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 …

Heather Overton headshot

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 …

JAI mentors next generation of architects and designers

At Johnson Architecture, mentorship is more than a buzzword – it’s an intentional investment in the future of the profession. This summer, two talented interns, Cameron Nelson and Tiffany Meek, are gaining hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to the firm’s continually growing portfolio of projects. Cameron Nelson A rising fourth-year student in the University of Tennessee’s College of Architecture and …

WATE-TV: Groundbreaking for Grace Performing Arts Center

Construction is underway for Grace Performing Arts Center (GPAC) after a groundbreaking celebration June 8.  JAI is proud to partner with Grace Baptist Church to design the multi-functional facility that will offer arts education in music, dance and visual arts for Grace Christian Academy and Grace Baptist Church. WATE highlighted plans for the facility, designed to nurture creativity, education and …

Three JAI projects earn preservation awards

Three Johnson Architecture projects have been recognized with four 2025 preservation awards – the firm’s new South Knoxville headquarters, Historic Kern’s Bakery and the Vose School in Alcoa. All three projects received East Tennessee Preservation Awards on May 22 in the Preservation Merit Award category. The awards are presented annually by Knox Heritage and recognize excellence in historic preservation in a …

Design a school. Build a community.

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 …

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 …