Jimmy Tittle is a Living Legacy of Architecture, Civic Leadership, and Building Community

It’s a rare privilege that someone can drive through a city where they were born and raised and see their life’s work that has had such a deep impact on the community. While James D. “Jimmy” Tittle’s architectural footprint is scattered throughout Abilene, Texas—from the courthouse to Abilene Christian University, the airport, and even the Abilene Zoo—he reflects on his work with his signature humility that has marked his 60-plus-year career in architecture, including 55 years at Tittle Luther Partnership (TLP) which later merged with Parkhill in 2012.

"We listened more to the client to see what they really wanted," he said. "At the end of the day, it was about creating something functional and beautiful that served its purpose." 

His design philosophy mirrors his approach to life—straightforward, practical, and service-driven. Jimmy preferred to let the client’s needs dictate the direction of the project. “It’s always been about serving the client, not winning awards,” Jimmy said. “If the awards came, well, we accepted them, but that wasn’t the goal.”  

Building Community Through Enduring Relationships 

Throughout his career, Jimmy Tittle, FAIA, has been widely recognized and honored for the contributions he has made to the architectural community, including the Texas Society of Architects’ prestigious Outstanding Firm Award in 2003 and the Edward C. Kemper Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2006. He established himself as a design leader in Abilene and has served as the president of the Texas Society of Architects. He has also been involved with the AIA since 1958 and served as president of the Abilene chapter in 1973. The Abilene Zoo even named the zoo’s lake after him.  

But Jimmy’s impact extends far beyond his architectural accomplishments. He has always been deeply committed to Abilene's civic life. Named Abilene’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1988, he was instrumental in founding the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council in 1978, helping to nurture a thriving arts scene that has become a vital part of the city’s identity. 

Despite the accolades, it’s the relationships he has built over the years that have been the catalyst for his personal and professional success. Dan Searight, a Senior Architect with Parkhill, has had the pleasure of working with Jimmy for many years. Early in Dan’s career, Jimmy took Dan under his wing and introduced him to various community-enhancing organizations, such as Abilene’s Cultural Arts Committee and The Grace Museum. This mentorship allowed Dan to become involved with a major new park downtown and city street improvements that helped shape Dan’s career as a designer. 

“I was honored to team up with Jimmy and The Grace Museum to help curate a major exhibition of David Castle’s work. Castle was a regional architect of note responsible for many Texas courthouses in the 20s and 30s as well as numerous other public and private buildings,” Dan said. “This introduced me to the rigors of a major exhibition for the Grace Museum of Abilene and the local leaders of the art community of the area and West Texas.” 

A Test of Serendipity 

Born in a family of seven children, Jimmy found his way to architecture while originally planning to become a chemical engineer. The results of an aptitude test he took during his time at Texas A&M University showed he may be better suited for architecture. The field allowed him to blend his affinity for art with his deep love for his hometown. Architecture, he realized, wasn’t just about building structures; it was about building communities, relationships, and lasting legacies. 

Jimmy's career officially began in 1957 when he and his high school friend, Jack Luther, cofounded Tittle Luther Partnership. The firm launched with just three people but quickly grew in reputation to become one of Abilene’s most respected architectural practices. Their projects—both large and small—have made Abilene much of what it is today while always maintaining a steady focus on serving the client and the community. 

“We’ve done a lot of work in Abilene,” he said. “I used to tell people,‘Our work spans from A to Z. We can design airports to zoos and everything in between.’” 

In 2012, TLP merged with Parkhill and Jimmy has served as the firm’s Architect Emeritus in Abilene ever since. He never imagined ever combining his firm with another, but he believes the community-focused missions of both firms aligned so well that it was an opportunity to continue his life’s work in the city he loves. 

The Power of Unassuming Influence 

At 97 years old, Jimmy still visits his office in Abilene multiple times a week, not because he has to, but because he wants to. His days are filled with casual conversation with colleagues, helping where he can, and imparting the knowledge and wisdom he has gained over a lifetime. 

Mishi Mathur, a design professional with Parkhill, works just a door away from Jimmy. She describes his presence as an invaluable resource of knowledge and history but also a trusted advisor who is genuine and candid. “Expect to be held to a high standard when you are interacting with him,” she said. “He likes to help everyone reach their highest potential.”  

Chip Whitlock, AIA, a Senior Architect in Parkhill's K-12 practice, agrees. Chip has been working with Jimmy for more than 30 years and credits him for teaching Chip the finer things about being an architect. “It’s not just about the drawings and good design but how to meet and grow relationships with our neighbors, who might become our clients,” Chip said. “Jimmy is a wonderful resource for client contacts and giving his thoughts on projects both good and bad.” 

Jimmy credits his life experience and the people he has met along the way that have made him the mentor and servant leader who always keeps others at the forefront. "Everybody I've talked to has been a mentor in some way,” he shared. “The key to being a good architect—or a good human—is simply listening. Listening to the client, the community, and the world around you is what makes an architect successful.”  

That philosophy even carries over to clients who cannot articulate their likes and dislikes, as with the animals in the Abilene Zoo—one of Jimmy’s favorite and most unique projects. He explains that designing a space that would house wild animals while also creating an inviting experience for visitors requires a different level of creativity and thoughtfulness. “You never know how far a wild animal can jump unless it’s hungry,” he said. "It’s a tricky balance—building something safe but also creating the illusion that you're seeing the animals in their natural habitat.” 

A Legacy Woven Through Abilene 

As Jimmy looks back on his career, the relationship-building that has been integral to his work stands out. His long-standing relationships with institutions like Abilene Christian University and Hendrick Medical Center are a testament to his ability to earn trust and goodwill with clients—many of whom repeatedly sought him out for additional projects. “It's unusual for a firm to get that much repeat business, but we built strong relationships,” he said. 

According to Chip, Jimmy has created architecture in Abilene that will live on for decades to come. “There are very few areas of the city that his hand has not touched,” Chip said. “The citizens are still using several of his designs from the early sixties today.” 

His career is not just a portfolio of buildings but an example of the good that can come from community, relationships, and thoughtful, purposeful work. "I came back to Abilene to do good architecture for Abilene," Jimmy said. “And I think we did just that."

(Photo by Two Pair Photography)