During its Annual Convention, the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) recognized architectural firms for their excellence in design by presenting the TSBA School of the Year Awards. Awards were granted in five categories: New Construction of Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, Renovation, and the People’s Choice award, which was selected by TSBA membership.

MHM in collaboration with the Architect of Record, Design Innovation Architects (DIA), was recognized for the design of the Athens PreK-5 School in both the Elementary School and People’s Choice categories.

The consolidation of Athens City Schools was driven by the need to address stagnant growth, aging facilities, and increasing operational and maintenance costs. The decision was made to merge two primary schools, two intermediate schools, and one middle school into a more efficient two-school system.

By creating a new PreK-5 school, four aging facilities were replaced, saving on costly repairs and maintenance. Additionally, the strategic location of the new school adjacent to Athens City Middle School presented an opportunity to establish a single PreK-8 campus. Overall, this new PreK-5 school design supports more efficient operational costs, enhanced security and monitoring, allows for expanded educational programs, and consolidates resources that enhance curriculum opportunities.

This innovative and efficient concept of two schools under one roof allows the school to maintain its primary and intermediate grade structure while creating a conducive learning environment for its 1,340 students. The school is divided into two independent schools with separate primary and intermediate classroom wings, each having its own administration areas and entries.

Read more about the project, here.

For PARK(ing) Day 2024, MHM partnered with the Knoxville Arts & Culture Alliance, a local nonprofit organization, to raise awareness about The Emporium and celebrate local artists throughout the city. With a focus on sustainability and adaptability, the team designed a modular structure that is versatile, reusable, and purpose-built to maximize its value for the Arts & Culture Alliance.

The installation serves multiple functions, including acting as a stage backdrop, a space divider, a freestanding gallery, or even an outdoor exhibit for First Friday events. Constructed from birch plywood sheets—chosen for their natural aesthetic and alignment with The Emporium’s existing material palette—the structure is assembled using hand-welded brackets. This design enables two gallery walls in its main form while maintaining flexibility to meet The Emporium’s diverse needs.

Arranged in a zigzag pattern at a 45-degree angle, the plywood panels optimize art display space while minimizing the overall footprint. Designed for efficiency, the structure can be quickly assembled, easily disassembled, and folded flat for convenient storage. Its modular design and notch-style joinery allow for various configurations, from a single long gallery wall to smaller, separate two-panel displays.

Additionally, the structure incorporates functional elements, such as blocks that can be used as seating for artists or viewers, or as pedestals for displaying art. During PARK(ing) Day, the panels featured art in various mediums created by local artists sponsored by The Emporium. Like a traditional gallery, these pieces were available for purchase, showcasing the dynamic relationship between art, community, and sustainability.

Aaron Miller, AIA, CSI – Promoted to Principal
With over 25 years of experience in the architecture and construction industry, Aaron Miller’s expertise as a Project Manager has been a cornerstone of MHM’s success. Known for his collaborative leadership, Aaron excels in communication and organization, always striving to exceed client expectations. His extensive background in construction and comprehensive involvement in the delivery process—from strategic planning to quality control and construction contract administration—makes him an exceptional leader who seamlessly guides clients from project conception to completion.

A Knoxville native, Aaron is passionate about giving back to his community. He serves on the board of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), advancing the design and construction industry through education and collaboration. Additionally, he volunteers with local nonprofits, mission projects, and youth athletics, demonstrating his deep commitment to community service.

Melissa Hatchett, AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, LFA – Promoted to Associate
Melissa Hatchett’s passion for creative problem-solving and attention to detail has earned her a promotion to Associate. A University of Tennessee alumna, she has established herself in the Knoxville area as a specialist in commercial renovations and restaurant design. Melissa’s love for learning and versatility across project types allows her to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to every project. She believes that attention to detail transforms good designs into exceptional realities.

Sean Hackett, AIA – Promoted to Associate
Sean Hackett is driven by a desire to elevate human experiences through architecture. After joining MHM in 2021, following a successful seven-year tenure in Atlanta, Sean has specialized in restaurant and hospitality design. His background in Historic Preservation from the College of Charleston, coupled with a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech, positions him as a multidisciplinary expert capable of guiding clients through each phase of a project. Sean’s focus on creating enriching and enjoyable spaces underscores his commitment to meaningful architecture.

Chris Woodcock, AIA – Promoted to Associate
Chris Woodcock’s diverse portfolio and two decades of experience have made him a valuable asset to MHM. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chris has led residential, commercial, hospitality, and educational projects. He approaches each project with a focus on client engagement, creative problem-solving, and thoughtful attention to detail, regardless of budget or scale. Chris's optimistic outlook and empathetic approach ensure seamless project execution and long-lasting client satisfaction.

MHM proudly celebrates these talented individuals and their contributions to our firm’s continued success. Their leadership, dedication, and expertise are testaments to our commitment to excellence in architecture and design.

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: