Johnson Architecture, Inc.

08/26/2026

We join our neighbors, friends, and people around the world in celebrating the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton.

To many, she was a beloved entertainer, philanthropist, and cultural icon. To our close friends at Dollywood and us at JAI, she was the Dreamer-in-Chief – a fitting title for someone who dreamed boldly and inspired others to do the same.

Through her creativity, generosity, and deep love for the people and places she called home, Dolly built a legacy that will endure for generations. Her example will continue to inspire us to dream big, create with love, and serve others.

08/19/2026

We’re honored to help bring the vision for the Women's Suffrage Museum to life as this landmark destination moves into the design phase.

The 30,000-square-foot museum will span two historic buildings at 706 and 708 S. Gay Street and become the world’s largest museum dedicated exclusively to women’s suffrage.

The location is fitting as Tennessee cast the decisive vote that secured women’s right to vote after a legislator, encouraged by his mother, voted yes and changed the course of history.

With this project, we are repurposing historic structures to bring a key moment in our history to life and creating another meaningful destination in our vibrant downtown.

Johnson Architecture has been selected as Architect of Record for the Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Cultural Center, joining the team working to create what will become the world’s largest museum dedicated solely to women’s suffrage. Planned for 706 and 708 S. Gay Street in downtown Kno...

08/14/2026

Congratulations to Dollywood on today’s unveiling of NightFlight Expedition, which opens to the public on Aug. 19. The highly anticipated, $50 million indoor adventure coaster is the first of its kind in the world and takes guests soaring over the Smoky Mountains and through raging rapids.
https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/rides/nightflight-expedition/

07/22/2026

We’re excited to see First Creek at Austin featured in the Spring 2026 issue of Affordable Housing News, recognizing the collaborative effort behind one of Knoxville’s most transformative mixed-income housing communities.

The cover story highlights Knoxville's Community Development Corporation, and the partnerships that helped bring First Creek at Austin to life. Through thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and high-quality design, the development has reconnected a long-disinvested neighborhood with downtown while creating a vibrant community that includes townhomes, walk-up flats, and mid-rise residential buildings.

Johnson Architecture partnered with Gensler to develop the original master plan, establishing a long-term vision centered on walkability, connectivity, and access to community resources. JAI also collaborated with Gensler on the architectural design of Phase 1 and with Southeast Venture on Phases 2 and 3, helping carry that vision through each stage of development.

Learn more about the redevelopment and our commitment to creating places that strengthen communities through thoughtful planning and design on our website.

https://jainc.com/first-creek-at-austin-featured-in-affordable-housing-news/

07/16/2026

Big news for cancer care in our region: JAI partnered with Messer Construction Co. and Tennova Healthcare - North Knoxville Medical Center to design a first-of-its-kind precision cancer treatment suite in the Southeast.

The suite features an Elekta Evo™ linear accelerator (Linac), which uses AI adaptive imaging to deliver faster, more precise treatment while helping improve patient comfort.

Innovative care requires thoughtful design.

Our team designed the treatment vault with specialized radiation shielding and carefully coordinated the structure and building systems to support the technology’s demanding environmental and installation needs.

We’re grateful to be part of a collaborative project bringing advanced cancer treatment technology to patients in our community.

Learn more and see images of the suite:

https://jainc.com/portfolio-item/tennova-north-knoxville-medical-center-linear-accelerator-suite/

07/16/2026

The best civic buildings quietly support the people who serve our communities every day.

We're grateful to have partnered with the City of Maryville, Lawler Wood, and Joseph Construction on the new Maryville Operations Center—a project designed to help the City's Public Works, Engineering, and Utilities teams work more efficiently while continuing to serve the community.

Congratulations to everyone involved on a successful project, and thank you to The Daily Times for sharing the story.

Read the full article below:
https://www.thedailytimes.com/news/new-maryville-city-operations-center-opens-under-budget-and-ahead-of-schedule/article_b7cbf9a5-9cb9-45aa-80ea-dcdc3749f358.html

07/14/2026

Please join us in welcoming Simone Hashmi to JAI!

Simone earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Tennessee and has experience in design, sustainability, and construction.

We're pleased to welcome her to the team as an intern architect.

Before joining JAI, Simone contributed to a variety of civic and educational projects, including the Clay County Public Library, Sam Houston Elementary School, and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Protein Innovation Center.

Johnson Architecture has hired Simone Hashmi as an intern architect. “We’re pleased to have Simone join our team,” said Jeff Williamson, president of Johnson Architecture. “She has already built a strong foundation, and we’re excited to support her as she continues to develop her career an...

07/13/2026

JAI is proud to collaborate with Safe Harbor Development to provide experiential thematic design for The Play District Pigeon Forge, which will offer indoor family fun inspired by iconic Hasbro brands.

Designing memorable places is at the heart of what we do.

Thanks to Knoxville News Sentinel for shining a light on work we love.

Developers of the new Play District in Pigeon Forge have joined forces with the Knoxville architecture firm behind several Dollywood projects.

07/02/2026

Safe to say, they're fitting in just fine!

Meet our summer interns, Melani and Cameron! We're excited to have them on the team this summer as they jump into projects, job sites, and everything in between.

We love investing in future designers, and we can't wait to see what these two bring to the team over the next few months.

Learn more about Melani and Cameron on our website. https://jainc.com/jai-supports-emerging-architects-and-designers-through-internships/

04/14/2026

JAI is proud to partner with Massey Properties, David Shanks, and Gemini Hospitality to design The Armory, a 27,400-square-foot dining and entertainment destination in downtown Maryville. Inspired by the site’s historic roots, the renovated and expanded space will combine indoor and outdoor experiences designed to bring people together.
https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/04/14/the-armory-brings-bowling-mini-golf-elevated-dining-to-maryville/88999652007/