Department of Finance & Administration
Dave Goetz, Commissioner

The Office of the State Architect provides staff support to the functioning of the State Building Commission (SBC) whose responsibility is oversight of all building construction, demolition, land purchase and leasing for State government. The SBC is chaired by the Governor and its members include the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Commissioner of Finance and Administration, State Treasurer, Secretary of State and Comptroller of the Treasury. The State Architect is selected by the SBC and serves as its Chief Staff Officer and is responsible for implementing its By-laws, Policy and Procedures.

About the State Architect

A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Mike Fitts graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and served four years with the Underwater Demolition Team (now SEALS). In 1957 he received a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee, and a BS in Architecture in 1971. Realizing the importance of the legal complexities of the building industry and the State’s role in administering State projects, Mike acquired a law degree, and is now licensed in the fields of architecture, engineering and law.

Mike has served as State Architect since 1971 and is the second person to serve in that capacity since the position was established in 1955. He was also elected to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows and is a recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture, two of the AIA’s highest honors. Mike is also an experienced American Arbitration Association arbitrator and qualified State Supreme Court Rule 31 mediator.

Michael A. Fitts, FAIA
Office of the State Architect
William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower
312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Suite 2100
Nashville, TN  37243
(615) 741-2388 or Mike.Fitts@tn.gov