EVANS TAYLOR FOSTER CHILDRESS • ARCHITECTS is an architecture, planning and interior design firm that traces its origins back to our predecessor firm Mahan and Broadwell Architects established in 1912. In 2003, we evolved to continue our collaboration and form the current legacy firm Evans Taylor Foster Childress Architects, PC. We pride ourselves on being one of the oldest continuously-operating architectural firms in the southeast region of the United States that has consistently produced distinguished architectural design for more than 100 years.
Included among Memphis’ landmark buildings designed by the firm are the Shelby County Justice Center, St. Francis Hospital Medical Center, the C & I Bank Building, the Plough Administrative and Research Center, the State of Tennessee and the Shelby County Office Buildings and various projects for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Historically, our practice has covered a broad range of project types for clients including Education, Health Care, Justice, Business, Government and Industry.
The firm’s approach to design begins with understanding our client’s needs such as functional requirements, budget constraints, and goals for the image presented and interior environment created. Experienced and dedicated management is the key to a successful project. ETFC projects are led by an experienced project manager who is accountable to the client from initial programming through final completion. This project manager is the client’s basic point of contact and is available on a daily basis. The project manager is responsible for design, budgets, schedules and regulatory requirements.
We consider the delivery of quality service, personal attention to our clients, and the pursuit of excellence to be the most rewarding aspects of our practice. A successful project is one resulting in our client’s satisfaction while maintaining the firm’s values of honesty, fairness, productiveness, professionalism and quality architecture. The success of our approach is evidenced by the many client relationships, which continue over the years.
We look forward to our next 100 years.
We are dedicated to fostering educational environments that empower students and enrich communities, utilizing architecture as a tool for transformative learning experiences.
We pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of design innovation, creating spaces that inspire and captivate.
Our client-centric approach ensures that your vision is at the forefront of every project, tailored to meet your unique needs and aspirations.
R. Ladd Garey is the Managing Partner at ETFC Architects, bringing more than three decades of design leadership and industry expertise to the firm. Guided by the philosophy that “the best tool for thinking and design is a sharp pencil,” Ladd champions a thoughtful, foundational approach to architecture. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arkansas.
A dedicated civic leader, Ladd serves on the Planning Commission for West Memphis and is an active member of Rotary International, driving community service initiatives across Crittenden County. Outside of his professional and civic commitments, he enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter.
Matt V. Sihvonen is a Partner at ETFC Architects, joining the firm’s leadership team in 2019. Over his sixteen-year career, Matt has developed a robust portfolio spanning diverse sectors, including multi-family residential, government, commercial, civic, educational, and religious project types. His comprehensive expertise covers every phase of the project lifecycle, from schematic design through construction administration and final close-out for projects nationwide.
Matt earned his Master of Architecture from The University of Memphis, where he earned the AIA Medal of Excellence, an honor reserved for top graduating students in NAAB-accredited programs. Beyond his professional practice, Matt is actively involved in community service and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife, daughter, and two sons.