JAI has named three new partners: Emily Haire, Heather Overton, and Kelly Reynolds. “Planning for the future is essential for any business, not just in how we work, but in how we lead,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “The depth and diversity of experience that these three bring to our leadership team is truly remarkable. I’m …
JAI earns Orchids Award for new headquarters
Johnson Architecture has earned a 2025 Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchids Award for the adaptive reuse of its headquarters, transforming a fading industrial building into a striking, purpose-built office space. Located at 2018 Davenport Road in the South Knoxville Waterfront District, the design of the restored building honored the original industrial character of the structure, while modernizing it for contemporary office …
JAI’s Debbie McCarter earns licensure
JAI intern architect Debbie McCarter has successfully completed the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) to become fully licensed, earning the title of project manager. “Since Debbie joined our team in 2023, she’s worked diligently to pursue the extended process of obtaining licensure while supporting our project managers across all phases of architecture,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. …
JAI grants scholarships to University of Tennessee students, renews scholarship commitment for five years
Four students in the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design have received a scholarship from Johnson Architecture for the 2025-26 school year to help enhance their educational experiences. Architecture students Maya Donahue and Madelyn Neidhart and interior architecture students Hannah Bullen and Jaelyn Mendoza are this year’s recipients. The firm established the Johnson Architecture Scholarship in 2021 …
JAI earns AIA awards for projects in Tennessee and North Carolina
Johnson Architecture earned two awards from the American Institute of Architects’ East Tennessee chapter for new housing construction for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and a design project for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. “It is always an honor to be recognized by our peers for our vision and efforts,” said Daryl Johnson, founder, president and …
JAI earns 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Residential Architects recognition
Johnson Architecture has been named to the inaugural 2025 Forbes America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects list. The full-service architecture and interior design firm is among just ten architectural firms in Tennessee that made the list and one of only 400 recognized across the United States out of 20,000 evaluated. “It’s always rewarding to realize a client’s distinct vision for their home …
JAI adds Katie Johnson as interior designer
Katelyn “Katie” Johnson has joined Johnson Architecture as an interior designer. “Katie brings great experience in creating and executing interior design for commercial spaces, as well as the ability to elevate design with the eye of an artist,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “We’re so glad to welcome her to our team.” Johnson earned a bachelor’s …
VIP Knoxville 50 Under 50: Heather Overton
From VIP Knoxville, September 2025. As Director of Administration at Johnson Architecture, Inc., Heather Overton plays a pivotal role in ensuring the firm runs with precision and a people-first mindset. Overseeing business operations, human resources and accounting for a talented team of architects and designers, she focuses on streamlining processes so her colleagues can devote more time to their craft. …
JAI adds John Koelsch as project manager
Johnson Architecture has hired John Koelsch as a project manager with a focus on the firm’s healthcare projects. “John’s experience with the intricacies of healthcare facility design will prove beneficial to our team as well as existing and new healthcare clients,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “His skill in listening to client needs, then navigating through …
Atlanta Style & Design: A contemporary take on an English manor graces the banks of the Tennessee River
From Atlanta Style & Design, Summer 2025. For years, Susan and Bill Varner had been keeping an eye on idyllic land on the Tennessee River. Formerly farmland, Arcadia Peninsula had been divided into a small number of unique estate lots in Knoxville, Tennessee. “We used to boat by the tract of land; Bill really wanted to build there,” says Susan …












