Thomas Theobald, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Growing up in a small farming community in Illinois, Tom developed an early fascination with urban environments, which ultimately guided him toward a career in architecture. His path was solidified after working construction in high school, where the creative possibilities of architecture—compared to the more rigid discipline of engineering—appealed to him. For Tom, architecture goes beyond creative expression—it’s the embodiment of turning vision into tangible reality. His passion lies in figuring out the diagrammatic flow of a project, knowing that a well-conceived flow will naturally guide its three-dimensional form.

Tom has played a key role in many technically complex and innovative projects. His work on Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) was particularly significant for its pioneering use of laminated timber, setting a new standard for mass timber in aviation design. At Charleston International Airport (CHS), he tackled the complex task of transforming a dysfunctional layout into one with smooth, efficient passenger flow.

Tom’s design philosophy aligns closely with Fentress Architects’ “Design for People” approach. He emphasizes the importance of the Touchstones™ “Let Culture Guide Design” and “Listen Closely”, believing that clients often know the answers to their design problems—they just need help articulating them into a three-dimensional solution. Listening and interpreting client needs is where Tom finds that the art of architecture comes to life.

Tom is actively involved in the architectural community as a member of the Governmental Affairs Committee of the AIA, a regular speaker at airport conferences, and a participant in ACI and AAAE.