooms, and three faculty studios. The main performance hall is structurally isolated and the HVAC and electrical systems are designed to function in the room with total silence.
Date Completed: 2006
Cost:
$7,590,609
Alys R. Stephens Performing Arts Center
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
The Alys R. Stephens Performing Arts Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham encompasses four distinctive performance spaces: a 1350-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theatre, a 150-seat recital hall and a highly technical black box theatre. Inspired by the great performance halls of Europe, the Jemison Concert Hall includes a hardwood stage for orchestra, ensemble and individual performances, two levels of main seating, dress circle seating at the sides, and custom acoustical panels lining both the walls and ceiling that enable the building to be tuned for each type of performance. Also designed after its European predecessors, the theatre employs wrap-around balconies for an interactive atmosphere. Uniting all of the performance spaces is a two-story, barrel-vaulted main lobby that serves as both a reception area and the site of many special events. The facility also contains an intimate patron's area with bar, faculty offices, academic spaces, ticketing areas, concessions, and other ancillary spaces. The exterior of the building complements the architecture of the campus through its use of brick and precast concrete accents, highlighted by a soaring drop-off canopy.
Date Completed: 1996
Cost:
$14,000,000
“The Alys Stephens Center is the crown jewel in a thriving cultural district, drawing acclaimed performers from around the globe to this campus and community. The Center is also training the performing artists of tomorrow as home to UAB’s music and theatre departments, whose students and faculty continue to deliver top quality productions and garner prestigious awards. We are so grateful to our friends and donors for enabling UAB and Birmingham to have such an elegant, state-of-the-art home for the performing arts”
- Dr. Carol Z. Garrison Former President, UAB
Reid, Burns, Chapman Hall Renovation
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Davis has been working with Samford University to completely renovate the interior of Burns and Chapman Halls. The space is filled with offices, classrooms, and breakout spaces for Arts and Sciences, as well as Spiritual Life. The renovation included new HVAC systems and controls, as well as new electrical services and LED lighting. Necessary ADA improvements included a new elevator and new restrooms. In addition, this renovation included improvements in Reid Chapel, the center core of the complex.
Date Completed:
Ingalls Hall Renovation
Samford University - Homewood, Alabama
Description:
Among the first buildings completed on Samford University's campus, Ingalls Hall was home to McWhorter School of Pharmacy until completion of the new College of Health Sciences facilities in 2016. Samford recently tasked Davis with an extensive renovation of the two lower levels to serve as campus welcome center and student services hub, including Admissions and Financial Aid functions. The upper two floors received minor renovation for Arts & Sciences Academic Offices, Classrooms and Student Commons areas. Lastly, the entire facility received a complete systems replacement including new HVAC, controls, LED lighting, and fire alarm.
Date Completed:
2018
Cost:
$4,750,000
Abroms-Engel Institute for Visual Arts
University of Alabama at Birmingham - Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
The project is comprised of the construction of a new facility and site improvements for the UAB Department of Art and Art History. The facility is a two-story building of approximately 26,000 square feet. The ground floor houses galleries, lobby, lecture hall and support spaces. The second-floor houses classrooms, visual art and graphic design studios and faculty offices. Major exterior spaces consist of an arts plaza adjacent to the main lobby and a sculpture garden on the west side of the site. The site is located on the southwest corner of 13th Street South and 10th Avenue South in Birmingham Alabama.
Davis was the Architect-of-Record in partnership with Hoar Construction, using bridging documents developed by Randall Stout & Associates. We advanced the documents from Design Development through construction.
Date Completed: 2014
Cost:
$9,500,000
Telfair B. Peet Theatre
Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama
Description:
The project is an addition to an existing theatre at Auburn University. The building was expanded in order to make use of its existing lobby, and the addition includes a 100-seat black box theater and gallery and a spacious dance studio, plus support spaces such as a tension grid system, control room, dressing rooms, and a loading dock.
Date Completed: 2014
Cost:
$2,300,000
Pebble Hill Renovation & Expansion
Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama
Description:
Pebble Hill at Auburn University, also known as the historic Scott-Yarbrough House was originally built in 1847 and is currently under renovation to become the home for the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities as part of the College of Liberal Arts. The renovation to the 2,500 SF house includes adding ADA compliant restrooms, upgrading MEP services, adding life safety systems, providing a new roof and windows, and freshening the interior finishes. Adjacent to the house, a new 2,200 SF wood-framed building will be constructed to house offices, a catering kitchen, and a 100seat meeting room. The building is designed to complement Pebble Hill and to support the many activities of the Center and its grounds.
Date Completed: 2015 Cost:
$1,500,000
Bryant Residence Hall Renovation
University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Description:
This 160 student, 4-story residence hall, with free-standing sports themed dining hall, was designed for use by student athletes as their main residence hall and dining facility. It also houses engineering honors students. The residence hall features suite style living with either 2 or 4 single bedrooms. Each single bedroom is furnished with a desk, chair, and dresser and bathrooms are shared between 2 residents. A kitchenette is shared among the suite and has a full refrigerator, microwave, and cabinets. The common living area is furnished with a sofa, chair, TV stand, coffee table, and end tables. The dining hall seats 250 and includes a coffee bar, cafeteria style serving line and short order grill. It also serves the general student population and is designed to be set up for variety of meetings.
In 2016, Davis Architects completed a comprehensive $4,000,000 renovation of the facility. Several suites were modified from four bedrooms to three, and the kitchen areas were enlarged. Lighting was updated throughout to incorporate more energy efficient LED fixtures. New interior finishes were provided in all suites and common areas, as well as new signage and graphics, to give the facility a new appearance for students returning for the Fall semester.
Date Completed: 2016
Cost:
$3,956,558
Beeson School of Divinity
Samford University- Homewood, Alabama
Description:
When Samford University approached Davis Architects to renovate a dormitory into classrooms and offices and add a chapel for its Beeson Divinity School, they challenged us to design a facility that would be architecturally as aspiring and inspiring as the institution’s mission and program. Furthermore, they wanted the chapel to be an instructive space employing the symbolism, artistic expression, and liturgical architecture of its predecessors in the development of the reformed tradition. The renovation of a forty year old dormitory presented many problems. The designers met the challenge of dealing with an existing structure by devising a system of “thickened walls” to deliver utilities and conditioned air to all the spaces from the attic above. Ducts, which had to run horizontally, were located along side existing concrete beams. Ceilings were then manipulated upward between beams to provide a more spacious feeling throughout. Space planning involved relationship issues as well as finding places for functions to fit. Ground floor areas were excavated for tiered lecture rooms and two thirty-six foot by forty foot wings were added to the west where spaces requiring more openness were located.
Date Completed: 1996
Cost:
$9,000,000
Jewett Hall
Judson College- Marion, Alabama
Description:
Renovation work for Jewett Hall consisted of a complete interior makeover of the 1950’s dormitory building in a state-of-the-art academic center containing classrooms, administrative offices, computer labs, and other instructional spaces. This work included the restoration of the historic first floor public spaces, new classroom and office layouts, new HVAC and utility systems, new finishes throughout, new student and faculty amenities, and complete makeover of the exterior (including cupola tower, windows and roof.) Other work for the exterior of the facility included new landscaped parking plaza, with decorative fountain and regional planting, and an entry garden at the side entrance into Jewitt Hall. This garden contains brick walls, planted areas, and serves as a gathering space for students and faculty alike.
Date Completed: 2003
Cost: $2,900,000
Legacy Museum - Equal Justice Initiative - Montgomery, AL
Experience in Arts + Culture
Experience in Arts + Culture
We design spaces that uplift communities and create meaningful experiences. From museums and performing arts centers to amphitheaters and venues, each project is an opportunity to create places that foster connection, celebrate creativity, and reflect the character of its surroundings. Our designs enhance the human experience, creating timeless cultural destinations that resonate for generations.
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater - Tuscaloosa, AL
Sidewalk Cinema - Alabama Moving Image Association - Birmingham, AL
+ Key Factors to Success in Arts + Culture
- Capturing the artistic spirit and cultural identity of each community through expressive and authentic design.
- Creating inspiring spaces that engage the senses, evoke emotion, and invite personal connection.
- Designing environments that support a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and creative expression with flexibility and technical precision.
- Balancing aesthetics and acoustics, form and function, to elevate both performer and audience experiences.
- Integrating art, architecture, and landscape to create a cohesive and memorable sense of place.
- Celebrating local heritage and storytelling through materials, craft, and contextual design responses.
- Planning venues that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for diverse audiences and artists.
- Designing with longevity in mind—crafting timeless cultural landmarks that inspire and endure for generations.
+ Expertise
- Museums and Exhibition Spaces
- Outdoor Amphitheaters
- Performing Arts Centers
- Theatres and Auditoriums
- Educational and Learning Centers
+ Past Clients
- Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex
- Birmingham Museum of Art
- City of Tuscaloosa
- Equal Justice Initiative
- Sidewalk & The Alabama Moving Image Association
- University of Montevallo
Saban Center
City of Tuscaloosa - Tuscaloosa, AL
Description:
The Saban Center is a state-of-the-art educational hub in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, designed to inspire the next generation of learners in STEM and the arts. As the new home for the rebranded IGNITE (formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum) and the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre, the facility creates an immersive environment where children can explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive exhibits, performances, and hands-on learning experiences.
In addition to its educational offerings, the Saban Center serves as a professional development and workforce training center, equipping educators with cutting-edge resources and fostering innovation in teaching methods. The project includes ParkerHaun Park, a dynamic outdoor space featuring trails, a performance stage, and an expanded Riverwalk, further integrating the center into the community.
The design reflects a vision of collaboration and exploration, providing flexible learning spaces, high-tech labs, and performance areas that support a wide range of programming. The Saban Center is a transformative project that enhances educational opportunities in Alabama while reinforcing Tuscaloosa’s role as a leader in STEM and arts education.
Date Completed:
2027 (Anticipated)
Cost:
$74,000,000
Legacy Pavilion Expansion
Equal Justice Initiative - Montgomery, Alabama
Description:
The Equal Justice Initiative partnered with Davis Architects to transform its Legacy Pavilion into the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. The project consisted of renovating and expanding the existing Legacy Pavilion. The new museum and exhibition space includes multiple galleries, large format digital displays, various audio/visual exhibits, and back-of-house support space.
The building and circulation are organized around a large lobby, which was renovated as part of the project. The exterior incorporated copper panels and signage to compliment the messaging of the exhibits housed within. A three-hour firewall was required to separate the existing Pavilion from the new 25,000 SF expansion, and it was seamlessly integrated into the architecture so that it was invisible to visitors.
Date Completed:
2021
Cost:
$15,215,000
Legacy Plaza
Equal Justice Initiative - Montgomery, Alabama
Description
Davis Architects was honored to collaborate with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) on the design of the Legacy Plaza in downtown Montgomery, Alabama. Serving as a contemplative space adjacent to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the Legacy Plaza extends EJI’s mission to confront injustice and foster truth and reconciliation through public space.
The project transforms a previously underutilized urban block into a powerful gathering space framed by carefully selected materials, native landscaping, and interpretive installations. The design honors the history of racial injustice while creating a welcoming civic landscape for reflection, education, and community dialogue. The Plaza includes shaded seating areas, interactive storytelling components, and visual connections to surrounding EJI facilities, reinforcing the narrative arc that threads through the organization’s broader campus.
Thoughtfully integrated lighting, durable natural materials, and subtle wayfinding elements support the visitor experience without overwhelming the solemnity of the space. Every element—from site orientation to paving pattern—was considered in dialogue with EJI to ensure alignment with their vision and values.
Legacy Plaza not only enhances the physical connection between EJI’s cultural landmarks but also deepens the emotional and educational journey of visitors who come from around the world to engage with the legacy of civil rights and human dignity.
Water Works Renovation
Equal Justice Initiative - Montgomery, Alabama
Description:
Located in the historic central city of Montgomery, the exterior was preserved and restored. The interior was filled with pumping equipment, trenches, and extensive piping and conduit. These elements were removed so that the space was pared back to its bare bones, then enhanced with new flooring, lighting, acoustical treatments, and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems. New roof insulation was cleverly concealed behind wood plank ceiling with painted duct liner (insulation) added for enhanced sound absorption in a lively space. Masons repointed the multi-wythe brick inside and out, while interior painters carefully applied a textured coating to mimic the existing distressed finish. The front space had been converted to an office, and this project removed those elements and recreated the grand entry and gallery welcoming guests to the facility. Portions of the existing flooring required complete restructuring, while other areas required extensive floor leveling. The venue can host an array of events including music and spoken word presentation, dinners, and receptions.
Date Completed: 2022
Cost:
$7,708,000
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
City of Tuscaloosa - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Description:
The City of Tuscaloosa has recently opened its Tuscaloosa Amphitheater overlooking the Black Warrior River northwest of downtown. Davis Architects placed the proscenium stage, flanking support buildings and seating for 7,470 to create a welcoming compound that will host a wide range of events. Located on a 15-acre site along the city’s Riverwalk, the amphitheater adds a dynamic new anchor to the linear park with its 3 miles of trails, picnic shelters and other features. A monumental entrance framed by walls of native sandstone, exposed steel structural elements and metal panels leads to the bowl of tiered seating. The support buildings that house concessions, restrooms and other functions are fronted by steel-framed porticos that shelter pedestrian circulation and dining areas. These also mediate between the stage structure and the lower wings, bringing visual coherence to the whole.
Date Completed: 2010
Cost:
$15,616,290
Georgia Theatre
Athens, Georgia
Description:
The Georgia Theatre, erected in 1889 as the YMCA of Athens, was transformed into a music venue in 1977. After a fire in 2009, the Georgia Theatre was left with the two foot thick exterior brick walls intact while the entire interior of the Theatre and roof was destroyed. Davis Architects worked with Wilmot Greene to create an interior design approach that was based on the existing Art-Deco style of the exterior. Inside the Georgia Theatre is the hallmark of the design. With intersecting curved forms of the balconies and stairs, the design allows a seamless and flowing circulation during and after performances. This architectural design creates a unique viewing experience throughout all levels of the Georgia Theatre combined with beautiful acoustics it re-create the ‘magic’ that was lost to the fire, but now lives again. The addition of a rooftop restaurant and bar gives the customers one of the best views of downtown Athens and allows the opportunity to house the management offices away from the public eye.
Date Completed: 2011
Cost:
$2,750,000
Sidewalk Cinema
Sidewalk Film Festival – Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
Birmingham is proudly home to the Sidewalk Film Festival, one of the largest and longest-running independent film festivals in the country. It is repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World and by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us. Each year, the festival brings over 200 independent films to the city.
Until now, however, Sidewalk has lacked a permanent home, necessitating the use of rented spaces to host any event throughout the year. Additionally, despite Birmingham's vibrant arts community, the lack of an independent cinema prevented smaller films from being shown to local audiences.
To rectify that situation, Davis worked with Sidewalk and the Alabama Moving Image Association to bring a new, independent cinema and film education center to downtown. Housed in the lower level of the historic Pizitz Building, the center houses two, onehundred seat theatres. The center also includes a comfortable lounge, bar, gallery, office spaces, as well as a film and media technology education space.
Date Completed: 2019
Cost:
$2,500,000
Rougaroux
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Description:
In 2023, Davis Architects partnered with The Rougaroux to transform a well-known local building into the restaurant’s second location in Mountain Brook Village. Originally home to a long-standing Sneaky Pete’s, the space was carefully renovated to reflect the bold flavors and vibrant energy of New Orleans while honoring the character of the existing structure.
The 1,269-square-foot interior was reimagined to balance nostalgia with modern functionality. Davis Architects preserved select architectural features from the original building while introducing updated materials, lighting, and finishes to meet current code requirements and provide an elevated dining experience. The design brings together vintage-inspired elements, such as eclectic artwork and custom fixtures, to create an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and refined.
A key component of the renovation was the addition of an outdoor patio, offering guests a welcoming space to enjoy The Rougaroux’s signature Cajun cuisine in an al fresco setting. The expanded seating options and open, inviting design encourage community engagement and contribute to the lively atmosphere of Mountain Brook Village.
Throughout the design process, the Davis team worked closely with The Rougaroux’s ownership to create a space that celebrates their Louisiana roots while complementing the architectural charm of its new home. The result is a restaurant that feels as though it has always been part of the fabric of the village—authentic, energetic, and entirely unique.
The project exemplifies Davis Architects’ commitment to thoughtful, context-sensitive design. By revitalizing an existing structure and adapting it for new use, the firm helped bring new life to a familiar corner of Mountain Brook Village and supported the continued growth of one of Birmingham’s most beloved culinary brands.
Date Completed: 2023
Calera Public Library
Calera, Alabama
Description:
This project involved the construction of a new 14,000 sf public library and community conference center complex for the City of Calera. The site is located on Alabama State Road 25 approximately one mile west of downtown at Calera Oliver Park. Library programmatic elements included adult and children’s areas with storytelling and computer areas. The conference center, although incorporated totally in the building layout, can be operated independently from the library. Included in the center is a large, multipurpose meeting room with a kitchen. Characterized by the modulating window and door panels, the design represents neoclassical design elements.
Date Completed: 2006
Cost:
$2,400,000
Homewood Public Library
Homewood, Alabama
Description:
In 1996 Davis Architects was tasked with converting an existing church building and into a modern public library. In addition to renovating interior spaces, the exterior of the church was redesigned to conceal the telltale signs of church architecture. The addition takes advantage of strong, playful shapes and glass to complement, while at the same time to downplay the geometry of the old church. The result is a modern collection of forms that work together to create a cohesive public center that welcomes the community.
In 2020 Davis Completed a new computer lab addition to Homewood Public Library. Additing approximately 3,000 SF that included computer lab room, study rooms offices and storage.
Date Completed: 2020
Cost:
$1,165,000
Parnell Memorial Library
Montevallo, Alabama
Description:
This project involved the construction of a new 10,000 SF public library and community theater complex for the City of Montevallo. The site is located one block south of Main Street and is bounded by athletic fields to the South, the Downtown to the West, an elementary school to the North, and the City’s public park to the East. Library programmatic elements included a children’s area, computer lab, study rooms, and space for the Parnell Collection. The theater includes a large multi-purpose auditorium for 150 people with a raked floor and stage, dressing rooms, kitchen, light and sound booth, and storage.
Date Completed: 2008
Cost:
$2,500,000
South Highland Sanctuary Renovation - South Highland Presbyterian Church - Birmingham, AL
Experience in Religious Design
Experience in Religious Design
Whether creating a new sanctuary, fellowship hall, or campus master plan, we design sacred spaces that reflect the values, traditions, and mission of each faith community. We approach every project with deep respect and thoughtful collaboration to support worship, connection, and ministry, creating environments that serve both spiritual and practical needs.
Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church - Montevallo, AL
St.
+ Key Factors to Success in Religious Design
- Honoring the beliefs, traditions, and mission of each faith community through thoughtful, context-driven design.
- Creating sacred environments that inspire reflection, connection, and a sense of belonging.
- Designing worship spaces that balance spiritual symbolism with functionality and flexibility.
- Fostering community engagement through gathering spaces that encourage fellowship and shared purpose.
- Integrating natural light, materiality, and proportion to evoke serenity and reverence.
- Planning for growth and adaptability to support evolving ministries and future generations.
- Reflecting the identity of the congregation through architecture that embodies both faith and place.
- Ensuring accessibility, comfort, and inclusivity so all individuals feel welcome and valued.
+ Expertise
- Worship Sanctuaries
- Fellowship and Community Halls
- Campus Master Planning
- Sacred and Reflective Spaces
+ Past Clients
- Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church
- Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church
- First Presbyterian Church at Auburn
- South Highland Sanctuary
- St. Mark’s Catholic Church
- Valley Christian Church
- St. Thomas Catholic Church
- St. Francis Catholic Church
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Baptist Church of the Covenant
- Third Presbyterian Church
- Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Chapel of the Holy Cross - St. William Catholic Church - Albertville, AL
South Highland Sanctuary Renovation
South Highland Presbyterian Church - Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
South Highland Presbyterian Church was established in 1888 in downtown Birmingham and has had a rich history serving the surrounding community. Over the years, the Davis team has completed numerous renovations and additions to their facility, including their Child Development Center.
Most recently, our team completed a complete refurbishment of the main 1892 sanctuary and living room area. For the sanctuary, this included removal and re-installation of all pews to replace cork flooring, expansion of the chancel, new limestone steps, renovation of the choir loft and rear screen, new front rail, new lighting, plaster repair, new color palate, and stained glass window repair. The living room also underwent a complete renovation, including expanding into a seldom used, adjoining library, new porcelain tile that matches the flooring pattern flowing into the main worship space, and new flooring and finishes on the main entrance corridor from the rear church entrance and parking area. Other areas involved in this renovation included a stairwell and the downstairs church office entry way with a new steel and glass canopy, new flooring, and new lighting.
Date Completed:
Annunciation Catholic Church - Elementary School and Family Life Center
Decatur, Alabama
Description:
The new campus for Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church resulted from the union of two churches in Decatur, AL. Davis designed the Master Plan for the new campus and Phase One included a Family Life Center and K-8 School. Until the sanctuary was constructed, the gathering space in the Family Life Center served as an interim worship space.
The school is composed of kindergarten through eighth grade classrooms, with three kindergarten classrooms serving two K4’s and one K5. Other classrooms include an art room, computer room, science lab, math room, music room, and youth room. A library and media center, with storytelling area, is located between the school and the life center building and is sized to accommodate usage from both the school and the congregation itself.
Date Completed: 2003
Cost:
$11,500,000
Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church
Deatsville, Alabama
Description:
Davis Architects was selected to prepare a comprehensive master plan for Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church, a historic congregation founded in the early 1800s. Over the years, the church had evolved through multiple expansions to meet the needs of its growing membership. The campus included a Sanctuary with Fellowship Hall, a Family Life Center containing offices, classrooms, and gathering spaces, and a Parsonage that housed the day care program.
With continued growth and ministry expansion, the congregation recognized the need for a larger worship space and a dedicated child development center. Davis Architects guided the church through a thoughtful planning process to evaluate existing facilities, explore future site opportunities, and align improvements with the church’s mission. The master plan envisioned enhanced Christian education classrooms, expanded youth spaces, and upgraded connections between buildings to strengthen fellowship and community engagement.
The completed master plan provided a roadmap for phased improvements supporting the long-term vision of Cain’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Date Completed:
Cost:
$5,255,609
Chapel of the Holy Cross
St. William Catholic Church - Albertville, Alabama
Description:
In the mid-1990s, parishioners from Good Shepherd and Holy Spirit in Huntsville began an outreach program to serve Catholic immigrants in Albertville. As the ministry grew, the Diocese sent priests to address the community’s sacramental and pastoral needs, and a catechetical program was established at the outreach facility. In 2001, St. William Catholic Church in Guntersville assumed administration of these outreach, catechetical, and pastoral programs, laying the foundation for what would become Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Davis Architects was later engaged to design a comprehensive facility upgrade for Chapel of the Holy Cross in Albertville, Alabama. The project brought modernization and expanded capacity to a vibrant parish seeking to deepen its ministry and community outreach. The existing campus included a primary worship space, supplemental gathering and classroom areas, and administrative offices. Recognizing the need to accommodate growing parish activities and evolving liturgical requirements, the design encompassed a new worship sanctuary with enhanced liturgical flexibility, expanded Christian education classrooms, youth-focused spaces, and upgraded support zones for staff and community ministries. The completed plan provided a phased roadmap for implementation, aligning the physical environment with the parish’s mission and long-term growth.
Date Completed:
Cost:
$2,141,366
University Student Center
First Presbyterian Church - Auburn, Alabama
Description:
Davis Architects designed the new University Student Center for First Presbyterian Church of Auburn to replace the original 1960s facility, which was destroyed by fire. The new design provides a modern and flexible space that supports student life, ministry, and community outreach while maintaining harmony with the church’s existing campus and architectural character.
The center’s design utilizes brick, stone, and stucco to reflect the church’s traditional materials, while incorporating a cost-effective metal building system to house the large multi-purpose space. The exterior composition features a distinctive cylindrical chapel, a curved masonry façade, a two-story metal structure with clerestory windows, and stoneaccented arcades that provide depth and visual interest.
Inside, the facility includes a large multi-purpose hall, kitchen, restrooms, offices, study and dining spaces, a bible study area, kitchenette, chapel, two apartments, and a common room. The new building connects seamlessly to the existing church education building through a three-story elevator and stair tower, creating an accessible and cohesive campus environment for worship, fellowship, and learning.
Date Completed:
Cost:
$1,300,000
St. Mark’s Catholic Church Expansion and Renovation
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church - Birmingham, AL
Description:
Davis Architects designed a new Parish Center, Youth Center, and Columbarium for St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The Parish Center is a two-level facility that includes social hall, conference/meeting rooms, nursery and Little Lions, kitchen and parish offices. The Youth Center, created by re-dedicating the former Parish Life Center and Social Hall on November 17, 2019, provides dedicated space for all youth activities and classrooms for the Parish School of Religion. The Columbarium Garden, located in the courtyard formed by the southern transept and nave of the church, offers niches for remembrance.
Subsequently, Davis Architects completed a renovation of the chapel on a separate project, updating this sacred space to align with the refreshed campus both functionally and aesthetically. Together, the addition and renovation work delivered a cohesive campus environment that supports worship, formation, fellowship and remembrance at St. Mark’s.
Date Completed: 2019
Cost:
$7,462,648
St. Thomas the Apostle Master Plan, Education Facility &
Worship Center
Montevallo, Alabama
Description:
The firm has completed a master plan for St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church’s 24-acre campus in North Shelby County. The master plan was based upon a twentyyear multi-phased building program for the Church that Davis Architects, Inc. prepared in concert with the Church’s building committee over a several month period. Site elements for the campus include a 1,200-seat Church, a kindergarten through eighth grade Catholic School, Child Development Center (CDC), Family Life Center (with gymnasium and full service commercial kitchen), and Administration Building. The existing Church building will be renovated in the future to serve the campus as the main administrative hub for the complex, with the school and CDC office needs being met at their respective buildings. Playgrounds, playing fields, Stations of the Cross prayer trail, and other site items are also indicated on the master plan. The firm has prepared contract documents for phase one, which includes a child development center and a banquet hall.
Date Completed: 2003 Cost:
Third Presbyterian Church Renovations
Birmingham, Alabama
Description:
Davis Architects was engaged to complete cosmetic renovations to the Educational Building and Sanctuary at Third Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Founded in 1884, the church has a long history of service and community presence, with facilities that reflect its deep roots in the city.
The project focused on revitalizing interior spaces while preserving the historic character of the church. Updates included new finishes, lighting, and furnishings throughout both buildings, enhancing comfort, aesthetics, and functionality for worship, education, and fellowship. The improvements refreshed the look and feel of the campus while maintaining the architectural integrity of its traditional design.
Through these renovations, Davis Architects helped Third Presbyterian Church create a renewed and welcoming environment that continues to support its mission and ministry in the heart of Birmingham.
Date Completed:
2013
Cost:
$500,000
Valley Christian Church Master Plan & Interior Renovations
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Description:
Davis Architects was chosen to prepare a comprehensive master plan for Valley Christian Church to upgrade and enhance its facilities. The existing campus included a Sanctuary and adjoining Church Wing that housed offices, classrooms, and gathering spaces.
The church identified twelve primary “dreams” to guide its long-term vision for ministry and growth. Chief among these were improving the Sanctuary’s appearance, functionality, and acoustics; reconfiguring greeting areas to better direct circulation between the Sanctuary and Church Wing; increasing the visibility of the main entrance; and enlarging the primary gathering space to strengthen fellowship opportunities.
Additional goals included improving site access, reorganizing interior spaces for greater efficiency, upgrading the playground and its safety, and addressing critical mechanical and maintenance needs. Davis Architects developed the master plan to prioritize these initiatives and provide a strategic roadmap for phased implementation following the church’s fundraising campaign.
Date Completed: 2004
Cost:
$288,139
First Baptist Church Pell City - Renovations & Expansion
Pell City, Alabama
Description:
This new educational connector building is designed to solve several issues for a church campus that has been expanded several times since its founding. First, it connects two of the existing buildings to provide an interior connection from the sanctuary to the other buildings on campus and a spacious information center for arriving congregants that is entered from an exterior drive through canopy. A new elevator provides accessibility to the second floors of the sanctuary and the administrative / educational building.
The first floor includes a large classroom and spacious new handicapped accessible toilet rooms. The new toilet rooms are a welcome addition because the campus needs additional capacity and the existing toilet rooms are smaller than modern standards for these facilities.
The second floor provides four new classrooms and a dedicated private prayer room.
Date Completed: Under Construction
Cost:
$3,500,000 Estimated
First
Second
Existing Site
Construction Photo
Messiah Baptist Church Feasibility Study
Albertville, Alabama
Description:
Messiah Baptist is a small community church, with a rapidly growing congregation, in North Alabama. The existing church facility has a small 100 seat sanctuary designed for traditional worship services, along with classrooms and a small meeting room. Having outgrown the facility, a 350-seat sanctuary was needed to accommodate a contemporary style worship and musical performance service. Additional Sunday school classroom space was also required, along with more room for their rapidly expanding children’s ministry. There was also insufficient space for frequent gatherings which include food service. Given a limited budget, we developed a plan to renovate the existing building for the expanded sanctuary and to add a new building to include a fellowship hall and kitchen. Care was taken in the design concept to minimize sitework and expensive items such as fire walls and sprinkler systems, while providing a functional economic solution for the congregation.
Date Completed: Anticipated 2027
Cost:
$2,675,000 Estimated
Existing Church Facility Sanctuary & New Classroom Expansion
Beeson School of Divinity
Samford University- Homewood, Alabama
Description:
When Samford University approached Davis Architects to renovate a dormitory into classrooms and offices and add a chapel for its Beeson Divinity School, they challenged us to design a facility that would be architecturally as aspiring and inspiring as the institution’s mission and program. Furthermore, they wanted the chapel to be an instructive space employing the symbolism, artistic expression, and liturgical architecture of its predecessors in the development of the reformed tradition. The renovation of a forty year old dormitory presented many problems. The designers met the challenge of dealing with an existing structure by devising a system of “thickened walls” to deliver utilities and conditioned air to all the spaces from the attic above. Ducts, which had to run horizontally, were located along side existing concrete beams. Ceilings were then manipulated upward between beams to provide a more spacious feeling throughout. Space planning involved relationship issues as well as finding places for functions to fit. Ground floor areas were excavated for tiered lecture rooms and two thirty-six foot by forty foot wings were added to the west where spaces requiring more openness were located.
