NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Gresham Smith, a leading architecture, engineering, and consultancy firm, announced the passing of Fleming (“Flem”) W. Smith Jr., FAIA, co-founder of the firm, at the age of 89. Smith’s career spanned decades of leadership, design innovation, and mentorship, leaving a profound mark on both the firm and the broader architecture community.
“Our hearts ache today for the loss of someone very special to our Firm,” said Rodney Chester, CEO and Board Chair of Gresham Smith. “Flem was not only a co-founder and a great leader, but he was passionate about his profession and the many employees that he mentored. His long-lasting impact on our firm, our clients and the industry is hard to measure and will continue to be felt for many years to come.”
A Career Defined by Leadership and Service
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Rice University in 1959 and a Master of Fine Arts in Architecture from Princeton University in 1963. In 1967, he co-founded Gresham and Smith Architects with Batey M. Gresham Jr., which would grow into a global firm serving healthcare and diverse industries across the United States and beyond.
Over his career, Smith held leadership positions within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as president of both the Middle Tennessee chapter and the Tennessee State Organization. He was elected to the College of Fellows of the AIA in 1988 for excellence in architectural practice and public service, and received the Award of Merit for Distinguished Service in 1991.
Smith was widely recognized for his dedication to civic and professional causes, contributing to city planning, accessibility, healthcare, infrastructure, and other initiatives. He was a registered architect in Tennessee and licensed in 18 states, also participating in organizations including the Nashville Healthcare Council, American Cancer Society, Nashville Downtown Rotary Club, and Battle Ground Academy.
“Do the best job you know how to do,” Smith often said, a philosophy he carried throughout his personal and professional life.
Legacy of Mentorship
Smith’s commitment to nurturing talent continues through the Flem Smith Mentorship Program, established by Gresham Smith in 2023 to honor his dedication to mentoring and developing future leaders.
“The most influential mentors often embody humility, patience, a passion for teaching, and a strong sense of servant leadership—traits that describe Flem perfectly,” said Kelly Hodges, Chief Development Officer at Gresham Smith.
Visitation for Flem Smith will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 8 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, with a memorial service following at 3:30 p.m.
Smith is survived by his wife, Judy, and leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and enduring influence on Gresham Smith, the architecture profession, and the communities he served.
For more information on Flem Smith’s contributions, visit Gresham Smith’s tribute page.
Gresham Smith, with $355 million in annual revenue and 26 offices nationwide, operates across sectors including aviation, healthcare, industrial, transportation, and more. The firm is consistently recognized for innovation and workplace excellence.
