MHM is honored to be one of . We're proud to have been acknowledged in the Small Business category and to receive the Benefits (My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry) Specialty Award.

The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. Our employees cite a strong firm culture and a relaxed, creative work environment among the top reasons MHM is a great workplace.

A huge thank you to our incredible and dedicated staff for making MHM a great place to work.

MHM recognizes the importance of investing in the future of our profession, therefore, we are excited to welcome five talented interns to MHM’s 2024 [on]SITE (Student Intern Training and Experience) program. This program is designed to provide our student interns, all from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design, with a unique and rewarding experience. Our interns this summer will channel their curiosity about all things design practice through their [in]SITE office events and [off]SITE field visits.

Through this program, MHM is promoting opportunities for student interns to understand the capacity of our industry and the breadth of our reach. Each of our interns has been assigned an [over]SITE mentor who will help guide them, answer questions, and build relationships. MHM mentors will act as liaisons between our interns and the rest of the firm, building relationships they will carry with them past this summer experience. The [off]SITE schedule will encourage our interns to build relationships within the larger community beyond our front doors. MHM interns will visit project sites, civic events, and local board and committee meetings to seek out the value of a designer’s role as a practicing professional, including elements of construction administration, organization involvement, and industry awareness.

The [re]SITE research engagement is grounded in our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and ethical design practices. We believe that research is an essential component of the design process. It provides a valuable opportunity for us to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and deepen our understanding of our profession's challenges and opportunities. By equipping our interns with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed to become leaders in architecture and design, we hope to promote the growth of thought leaders in our community.

Join us on social media to see the vibrancy our interns bring to the office this summer as they document their experiences.

MHM was honored to have multiple projects nominated for the 2024 Orchids Beautification Awards, two of which were winners. KKB presents the Orchid Beautification Awards to Knoxville and Knox County buildings, public art, and outdoor spaces that beautify and elevate the local landscape.

MHM in partnership with , the , the , , the , and , was recognized in the Spruce Up category for the restoration of the Knoxville Sunsphere to its original color – PANTONE 19-4052 TCX Classic Blue.

MHM provided architectural, engineering, and interior design services for the new City of Knoxville Public Safety Complex that received the Bright Spot award. The conversion/renovation of the vacated St. Mary’s Hospital consolidates the city’s public safety functions onto one campus while creating green space by removing seven unused buildings. Special thanks to design consultants, , for support with elements related to the Police, Fire, Courts, and E911 services.

McCarty Holsaple McCarty is honored to announce that the University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been selected for publication in Endeavor Business Media’s  2023 Architectural Portfolio for Outstanding Design. An annual competition honoring education design excellence, the Architectural Portfolio spotlights projects representing today’s most effective learning environments.

The University of Tennessee is a new gateway to the Tickle College of Engineering and a new home for the Nuclear Engineering Complex. In collaboration with SmithGroup out of Detroit, MHM has designed this 230,000 s.f. facility to contain flexible laboratory spaces, laboratory support spaces, general-purpose classrooms, reconfigurable collaborative spaces for students, innovation labs, maker spaces, and administrative spaces. It also offers multiple programs for freshman, undergraduate, and graduate students of the College of Engineering.

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools, and universities across the country. Seventy-eight projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, an educational facilities, purchasing and business administration magazine reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators, and architects with this issue. This is the competition’s 41st year.

As a guide for their evaluations of the designs, the jurors paid special attention to these criteria:

• Inclusive and welcoming to all

• Agile

• Beauty that inspires joy

• Seamless integration of indoors and out

• Promotes collaboration, community, and active learning

• Exhibits innovation throughout

• Sustainability

• Budget-conscious

• Health and safety

• High-quality construction

Founded in 1928, American School & University is devoted exclusively to education facilities/business administration. The authority for information about the educational facilities market, AS&U delivers an insightful combination of exclusive reports, special focuses, and how-to articles. For more information, please visit ASUmag.com and SchoolDesigns.com.

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MHM is honored to have been recognized at this year’s with a Citation award for Appalachian Oasis, MHM’s inaugural research project.

The Appalachian Oasis research project is a response to Chattanooga’s lack of refuge from the threat of rising temperatures and creates a network of artificial oases to improve navigation around the city and the surrounding communities. Each station is a self-sustaining, passive structure formulated by a ‘grass blade’ modular structural system and woven tensile mesh that utilizes shading and integral misting to create a cooled microclimate.  Every version of the “Appalachian Oasis” shares the same design philosophy, but each form adapts to the functional needs of the area served. These adaptable forms are intended to create a communal space that can be active or transient in nature. 

Congratulations to our MHM team members, Steven Whitmore, Bud Archer, and Adam Buchanan, for their tremendous effort and dedication to this research project. Also, a special thanks to Grace Ann Altenbern (Graphic Work) and Thomas Wasmund (Proficient Engineering) for their contributions.

In addition, the Downtown Maker Exchange received an honorable mention at the event, Cameron Bolin and Justin Hare were presented with Presidential Citations for their contributions to AIA East Tennessee, and Melissa Hatchett was recognized as a newly licensed Architect.

McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, Inc., has received Outstanding Project Awards in LEARNING BY DESIGN Magazine’s Fall 2023 Architectural and Interior Design Awards of Excellence edition. The Webb School of Knoxville - Middle School Innovation Center and the University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex have been recognized as award-winning benchmark facilities for incorporating next-generation learning space design and planning methodologies. The built environment characteristics found in each project are worthy of replication by other educators and design professionals when creating improved learning spaces.

“This addition seems truly impactful and transformative to the overall operation of the school and enhancing its pedagogy. The emphasis and vareity of maker spaces and project based learning facilities was essential for this population of students. This project utilized traditional exterior materiality while providing modern, 221st century learning spaces with extensive daylighting and all the needed flexibility and technological accoutrements. Outdoor learning spaces and abundant views to outdoors support a strong indoor-outdoor connection.”

- 2023 Judges on Webb School of Knoxville Middle School Innovation Center

All awarded entries were judged by a jury of seven design and education professionals recommended by the Association of Learning Environment (A4LE) and the authors and publisher of Learning By Design. The wide variety of projects such as the Webb School of Knoxville Middle School Innovation Center and UTK Zeanah Engineering Complex submitted materials such as floor and site plans, photographs, and written narratives that gave the jury enough information to score each on six specific criteria: Innovation, Community Needs, Interior Architecture and Design, Sustainability, Functional Design, and Next Generation Learning.

The jury further considered each project’s unique architectural qualities, space utilization, interior design finishes, choice of furnishings, and contemporary planning concepts that were successfully put in place. LEARNING BY DESIGN’s Fall 2023 jury applauded MHM for meeting or exceeding the six submission criteria on both projects.

“Plannin is spot on for a modern engineering building with two wings separated by a community space. There is a great variety of spaces that allow for differing modalities of learning. The building accommodates hands on experience and wonderful sustainable thought solutions. The openness of so many of the spaces will create community and expand casual collisions of ideas.”

- 2023 Judges on University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex

To access the magazine’s digital edition, visit:

PARK(ing) Day, presented by and the, returned to downtown Knoxville on Friday, September 15th, 2023. The successful event had over 20 businesses, architectural firms, and non-profits collaborating to construct parklets along the 400 Block of Gay Street. More than 400 passersby enjoyed and engaged in the park displays while coming together to commemorate the significance of green spaces in urban areas.

For this year’s event, MHM partnered with , , and non-profit partner . The intent of the display was to reuse and recycle downed trees from the recent storms in Knoxville to create natural playscapes for children and families to enjoy at Ijams Nature Center. In addition to having sustainably sourced materials to use at PARK(ing) Day, the team wanted to provide Ijams with items that are easily recreated, maintained, and enjoyed by all who visit. These creations include bike racks, chairs, benches, and outdoor games.

We were honored to win the award for Community Leader. The award recognized the display as the most connected to the community - producing a magical experience when participants have an emotional connection that happens when we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Thanks to our MHM team for working hard to bring this vision to life – Madison Stephens, Georgia Morris, Gray Taylor, and Casey Myers.

MHM is proud to be one of . The hosted this year’s awards event at the Mill & Mine on August 23rd to recognize 64 total companies and organizations in the Greater Knoxville Area as Top Workplaces for 2023. MHM is pleased to be among the top 12 companies with less than 100 employees to make the list.

The list is based solely on  gathered through a third-party survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: alignment, execution, and connection, to name a few. Our employees cite a strong firm culture and a relaxed, creative work environment among the top reasons MHM is a great place to work.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That's something to be proud of,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO.

We are grateful to all our staff members who make MHM a fun and successful workplace!

McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, Inc., announces that the Webb School of Knoxville Upper School Achievement Center and the University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex have been selected for publication in Endeavor Business Media’s 2023 Educational Interiors Showcase. Both projects are featured in the of the magazine and online at . An annual competition honoring education design excellence, the Educational Interiors Showcase spotlights projects representing today’s most effective learning environments.

Webb School of Knoxville Upper School Achievement Center was recognized in the Libraries/Media Centers category. Focused on innovation and learning, the 16,885 s.f. space provides opportunities for augmented and virtual reality studies as well as collaborative workspaces. The library's primary focus is on digital media and innovation, while stacks have moved to a quiet zone elsewhere in the building.

Additionally, the University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex was acknowledged in the Technology/STEM Centers category. In collaboration with out of Detroit, MHM designed the Zeanah Engineering Complex to contain flexible laboratory spaces, laboratory support spaces, general-purpose classrooms, reconfigurable collaborative spaces, innovation labs, maker spaces, and administrative spaces. The 230,000 s.f. facility is a new gateway to the Tickle College of Engineering and home to the top-ranked Department of Nuclear Engineering.

A of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools, and universities across the country. Sixty-nine projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, and educational facilities, purchasing and business administration magazines reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators, and architects with the August issue. This is the competition’s 33rd year.

MHM recognizes the importance of investing in the future of our profession. To that end, we are excited to introduce our new [on]SITE (Student Intern Training and Experience) program, which is designed to provide incoming student interns with a unique and rewarding experience. Our interns this summer will channel their curiosity about all things design practice through their [in]SITE office events, an [re]SITE research project, and [off]SITE field visits.

Through this program, MHM is promoting opportunities for student interns to understand the capacity of our industry and the breadth of our reach. Each of our interns has been assigned an [over]SITE mentor who will help guide them, answer questions, and build relationships. MHM mentors will act as a liaison between our interns and the rest of the firm – building relationships that they will carry with them past this summer experience. The [off]SITE schedule will encourage our interns to build relationships within the larger community beyond our front doors. Our interns will visit project sites, civic events, and local board and committee meetings to seek out the value of a designer’s role as a practicing professional, including elements of construction administration, organization involvement, and industry awareness.

The [re]SITE research project is grounded in our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and ethical design practices. We believe that research is an essential component of the design process and that it provides a valuable opportunity for us to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. By equipping our interns with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed to become leaders in the field of architecture and design, we hope to promote the growth of thought leaders in our community. Throughout the duration of this program, MHM interns will collaborate with our design team on research projects that explore the future of architecture and design. This should include emerging technologies, sustainable design practices, and user-centered design in order to build out an engaging project relevant to both practice and larger speculative issues.

Join us on social media to see the vibrancy our interns bring to the office this summer as they document their experiences.

May celebrates National Preservation Month, and presented its annual Preservation Awards in a ceremony at the Emporium on May 18, 2023. The event acknowledges PEOPLE SAVING PLACES, honoring a wide range of preservationists and projects in our city and around the East Tennessee area. MHM is proud to announce that recently received the Preservation Stewardship Award at this event.

The Preservation Stewardship Award recognizes those who have ensured the ongoing preservation of a historic building through long-term care and continuous ownership for a minimum of ten (10) years.

Home Federal Bank of Tennessee has owned the building at 517 Market Street, which houses administrative offices, since 1960. To provide excellent services to its clients, the building underwent an extensive restoration including updates to the interior and a restoration of the exterior façade. The restoration also included an extensive structural analysis - and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems were implemented. MHM is honored to be part of bringing this historic project back to life.

View the full list of winners .

MHM was proud to have four projects nominated at the 44th Annual Orchid Beautification Awards. Since 1979, has presented the Orchid Beautification Awards to Knoxville and Knox County buildings, public art, and outdoor spaces that beautify and elevate the local landscape.

We are excited to announce that the University of Tennessee’s Zeanah Engineering Complex received an Orchid in the category of New Construction, the mural at the  received an Orchid in the Public Art category, and the Maker Exchange won the Bright Spot Award from the City of Knoxville.

MHM was honored to also have the Marriott, the Maker Exchange, and Home Federal Bank nominated for the category of Redesign/Reuse. Congratulations to all nominees and award recipients.

McCarty Holsaple McCarty has promoted Cameron Bolin, AIA, CPHC, LFA, LEED Green Associate to Associate. Cameron joined the MHM team in 2021 as a Project Architect/Manager. He is a registered Architect and serves on the AIA East Tennessee Board of Directors, the City of Knoxville’s Design Review Board, and the COK Façade Improvement Design Review Committee. In addition to Cameron's involvement with MHM’s Sustainability Committee, he is certified by PHIUS (Passive Building Institute) as a Passive House Consultant and received his Living Future Accreditation from the International Living Future Institute.

MHM is proud to announce that the was the only middle school project nationally to receive a citation award for design.

The project is based on a desire to integrate technology and hands-on making with core academic subjects. It offers students a variety of spaces to collaborate, innovate, and explore.

The plan offers flexible spaces for changing curricula and technologies. A new entrance establishes a front-to-back, two-story spine along the existing building, putting the library on full display. The space features a deep gray wall of books with sliding whiteboards. Penetrating this wall, the building is organized by placing labs and maker spaces to the perimeter with a common core featuring storage, offices, and a broadcast studio. Outside, patio spaces are used for study, shop, and robotics.

Sustainability goals were achieved through enhanced envelope performance for new walls, high-efficiency glazing with vertical sunshades, local materials, and higher-efficiency systems and lighting. Bright greens are a playful twist on the school’s colors, and the interiors reflect an attitude of creative whimsy, which is at the core of the facility’s design.

For PARK(ing) Day this year, MHM paired up with . The annual event occurs downtown and aims to reimagine metered spots for a day while engaging in social exchange, recreation, and artistic expression. Our team created an installation that served both PARK(ing) Day and will be re-used by Young-Williams after the event.

The basis of MHM’s design used modular milk crates to engage pedestrians through display walls, stools, benches, and a dog bed/couch. A donation bin was crafted to facilitate the organization of drop-off goods that are received at the Division Street location. The stools and benches were made to store books and provide seating; additionally, they will be re-used for the Paws for Reading program. The program allows members of the community to practice reading while the animals experience the power of a human-animal bond.

The overall goal was to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities and outreach programs through Young-Williams. The day was spent in good company with volunteers from both MHM and Young-Williams, and of course, a bunch of furry friends.

We are excited to announce that Steven Whitmore has joined the Ambassadors Program!

"The Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors contribute countless volunteer hours and dedication to the organization’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity."

Learn more about the program by visiting the link:

AIA Tennessee recently recognized MHM with a 2022 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award. The award recognizes firms that foster opportunities for leadership and provide a culture of support for emerging professionals (EPs). MHM’s EPs are integrally involved in the firm’s innovation, sustainability, research and community outreach initiatives.

Additionally, MHM’s principal Li Wang participated in a panel for the AIA TN Convention with firms from across the state. Led by Tennessee’s State Architect, Ann McGauren, the panel shared leading ideas about successful workplace culture and attracting/retaining new talented professionals.

MHM is honored to be recognized by AIA TN with the EP Friendly Firm Award for the 6th year in a row and congratulates other state recipients!

Get to Know Principal Margaret Butler

Margaret Butler, AIA, LEED AP has practiced architecture for over 30 years, working for both large and small firms as well as owning her own architectural practice. She’s been with MHM since 2015, and became a Principal of the firm in 2020. As an award-winning and published designer, Margaret leads through a studio-driven and collaborative approach to design and mentorship. Her friendly approach is focused on delivering evidence-based design strategies to build success for the firm’s clients and their organizations. Margaret’s design expertise covers a wide range of project types of varying size and complexity. A large part of her recent focus has been geared toward a robust portfolio of multi-family housing and K-12 educational projects.

Margaret serves as the head of the firm’s Culture Committee, leading the charge of maintaining an open and collaborative office environment. She’s also passionate about creating and maintaining a high level of thoughtfulness and rigor in MHM’s design process through firm-wide reviews. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design, she remains engaged on the Board of Advisers. She’s passionate about serving her community through involvement in organizations including the YWCA and the Cancer Support Community.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Andersonville, TN.

Q: How did you choose Architecture as your profession?

A: In high school I tried to figure out a career that would marry my love of art, math and science and I thought architecture might fit the bill. Gladly it did. I think growing up enjoying Norris Dam and the park had an influence on me as I’ve always regarded it as an outstanding structure that made a tremendous impact in our region.

Q: What has been your favorite project and why?

A: Affordable housing projects I have worked on throughout my career have been incredibly meaningful as they can provide a transformative pride in community. I’m currently working on several projects with Murfreesboro Housing Authority. It has been exceedingly rewarding to engage with residents and those in the community to provide new housing which respects the community’s fabric and history while providing sustainable infrastructure and new public parks.

Early in my career, while at Tuck Hinton Architects, it was a privilege to be on the team planning the State’s Bicentennial Capital Mall sited just north of our state capital building in Nashville. It was an honor to work with architects, planners and landscape architects from across the state to define and design a park commemorating our state’s bicentennial which would represent the diversity, accomplishments and unique characteristics of Tennessee.

A third favorite is a very different scale. It was the rehabilitation of cantilever barn for the Children’s Defense Fund’s Langston Hughes Library in collaboration with Maya Lin Studio. A very small and exacting project, it combined my love of modern design and detail with my personal roots in East Tennessee. It was an amazing experience to collaborate with a world-renowned artist/architect on a project so close to my home. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in your professional career?

A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is balancing priorities. My family has always been my number one priority, but dedication to my work and the community has been vitally important to me as well. It’s certainly not a unique challenge as we all seek balance in our life and career, but it’s not the same for every person and that’s okay. I don’t have any answers, but I’ve just tried to be “all in” whether at work, home or volunteering and there have been some late nights and early mornings through the years! I’m very grateful for all the relationships and opportunities I’ve had for the last 35 years.

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the field?

A: Challenge yourself and others. Strive to surround yourself and learn from those seeking excellence in architecture. Figure out what your special talents are, hone them, and position yourself to become a leader in your firm and profession. Excelling with your own talents lifts those around you and provides a foundation to a fulfilling career.

MHM Started Schematic Design for the University of Tennessee’s New Croley Nursing Building.

For some time, the nation’s demand for registered and advanced practice nurses has been growing at a fast pace, leading to a shortage that was exacerbated by COVID-19. To meet the growing demand for nurses, the new building for College of Nursing will provide students and faculty with an experiential learning environment that will help to support the growing college.

MHM, along with design partner Ayers Saint Gross started the Schematic Design process with UT College of Nursing. The blocking and stacking exercise engaged users and gathered valuable input from key stakeholders in the early design phase. We are so excited to help UT Nursing envision the new home for their college!