Gresham Smith co-founder Flem Smith dies at 89

Fleming W. Smith Jr. — a co-founder of Nashville-based design firm Gresham Smith and a highly influential member of the nation’s architecture profession in the 1970s through the early 2000s — has died.

He was 89.

A release does not note the cause of death.

Known as “Flem,” Smith and Batey M. Gresham Jr. (who died in 2022) founded what was then called Gresham and Smith Architects in 1967. The firm originally focused on health care clients, later expanding its scope. Today, Gresham Smith annually ranks among the nation’s top 200 design firms in terms of revenue.

Fleming W. Smith Jr. in 2005 Courtesy of Gresham Smith

“Our hearts ache today for the loss of someone very special to our firm,” Rodney Chester, Gresham Smith CEO and board chair, said in the release.

“Flem was not only a co-