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Rob FarrMasters of Architecture ROB FARR

Portico Jackson / By Melia Dicker / December 2010

An integrated approach to architecture is in Robert Farr's blood. Rob, as everyone knows him, is a second-generation partner of Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons (CDFL). His father, architect Robert Farr, Sr., founded the firm in 1961 with two engineers, combining their distinct areas of expertise. This tradition continues today, says Rob. "We have virtually all the services that are required by today's built environment, in one organization."

Rob joined the firm in 1974, after studying at Millsaps College and graduating from the University of Arizona. Now the president and CEO of CDFL, Rob has been an active community member during his more than 35 years as an architect. Most recently, he joined the board of the USA International Ballet Competition.

Currently, Rob's efforts are dedicated to one of his favorite projects: the long-term expansion of the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. "We were part of a transformational master plan, a joint venture between CDFL and Eley Associates," he says. With Sasaki and Kurt Salmon Associates as consultants, the group mapped out an extensive 35-year growth plan for the UMMC campus.

The plan nearly doubles the square footage of buildings on the 160-acre campus and will allow a gradual increase in student enrollment from 2800 to 4500. It includes a major expansion of Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children and creates a cluster of buildings for each of UMMC's four types of activities: education, clinical services, research and administration. Now that the master plan is complete, UMMC has commissioned CDFL to oversee its $450-$500 million implementation.

Rob says that the growth plan will further UMMC's contribution to the community. Its $1.2 billion budget already makes up 10 percent of Jackson's economy and two percent of the state's economy. "The transformation for our city, and for our state, is significant," says Rob.