Keith Sevier Kays

Keith Sevier Kays, AIA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and architect, Keith's passion for design, preservation, and community shaped the Memphis landscape and left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

Born to Harold Kays and Helen Holtzschue Kays, Keith was a proud graduate of East High School, Class of 1960. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be an architect, a dream he pursued with unwavering dedication. He graduated from Auburn University's School of Architecture in 1966, a milestone that set the foundation for his influential career. In 1965, Keith was awarded a Travel Scholarship, allowing him to spend four months exploring Europe. Of that transformative experience, he once said, "That experience gave me a glimpse of the importance of preservation." This perspective would remain a guiding principle throughout his life and work.

Keith's contributions to the architectural fabric of Memphis are profound. His designs, each thoughtfully crafted and deeply connected to the city's history and culture, include:

· Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth Synagogue (1970)

· The Fogelman College of Business at the University of Memphis (1971)

· NE Community Mental Health Center / Youth Villages (1975)

· The Pier Restaurant (1976)

· Number One Beale Street (1977)

· Mississippi Main Street Association (1993/2007)

During his work with the Mississippi Main Street Association, Keith recognized the importance of preservation as the heart and soul of a community. When the architecturally significant C&I Bank Building, designed by Francis Gassner, faced the threat of demolition, Keith was inspired to ensure that Memphis' architectural history would not be lost. With the help of Marty Gorman, AIA, Lee Askew, FAIA, and Louis Pounders, FAIA, he created two comprehensive surveys documenting the city's modern architecture:

· A Survey of Modern Houses in Memphis, Tennessee (1940–1980)

· A Survey of Modern Public Buildings in Memphis, Tennessee (1940–1980)

These works stand as invaluable records of Memphis' rich architectural heritage, a testament to Keith's deep belief in the importance of preservation and documentation.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to architecture and the Memphis community, Keith received the highest honor from AIA Memphis in 2013 when he was awarded The Francis Gassner Award. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose work embodies excellence in architectural design, vision, and leadership-values that Keith upheld throughout his career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Keith's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Jacqueline Wood Kays, whose devotion and partnership enriched every moment they shared. He was a proud and loving father to Jennifer Kays Googe (Chip) and Theodore Wood Kays (Emilly), and his heart overflowed with love and pride for his granddaughter, Genevieve Lawrence Herbers.

Keith had a profound impact not only on the architectural legacy of Memphis but also on the many cherished family members and dear friends he leaves behind. His kindness, intellect, and passion for architecture and preservation will live on in those who knew him.

Services will be held at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN, on Friday, March 21st, at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow in Trezevant Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Keith's honor to Methodist Hospice House, AIA Memphis, or the Auburn University School of Architecture.
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