Our Team

EVANS TAYLOR FOSTER CHILDRESS • ARCHITECTS is comprised of architects, interns, interior designers, construction administration specialists and administrative staff who provide project management, programming, design CAD and BIM documentation, specifications, 3D renderings, estimating, and construction administration.


Rusty Foster, AIA

Rusty joined the firm in 1974 as an intern. Today, he is a partner and is responsible for the management and design of a variety of project types with a career focus on healthcare design. His experience includes multiple projects for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital-Memphis TN; St. Francis Medical Center-Memphis TN; West Tennessee Healthcare-Jackson TN; Jackson Madison County General Hospital-Jackson TN and the Regional One Health (the MED)-Memphis TN. Rusty is a graduate of the University of Memphis and is licensed in multiple states. When he is not designing proton therapy centers, surgical suites or imaging facilities; Rusty enjoys tennis, audio books, writing and recording music and running with his dog Rupert.

Michael Childress, AIA

Mike is an award winning Architect and firm partner who hails from nearby Humboldt, Tennessee. Mike has been with the firm for more than 30 years. When not at the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, boat time at the lake and the solitude of a quiet bike ride along the Shelby Farms Greenline. Mike is a graduate of the University of Memphis and is active in local community services and youth sports.

Ladd Garey, AIA

Ladd Garey has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arkansas. Ladd is a member of AIA, and has his NCARB certificate. Ladd is a firm partner and is licensed in Arkansas and Tennessee. Ladd is a member of the Rotary International, and is actively involved as a volunteer coach for The Boys and Girls Club of Crittenden County. Ladd’s philosophy is, “The best tool for thinking and design is a sharp pencil.” His family are members of First Baptist Church, and he enjoys spending free time with his wife and daughter.

Craig Baird

Craig Baird has been with ETFC Architects since 1996, and was previously with Coleman Foster Architects prior to the merger of that firm with NEPT Architects to create ETFC as it is today. He is a Project Manager for the firm along with the responsibilities of I.T. manager, architectural photography, and archive manager of projects and photography. When he started in 1996 he initiated a program of large format paper recycling which has developed into the firm’s recycling of all recyclable materials. Craig graduated from Mississippi State University School of Architecture. Along with photography, his additional interests include cycling, trail running, & travel.

Lisa Cayce

Lisa Cayce is the Office Manager for ETFC Architects. After receiving her Associates of Applied Science Degree in Office Systems Technology from Northwest Mississippi Community College, Lisa went to work for ETFC Architects. Lisa is proficient in Microsoft Office and Deltek Vision. This year is Lisa’s 22nd year with ETFC Architects. Lisa enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with Will, her husband of 21 years, their three miniature poodles as well as her friends and family.

Brian Cooper, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

Brian Cooper is an Associate AIA member, a LEED Accredited Professional and has been a Project Manager for ETFC Architects since 2006. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science and Arts from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale and work experience dating back to 1998, he is an integral part of the firm. Brian enjoys bicycling, gardening, permaculture and spending time with family.

Nick Pirani, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Nick joined the firm in 2004 and has a BFA in Architecture from the University of Memphis. He is a licensed Architect and Project Manager and is involved in all phases of projects from design through construction documents to project close-out. He is experienced with CAD and BIM software, and also creates 3D renderings of projects. His experience includes working with St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the University of Tennessee, the University of Memphis, and others. Some of the projects he has been involved with include a proton therapy center, surgery suites, research laboratories, office buildings, and renovations. Nick is a member of AIA and USGBC, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. When he is not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and reading.

Pam Rose

Pam joined the firm in 1993 after working for another company for six years. She received a Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University in 1987. Pam is a Project Manager, and her responsibilities include contract documents, editing specifications and project management. Her work experience includes small projects for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as renovations and additions at the University of Memphis. Other project experience includes renovations and additions on the University of Memphis campus, Jeter Elementary Classroom Building, Southwind Middle School, Bank of Bartlett financial centers, an addition to Faith Presbyterian Church, and multiple tenant leasing plans. In her free time, Pam enjoys reading, quilting, folk art and spending time with her family and pets.

Phil Rose

Phil has been a Project Manager with ETFC Architects since 1997. He enjoys working on technically complex projects like research laboratories, NMR suites, and hospital pharmacies. While working with clients such as St Jude Children’s Research Hospital – Memphis, The Regional Medical Center of Memphis, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and St. Francis Medical Center – Memphis he has gained experience in a variety of projects. He has also managed the FedEx Park Baseball Training Facility Project and several other athletic facility projects with the University of Memphis. He enjoys tinkering with old cars and coaching youth soccer and basketball.

Matt V Sihvonen, Assoc. AIA

Matt joined ETFC in 2019 after seven years of practice experience with multi-family residential, commercial, religious, civic, and educational project types. He has been involved in all phases of project development from schematic design through construction administration and close-out on projects across the country. He earned a Master of Architecture from The University of Memphis and was awarded the AIA’s Medal of Excellence for top graduating students in NAAB-accredited programs. When not in the office or engaging in community service, Matt enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two sons.