Helen Sellers Davis Explained

Helen Sellers Davis
Birth Date:20 April 1912
Birth Place:Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
Death Place:Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
Alma Mater:Auburn University
Occupation:Architect
Birth Name:Helen Sellers
Spouse:Charles F. Davis Jr.

Helen Sellers Davis (April 20, 1912 – April 10, 2008) was an American architect, and the first licensed female architect in Alabama.[1] [2] Her career was marked by pioneering contributions to architecture and advocacy for women in the profession.[3] [4] She was part of the architecture firm Davis Architects.

Early life and education

Born in Mobile, Alabama, Davis was fascinated by construction from a young age. She pursued her architectural education at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University), graduating in 1935. It was there she met, and married Charles F. Davis Jr., one of her instructors.[5]

Career

Davis began her career at Miller, Martin & Lewis architects in Birmingham, where she was the first woman to register with the Alabama Board of Architects in 1936. Later, she and her husband joined Van Keuren, Davis & Company, which eventually became known as Davis Architects. In the 1960s, Davis opened her own practice, focusing on residential architecture and incorporating classical principles into contemporary design.[6]

Legacy and awards

Davis's contributions were recognized with several honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Auburn's College of Architecture, Design, and Construction. Alabama Governor Bob Riley declared November 6, 2003, as "Helen Sellers Davis Day," in honor of her significant career.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: April 13, 2008 . Helen Davis Obituary (2008) . 2024-03-04 . Legacy.com . AL.com.
  2. News: October 30, 2003 . Auburn to honor Davis, state's first female architect . Birmingham Business Journal.
  3. Web site: Helen Sellers Davis . Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation . 2024-03-03.
  4. Web site: Helen Sellers Davis . . 2024-03-03.
  5. Web site: Helen Sellers Davis . The Birmingham Buff . 2024-03-03.
  6. Web site: Alabama Architect Helen Davis: Alabama's First Licensed Female Architect . Bill Whittaker . 2024-03-03.