UTC Student Programs
Preserve Chattanooga partners with the University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) Interior Architecture and Design Program on two historic preservation initiatives - the annual senior thesis projects and a minor in historic preservation.
Senior Thesis Project
The Interior Architecture & Design Program has partnered with Preserve Chattanooga to provide students with hands-on experience in historic preservation. This educational collaboration emphasizes the value of adaptive reuse—giving old buildings new life through innovative interior design solutions. Recognizing that once a historic structure is lost, it cannot be replaced, the program highlights preservation as a vital tool for community development. The Senior Thesis project serves as a capstone experience, allowing students to apply their knowledge, skills, and design theories to real-world challenges, showcased in a final exhibition at the end of their senior year.
Listen to a radio interview about the senior thesis projects.
Learn more about the UTC Interior Architecture and Design Program.
2025 Project:
All Saints Academy
The All Saints Academy is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. The building started as Notre Dame Academy in 1925. When the High School moved to a new building in 1965, the lower grades became Sts. Peter and Paul Elementary School. The Academy closed in 2020. Since then, there has been a fire and vandalism. Still, it is a beautiful example of collegiate gothic architecture both inside and out an is located in a strategic location between downtown and the university.
2025 Student Award Winners
Vision Award
Presented to Zacori Ollis for the project with visionary design and presentation skills.
Design Award
Presented Hannah-Marie Turner for the project with a comprehensive design package with and outstanding functional solution.
Preservation Award
Bestowed upon Rylee Reynolds for the project with the best design solution that pays homage to the building's historic character and significance.
Minor in Historic Preservation
Preserve Chattanooga partners with UTC to provide adjunct professors for the minor in Historic Preservation. The minor compliments majors in interior design, archaeology, anthropology among others. Courses include Introduction to Historic Preservation, Survey of Architecture, and Field Documentation of Historic Buildings.
