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 …

JAI adds Howard as intern architect and landscape architect

Johnson Architecture has hired University of Tennessee graduate Gabrielle Howard as an intern architect and landscape architect. Howard earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 2022 and a Master of Landscape Architecture in 2023 from the UT College of Architecture and Design. She worked for one year as an architectural intern at R2R Studio in Knoxville in schematic design, concept design, …

JAI adds Schumacher as intern architect

Johnson Architecture has hired University of Tennessee graduate JD Schumacher as an intern architect. Schumacher studied at UT’s College of Architecture and Design, where he was named a 2023 Distinguished Design Award finalist. He interned at Johnson Architecture for two summers, in 2021 and 2022, and now joins as a full-time member of the firm. Schumacher previously interned at Boral …

JAI adds McCarter as intern architect

Johnson Architecture has hired University of Tennessee graduate Deborah “Debbie” McCarter as an intern architect. McCarter graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Architecture from the UT College of Architecture and Design and worked for three years as an architectural associate at R2R Studio in Knoxville. “Debbie already has considerable experience in commercial, hospitality and residential projects,” said Daryl Johnson, …

JAI earns international brick award for UT dining hall project

Johnson Architecture has earned a Brick in Architecture Award from the Brick Industry Association for its design of the University of Tennessee’s Rocky Top Dining Hall in recognition of the versatility and beauty of brick in modern buildings across the world. Wienerberger AG, an Austrian brick maker and the world’s largest producer of bricks, started the Brick in Architecture Awards …

JAI-designed First Creek at Austin Phase 1 earns beautification award

First Creek at Austin Phase 1, designed by Johnson Architecture, has earned a 2023 Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchids Award in the new architecture category. Award winners were announced at a ceremony on Feb. 16. The Orchids Awards are presented annually to recognize Knoxville’s most beautiful properties and the local businesses and organizations who work to create them. Owned and managed …

Hicks, Corbett join AIA East Tennessee board

Kelley Hicks and Jeremiah Corbett have joined the board of directors for the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and will assist in the organization’s mission of developing cities, communities and built environments for the 21st century. Kelley, a project manager, joined the firm in 2015 and works closely with the Principal-In-Charge to coordinate between the …

JAI names Staats as partner

Joseph “Joey” Staats has been named a partner at Johnson Architecture, a firm founded in 1994 that provides architecture, planning and interior design services for facilities of all types. “Our firm is better positioned to provide outstanding service with Joey among our leadership,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of the Knoxville-based firm. “He embraces the complexity of each project, …