20 Questions with Edward Henley III

2 min read Edward Henley III is the founder of Pillars Development, a land use planning, management and development firm in Nashville. As a Principal and Project Executive, Edward has managed large-scale projects in surplus of $500 million to projects with budgets under $1 million. Edward studied at the University of Tennessee (UT), and graduated in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Finance and Enterprise Management. Edward is a Civic Design Board Member, and he is on the Metro Affordable Housing Task Force.

Civic Design Center is celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary with 20 Questions from some fellow advocates and idols.

“Real Estate Development, including design, engineering, construction, etc. are all ways you can help people and the results can be seen and last for lifetimes.

I am able to relate to people who likely aren’t used to seeing people who look like them in the spaces I occupy. I also am devoted to changing that.”

What city or town do you call home?

Nashville, TN

What is your favorite place to live in other than the one you currently live in?

I love sunshine and beaches, so south Florida, California or Caribbean island.

What is one place you would like to visit that you have never been to?

Dubai

What is your favorite public resource in your home or favorite city or town?

Beach (boardwalk) and River (riverfront)

What is your favorite place you can easily access via public transit?

The Southern V

What was your childhood dream job?

Owning/Running a sports team

Could you have imagined being in the profession you are today?

Edward (second from the right) breaking ground on the Tennessee State Museum before it was developed

No, I didn’t know it existed until I was an adult, and I didn’t realize all of the niches and nuisances that could be specialized in (I likely still don’t).

If you had to tell a 7th grader, what does it take to do what you do?

Passion, Preparation and Patience

What would you tell a 7th grader that you would have loved to know?

There are so many different ways to impact the world around you. Real Estate Development, including design, engineering, construction, etc. are all ways you can help people and the results can be seen and last for lifetimes.

If you could have had a different career what would you have done, or what might you do next?

I still have my eye on a sports team….haha.

I have always liked the idea of being an educator, so I plan to become an author and professor in the near future.

What is the impact you have made on your community that you are most proud of?

This is easy. I have been able to create and support opportunities for others. It is by far the most rewarding thing I have done. I enjoy knowing that the full impact will likely be unknown to me, but I will see ripple effects of it throughout my life.

What is unique about your perspective?

I am able to relate to people who likely aren’t used to seeing people who look like them in the spaces I occupy. I also am devoted to changing that.

What has been your favorite speaking engagement?

Edward speaking at Rebuilding Together’s announcement of Bordeaux community investment

Rebuilding Together’s announcement of a $1 Million+ investment in the Bordeaux community to repair homes of low-income homeowners. I grew up in that neighborhood and many of the homeowner’s Rebuilding Together will continue to help have had those houses in their families since I was a little kid.

Who was the most inspiring or influential person you’ve ever met?

Inspiring — Blake Leeper, U.S. Paralympic athlete and medalist; Influential — Herman Bulls, Vice Chairman, Americas, JLL

Have you ever attended a community meeting? Yes, many.

If so, what was your experience? It varies (based on the role), but the two ends of the spectrum are 1) welcomed, celebrated and trusted then 2) undesired, discouraged and suspected.

What is the first word you think of when you hear…

• Community? People

• Equity? Intentional

• Design? Imagine

What is your favorite...

Edward visits the coast of Australia

• Element in a park or public space? It’s a tie: big trees and courts

• Street? Rosa Parks Blvd.

• Mode of transportation? Plane (the marvel of flight)

  • Specific network or route? To a tropical place and back

What makes you feel safe when walking along at night alone?

Well-lit areas, clear paths (high visibility), and a safe distance from active roads as well as a feeling of being in an area that has activity nearby

Tell us about your favorite pet-friendly space?

Dog park(s), I am fascinated by the level of energy and persons per square foot in a space where people aren’t the focus of design.

What was the best thing you have taken away from the pandemic?

A deep and significant appreciation for in person connections.

What do you think is going to be the most powerful change from 2020 to 2021?

No longer pushing the role of racism and detrimental systemic practices into the realm of taboo conversation as we address challenges in society, but instead making it a core component of conversations (if not leading with it).