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.

Knoxville Sunsphere
Spruce Up Award

MHM was honored to have multiple projects nominated for the 2024 Orchids Beautification Awards, two of which were winners. KKB presents the Orchid Beautification Awards to Knoxville and Knox County buildings, public art, and outdoor spaces that beautify and elevate the local landscape.

MHM in partnership with , the , the , , the , and , was recognized in the Spruce Up category for the restoration of the Knoxville Sunsphere to its original color – PANTONE 19-4052 TCX Classic Blue.

City of Knoxville Public Safety Complex
Bright Spot Award

MHM provided architectural, engineering, and interior design services for the new City of Knoxville Public Safety Complex that received the Bright Spot award. The conversion/renovation of the vacated St. Mary’s Hospital consolidates the city’s public safety functions onto one campus while creating green space by removing seven unused buildings. Special thanks to design consultants, , for support with elements related to the Police, Fire, Courts, and E911 services.

University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex

McCarty Holsaple McCarty is honored to announce that the University of Tennessee Zeanah Engineering Complex in Knoxville, Tennessee, has been selected for publication in Endeavor Business Media’s  2023 Architectural Portfolio for Outstanding Design. An annual competition honoring education design excellence, the Architectural Portfolio spotlights projects representing today’s most effective learning environments.

The University of Tennessee is a new gateway to the Tickle College of Engineering and a new home for the Nuclear Engineering Complex. In collaboration with SmithGroup out of Detroit, MHM has designed this 230,000 s.f. facility to contain flexible laboratory spaces, laboratory support spaces, general-purpose classrooms, reconfigurable collaborative spaces for students, innovation labs, maker spaces, and administrative spaces. It also offers multiple programs for freshman, undergraduate, and graduate students of the College of Engineering.

A jury of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education members and education administrators evaluated submissions from architectural firms, schools, and universities across the country. Seventy-eight projects were chosen for publication in AS&U, an educational facilities, purchasing and business administration magazine reaching 57,000 facility planners, school and university administrators, and architects with this issue. This is the competition’s 41st year.

As a guide for their evaluations of the designs, the jurors paid special attention to these criteria:

• Inclusive and welcoming to all

• Agile

• Beauty that inspires joy

• Seamless integration of indoors and out

• Promotes collaboration, community, and active learning

• Exhibits innovation throughout

• Sustainability

• Budget-conscious

• Health and safety

• High-quality construction

Founded in 1928, American School & University is devoted exclusively to education facilities/business administration. The authority for information about the educational facilities market, AS&U delivers an insightful combination of exclusive reports, special focuses, and how-to articles. For more information, please visit ASUmag.com and SchoolDesigns.com.

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