For the fourth year, BarberMcMurry has been named an Emerging Professional Friendly Firm by AIA Tennessee!

Jurors for the award said, "The inclusion of EPs in reviewing and improving firm processes and culture, the firm’s research and development initiatives, and firm-wide participation in volunteering were all lauded by the jury."

BMA proactively encourages our EPs to engage in leadership thinking through R&D initiatives. EPs are currently leading initiatives on design process and culture — including topics like AI integration, project delivery and sustainable design. Emerging Professionals meet in a self-led group to recommend firm improvements and ideas, coordinating implementation with firm Associates and Partners.

BMA also actively encourages all employees, including EPs, to be personally and professionally involved with community, civic and charitable organizations. Each year, we hold an in-house Day of Service — in which we donate design services, entirely pro-bono, to a local non-profit — as well as other routine, firm-wide volunteer opportunities.

BarberMcMurry Architects has promoted to Associate Emmie Palmer, AIA, and Sarah Peacock, AIA, WELL AP. 

Emmie is a 2013 graduate of the UT College of Architecture and Design, and has worked as a project manager, project architect and designer. She has experience in an array of different project types, including residential, commercial, civic, community and education. She is a leader of BMA’s Black Turtleneck Sessions, an internal discussion platform for design and culture ideas. 

Sarah is a proud Clemson tiger, holding a Master of Architecture with a Healthcare concentration. She has extensive healthcare design experience and has authored a white paper on orthopedic design. Sarah is a WELL Accredited Professional and served as past Chair of AIA East Tennessee’s Barkitecture event — in which AEC professionals design and construct doghouses to fundraise for Young-Williams Animal Center.