For PARK(ing) Day this year, MHM paired up with . The annual event occurs downtown and aims to reimagine metered spots for a day while engaging in social exchange, recreation, and artistic expression. Our team created an installation that served both PARK(ing) Day and will be re-used by Young-Williams after the event.

The basis of MHM’s design used modular milk crates to engage pedestrians through display walls, stools, benches, and a dog bed/couch. A donation bin was crafted to facilitate the organization of drop-off goods that are received at the Division Street location. The stools and benches were made to store books and provide seating; additionally, they will be re-used for the Paws for Reading program. The program allows members of the community to practice reading while the animals experience the power of a human-animal bond.

The overall goal was to raise awareness of volunteer opportunities and outreach programs through Young-Williams. The day was spent in good company with volunteers from both MHM and Young-Williams, and of course, a bunch of furry friends.

We are excited to announce that Steven Whitmore has joined the Ambassadors Program!

"The Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors contribute countless volunteer hours and dedication to the organization’s mission of driving regional economic prosperity."

Learn more about the program by visiting the link:

AIA Tennessee recently recognized MHM with a 2022 Emerging Professional Friendly Firm Award. The award recognizes firms that foster opportunities for leadership and provide a culture of support for emerging professionals (EPs). MHM’s EPs are integrally involved in the firm’s innovation, sustainability, research and community outreach initiatives.

Additionally, MHM’s principal Li Wang participated in a panel for the AIA TN Convention with firms from across the state. Led by Tennessee’s State Architect, Ann McGauren, the panel shared leading ideas about successful workplace culture and attracting/retaining new talented professionals.

MHM is honored to be recognized by AIA TN with the EP Friendly Firm Award for the 6th year in a row and congratulates other state recipients!

Get to Know Principal Margaret Butler

Margaret Butler, AIA, LEED AP has practiced architecture for over 30 years, working for both large and small firms as well as owning her own architectural practice. She’s been with MHM since 2015, and became a Principal of the firm in 2020. As an award-winning and published designer, Margaret leads through a studio-driven and collaborative approach to design and mentorship. Her friendly approach is focused on delivering evidence-based design strategies to build success for the firm’s clients and their organizations. Margaret’s design expertise covers a wide range of project types of varying size and complexity. A large part of her recent focus has been geared toward a robust portfolio of multi-family housing and K-12 educational projects.

Margaret serves as the head of the firm’s Culture Committee, leading the charge of maintaining an open and collaborative office environment. She’s also passionate about creating and maintaining a high level of thoughtfulness and rigor in MHM’s design process through firm-wide reviews. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design, she remains engaged on the Board of Advisers. She’s passionate about serving her community through involvement in organizations including the YWCA and the Cancer Support Community.

Q: Where did you grow up?

A: I grew up in Andersonville, TN.

Q: How did you choose Architecture as your profession?

A: In high school I tried to figure out a career that would marry my love of art, math and science and I thought architecture might fit the bill. Gladly it did. I think growing up enjoying Norris Dam and the park had an influence on me as I’ve always regarded it as an outstanding structure that made a tremendous impact in our region.

Q: What has been your favorite project and why?

A: Affordable housing projects I have worked on throughout my career have been incredibly meaningful as they can provide a transformative pride in community. I’m currently working on several projects with Murfreesboro Housing Authority. It has been exceedingly rewarding to engage with residents and those in the community to provide new housing which respects the community’s fabric and history while providing sustainable infrastructure and new public parks.

Early in my career, while at Tuck Hinton Architects, it was a privilege to be on the team planning the State’s Bicentennial Capital Mall sited just north of our state capital building in Nashville. It was an honor to work with architects, planners and landscape architects from across the state to define and design a park commemorating our state’s bicentennial which would represent the diversity, accomplishments and unique characteristics of Tennessee.

A third favorite is a very different scale. It was the rehabilitation of cantilever barn for the Children’s Defense Fund’s Langston Hughes Library in collaboration with Maya Lin Studio. A very small and exacting project, it combined my love of modern design and detail with my personal roots in East Tennessee. It was an amazing experience to collaborate with a world-renowned artist/architect on a project so close to my home. 

Q: What has been your biggest challenge in your professional career?

A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced is balancing priorities. My family has always been my number one priority, but dedication to my work and the community has been vitally important to me as well. It’s certainly not a unique challenge as we all seek balance in our life and career, but it’s not the same for every person and that’s okay. I don’t have any answers, but I’ve just tried to be “all in” whether at work, home or volunteering and there have been some late nights and early mornings through the years! I’m very grateful for all the relationships and opportunities I’ve had for the last 35 years.

Q: What advice would you give to young professionals entering the field?

A: Challenge yourself and others. Strive to surround yourself and learn from those seeking excellence in architecture. Figure out what your special talents are, hone them, and position yourself to become a leader in your firm and profession. Excelling with your own talents lifts those around you and provides a foundation to a fulfilling career.