BarberMcMurry partnered with Knox County and the Public Building Authority to design a new, purpose-built facility for the Knox County Regional Forensic Center — a critical 24-hour operation serving as the medical examiner’s office for Knox and Anderson counties and conducting autopsies for 21 additional counties across Tennessee.
The 33,000-square-foot facility nearly doubles the size of the existing center, accommodating a growing workload that has risen from 1,900 cases in 2019 to nearly 3,000 cases in the past year. Central to the design is a focus on operational efficiency, safety, and staff well-being. Thoughtful zoning separates forensic and office areas, with appropriate safety and security protocols tailored for a complex, sensitive workflow.
Natural light plays a key role in supporting the mental health and satisfaction of the center’s 35-person staff, while a landscaped interior courtyard brings daylight into surrounding office spaces and provides a quiet place for respite.
The design integrates a seminar room to support training and education, encouraging collaboration and learning within the forensic community.
BarberMcMurry’s design supports the unique and challenging work of forensic professionals with a facility that is efficient, secure, and deeply human-centered.
Type: New Construction
Location: Knox County, TN
Building Area: 32,969 sf
Services: Architecture, Interior Design
Use: Civic
© 2025 BarberMcMurry Architects
