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.
20256 Project:
Brainerd Junior High
Brainerd Junior High School was designed by Chattanooga's renowned "Master Architect," Reuben Harrison Hunt. Completed in 1950, its design draws inspiration from two iconic American academic buildings: Nassau Hall at Princeton University and Dartmouth Hall at Dartmouth College.
As the 2026 senior thesis project for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Interior Architecture and Design program, Brainerd Junior High serves as a living laboratory for preservation and innovation. Through a partnership with Preserve Chattanooga, students explore creative adaptive reuse strategies for a historic building in need of a new purpose, demonstrating how preservation can honor the past while shaping a vibrant future.
2026 Student Award Winners
Vision Award
Presented to Anna Polk for the project with visionary design and presentation skills.
Design Award
Presented Trey Phillips for the project with a comprehensive design package with and outstanding functional solution.
Preservation Award
Bestowed upon Gavin Watson 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.
