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, …
JAI adds Simone Hashmi as intern architect
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 …
JAI to partner on The Play District: Powered by Hasbro in Pigeon Forge
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 …
JAI supports emerging architects and designers through internships
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 …
JAI appoints Jeff Williamson, Daryl Johnson to new roles
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 …
‘Smokies Loop’ named finalist in The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge
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 …
JAI’s JD Schumacher earns licensure
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. …
JAI’s Jeremiah Corbett named Blount County Young Professionals board chair
Jeremiah Corbett, project manager for Johnson Architecture, has been elevated to board chair of Blount County Young Professionals, an initiative of Blount Partnership. “Jeremiah is a catalyst who fosters collaboration, builds culture, and serves his community,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “He is passionate about helping other young professionals navigate early career challenges and seek professional …
JAI enhances leadership with Haire, Overton, and Reynolds
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 …












