Updates

  • We join our neighbors, friends, and people around the world in celebrating the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton. To many, she was a beloved entertainer, philanthropist, and cultural icon. To our close friends at Dollywood and us at JAI, she was the Dreamer-in-Chief—a fitting title for someone who dreamed boldly and inspired others to do the same. Through her creativity, generosity, and deep love for the people and places she called home, Dolly built a legacy that will endure for generations. Her example will continue to inspire us to dream big, create with love, and serve others.
  • We’re honored to be part of the team bringing the Women’s Suffrage Museum to life in downtown Knoxville. Spanning two historic buildings on S. Gay Street, the 30,000-square-foot museum will become the world’s largest dedicated exclusively to women’s suffrage—sharing a story with deep roots here in Tennessee. In 1920, a letter from Febb Burn encouraged her son, Tennessee legislator Harry Burn, to cast the deciding vote for ratification of the 19th Amendment. More than a century later, we have the opportunity to help create a place where that history can be experienced, shared, and remembered. For JAI, it’s a project that brings together so much of what we value: thoughtful reuse of historic buildings, meaningful visitor experiences, and design that connects people to the stories of a place. We’re excited to help shape what comes next. Read more about the project at the link in our bio.
  • NightFlight Expedition officially opens August 19 at @Dollywood, bringing an entirely new kind of adventure to the Smokies. The $50 million attraction—the world’s first indoor adventure coaster—takes riders soaring over the mountains, plunging through raging rapids, and into an experience unlike anything Dollywood has done before. Congratulations to @dollywood on an incredible new adventure. We can’t wait to take flight! Link in bio for more info!
  • Places that feel like they belong don't happen by accident. They begin by listening—to residents, to history, and to the community's hopes for what's next. That approach shaped First Creek at Austin, and we're honored to see the project highlighted by Affordable Housing News. Thank you to @kcdccommunity and our project partners for trusting us to be part of this important work. Read the full story through the link in our bio.
  • We believe the most successful healthcare environments never lose sight of the people they serve. Behind the scenes, the new Linear Accelerator Suite at @tennovanorthknoxville required extensive coordination of radiation shielding, structural systems, building infrastructure, and clinical workflows. Every decision was made to create a treatment environment that supports exceptional care for patients throughout East Tennessee. Explore the full project through the link in our bio. #JohnsonArchitecture #HealthcareArchitecture #HealthcareDesign #CancerCare #Architecture #DesignWithPurpose #RadiationOncology
  • This summer, we're adding another player to our lineup. ⚽ We're excited to welcome Simone Hashmi as JAI's newest Intern Architect! Fresh off attending a World Cup match and always ready to talk soccer, Simone is bringing that same enthusiasm and team spirit to our studio. Welcome to JAI, Simone!
  • Designing memorable places is what we love to do. We're proud to partner with Safe Harbor Development on The Play District: Powered by Hasbro, creating a unique family entertainment destination for East Tennessee. Thanks to @knoxvillephoto for sharing the story! Link in bio
  • Safe to say, they're fitting in just fine! Meet our summer interns, Melani and Cameron! We're excited to have them on the team this summer as they jump into projects, job sites, and everything in between. We love investing in future designers, and we can't wait to see what these two bring to the team over the next few months. Learn more about Melani and Cameron on our website. Link in bio.
  • A few favorite moments from a couple of great nights in June. From Martinis at the Mansion to Good Vibrations, we loved spending time with our community while supporting @blountmansion and @cscet. We're thankful to be part of a community that shows up for one another, and we're always happy to support organizations making a real difference here in East Tennessee. Shoutout to our JAI team members and family members who came out to celebrate these incredible causes with us! #JAI #CommunitySupport #GivingBack #Knoxville #EastTennessee
  • Back from Chicago and still thinking about everything we experienced during our first day at Fulton Market Design Days. From furniture, textiles, flooring, and accessories to workplace and healthcare environments, the showrooms highlighted a shared focus on comfort, flexibility, and connection. Wellness Rooms stood out as an increasingly important part of corporate spaces, reflecting a growing emphasis on employee well-being and support. The day was full of inspiration and a reminder that great design isn't about chasing trends—it's about creating spaces that feel authentic to the people who use them and connected to the places they serve. That's a perspective that continues to resonate with the way we approach design: creating spaces that feel natural, purposeful, and rooted in their surroundings. #FultonMarketDesignDays #DesignDays #InteriorDesign #WorkplaceDesign #HealthcareDesign #CommercialInteriors #DesignInspiration
  • 🍊🏈 With the Orange & White Game tomorrow, Big Orange energy is already building—on and off the field. This phase of the Haslam Field Expansion highlights spaces designed to support athletes beyond performance—starting with connection and downtime. The player’s lounge blends focus and fun with dedicated study areas, a two-lane bowling alley, and an immersive gaming zone. Thoughtfully curated furnishings by @lauderdaledesigngroup, @workspaceinteriors and @noitennessee create a comfortable, flexible environment that supports both productivity and relaxation. Every detail is designed to foster community, balance, and the full student-athlete experience. #GBO #Vols #RockyTop #TennesseeFootball #JAINC #SportsArchitecture #AthleticFacilities #DesignExcellence #StudentAthleteLife #AthleteExperience #TeamCulture #RecruitingEdge #AmenitySpaces #InteriorArchitecture #HospitalityDesign #CampusDesign 🔗 Explore the full project at the link in bio. Design Team: @jainc1994 @theslamcollaborative Acoustical Wall Treatment: @airspaceacoustics Graphics: @lsigraphics Bowling: @qubicaamfbowling Furniture: @lauderdaledesigngroup, @workspaceinteriors, @noitennessee Lighting: @fsalighting 📸: @danielbrownphoto
  • 🍊🏈 Big Orange energy, built for performance. This phase of the Haslam Field Expansion highlights spaces designed to support athletes beyond the field—starting with recovery. Walk-through spray showers, a plunge pool for rapid cooldown, a full-body drying system, and a dedicated nutrition area work together to create an efficient, high-performance environment. Custom equipment lockers, produced by @hollmanlockers, integrate UV lighting and ventilation to promote a more sanitary environment, reinforcing a holistic approach to athlete care. Every detail is designed to help athletes reset, recover, and get back to work. #GBO #Vols #RockyTop #TennesseeFootball #JAINC #SportsArchitecture #AthleticFacilities #DesignExcellence #SportsPerformance #AthleteRecovery #TrainingFacility #WellnessDesign #LockerRoomDesign #SportsDesign #PerformanceDriven #BuiltForAthletes 🔗 Explore the full project at the link in bio. Design Team: @theslamcollaborative @jainc1994 Plunge Pool Design: @counsilmanhunsaker 📸: @_houseoflamar
  • We join our neighbors, friends, and people around the world in celebrating the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton. To many, she was a beloved entertainer, philanthropist, and cultural icon. To our close friends at Dollywood and us at JAI, she was the Dreamer-in-Chief—a fitting title for someone who dreamed boldly and inspired others to do the same. Through her creativity, generosity, and deep love for the people and places she called home, Dolly built a legacy that will endure for generations. Her example will continue to inspire us to dream big, create with love, and serve others.
  • We’re honored to be part of the team bringing the Women’s Suffrage Museum to life in downtown Knoxville. Spanning two historic buildings on S. Gay Street, the 30,000-square-foot museum will become the world’s largest dedicated exclusively to women’s suffrage—sharing a story with deep roots here in Tennessee. In 1920, a letter from Febb Burn encouraged her son, Tennessee legislator Harry Burn, to cast the deciding vote for ratification of the 19th Amendment. More than a century later, we have the opportunity to help create a place where that history can be experienced, shared, and remembered. For JAI, it’s a project that brings together so much of what we value: thoughtful reuse of historic buildings, meaningful visitor experiences, and design that connects people to the stories of a place. We’re excited to help shape what comes next. Read more about the project at the link in our bio.
  • NightFlight Expedition officially opens August 19 at @Dollywood, bringing an entirely new kind of adventure to the Smokies. The $50 million attraction—the world’s first indoor adventure coaster—takes riders soaring over the mountains, plunging through raging rapids, and into an experience unlike anything Dollywood has done before. Congratulations to @dollywood on an incredible new adventure. We can’t wait to take flight! Link in bio for more info!
  • Places that feel like they belong don't happen by accident. They begin by listening—to residents, to history, and to the community's hopes for what's next. That approach shaped First Creek at Austin, and we're honored to see the project highlighted by Affordable Housing News. Thank you to @kcdccommunity and our project partners for trusting us to be part of this important work. Read the full story through the link in our bio.

Imagine a Place podcast: Mothers of Design: Designing careers, raising families, and finding balace.

Featured image for “Imagine a Place podcast: Mothers of Design: Designing careers, raising families, and finding balace.”

Bringing the story of women’s suffrage to life in Downtown Knoxville

Featured image for “Bringing the story of women’s suffrage to life in Downtown Knoxville”

The Wright residence: a case study in accessible architectural communication

Featured image for “The Wright residence: a case study in accessible architectural communication”

Imagine a Place podcast: Mothers of Design: Designing careers, raising families, and finding balace.

Featured image for “Imagine a Place podcast: Mothers of Design: Designing careers, raising families, and finding balace.”

Bringing the story of women’s suffrage to life in Downtown Knoxville

Featured image for “Bringing the story of women’s suffrage to life in Downtown Knoxville”

The Wright residence: a case study in accessible architectural communication

Featured image for “The Wright residence: a case study in accessible architectural communication”

First Creek at Austin featured in Affordable Housing News

Featured image for “First Creek at Austin featured in Affordable Housing News”

JAI adds Simone Hashmi as intern architect

Featured image for “JAI adds Simone Hashmi as intern architect”

JAI to partner on The Play District: Powered by Hasbro in Pigeon Forge

Featured image for “JAI to partner on The Play District: Powered by Hasbro in Pigeon Forge”

JAI supports emerging architects and designers through internships

Featured image for “JAI supports emerging architects and designers through internships”

JAI appoints Jeff Williamson, Daryl Johnson to new roles

Featured image for “JAI appoints Jeff Williamson, Daryl Johnson to new roles”

‘Smokies Loop’ named finalist in The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge

Featured image for “‘Smokies Loop’ named finalist in The Boring Company’s Tunnel Vision Challenge”

JAI’s JD Schumacher earns licensure

Featured image for “JAI’s JD Schumacher earns licensure”

JAI’s Jeremiah Corbett named Blount County Young Professionals board chair

Featured image for “JAI’s Jeremiah Corbett named Blount County Young Professionals board chair”

JAI enhances leadership with Haire, Overton, and Reynolds

Featured image for “JAI enhances leadership with Haire, Overton, and Reynolds”

JAI earns Orchids Award for new headquarters

Featured image for “JAI earns Orchids Award for new headquarters”

JAI’s Debbie McCarter earns licensure

Featured image for “JAI’s Debbie McCarter earns licensure”

JAI grants scholarships to University of Tennessee students, renews scholarship commitment for five years  

Featured image for “JAI grants scholarships to University of Tennessee students, renews scholarship commitment for five years  ”

JAI earns AIA awards for projects in Tennessee and North Carolina

Featured image for “JAI earns AIA awards for projects in Tennessee and North Carolina”

JAI earns 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Residential Architects recognition

Featured image for “JAI earns 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Residential Architects recognition”

JAI adds Katie Johnson as interior designer

Featured image for “JAI adds Katie Johnson as interior designer”

VIP Knoxville 50 Under 50: Heather Overton

Featured image for “VIP Knoxville 50 Under 50: Heather Overton”

JAI adds John Koelsch as project manager

Featured image for “JAI adds John Koelsch as project manager”

Atlanta Style & Design: A contemporary take on an English manor graces the banks of the Tennessee River

Featured image for “Atlanta Style & Design: A contemporary take on an English manor graces the banks of the Tennessee River”

JAI mentors next generation of architects and designers

Featured image for “JAI mentors next generation of architects and designers”

WATE-TV: Groundbreaking for Grace Performing Arts Center

Featured image for “WATE-TV: Groundbreaking for Grace Performing Arts Center”

Three JAI projects earn preservation awards

Featured image for “Three JAI projects earn preservation awards”

Design a school. Build a community.

Featured image for “Design a school. Build a community.”

Retrofit Magazine: A historic and beloved bread factory is transformed into a vibrant food hall

Featured image for “Retrofit Magazine: A historic and beloved bread factory is transformed into a vibrant food hall”

McMorrow Reports: Intentional healthcare design improves patient and provider experiences

Featured image for “McMorrow Reports: Intentional healthcare design improves patient and provider experiences”

First Creek at Austin wins two prestigious ULI awards

Featured image for “First Creek at Austin wins two prestigious ULI awards”

Healthcare Facilities Today: Healthcare designs that prioritize patient and provider experiences

Featured image for “Healthcare Facilities Today: Healthcare designs that prioritize patient and provider experiences”

Retrofit Magazine: Dilapidated structure becomes architecture office

Featured image for “Retrofit Magazine: Dilapidated structure becomes architecture office”

Knox News: 40 Under 40: Joey Staats designs buildings with customer, community in mind

Featured image for “Knox News: 40 Under 40: Joey Staats designs buildings with customer, community in mind”

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

Featured image for “Teknovation: Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast”

JAI celebrates two architects for achieving licensure

Featured image for “JAI celebrates two architects for achieving licensure”

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

Featured image for “JAI project First Creek at Austin earns national housing award for project design”

JAI scholarships granted to six University of Tennessee students

Featured image for “JAI scholarships granted to six University of Tennessee students”

JAI earns AIA Honor Award for restoration of its South Knoxville offices

Featured image for “JAI earns AIA Honor Award for restoration of its South Knoxville offices”

Authority Magazine: Five Things to Create a Successful Career as an Architect

Featured image for “Authority Magazine: Five Things to Create a Successful Career as an Architect”

JAI project First Creek at Austin earns statewide award for neighborhood stabilization

Featured image for “JAI project First Creek at Austin earns statewide award for neighborhood stabilization”

JAI opens new offices in South Knoxville

Featured image for “JAI opens new offices in South Knoxville”

American Planning Association: Reconnecting a city to its Cherokee culture through planning

Featured image for “American Planning Association: Reconnecting a city to its Cherokee culture through planning”

JAI grants scholarships to two University of Tennessee students

Featured image for “JAI grants scholarships to two University of Tennessee students”

JAI earns national recognition for designs of Lakeway Christian Academy and Rocky Top Dining Hall

Featured image for “JAI earns national recognition for designs of Lakeway Christian Academy and Rocky Top Dining Hall”

JAI adds Howard as intern architect and landscape architect

Featured image for “JAI adds Howard as intern architect and landscape architect”

JAI adds Schumacher as intern architect

Featured image for “JAI adds Schumacher as intern architect”

JAI adds McCarter as intern architect

Featured image for “JAI adds McCarter as intern architect”

JAI earns international brick award for UT dining hall project

Featured image for “<strong>JAI earns international brick award for UT dining hall project</strong>”

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

Featured image for “<strong>JAI-designed First Creek at Austin Phase 1 earns beautification award</strong>”

Hicks, Corbett join AIA East Tennessee board

Featured image for “Hicks, Corbett join AIA East Tennessee board”

Bowen leads Dogwood Arts board

Featured image for “Bowen leads Dogwood Arts board”

Retrofit Home: A Lakehouse Reclaimed

Featured image for “Retrofit Home: A Lakehouse Reclaimed”

VIP Knoxville: Terrific Transformation

Featured image for “VIP Knoxville: Terrific Transformation”

Retrofit Magazine: Vida and The Vault

Featured image for “Retrofit Magazine: Vida and The Vault”

JAI gets ‘a round of a-paws’ for K-Town Kennel

Featured image for “JAI gets ‘a round of a-paws’ for K-Town Kennel”

JAI names Staats as partner

Featured image for “JAI names Staats as partner”

JAI project Marble Hall earns statewide AIA Tennessee award

Featured image for “JAI project Marble Hall earns statewide AIA Tennessee award”

JAI grants first scholarship to University of Tennessee student

Featured image for “JAI grants first scholarship to University of Tennessee student”

Get to Know: Ryan Orr

Featured image for “Get to Know: Ryan Orr”

Shopper News: See the uncovered history that won First Presbyterian Church a preservation award

Featured image for “Shopper News: See the uncovered history that won First Presbyterian Church a preservation award”

JAI and The Christman Company earn award of distinction for preservation and renovation of First Presbyterian Church

Featured image for “JAI and The Christman Company earn award of distinction for preservation and renovation of First Presbyterian Church”

Johnson Architecture adds Ryan Orr as intern architect

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture adds Ryan Orr as intern architect”

JAI project Vida and The Vault earns East Tennessee Preservation Award

Featured image for “JAI project Vida and The Vault earns East Tennessee Preservation Award”

JAI names Jeremiah Corbett project architect

Featured image for “JAI names Jeremiah Corbett project architect”

Retrofit Magazine: Marble Hall and Pavilion

Featured image for “Retrofit Magazine: Marble Hall and Pavilion”

Knox.biz: If new projects are any indication, could Gay Street be ready for a second renaissance?

Featured image for “Knox.biz: If new projects are any indication, could Gay Street be ready for a second renaissance?”

JAI establishes scholarship at University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design

Featured image for “JAI establishes scholarship at University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design”

Johnson Architecture-designed Tennessee Valley Primary Care earns construction award

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture-designed Tennessee Valley Primary Care earns construction award”

USA TODAY: From staggered hours to automatic doors, how offices might look different amid the pandemic

Featured image for “USA TODAY: From staggered hours to automatic doors, how offices might look different amid the pandemic”

American Society of Landscape Architects in North Carolina recognizes Johnson Architecture, IBI Placemaking for Cherokee Cultural Corridor plan

Featured image for “American Society of Landscape Architects in North Carolina recognizes Johnson Architecture, IBI Placemaking for Cherokee Cultural Corridor plan”

Shopper News: Lakeshore Park chapel wins architects’ award

Featured image for “Shopper News: Lakeshore Park chapel wins architects’ award”

Johnson Architecture hires Michael Schmidt as intern architect

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture hires Michael Schmidt as intern architect”

VIP Knoxville: Old World + Contemporary

Featured image for “VIP Knoxville: Old World + Contemporary”

Johnson Architecture project Marble Hall earns AIA East Tennessee merit award

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture project Marble Hall earns AIA East Tennessee merit award”

VIP Knoxville: Retirement destination

Featured image for “VIP Knoxville: Retirement destination”

Johnson Architecture project Chesapeake’s West earns Keep Knoxville Beautiful award

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture project Chesapeake’s West earns Keep Knoxville Beautiful award”

Knox.biz: 40 under 40: Emily Haire of Johnson Architecture is a creator at heart

Featured image for “Knox.biz: 40 under 40: Emily Haire of Johnson Architecture is a creator at heart”

Get to Know: Michael Schmidt

Featured image for “Get to Know: Michael Schmidt”

Get to Know: Jeremiah Corbett

Featured image for “Get to Know: Jeremiah Corbett”

Johnson Architecture and The Christman Company earn preservation award for $10 million renovation of First Presbyterian Church

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture and The Christman Company earn preservation award for $10 million renovation of First Presbyterian Church”

25th Anniversary celebration

Featured image for “25th Anniversary celebration”

Johnson Architecture promotes Heather Overton to director of administration

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture promotes Heather Overton to director of administration”

Get to Know: Brian Pittman

Featured image for “Get to Know: Brian Pittman”

Johnson Architecture names Jeff Williamson as partner

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture names Jeff Williamson as partner”

Shopper News: New treasures uncovered in Knoxville’s first church founded over 200 years ago

Featured image for “Shopper News: New treasures uncovered in Knoxville’s first church founded over 200 years ago”

Get to Know: Joey Staats

Featured image for “Get to Know: Joey Staats”

VIP Knoxville: Summer Reverie: Hope and Mark Ingram’s Lakeside Retreat Taps and Creates Memories

Featured image for “VIP Knoxville: Summer Reverie: Hope and Mark Ingram’s Lakeside Retreat Taps and Creates Memories”

Get to Know: Rebecca Ware

Featured image for “Get to Know: Rebecca Ware”

Get to Know: Kelly Reynolds

Featured image for “Get to Know: Kelly Reynolds”

Get to Know: Josh Biden

Featured image for “Get to Know: Josh Biden”

Johnson Architecture project The Showroom at Five Points earns Keep Blount Beautiful award

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture project The Showroom at Five Points earns Keep Blount Beautiful award”

Get to Know: Kevin Brown

Featured image for “Get to Know: Kevin Brown”

Get to Know: Emily Haire

Featured image for “Get to Know: Emily Haire”

Get to Know: Heather Overton

Featured image for “Get to Know: Heather Overton”

News Sentinel: Hand drawing in architecture is still a sacred, if less used, skill

Featured image for “News Sentinel: Hand drawing in architecture is still a sacred, if less used, skill”

Get to Know: Jeff Williamson

Featured image for “Get to Know: Jeff Williamson”

Get to Know: Linda Mollica

Featured image for “Get to Know: Linda Mollica”

Get to Know: Rick Friel

Featured image for “Get to Know: Rick Friel”

Get to Know: Eric Bowen

Featured image for “Get to Know: Eric Bowen”

Get to Know: Daryl Johnson

Featured image for “Get to Know: Daryl Johnson”

WTNZ-TV: New Year’s Resolutions – Home Improvements

Featured image for “WTNZ-TV: New Year’s Resolutions – Home Improvements”

Shopper News: Lakeshore Park chapel now award-winning public space from Knox Heritage

Featured image for “Shopper News: Lakeshore Park chapel now award-winning public space from Knox Heritage”

Johnson Architecture surpasses Light The Night fundraising goal

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture surpasses Light The Night fundraising goal”

Johnson Architecture project Marble Hall earns East Tennessee Preservation Award

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture project Marble Hall earns East Tennessee Preservation Award”

Johnson Architecture adds Jeremiah Corbett as intern architect

Featured image for “Johnson Architecture adds Jeremiah Corbett as intern architect”