Patrick Shay is an educator, an artist, an entrepreneur, and has served as an elected public servant, but first and foremost he is an architect. For the past 45 years he has studied cities, landscape and architecture and then applied his education to the making of places for people to enjoy and excel. Most of his work has been focused on Savannah and her unforgettable historic districts. In fact, Patrick has designed more large scale and significant buildings in her central landmark historic district than any architect that has ever lived. He believes that this is a great privilege, and has used this experience to create transformational architecture in other coastal communities and campuses, bringing Savannah’s lessons to them too.

 

Equally important, Patrick Shay has made sure that these creations are environmentally and economically sustainable. “Waste not, want not” has been an enduring motto, and guided the work of his architectural firm, Gunn Meyerhoff Shay for over 20 years since he became partners with founders Bob Gunn and Eric Meyerhoff. Showing how buildings can create more energy than they consume, or how they can produce optimal revenue with limited resources are two of Pat’s greatest passions. Among noted examples are a LEED Platinum historic adaptive reuse building for Georgia Power and a Net Zero private residence in an emergent historic neighborhood. Many of his creations are among Savannah’s most profitable and popular destinations.

 

As Senior Principal of GMShay Architects, Patrick has also built a professional practice that fully employs both the most sophisticated design technology and a diverse team of top-notch creative talent. Together they allow GMShay to successfully compete against larger corporate firms for the best clients. With projects ranging in size from small renovations to some over $50 million in cost, they bring the same energy and enthusiasm to all. Each project receives the personal attention of Patrick Shay, and his relentless pursuit of excellent results.