During its Annual Convention, the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) recognized architectural firms for their excellence in design by presenting the TSBA School of the Year Awards. Awards were granted in five categories: New Construction of Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, Renovation, and the People’s Choice award, which was selected by TSBA membership.

MHM in collaboration with the Architect of Record, Design Innovation Architects (DIA), was recognized for the design of the Athens PreK-5 School in both the Elementary School and People’s Choice categories.

The consolidation of Athens City Schools was driven by the need to address stagnant growth, aging facilities, and increasing operational and maintenance costs. The decision was made to merge two primary schools, two intermediate schools, and one middle school into a more efficient two-school system.

By creating a new PreK-5 school, four aging facilities were replaced, saving on costly repairs and maintenance. Additionally, the strategic location of the new school adjacent to Athens City Middle School presented an opportunity to establish a single PreK-8 campus. Overall, this new PreK-5 school design supports more efficient operational costs, enhanced security and monitoring, allows for expanded educational programs, and consolidates resources that enhance curriculum opportunities.

This innovative and efficient concept of two schools under one roof allows the school to maintain its primary and intermediate grade structure while creating a conducive learning environment for its 1,340 students. The school is divided into two independent schools with separate primary and intermediate classroom wings, each having its own administration areas and entries.

Read more about the project, here.

For PARK(ing) Day 2024, MHM partnered with the Knoxville Arts & Culture Alliance, a local nonprofit organization, to raise awareness about The Emporium and celebrate local artists throughout the city. With a focus on sustainability and adaptability, the team designed a modular structure that is versatile, reusable, and purpose-built to maximize its value for the Arts & Culture Alliance.

The installation serves multiple functions, including acting as a stage backdrop, a space divider, a freestanding gallery, or even an outdoor exhibit for First Friday events. Constructed from birch plywood sheets—chosen for their natural aesthetic and alignment with The Emporium’s existing material palette—the structure is assembled using hand-welded brackets. This design enables two gallery walls in its main form while maintaining flexibility to meet The Emporium’s diverse needs.

Arranged in a zigzag pattern at a 45-degree angle, the plywood panels optimize art display space while minimizing the overall footprint. Designed for efficiency, the structure can be quickly assembled, easily disassembled, and folded flat for convenient storage. Its modular design and notch-style joinery allow for various configurations, from a single long gallery wall to smaller, separate two-panel displays.

Additionally, the structure incorporates functional elements, such as blocks that can be used as seating for artists or viewers, or as pedestals for displaying art. During PARK(ing) Day, the panels featured art in various mediums created by local artists sponsored by The Emporium. Like a traditional gallery, these pieces were available for purchase, showcasing the dynamic relationship between art, community, and sustainability.

MHM is excited to announce the promotions of four distinguished team members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership within our firm and the community. These individuals have been instrumental in mentoring both employees and clients, utilizing their unique skills to guide the design process. Their contributions embody MHM’s core mission of creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable architecture that improves every space we touch.

Aaron Miller, AIA, CSI – Promoted to Principal
With over 25 years of experience in the architecture and construction industry, Aaron Miller’s expertise as a Project Manager has been a cornerstone of MHM’s success. Known for his collaborative leadership, Aaron excels in communication and organization, always striving to exceed client expectations. His extensive background in construction and comprehensive involvement in the delivery process—from strategic planning to quality control and construction contract administration—makes him an exceptional leader who seamlessly guides clients from project conception to completion.

A Knoxville native, Aaron is passionate about giving back to his community. He serves on the board of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), advancing the design and construction industry through education and collaboration. Additionally, he volunteers with local nonprofits, mission projects, and youth athletics, demonstrating his deep commitment to community service.

Melissa Hatchett, AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C, LFA – Promoted to Associate
Melissa Hatchett’s passion for creative problem-solving and attention to detail has earned her a promotion to Associate. A University of Tennessee alumna, she has established herself in the Knoxville area as a specialist in commercial renovations and restaurant design. Melissa’s love for learning and versatility across project types allows her to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to every project. She believes that attention to detail transforms good designs into exceptional realities.

Sean Hackett, AIA – Promoted to Associate
Sean Hackett is driven by a desire to elevate human experiences through architecture. After joining MHM in 2021, following a successful seven-year tenure in Atlanta, Sean has specialized in restaurant and hospitality design. His background in Historic Preservation from the College of Charleston, coupled with a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech, positions him as a multidisciplinary expert capable of guiding clients through each phase of a project. Sean’s focus on creating enriching and enjoyable spaces underscores his commitment to meaningful architecture.

Chris Woodcock, AIA – Promoted to Associate
Chris Woodcock’s diverse portfolio and two decades of experience have made him a valuable asset to MHM. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Chris has led residential, commercial, hospitality, and educational projects. He approaches each project with a focus on client engagement, creative problem-solving, and thoughtful attention to detail, regardless of budget or scale. Chris's optimistic outlook and empathetic approach ensure seamless project execution and long-lasting client satisfaction.

MHM proudly celebrates these talented individuals and their contributions to our firm’s continued success. Their leadership, dedication, and expertise are testaments to our commitment to excellence in architecture and design.

MHM is honored to be one of . We're proud to have been acknowledged in the Small Business category and to receive the Benefits (My benefits package is good compared to others in this industry) Specialty Award.

The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few. Our employees cite a strong firm culture and a relaxed, creative work environment among the top reasons MHM is a great workplace.

A huge thank you to our incredible and dedicated staff for making MHM a great place to work.

Pictured left to right: Hannah Bowman, Lauren Hall, Anna Haynes, Shannon Stanton, and Danielle DiCicco.

MHM recognizes the importance of investing in the future of our profession, therefore, we are excited to welcome five talented interns to MHM’s 2024 [on]SITE (Student Intern Training and Experience) program. This program is designed to provide our student interns, all from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design, with a unique and rewarding experience. Our interns this summer will channel their curiosity about all things design practice through their [in]SITE office events and [off]SITE field visits.

Through this program, MHM is promoting opportunities for student interns to understand the capacity of our industry and the breadth of our reach. Each of our interns has been assigned an [over]SITE mentor who will help guide them, answer questions, and build relationships. MHM mentors will act as liaisons between our interns and the rest of the firm, building relationships they will carry with them past this summer experience. The [off]SITE schedule will encourage our interns to build relationships within the larger community beyond our front doors. MHM interns will visit project sites, civic events, and local board and committee meetings to seek out the value of a designer’s role as a practicing professional, including elements of construction administration, organization involvement, and industry awareness.

The [re]SITE research engagement is grounded in our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and ethical design practices. We believe that research is an essential component of the design process. It provides a valuable opportunity for us to explore new ideas, develop new skills, and deepen our understanding of our profession's challenges and opportunities. By equipping our interns with the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed to become leaders in architecture and design, we hope to promote the growth of thought leaders in our community.

Join us on social media to see the vibrancy our interns bring to the office this summer as they document their experiences.