Architect of place, purpose, and possibility

SAN FRANCISCO, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EHDD shares with profound sadness the passing of Charles “Chuck” Medley Davis, FAIA, the last surviving founding partner of the firm. The youngest of EHDD’s four original partners, Chuck was instrumental in establishing EHDD as a nationally respected practice, defined by collaboration, sensitivity to place, and a mission-driven approach to public architecture.

Chuck was known for his warmth, humility, and insight and brought a distinctive combination of rigor and care to every project. He prioritized client needs, place-based solutions, and long-term resilience over authorship or formal signature.

EHDD has long been defined by a collaborative design culture—a hallmark of Joe Esherick’s approach from the firm’s earliest days. Chuck was one of its most dedicated exemplars, cultivating a studio deeply committed to mentorship and hands-on learning—what many would come to regard as one of the Bay Region’s great teaching offices. His focus on solving real problems rather than imposing preconceived ideas became one of the firm’s enduring values.

Chuck’s design legacy spans some of EHDD’s most impactful work. Alongside the Monterey Bay Aquarium and numerous other public institutions, Chuck contributed to projects across all ten University of California campuses, the Exploratorium, and aquariums around the world—including in Chicago, Taiwan, Long Beach, and beyond. His buildings have welcomed millions of people, and his collaborative ethic—his belief that we could always do better—left its mark on every partner, consultant, and team he worked with.

Chuck believed that “successful teaming and fighting like hell to do what was proper for the client” mattered more than design ideology. His work was marked by patience, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the architect’s duty to serve the public good.

Jennifer Devlin-Herbert, CEO of EHDD, reflected on Chuck’s collaborative ethos:

“What I learned from him is that you build from what people are doing. You influence it and bring wisdom to it rather than being the author… The idea of a single author is badly outmoded.”

Chuck was a cultivator of people—his quiet guidance helped shape the DNA of EHDD. He inspired generations of architects through his open-door leadership, deep curiosity, and enduring belief in the power of design to do good. A big man with a big personality, Chuck will be remembered for his booming laugh and infectious sense of humor. “Chuck was the best at making the architects know that he was there for them,” recalled former EHDD colleague Mary Collins. “He walked the floor. He didn’t just sit in his office—he was out there, and he invited people in.”

Chuck was larger than life—physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Fierce in his convictions and generous in his counsel, he made time for everyone, no matter how long he’d known them. He lived with purpose and stayed engaged with EHDD, the profession, and UC Berkeley well into his final years—always calling, always checking in, always believing in the work and the people doing it.

EHDD will be honoring Chuck’s life and legacy in the coming months through a public tribute series and shared remembrances from across the firm and the broader design community. Friends, collaborators, and former colleagues are invited to participate and help celebrate a remarkable life in architecture.

About EHDD

EHDD is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm based in San Francisco, known for shaping transformative spaces that serve the public good. Founded in the 1940s by Joseph Esherick and later formalized as Esherick Homsey Dodge & Davis, EHDD has built a legacy of design excellence in education, science, culture, and civic life.

Rooted in the belief that architecture should reflect purpose, context, and community, EHDD approaches every project with a collaborative spirit and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The firm has long been a pioneer in sustainable design and climate leadership, helping clients across the West Coast and beyond achieve ambitious goals through thoughtful, future-ready architecture.

With a portfolio that spans iconic institutions—from the Monterey Bay Aquarium to award-winning university campuses and cultural buildings —EHDD continues to create places of belonging and impact.

Learn more at ehdd.com

Media Contact:
Ana Wansink
Senior Marketing & Communications Manager
EHDD
[email protected]
+1 (415) 214 7271

SOURCE EHDD Architecture