By Jeff Williamson When I was a student, our cafeteria doubled as a stage, assemblies were held in the gym, and everyone had a locker—along with a combination they struggled to remember. Those spaces were purely functional, offering little more than a place to learn the basics and move from one class to another. Fast forward to today, and the …
Retrofit Magazine: A historic and beloved bread factory is transformed into a vibrant food hall
From Retrofit Magazine, May 13, 2025. Generations of locals fondly remember the scent of fresh-baked bread wafting from the facility, where Kern’s iconic yellow-packaged loaves were baked daily. Founded by Peter Kern in the 1860s, the bakery relocated to South Knoxville in 1931 where it operated as a regional powerhouse for more than 60 years. As time passed, the factory …
McMorrow Reports: Intentional healthcare design improves patient and provider experiences
From The McMorrow Reports, March 31, 2025. When it comes to healthcare facilities, great design is more about the experiences of those who interact within the space than about an innovative façade. My healthcare clients include two major health systems and seven hospital campuses, and I have concepted plans for freestanding facilities like orthopedic and urgent care clinics. Despite the …
First Creek at Austin wins two prestigious ULI awards
Johnson Architecture is proud to announce that First Creek at Austin – Phase 1, a project by Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), has received two distinguished awards from the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The honors were presented on April 30 during a ceremony in Nashville. Transforming community through vision and design As Knoxville’s first mixed-income community, First Creek at Austin …
Healthcare Facilities Today: Healthcare designs that prioritize patient and provider experiences
From Healthcare Facilities Today, March 24, 2025. The days of going to the doctor and sitting in cold, uncomfortable waiting rooms are a thing of the past. Whether the facility is a freestanding orthopedic clinic or a large urban hospital, healthcare providers are increasingly seeking designs that provide a pleasant atmosphere while still optimizing efficiency. No matter the size or …
Retrofit Magazine: Dilapidated structure becomes architecture office
From Retrofit Magazine, Feb. 26, 2025. Johnson Architecture has opened its new headquarters in South Knoxville, Tenn.’s waterfront district amid a community of parks, restaurants and other local businesses. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant business district in South Knoxville,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Thanks to the loyalty of our clients, our firm …
Knox News: 40 Under 40: Joey Staats designs buildings with customer, community in mind
From Knoxville News Sentinel, Jan. 12, 2025. Joey Staats was named partner at Johnson Architecture in 2022, a sign of the firm’s confidence and trust in his ability. He remains an adept designer who focuses on how projects will improve the user’s quality of life. Click here to read the story.
Teknovation: Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast
From Teknovation.biz, Nov. 15, 2024 Early in his life, Daryl Johnson had a sense of honesty and pride in your reputation instilled in him Thirty years later, the President of Johnson Architecture still subscribes to the importance of those learnings from his parents. Daryl Johnson, President, Principal Architect and Director of Design for Johnson Architecture Inc., learned early in life …
JAI celebrates two architects for achieving licensure
Johnson Architecture staff architects Emily Haire and Michael Schmidt have successfully completed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become fully licensed. “We are thrilled to congratulate these architects who offer so much dedication and talent to our clients,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Emily and Michael are creative and skilled designers and incredible assets to the …
JAI project First Creek at Austin earns national housing award for project design
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (KCDC) First Creek at Austin Phase 1 has earned a top award from a national housing and community development organization for the design of the redeveloped neighborhood. The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) awarded the project an Award of Merit for the holistic approach to the neighborhood, including community input; preservation of culture; …