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.
Helen Sellers Davis | |
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| Born | Helen Sellers April 20, 1912 Mobile, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | April 10, 2008 (aged 95) Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Auburn University |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Spouse | Charles F. Davis Jr. |
Early life and education
editBorn 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
editDavis 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
editDavis'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.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Helen Davis Obituary (2008)". Legacy.com. AL.com. April 13, 2008. Retrieved 2024-03-04.
- ^ "Auburn to honor Davis, state's first female architect". Birmingham Business Journal. October 30, 2003.
- ^ "Helen Sellers Davis". Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ "Helen Sellers Davis". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ a b "Helen Sellers Davis". The Birmingham Buff. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
- ^ "Alabama Architect Helen Davis: Alabama's First Licensed Female Architect". Bill Whittaker. Retrieved 2024-03-03.