The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Building Tour

 

OFA Tour Recap

On the sunny morning of July 19, 2025, more than 66 architecture and arts enthusiasts gathered for OFA’s sold-out behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Welcomed by OFA Chair Debra Lemons, AIA, the group began their journey at the foot of the Massey Family grand Staircase.

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Special thanks to Jen Seppi, Major Gift Officer at the Dr. Phillips Center, who shared the inspiring story behind the center’s creation, highlighting its namesake and the community’s collective effort to bring this cultural landmark to life. She emphasized how the center’s mission—to be an inspirational place where people love to be—is captured in its tagline, Arts for Every Life.

 

Several key members of the original design and construction team joined us, enriching the tour with their deep knowledge, firsthand experience, and engaging stories. Their insights into the design process and the center’s distinctive architectural features added depth and meaning that only those directly involved in bringing the vision to life could provide.

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Jeff Bush, AIA and Phillip Lantry, AIA (HKS)    

Executive/Architect of Record  

 

Wayne Allred (TLC)

Engineer of Record for Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Technology

 

Jacki Hale, FAIA (Hines)    

Development Manager 

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We explored every corner of the facility, touring three theaters—the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the newest venue, Judson’s. The tour concluded in the world-renowned Steinmetz Hall with a presentation from Phillip Lantry, AIA of its impressive stage and floor transformation capabilities. The highlight of the tour was witnessing the orchestra-level flat floor convert into tiered seating at the push of a button, earning a round of applause from the amazed crowd!

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A heartfelt thank-you to the entire Dr. Phillips Center team and tour guides who made this unforgettable event possible. Thank you to Jen Seppi, Sade Lee, Ariana Cooper, Natalia Lescano, Katie Bowyer, and Rich Neu for making this a great success!