From Imagine a Place podcast, August 2026. By Maria VanDeman, Director of Design Strategy & Host of The Imagine a Place Podcast This was not just another panel about design or the workplace. It wasn’t stuffy, formal, or forced. It was a group of people coming together around a part of life that is foundational to so many of us, yet …
Johnson Architecture has been selected as Architect of Record for the Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Cultural Center, joining the team working to create what will become the world’s largest museum dedicated solely to women’s suffrage. Planned for 706 and 708 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, the museum will transform two historic properties into an immersive destination centered …
Architecture is inherently visual. It is communicated through sketches, drawings, renderings, and models—tools that allow ideas to be explored, challenged, and refined long before a building takes shape. But every so often, a project reminds us that great design isn’t defined by how it’s presented. It’s defined by how well it’s understood. “Listening has always been the foundation of our …
We’re excited to see First Creek at Austin featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Affordable Housing News, recognizing the collaborative effort behind one of Knoxville’s most transformative mixed-income housing communities. The cover story highlights Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and the partnerships that helped bring First Creek at Austin to life. Through thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and high-quality design, …
Johnson Architecture has hired Simone Hashmi as an intern architect. “We’re pleased to have Simone join our team,” said Jeff Williamson, president of Johnson Architecture. “She has already built a strong foundation, and we’re excited to support her as she continues to develop her career and we know she’ll be a great addition to our team.” Hashmi earned a Master …
Johnson Architecture will partner with Safe Harbor Development to provide experiential thematic design for The Play District: Powered by Hasbro, which will offer indoor family fun inspired by iconic Hasbro brands in Pigeon Forge. “Designing memorable places is at the heart of what we do,” said Jeff Williamson, president of JAI. “We’re excited to partner with Safe Harbor to create …
Every summer, Johnson Architecture welcomes architecture and design students into the studio to gain real world experience alongside our team. Interns aren’t just observing – they’re working on real projects, asking questions, attending meetings, and learning what it takes to bring good design to life. This summer, we’re excited welcome back Cameron Nelson and introduce Melani Jimenez. Both have jumped …
Johnson Architecture has named principal architect and partner Jeff Williamson president of the full-service architecture and interior design firm located in South Knoxville. Daryl Johnson, who has led the company since its founding in 1994, will continue to serve the firm and its clients as founding partner and creative director. “One of my greatest honors is mentoring other architects, and …
A proposal from the developers of the Mountain Mile mixed-use development in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, could ease travel for the Sevier County area, which draws more than 20 million visitors each year. The proposed underground “Smokies Loop,” on which Johnson Architecture collaborated, has been named one of only 16 finalists out of 487 submissions in The Boring Company’s inaugural Tunnel …
Johnson Architecture intern architect JD Schumacher has successfully completed the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) to become fully licensed, earning the title of project manager. “JD is a longtime member of our team, first as an intern for two summers while he was in school, then joining as intern architect in 2023,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. …
