Bio:
The great architect, Mr. Self a founding principal of the multi-disciplinary Self + Tucker Architects. He has a passion for neighborhood development, community empowerment through revitalization, sustainable design and historic preservation. With a career spanning over 35 years, Juan has extensive experience the design of schools, churches, multi-family housing, civic/government facilities, commercial and cultural spaces and has helped his firm earn multiple design, preservation and sustainability awards.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned about architecture at 14 years old, working in the construction industry as a laborer and carpenter in the Mississippi Delta. I saw the power good design could have, especially on under-resourced communities.
 
What do you do?
Managing Principal of Self + Tucker Architects with a focus on staff development (mentoring), business development and community engagement and revitalization; and, real estate development.

What excites you in the work you do?
The broad impact architecture has on the vibrancy and viability of communities brings great excitement and professional fulfillment. This excitement is tempered by the great responsibility we have as stewards of our environment and its people.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
The creative minds that I work with each day inspire me to grow and develop professionally. The proud people of the Mississippi Delta who endured through the harshest times inspire me to grow and develop as a person and contribute to my community.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My continued contribution to the development of our firm’s culture that fosters creativity, entrepreneurism and cultivates not only talented professionals, but those who seek to better society through the built environment with purposeful design.

Featured Project Name: 
National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
 
Featured Project Location: 
Memphis, Tennessee
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2014

Role in Featured Project: 
Architect and Managing Principal
 
Featured Project Description:
The complete renovation of and addition to the 60,000 sf National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. The first major renovation of this facility since opening in 1991, the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has been transformed into not only a place of tragedy, but a place of triumph. The project entailed the expansion of the main lobby, and the incorporation of unused portions of the structure for additional exhibit space and the addition of an event space for 300.

Photography Credit:
Chad Mellon