Self+Tucker Architects

Blake Van Buren joined STA in 2011 as a Project Coordinator. In 2007, he completed a 5 -year Professional Bachelor's Degree of Architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Since graduation, he worked for several Architecture firms in Atlanta, GA as a Project Coordinator and an Architectural Designer. Blake has attained years of experience in High-Rise, Mixed-Use, Multi-family, Office, Retail, Hospitality, and Ecclesiastical Design. He has also worked on various renovation projects in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. In 2009, Blake was nominated Cambridge's Who's Who Registry Among Executives & Professionals to the present.

Blake has been involved in various affiliations including (NOMA) National Organization for Minority Architects Atlanta and Memphis Chapters, The 400 Club for Atlanta Business Professionals,  (AFH) Architecture for Humanity Atlanta Chapter, and (AIA) American Institute of Architects Associate Member. Currently, he is working towards becoming a Registered Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Patricia, a native Ghanaian, graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2006. While at NJIT, she enjoyed expanding children’s imaginations while working as an assistant in a summer architectural program at Sussex Middle School. Upon completion, she worked with an architectural firm in Manhattan before relocating to Memphis. Patricia joined Self Tucker in 2007 as a Project Coordinator. Along with the field of architecture and graphics, Patricia’s passion for interior design is elevating STA’s reputation for space planning. She has a myriad of experience with new construction, commercial interior and ADA improvements.  Patricia has a wide range of expertise in all phases of the design process and is committed to building strong relationships with the firm’s clientele, reps and consultants.   

Patricia is affiliated with National Organization of Minority Architects as well as Memphis Chapter of NOMA. She is currently pursuing her Professional Architectural License and LEED AP for Commercial Interior. 

Nikole joined the firm in 1998 as an Administrative Coordinator.  During her 12 years with STA, she has held many administrative titles while increasing her knowledge of the Architecture industry and is now the Project & Marketing Facilitator for the firm.  In 2008, Nikole became a Certified Construction Contract Administrator through Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).  As the “Go to” person for the firm, she supplies colleagues, clients and contractors with solutions that help each project run smoothly.

An active member of the Memphis Chapter of CSI, Nikole is the Membership Chair for FY2010/2011.  

Before arriving at Self Tucker in 2001, Robert worked for an array of design firms throughout the Southwest (his birthplace) and the Southeast. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from Georgia Tech in 1992 while coming up the ranks from draftsman to Project Manager.He attributes his attention to construction detailing to hands-on residential & commercial construction experience, an Art’s major background and a unique opportunity to attendthe nation’s oldest of the modern schools of blacksmithing arts, Turley Forge.

Besides a focus on detailing he is well-versed in contract administration, code & zoning research, building rehabilitation, construction budget assessment & scheduling. In his 9 years association with Self Tucker he has gained wide project experience with charter and childcare school facilities along with general education and religious center developments. He has actively woven his management experience into a wide variety of client-oriented skill sets. Robert received his LEED AP in 2009 and is currently working on his professional practice license

Mr. Kumar has over 10 years experience in architecture, design and document production.  Additionally, he has a background in City Planning.  He has been involved with several neighborhood redevelopment and multi-family housing projects.  He has also worked on a variety of architectural project types including religious, schools, airport interiors and single and multi-family homes. He has extensive experience in ADA improvements for existing and new buildings.

Prior to moving to the US, Mr. Kumar has worked as a licensed architect in India for over 5 years.  Working as a research associate at University of Memphis, he was involved with research work related to new-Urbanism and neo-traditional town planning.

Rose joined the firm in 2006 as an accounting professional. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Major in Accounting from the University of Tennessee in Martin. With over 20 years of experience in various backgrounds, ranging from advertising to public accounting, she is an important bridge between the STA firm and its clientele. Rose conducts financial reporting, corporate tax, payroll, lease accounting, mergers and acquisitions, grant writing, and auditing. To expand her expertise, Rose also served as a professional consultant for the banking industry.

As part of her hobbies, Rose enjoys community involvement. She is president of Krayola Learning Academy, Inc. in Covington, TN, secretary of the Bolton Spirit Club, a Trustee at Golden Gate Cathedral, a member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a former member of the Mayor’s Community Service Committee in Covington, TN and among other proud parents likes to volunteer her free time to the Girl Scouts of the USA. 

Cleora joined Self Tucker Architects in 2006. She brought with her over 25 years of managerial and administrative experience in a variety of sectors, including business development, business outreach and recruitment, mental healthcare and other human service related areas. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Arkansas State University and earned a Master of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Arkansas. As a business consultant, she has worked with nonprofit social service organizations and small businesses to develop programs and funding sources. 

Cleora holds an administrative position with STA. She provides support to business operations, personnel administration, marketing and facility management. 

Mikal has over two years of continuous experience with Self Tucker Architects, Inc. as Project Coordinator. He graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and currently finishing up his Master of Architecture. He has a strong interest and passion for architectural, urban and graphic design. Mikal has worked on an array of projects dealing with new construction, renovations, urban planning and Accessible Design. He is an exceptional new talent with bright ideas.

Mikal is an active member of National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) Memphis Chapter and AutoZone Liberty Bowl Patriots Club. He is currently working towards becoming a licensed Architect with hopes of one day starting his own practice. He is also in touch with the local community by facilitating community meetings, educating the youth about responsible urban practices, and helping raise funds for non-profit organization.

Linda joined Self Tucker Architects, Inc. in 2009. As a Project Coordinator, she is working towards becoming a registered architect. While pursuing her master’s degree in Architecture at the University of Memphis, Linda participated in various exchange research and study programs funded by internationally accredited universities and professional organizations. She was awarded graduate scholarships for the study of architecture at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne, Germany (2008-2009) and the study of Spanish language and culture in Costa Rica (2009) and Peru (2008).

As a recipient of the prestigious 2008 Francis Mah Travel Grant, Linda conducted a summer research in Mexico City under the topic of Sustainability in Growing Megacities. Her cross-cultural expertise and interest in sustainable planning of urban neighborhoods greatly contribute to her work at STA and inspire her to become certified in LEED for Neighborhood Development. 

Eryn joined Self Tucker Architects as a project manager in 2008.  She has over 9 years of experience in architecture, urban design, master planning and construction administration in the states of Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee.  She graduated from Louisiana State University with both Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Business Administration degrees.  During her career, she has worked on architectural project types of various sectors including commercial, civic, educational and city planning.  She is currently pursuing her Professional Architectural License.  

Eryn is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, United States Green Building Coalition and has a passion for sustainable design strategies and implementation. She is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Mario joined STA in 2006 as a Project Coordinator. He earned a degree of Fine Art in Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2007, graduating in the top of his class. He has managed project teams for smaller projects while working closely with Engineers, Contractors and Owners. An active member of Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) Memphis Chapters, his design experience include a mixed range of building types and urban design projects. He contributes these opportunities to STA’s mission to developing project interns into well-rounded and experienced professionals.

As an Undergraduate at the U of M, Mario was involved in the design and construction of TERRA (Technologically and Environmentally Responsible Residential Architecture) sustainable demonstration house by the U of M Department of Architecture. The TERRA house is the first residence in West Tennessee to receive a Platinum rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Architecture and wants to focus on real-estate and neighborhood development. He is also pursuing LEED accreditation with focus on New Construction and Neighborhood Development. 

James came to Self Tucker Architects in 2001, bringing with him some of his previous expertise as a vice president and director of architectural design services. He is a native Memphian and graduate of the UT School of Architecture in Knoxville, TN, where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1972. His current position with STA is that of associate principal and senior project manager. James is a certified plans examiner and his area of expertise involves the compliance with accessibility and life safety codes.

James has been active in the community, serving on the boards of the AIA Memphis Chapter, Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, along with being a Memphis City Beautiful commissioner, Memphis Heritage member and active participant in the Harbor Town Community on Mud Island. His other passions are history, cultural events, food & wine and most of all travel. 

Andrew is a Registered Architect with over 45 years experience in master planning, design, project management, and construction phases of architecture.

He has experience in all building types and has extensive experience in the design of residential facilities.  He has designed thousands of residential units ranging from single family homes to large continuing care retirement communities.  He was the Managing Architect for ServiceMaster Facilities Development Services International which owned, developed, designed, constructed and managed assisted living facilities throughout the United States.  Since joining Self Tucker Architects in 1999, Andrew has managed a variety of projects.