BarberMcMurry Architects has promoted Katie Lowery, NCIDQ, RID, and Abby Farr, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP, LEED GA to Associate. 

Katie joined BarberMcMurry in 2014 and has become a senior interior designer, leading multiple efforts within the firm to strengthen our design process and culture. Lowery is a graduate of the University of Tennessee. She and her husband, Brad, have three children. She serves on the firm’s branding and design committees. 

Abby has been with the firm for five years, first as an intern and then interior designer. She graduated from Auburn University and is a WELL Accredited Professional and LEED Green Associate. Abby is a member of the Appalachian Mountain Biking Club. She has championed initiatives in the office including Black Turtleneck Sessions, a monthly design dialogue, and is a member of the firm’s culture committee.

BarberMcMurry has named Andrew S. Newman, AIA, LEED AP, as the firm’s newest Partner. 

With five years at BarberMcMurry Architects, Drew has quickly risen to the role of Senior Associate while serving as the firm’s Digital Practice Manager and a senior project manager. His leadership in Building Information Modeling (BIM) has advanced the integration of technology and craft, reinforcing BMA’s commitment to thoughtful, well-executed design. He has served as leader of the Associate Group and is a member of the Design Process & Culture committee — playing a key role in multiple innovations. 

“In every relationship we build, every design we create, and every detail we perfect, we honor the legacy of excellence established and enhanced by the leaders that came before us. I am honored to join BMA’s incredible leadership team and to have this opportunity to preserve and strengthen our legacy,” Drew said. 

He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art and his Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati, DAAP. He is a LEED Accredited Professional. 

Drew serves on the Board of Directors for AIA East Tennessee and Centro Hispano de East Tennessee. He serves on the State of Tennessee’s BIM Committee and is a member of Young Professionals of Knoxville and the Society for College & University Planning. He volunteers as a tnAchieves mentor and loves being a head coach for his two boys with the Farragut Baseball League. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children and live in West Knoxville.