Eastport Honored with 7th Award
May 16, 2013
Congratulations to Knoxville's Community Development Corporation and the Eastport Team. The Residences at Eastport has been awarded a Tennessee Historical Commission (THC) Certificate of Merit for 2013. This award is in the category of Historic Preservation for the restoration and re-use of the Eastport School in Five Points. Since 1975, the THC Certificate of Merit Awards has recognized individuals, publications, projects, and programs that contribute to history and historic preservation efforts in our state.
Sacred Heart Master Plan and Cathedral
April 5, 2013
We are proud to announce that we have been selected by Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and School to provide master planning services as part of their Sacred Heart Strategic Plan. We are very fortunate and excited to work with this important client. We are collaborating with renowned Ecclesiastical Consultant, Duncan Stroik, an expert in sacred architecture. Our team looks forward to working hand-in-hand with the master planning committee, the community, and the diocese to develop the road map for the future growth of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish.
Keith Percic Achieves Licensure
March 21, 2013
Congratulations to Keith Percic, AIA, LEED AP - BMa's latest licensed architect. Keith is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design and also studied at the TKK – Aalto University School of Science & Technology, Finnish Summer Architecture Institute. Becoming a licensed architect is an arduous process, encompassing seven exams and thousands of hours of work experience. We are proud of Keith's accomplishment and delighted he is part of our team.
Lawrence Scarpa to be first BarberMcMurry Visiting Professor at UT School of Architecture and Design
March 13, 2013
We are delighted to announce the very first BarberMcMurry Visiting Professorship in Design at the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. Lawrence Scarpa of the renowned architecture firm Brooks + Scarpa will be the first to helm this position created by an endowment from BMa. Mr. Scarpa's award winning work serves as an inspiration and explores the possibilities of modern architecture. We hope his tenure at UT's School of Architecture will seed the next generation of architects with a commitment to design excellence. You can learn more about Lawrence Scarpa here: www.pugh-scarpa.com
Megan Chafin Achieves Licensure
January 10, 2013
Congratulations to Ms. Megan Chafin, AIA- BarberMcMurry’s recently licensed architect. Megan graduated in 2011 from the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Architecture and Design where she received the Henry Adams Medal of Merit and was a Robert B. Church III Graduate Award Finalist. In addition, Megan was the Project Manager for the UTK Solar Decathlon Project The Living Light House. www.livinglightutk.com This project participated in an international competition in our nation’s capital that focused on sustainable practices in design and construction. BMa is proud of her accomplishments and honored that she is collaborating with our BMa family.
BMa Senior Partner, David Wooley, receives AIA Gold Medal
December 3, 2012
Our friend, colleague, and BMa Senior Partner, David Wooley, has been presented with the East Tennessee American Institute of Architects Gold Medal. The Gold Medal is conferred by the AIA Board of Directors in recognition of a significant body of work of lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. In addition to this honor, David is also a member of the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows. The College of Fellows, founded in 1952, is composed of members of the Institute who are elected to Fellowship by a jury of their peers. Fellowship is one of the highest honors the AIA can bestow upon a member. Elevation to Fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of the architect as an individual but also elevates before the public and the profession those architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and to society. We congratulate David on his Gold Medal and his contributions to the practice of great architecture.
Accolades for Eastport
November 28, 2012
The Residences at Eastport have recently been recognized with several awards. Last night receiving the Knox County Mayor's Award at the annual Knox Heritage Preservation Awards; and previously winning a Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchid Award, an East Tennessee Preservation Alliance Award, and a US HUD Region IV Signature Project designation under the Sustainable Communities Initiative. In addition to the accolades, Eastport is also the first project in Knoxville to receive Platinum certification under LEED for Homes | Multi-family. Congratulations to the entire project team and our client for making this project a resounding success and asset for our community.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital Recognized by The American Institute of Architects
October 23, 2012
The lobby and waiting area renovations for East Tennessee Children's Hospital was presented an Award of Merit by the East Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects. A jury of award winning, nationally recognized architects convened in Marfa, Texas to judge the submitted projects from the east Tennessee region. The transformational design performed by BMa for East Tennessee Children's Hospital struck the jury and garnered the award recognition. In addition to the AIA award, the lobby and waiting area renovation was recently featured in Healthcare Design Magazine's Project Showcase. BMa is proud to have been a part of this project and the continued success of our client and friends at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
BMa VP & Director of Design, Chad Boetger, Elected to Knoxville CBID Board
June 25, 2012
Elections were held for 4 new members to serve on Knoxville's Central Business Improvement District Board. Downtown resident and BMa's own Chad Boetger was elected to a three year term. The CBID is focused on the revitalization and future of downtown Knoxville.
Pellissippi State Community College - Magnolia Campus wins Orchid Award
October 27, 2011
On October 27, 2011 the 30th annual Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchid Awards were held; and we are pleased to announce that Pellissippi State Community College - Magnolia Campus won! The Orchid Awards are held every year and celebrate those projects identified by Keep Knoxville Beautiful as "promoting a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful community". More information on Keep Knoxville Beautiful can be found here.
BARBERMcMURRY architects: On The Move
October 21, 2011
For nearly a century, BarberMcMurry architects has been a leader in architectural design and a creative force in our community and region. To best position ourselves for the future, we are excited to announce that BarberMcMurry architects will be relocating our offices to the Arnstein Building at Market Square - in the heart of Downtown Knoxville.
We recognize that the speed of change in our profession and the world around us is greater than ever. BarberMcMurry architects is poised to respond to that change and the opportunities that lie ahead. Immersing ourselves in a dynamic urban atmosphere is conducive to the mindset and attitude of creativity, collaboration, and responsiveness that we strive to bring to our clients. Our move is a means to inspire our team and elevate our passion by surrounding ourselves with the positive energy created by the continued revitalization of Knoxville's downtown.
The opportunity to join the team at Arnstein Partners allows us to realize a move we have envisioned for several years. This partnership will help return a prominent Knoxville building to productive use and further enhance a vibrant Market Square. The restored Arnstein, tallest building in Knoxville at the time of its completion in 1906, will house lower level retail, commercial, and residential when the interior renovations are completed in late 2012. BarberMcMurry plans to finalize our move close to the completion of the balance of the work in late November or December of next year.
Chuck Griffin, President of the firm, summarized the firm's outlook adding: "We look forward to being a part of the downtown community, doing our part to share in its revitalization, and best positioning our firm for the future!"
Arnstein photo at right, source unknown, obtained from the McClung Collection Archives
A New Norris House; a new sustainable home designed for the 21st century
September 8, 2011
Two of our own from BMa: Jimmy Ryan and Matt Childress; both recent graduates from the University of Tennessee School of Architecture, played significant roles in the design and construction of this inspiring project featured on ArchDaily. Congratulations to them both on this exciting accomplishment.
Company Announcements
August 18, 2011
We here at BMa would like to congratulate and say we are very proud of our own Matt Jordan who just recently passed his last registration exam (7 in total) and is now a licensed architect. Well done.
Company Announcements
February 22, 2011
We are happy to make the following announcements: Michael T. Dooley, AIA has been promoted to Vice President of BarberMcMurry architects. Mike rejoined BMa three years ago as a Senior Associate. We would also like to congratulate BarberMcMurry architects’ Senior Vice President, Kelly L. Headden, AIA, who has been named President Elect for the East Tennessee Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Groundbreaking Ceremony held for the new Natalie L. Haslam Music Center
November 10, 2010
Over a hundred supporters and friends of the School of Music and the University of Tennessee attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Natalie L. Haslam School of Music. We are proud to be the designers of what we hope will be a landmark facility on UT's Knoxville campus. You can read more about the event in the Knoxville News Sentinel. Also, you can find more information on the design in our Projects section of this website or on our Facebook page.
LeConte Medical Center featured on cover of Health Facilities Management Magazine
November 8, 2010
Our recently completed LeConte Medical Center is currently featured on the cover of Health Facilities Management Magazine. Congratulations to our entire design team for a project well done.
Keep Knoxville Beautiful Announces Orchid Award Winners
October 29, 2010
Our project for the University of Tennessee Medical Center Heart Hospital was honored with a 2010 Orchid Award from Keep Knoxville Beautiful. Congratulations to all of this year's winners. Check out Keep Knoxville Beautiful for more information. Also, the latest photos of the Heart Hospital can be seen in our PROJECTS section of this website or on our Facebook Page
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 12, 2010
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (hence the BMa logo color shift). Check out Susan G. Komen for the Cure for more information.
LeConte Medical Center featured in latest Healthcare Design Magazine
October 6, 2010
We are proud to see our work for LeConte Medical Center published in the latest issue of Healthcare Design Magazine.
More information can be found on our Facebook page or at Healthcare Design Magazine
BMa gift creates $1 Million Endowment
September 10, 2010
We are excited to announce the creation of the BarberMcMurry Visiting Professorship in Design at the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. Bma’s commitment to design excellence extends to the next generation of architects studying at UT; and our contribution, combined with a previous Barber estate gift, creates a $1 million dollar endowment.
More information can be found HERE
Medical Office Building Design
September 7, 2010
Sometimes creative design solutions can be born from the pressures of outrageous deadlines. When asked by a client to create a design for a new medical office building in time for a lunch meeting, we responded with this option created during a 4-hour charrette. The design solution responds to the limitations dictated by the local zoning codes, required building square footage, and necessary surface parking all placed on a very limited site. This two story office building cantilevers over the parking area to maximize the usage of the constrained site area as well as sheltering patients as they arrive.
See images of this project on Facebook or in our Projects section.
2010 MPC Excellence Awards
August 27, 2010
We're proud that Pellissippi State Community College - Magnolia Campus was recognized last night for design excellence by the Knoxville Metropolitan Planning Commission. Congratulations to the school and our entire design team.
Check out the MPC website for more information.
See Photos of this project on Facebook or in our Projects section.
ZEBRAlliance
August 23, 2010
ZEBRAlliance, An Alliance Maximizing Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency in Buildings, is both a public-private research project and a multi-faceted energy-efficiency education campaign. The founders of the public–private alliance include Schaad Companies and Oak Ridge National Laboratory along with Tennessee Valley Authority, the Department of Energy, BarberMcMurry Architects and many industry partners.
See Photos of this project on Facebook or in our Projects section.
DIY Network - ZEBRAAlliance
August 23, 2010
One of our projects, the ZEBRAlliance, is going to be featured on the DIY Network. This is a research project in energy efficient home design that we are participating in with team members Schaad Companies and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The show, "This New House", will air this Thursday night (August 26, 2010) - check your local television listings. DIY Network.
Christing Geros - Adjunct Lecturer
August 19, 2010
One of our designers, Christina Geros, has been invited to be an Adjunct Lecturer this semester at the University of Tennessee School of Architecture. She will be participating in a third year design studio focusing on "architecture + culture". This studio will tackle the complexities and poetic essence of the UT Music Center on the Knoxville Campus.
The Residences at Eastport
August 13, 2010
New construction of four apartment buildings and adaptive re-use of the historic Eastport Elementary School combined to provide affordable senior housing. We are excited to be working with our friends at SandersPace architects in this joint venture. Careful detailing and thoughtful design are critical in respecting the historic architecture of the existing school, while at the same time providing new architecture that speaks to this century.
Photos of the project can be found in our Projects section and photos of the ground breaking are on Facebook.
King Family Library Update
August 11, 2010
We have updated our website with photography of the recently completed King Family Library in Sevierville, TN. We're very happy with how this project has turned out. Projects.
East Tennessee Community Design Center
July 25, 2010
We thought we would pass along this Blog entryfrom the East Tennessee Community Design Center regarding the University of Tennessee's School of Architecture and their entry into the Solar Decathlon. Potentially using some strategies used in our "Zero" Energy homes built in Oak Ridge (ZEBRAlliance)
ZEBRAlliance Houses
July 14, 2010
We've updated our website to include some recent photography of our Zero Energy Houses in Oak Ridge. The current stats show the houses using only 50 cents worth of energy everyday, not bad. Projects.
World Architecture News
July 12, 2010
We are proud that another one of our projects is being featured on the World Architecture News Website. Pellissippi State Community College - Magnolia Campus is a modest project that's had a big impact on the aesthetics of this East Knoxville site.
World Architecture News
July 7, 2010
Our collaboration with The University of Tennessee Medical Center in designing their new Heart Hospital is currently featured in an article on the World Architecture News Website.
AIA Gulf State Awards
June 15, 2010
We received the AIA Gulf States Awards Jury Comments for Pellissippi State Community College - Magnolia Campus, and we couldn't be prouder:
"A delicate and artistic transformation of the building’s identity through the use of glass and light that was sensitive to the building’s original architecture."
"This is an excellent example of a modest project yielding results greater than the sum of the parts and in the process allows all of us to show clients how existing buildings can be updated and modernized for modest investments. Reuse of an existing building, the ultimate in sustainability, is successful because of the skilled implementation of the simple improvements.
See this Project.

