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 …

Retrofit Magazine: Dilapidated structure becomes architecture office

From Retrofit Magazine, Feb. 26, 2025. Johnson Architecture has opened its new headquarters in South Knoxville, Tenn.’s waterfront district amid a community of parks, restaurants and other local businesses. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant business district in South Knoxville,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Thanks to the loyalty of our clients, our firm …

Teknovation: Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Teknovation.biz, Nov. 15, 2024 Early in his life, Daryl Johnson had a sense of honesty and pride in your reputation instilled in him Thirty years later, the President of Johnson Architecture still subscribes to the importance of those learnings from his parents. Daryl Johnson, President, Principal Architect and Director of Design for Johnson Architecture Inc., learned early in life …

JAI celebrates two architects for achieving licensure

Johnson Architecture staff architects Emily Haire and Michael Schmidt have successfully completed the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) to become fully licensed. “We are thrilled to congratulate these architects who offer so much dedication and talent to our clients,” said Daryl Johnson, founder and president of Johnson Architecture. “Emily and Michael are creative and skilled designers and incredible assets to the …

JAI project First Creek at Austin earns national housing award for project design

Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation’s (KCDC) First Creek at Austin Phase 1 has earned a top award from a national housing and community development organization for the design of the redeveloped neighborhood. The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) awarded the project an Award of Merit for the holistic approach to the neighborhood, including community input; preservation of culture; …