TRACEY FORD
EOA Architects
SAY IT LOUD - Tennessee Exhibitor
Tennessee Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired to see change in our profession, I see more women and BIPOC professionals in the space, but still, I find myself being the only women in the room. There is so much work to be done, but I have started to see change.
TRACEY FORD
Bio:
Making spaces rooted in intentional engagement has been a focus for Tracey, for her, buildings must connect to their community and their site. Tracey’s designs have focused on high-profile urban infill and mixed-use, multi-family projects, and leading the team for the Smyrna Ready Mix HQ. Her most intimate scale project was the reconstruction of her 1913 historic home after a devastating fire in 2016. Tracey became a firm Principal/Owner in 2015 with EOA becoming majority woman-owned in 2019.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a child I was always creating, my engineer father introduced me to an architect which started my curiosity. Later, after a liberal arts education, I circled back to my first curiosity and pursued a masters in architecture.
What do you do?
Surrounded by talented creatives, we work with a diverse group of clients on various projects from small community based projects to museums. I have spent my 25-year career at EOA and in 2015 became a partner/owner of our majority women owned firm.
What excites you in the work you do?
I am most excited about the people (my colleagues) in the room with me as we have the honor to gather everyday together to help create spaces for others, spaces that generations beyond us will get to experience.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired to see change in our profession, I see more women and BIPOC professionals in the space, but still, I find myself being the only women in the room. There is so much work to be done, but I have started to see change.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Professionally I am most proud of our community-based work that our friends and family experience in their everyday lives such as our community centers, religious buildings and non-profit work.
Featured Project Name:
Smyrna Ready Mix Corporate Headquarters
Featured Project Location:
Smyrna, TN
Featured Project Completion Date:
2022
Role in Featured Project:
Principal in Charge
Featured Project Description:
Smyrna Ready Mix's HQ draws design inspiration from the concrete company’s materials and processes. The five-story building’s vertical layering mimics the patterns in the company’s stone quarry, located on the opposite end of the campus site. The project also features corporate amenities for onsite staff and drivers, including dining, a fitness facility, training and community rooms, and a daycare center for 100 of the company and community’s children.
