Fleming W. Smith, Jr.

Fleming (“Flem”) W. Smith Jr., FAIA, along with the late Batey M. Gresham Jr., AIA, founded Gresham and Smith Architects (now Gresham Smith) in 1967.

Flem received his Bachelor of Arts in 1958 and Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1959, both from Rice University, before receiving his Master of Fine Arts in Architecture from Princeton University in 1963.

Flem Smith and Batey Gresham met in 1967 during a Nashville chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) networking event. Both men envisioned ventures of their own after stints at other architecture firms, but the two forged a partnership and, within a few months, officially launched Gresham and Smith Architects.

As the duo began building their shared portfolio, they caught the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the primary architect for the newly formed Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). The work with HCA defined the direction of the firm’s future, paving the path for excellence and innovation in healthcare facility design—and beyond. Over the next several decades, the ever-growing firm built an extensive healthcare portfolio and expanded into a wide range of industries, serving clients and cities across the globe.

While Batey was more attuned to the business side of running the firm, Flem enjoyed more of a hands-on role in projects, making them a well-rounded duo. For most of their tenures, they even shared an office, Flem at a convertible drafting table and Batey behind a conventional business desk. “If I had a question that I needed to ask Flem, I just turned around and asked him,” the late Batey once remembered. “He always had an enormous facility to concentrate. I believe he could work with a brass band playing behind him and it wouldn’t bother him.”

“I remember the teaching that the architect was the last ‘individual’ in society, one of the few professions where a person could ‘do his own thing.’ Yet, in striving to be better, not just different, the team concept evolved. I am continuously amazed at the innovative, high-quality work being done here in a team environment. The quality of our work has increased many folds, and it is to the credit of all who have contributed.” – Flem Smith

Flem served as the AIA Middle Tennessee chapter president in 1972 and served as president of the AIA Tennessee State Organization. In 1988, he was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects for his notable contributions to the profession. His election was based on excellence in architectural practice and public service. Numerous civic and professional groups have benefited from his volunteer efforts on behalf of city planning, accessibility, healthcare, legislative issues, infrastructure and related issues. He was nominated for fellowship by both the Middle Tennessee chapter of the AIA and the Tennessee Society of Architects. In 1991, he was also recognized with the Award of Merit for Distinguished Service.

His philosophy, in both his personal and professional life, was simple. “Do the best job you know how to do,” he said. “Throughout my career, I’ve strived to remain creative and willing to explore new ideas. If you give your best, whatever rewards are appropriate in life will come to you.”

Flem was also an active member of the Nashville and professional architecture communities. A registered architect in Tennessee, he served in roles with several professional organizations, including the Tennessee Chapter and Middle Tennessee Chapter of the AIA, the Nashville Healthcare Council, the American Association for Hospital Planning, Leadership Nashville, the Nashville Unit of the American Cancer Society, the Nashville Downtown Rotary Club and Battle Ground Academy. He was also certified by the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards and was registered in 18 states nationwide.

In 2023, Gresham Smith’s Flem Smith Mentorship Program was established to honor and carry on Flem’s dedication to learning and his genuine passion for developing and empowering those around him.

“The most influential mentors often embody humility, patience, a passion for teaching, altruism, and a strong sense of servant leadership—traits that describe Flem perfectly,” said Gresham Smith Chief Development Officer Kelly Hodges. “His colleagues are quick to recall his readiness to set aside whatever he was working on in order to give a teammate his undivided attention and support.”