Phoebe Patton Randolph

Principal, Edward Tucker Architects, Inc.

Linked-In: Phoebe Patton Randolph

Written by Dawn Nolan

For Phoebe Patton Randolph, being an architect is as much in her blood as it is a lifelong interest. As a principal at Edward Tucker Architects, Inc., she’s putting a lifetime of experience to work for her clients.

Patton Randolph had early dreams of becoming an artist, and it was her grandfather—an inventor, engineer and painter—who helped guide her toward a career in architecture. “In the sixth grade, we had an assignment to job shadow someone, so my grandmother helped me find an interior designer to meet with,” she remembers. “I wasn’t really inspired after that meeting, and I told my grandfather I wanted to be an artist. He advised me to be an architect because it combines engineering and art.”

The aspiring artist accelerated quickly through high school, graduating at the age of 16. Attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and spending a semester abroad in Europe opened her eyes to the world of architecture and design. During breaks from her studies, she interned at Edward Tucker Architects, and in 2003, she joined the firm full time.

According to Patton Randolph, 2014 was an incredible year for her career. She made partner at the firm and was named president-elect for the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), putting her in line to be the chapter’s first female president in 2016. She also saw the completion of the renovation of a vacant, six-story, downtown structure into Marshall University’s Visual Arts Center. “This project was an amazing culmination of my volunteer work through Create Huntington and my professional work at the firm. It matters so much to me because of what it means for Huntington’s future,” she says.

Her deep love for her community is evident in her extensive volunteer work. She is active in efforts to address issues with housing and vacant and dilapidated properties as well as build support for early childhood education and community centers. She serves on the boards of the Huntington Museum of Art, United Way of the River Cities, River Valley Child Development Services and the Mayor’s Council for the Arts in Huntington. She also helped found AIA West Virginia’s Livable Communities Committee, which offers pro bono urban design work to communities around the state. It’s her work as one of the founding members and the first president of Create Huntington of which she’s most proud.

“It’s amazing to see the many projects and businesses that have become reality because of Create Huntington,” she says. “I think Huntington is a much more connected, resilient community now with a more empowered and positive mindset.”

Another passion of Patton Randolph is being a mother. “By far, raising the boys with my husband has brought me more joy than anything else in my life,” she says. Between her professional success, her community involvement and her family, though, she has struggled to find balance. “I think any woman who has children and a career is constantly questioning if she is doing the best thing for her kids,” she says. “The ideal today is to have it all, but I don’t think that’s possible. I am just hoping to make the best of the choices I’ve made and help my kids understand the importance of finding work that’s fulfilling.”

For Patton Randolph, it’s not only the outcome but also the journey that keeps her motivated. “I love to see a project go from an idea to something that is built and real,” she says. “I love being a part of the process of developing a design concept that solves problems, is beautiful and hopefully will endure because it is thoughtful and purposeful. I enjoy working with everyone along the way, and I love celebrating the end result with our clients.”

What is your favorite … ?
Color – Silver
Food – Italian
Cartoon Character – Pocoyo
Ice Cream – Jeni’s Brown Butter Almond Brittle
Animal – Horse
Book – “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brene Brown
App – MyFitnessPal
Midnight Snack – see Ice Cream above!
TV Show – “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations”
Movie – “Wonder Boys”
Smell – Freshly cut grass
Sport Team – Our boys’ soccer teams
Car – Mercedes G Class
Pet – Sanchez the cat
Place – The beach
Season – Spring
Local Restaurant – Savannah’s
Era – 1920s