Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects

10/21/2026

After 35 years with Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, Mike Smith is beginning a new chapter: retirement! While Mike has helped shape countless projects, we’re celebrating the person behind them: a mentor, colleague, and friend who encouraged others, shared his knowledge, and helped make our firm a place where people could grow together. Mike, thank you for your guidance, your trust, and the difference you’ve made in the lives of those who worked alongside you. We wish you every happiness in the adventures ahead! Join us in congratulating Mike on his well-deserved retirement! 🎉

10/20/2026

Architecture that inspires learning, leadership, and innovation!

Proudly designed by Sherman Carter Barnhart in collaboration with Warren County Public Schools, the 180,000-square-foot IMPACT Center for Leadership & Innovation demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform the educational experience for 7th through 12th grade students.

As the world's first FranklinCovey Model School, the IMPACT Center brings a bold educational vision to life through innovative design. The building's thoughtful organization connects educational programs, while flexible learning environments adapt to different teaching methods. Collaborative spaces encourage students to exchange ideas, think creatively, and solve problems together.

From advanced technology labs and a hands-on makerspace to a dedicated esports arena, each space is intentionally designed to encourage exploration, foster creativity, and connect students with real-world career opportunities. More than a building, the IMPACT Center is an architectural solution that brings learning, leadership, and innovation together, preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow.

🏆 We're proud to share that the IMPACT Center has been recognized as a 2026 Learning By Design Outstanding Project!

Click here to read more about this exciting recognition:
https://scbarchitects.com/impact-center-recognized-as-a-2026-learning-by-design-outstanding-project/

10/15/2026

Nearly four decades after Sherman Carter Barnhart originally designed Greenwood High School in 1988, we're proud to celebrate the completion of this campus transformation for Warren County Public Schools! From a modern, technology-rich Media Hub and collaborative learning spaces to a new Health and Wellness Athletic Facility, upgraded classrooms, and a reimagined athletic complex, this comprehensive modernization brings new life to a familiar campus. This project represents a commitment to the next generation of students, creating innovative spaces where learning, collaboration, and school pride can thrive! We're grateful for our longstanding partnership with Warren County Public Schools and proud to play a part in Greenwood High School's next chapter. Same Gator pride. A whole new experience!

10/14/2026

Sherman Carter Barnhart Principal Kevin Matthews attended Volunteers of America's 18th Annual Power of One Breakfast on Tuesday morning. It was a wonderful event and a great opportunity to come together in support of an organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our communities. Thank you to Volunteers of America for an inspiring morning and for the important work you do!

10/09/2026

Another fall Friday at Keeneland is in the books! 🍂🏇One of our favorite office traditions never disappoints! A big thank you to Kaye Helton and Lisa Brooke who helped plan and organize another great outing. It’s always nice to step away from the office, enjoy some time together, and have a little fun outside of the workday!

10/04/2026

Student life extends far beyond the classroom. From residence halls and student centers to dining and gathering spaces, thoughtful design can help strengthen connection, community, and a sense of belonging across campus. Heading to SCUP? Connect with Justin McElfresh and Brandon Ward and talk with us about creating student life spaces that support the full campus experience. Take a look at some of our favorite student life projects below—and bring your ideas. We’d love to talk about how they could take shape on your campus.

10/02/2026

We’re excited to see the University of Kentucky’s new Makerspace for the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering moving forward!
Sherman Carter Barnhart is proud to serve as the architect working with SmithGroup for this new approximately 30,000-square-foot, three-story facility, which will create a dedicated hub for student design, manufacturing, prototyping and collaboration. The project will also include renovations within the Ralph G. Anderson Building to support UK’s student competition teams.

Designed around hands-on learning, the Makerspace will give engineering students expanded opportunities to take ideas from concept to creation, work across disciplines and gain the real-world experience that comes from designing, building and testing together.
We’re proud to continue our long relationship with the University of Kentucky and to help create a space that will support the next generation of engineers!

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees has approved the construction phase of a new Maker Space Building for the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering — advancing a project designed to expand student innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

10/01/2026

As we look ahead to SCUP, we’re highlighting some of Sherman Carter Barnhart’s recent Higher Education projects designed to support evolving teaching and learning priorities, today and well into the future. From flexible learning spaces to makerspaces and specialized academic facilities, thoughtful planning can help institutions align their physical environments with academic goals while creating adaptable spaces that can respond to changing programs, technologies, and methods of instruction. Justin McElfresh, Principal at Sherman Carter Barnhart, will be attending SCUP and looks forward to connecting with higher education leaders to talk about academic facilities planning, long-term flexibility, and the opportunities shaping campuses today. If you’ll be at SCUP, be sure to connect with Justin, he’d love to hear what your institution is planning for next. Check out some of our most recent Higher Education designs below, and come ready with questions; we’d love to talk more about the thinking behind them.

09/25/2026

This is our second year attending STEM Night at Maxwell Escuela de Inmersión en Español 2026-2027, and it has quickly become one of our favorite nights! We loved spending the evening with Maxwell students and families as the kids explored architecture and landscape architecture through hands-on activities. Watching them imagine, create, and ask questions was a joy. Their curiosity and excitement made the night so much fun to be part of! Thank you to Maxwell for welcoming us back. We’re already looking forward to next year!