David Bakewell Explores Space on Rocky Top
David Bakewell joined the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as director of space and facilities in March 2024.
“I track and represent the college’s interests in building facility issues and new construction projects,” said Bakewell. “I also help to manage and advocate for the college’s space needs.”
He comes to the college after 10 years with the UT System’s Office of Capital Projects, working mainly on UT Institute of Agriculture needs.
“I traveled across the entire state every two weeks for almost 10 years,” he said. “I have over 20 years of work experience in the construction industry. I’m a great resource if you need any help building something.”
Bakewell earned both his bachelor’s degree in architecture and master’s degree in urban planning at UT.
“I have spent the last 30 years on the UT campus in some fashion—student, architect working on UT projects, and now as a staff member,” he said. “I worked for the firm McCarty Holsaple McCarty, which has completed many of UT’s most iconic buildings on campus.”
His years on campus have given him an abiding love and respect for the Big Orange.
“UT is an organization for good,” said Bakewell. “It educates people, which directly impacts that individual, their family, and their community in a positive way. I also love UT football.”
He enjoys the way CAS encompasses endless opportunities across varied areas of study and research.
“It’s great to meet so many unique people working at the top of their fields,” he said.
Bakewell’s youth found him traveling the world with his family before settling in East Tennessee when his father took a job with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
“I was born in Michigan, then we moved to New Zealand as a kid, then to Knoxville right before high school,” he said.
When he isn’t managing space on campus for CAS administrative activities and more, Bakewell enjoys traveling, biking, camping, poker, and building things. He lives not far from campus, immersed in the lively atmosphere of downtown Knoxville.
“My partner Sherry and I live in the Old City,” said Bakewell. “We have a 160-pound Great Dane named Lebowski who thinks he is the mayor of the Old City.”
By Randall Brown