After completing a facility masterplan with MHM, the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) realized that to best utilize their existing building stock and meet their future needs - expansion was required. Always determined to best use member funding, the project team thought creatively about how to achieve needs and workflow without over building.

Rather than constructing a brand-new Engineering and Operations Building, it was determined that the Electric, Natural Gas, Water/Wastewater Engineering and Field Services groups could move into a 50,000 sf addition to the existing building while allowing the Information Services and Operations groups to expand in a renovated facility. The new building was designed to complement the existing material rhythm and connect by an open, light-filled staircase with their respective breakrooms overlooking it.

KUB wanted to make a statement with their new building that not only catered to a new and evolving workforce, but one that set an example of how our future building stock should function for their members by achieving LEED Certification.

Open workstations for each department on every floor coupled with flexible work and meeting spaces along the perimeter, allows for a higher level of collaboration among employees. Workspaces are wrapped by floor to ceiling glass opening to views of the campus spaces and walking trails beyond. This also allows ample daylight into the workspace which research has shown improves employee morale and productivity.

The team found that the pursuit of LEED certification not only challenges you to design more efficiently with more sustainable materials – it also makes you take a hard look at how you function in a building for the betterment of the people in it and the environment as a whole. Sustainable strategies exemplified in the new building include a roof top solar array, limited water usage inside and out, EV charging stations, efficient lighting and mechanical systems available for demand response, and low- emitting materials selections were made throughout.

MHM is pleased to announce that Bud Archer and Adam Buchanan have passed their licensing exams and become Registered Architects in the State of Tennessee.  Both Bud and Adam are graduates of the University of Tennessee’s College Architecture and Design and have been with MHM since 2016. Congratulations!  

Jeff Johnson was recognized by The Library Society at the University of Tennessee for a Donor Spotlight. See Jeff’s full interview !

Li Wang, Vice President of MHM, was recognized by the University of Tennessee as the Chancellor’s Associate Member for 2019-2020 year. Congratulations Li!

The annual AIA Tennessee Conference was held in Knoxville this summer. The MHM team was an integral part of the conference, providing event volunteers, organizational leadership, and project spotlights. Three MHM projects were featured on the tour, including our office, the UT Student Union, and the Ken and Blaire Mossman Science Building.

MHM was once again recognized as an AIA Tennessee EP (Emerging Professional) Friendly Firm. We are proud to have been recognized for this award since its inception in 2017, and will continue to offer exemplary support and opportunities for Emerging Professionals to grow in our profession.

Blackberry Farm Brewery sought to construct a place for their community to gather and enjoy their carefully crafted beverages. Located in Maryville, TN, a 3,043 SF pre-engineered metal building was renovated to house the newly imagined taproom. Now, the warm and inviting space not only highlights the brewing process but emulates what the company is all about: community, craft, and collaboration.

MHM is honored to be recognized for Excellence in Restaurant and Bar Design 2019 at the IIDA Tennessee Chapter, Composing Great Design Awards.

We are excited to welcome two new employees to the team.

Originally from Asheboro, North Carolina, Justin Hare received both a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and a Master of Architecture from the University of Tennessee. He has worked on both residential and commercial projects ranging in scale from signage design to 200-unit multi-family housing. Justin is currently working toward licensure and is actively involved in AIA, having served in various capacities on a number of committees.

Whitney Manahan graduated from the University of Tennessee with degrees in both Interior Design and Architecture. She has experience working in private development focusing on historic preservation and adaptive reuse in downtown Knoxville. In addition, she has enjoyed teaching classes at UT in the College of Architecture and Design ranging from history courses to design studios.