Tom Theobald

Tom grew up in a small farming community in Illinois, but it was the structure and energy of cities that first drew him to architecture. A formative job in construction during high school helped him realize that while engineering offered precision, architecture offered possibility. That discovery set the course for a career defined by technically complex, creatively driven work.

He has since led major projects that blend innovation with functionality. At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Tom helped pioneer the use of laminated mass timber in a terminal environment— setting a precedent for sustainable design in aviation. At Charleston International Airport, he tackled the challenge of transforming a disjointed layout into a space with clear, intuitive flow for passengers and staff alike.

Tom sees architecture as the translation of ideas into tangible reality. He’s especially focused on the diagrammatic flow of a project, believing that strong circulation naturally leads to strong form. He also believes that clients often have the answers — they just need the right partner to help shape them into a three-dimensional vision.

In addition to his project work, Tom is actively involved in the broader architecture and aviation communities. He serves on the AIA’s Government Affairs Committee and regularly participates in ACI and AAAE events, where he shares insights on airport planning and design.