MHM Opens Doors at 625 N Broadway

On December 11, 2025, McCarty Holsaple McCarty (MHM) capped off a remarkable year with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its newly renovated office at 625 North Broadway, marking a significant moment for both the firm and the surrounding neighborhood. The event coincided with MHM’s 60th anniversary and the 100th birthday of the Historic Sanitary Laundry Building, originally constructed in 1925.

The open house welcomed clients, collaborators, community leaders, and friends to a space that blends modern functionality with the character of a century-old industrial landmark. The adaptive reuse project thoughtfully preserves the building’s architectural heritage while creating a flexible, light-filled workplace designed to support collaboration, creativity, and long-term sustainability. The renovation reflects MHM’s commitment to design that respects history while embracing progress.

As guests toured the new office, they experienced firsthand how the space tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community. Every detail, from the restored brickwork to the contemporary interiors, speaks to the firm’s belief that great design connects past and present.

More than a ribbon-cutting, the event was a celebration of MHM’s role in shaping Knoxville’s built environment for generations to come. As MHM settles into its new home, the firm looks forward to continuing a legacy of thoughtful design and meaningful partnerships for the next 60 years and beyond.

MHM is deeply grateful to The Christman Company, SouthEast Bank, Three Roots Capital, Knoxville Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Knox Heritage, and the City of Knoxville, along with our engineering partners Haines Structural Group, Facility Systems Consultants, and LJA Engineering. Their collaboration and shared vision were instrumental in transforming the century-old building into the firm’s new headquarters.

Located along North Broadway, the renovated Sanitary Laundry Building contributes to ongoing revitalization efforts in the area while reinforcing the value of adaptive reuse in strengthening Knoxville’s urban fabric.

For more information about the project, CLICK HERE.

MHM Announces 2025 Promotions Recognizing Leadership, Growth, and Excellence

Seated from left to right: Sean Hackett – Senior Associate; Chris Woodcock – Senior Associate; Hannah Harper – Director of Interior Design; Adam Buchanan – Senior Associate; Emanuel Huber-Feely – Associate. Standing from left to right: Alli Montgomery - Senior Associate; Chad Boetger – Director of Design; Steven Whitmore – Senior Associate; Becky Jones – Office Manager; Kathryn Greer – Associate Principal; Jennifer Bradley – Code Manager; Gray Taylor – Associate; Melissa Hatchett – Senior Associate / Sustainability Manager; Jack Cochran – Senior Associate; Lauren McCarty – Associate; Haley Zimmerman – Senior Associate / Design Manager.

McCarty Holsaple McCarty (MHM) is proud to announce its 2025 promotions, recognizing a group of team members whose leadership, collaboration, and dedication continue to strengthen the firm and the communities we serve.

These individuals exemplify the values that define MHM — thoughtful design, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Their promotions reflect both their personal achievements and the bright future they are helping shape for our firm.

Congratulations to:

We’re grateful for their leadership and excited to see how their influence will continue to strengthen MHM’s future — a future grounded in integrity, collaboration, and design excellence.

Associate Principal

Directors

Associates

Managers

Senior Associates

MHM Named 2025 Preservationist of the Year

MHM is truly honored to be recognized as the 2025 Preservationist of the Year by Knox Heritage at this year’s Scruffy City Soirée!

The evening brought together more than 400 guests for a celebration filled with music, great company, and community spirit — raising $115,000 in support of local preservation efforts. It was the perfect setting to reflect on the shared commitment that makes Knoxville’s historic character thrive.

This recognition is especially meaningful to our team, as it celebrates a passion deeply woven into our work and culture — preserving and reimagining East Tennessee’s historic landmarks for future generations. From the restoration of the Historic Sanitary Laundry Building into MHM’s new office to several adaptive reuse projects in Knoxville’s Old City, we continue to blend preservation with thoughtful, community-centered design.

We’re grateful to Knox Heritage and to everyone who champions the value of historic architecture and the power of design to connect past and present.

VIP Knoxville Leading Ladies: Wang & Butler

Photo courtesy of VIP Knoxville

For Li Wang and Margaret Butler of McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, architecture is about much more than buildings; it’s about shaping spaces that inspire connection and community. Both women bring unique perspectives and strengths to their leadership, but they share a common purpose: to design with people at the heart of every project.

Li Wang discovered her path to architecture early. “I’ve always loved drawing and had a natural interest in geometry,” she says. “Architecture felt like the perfect way to bring those two together. What keeps me going is seeing a sketch turn into a real place where people work, learn, and connect.” That passion has guided her career for decades, most recently through her contributions to the transformation of the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville campus. From the new Student Union to the UT Medical Nursing Building, Wang’s fingerprints are on spaces that will serve students for generations to come.

But for Wang, success isn’t only measured in brick and mortar. Her leadership style is built on trust and collaboration. “I want the people around me to grow and thrive, both personally and professionally,” she reflects. “Over time, I’ve learned that leadership begins with building genuine connections. Without trust and respect, you can’t truly lead.”

Her colleague, Margaret Butler, echoes that sentiment, though she describes her own leadership style as both collaborative and democratic. “Architecture is such a team-driven process,” Butler explains. “I value input from others and believe having a mix of perspectives only makes the work stronger. At the same time, I’ve learned that leadership sometimes means stepping in and making tough decisions to keep a project moving.”

Butler is passionate about mentorship, noting that she learns as much from younger architects as they do from her. “I love that exchange,” she says. “It makes the whole team better.” Beyond the walls of their office, both women are deeply engaged in Knoxville’s community. Service and philanthropy are integral to McCarty Holsaple McCarty’s culture, and both leaders make it a priority to encourage younger team members to give back. “We create opportunities for our architects to engage in service and leadership roles,” Butler says. “Time and again, they rise to the occasion.” Butler has long been active with local nonprofits and was recently appointed to the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission. In that role, she focuses on sustainable growth, equitable housing, and historic preservation, issues that tie directly to her architectural values. “As architects, we’re designing more than buildings; we’re helping shape the fabric of our city,” she says.

Wang agrees, noting that her goal is to design spaces that not only function well, but also foster a sense of belonging. “Through thoughtful design, I hope the learning spaces I help create encourage collaboration, spark connections, and feel welcoming to everyone who uses them,” she says.

Of course, balancing professional ambition with personal priorities is never simple. Butler recalls the challenge of raising children and supporting aging parents while maintaining a demanding career. “Careers aren’t usually a straight line,” she reflects. “It’s okay to have detours, pauses, and new directions. Those choices made me not only a stronger professional but also a more empathetic leader.” Wang, meanwhile, stays grounded through running, consistently logging about 20 miles a week. “It helps me unplug, recharge, and stay focused,” she says.

When asked what advice they would give young women aspiring to leadership, both emphasize resilience, curiosity, and openness. “Listen well, stay open-minded, and don’t be afraid to push beyond your comfort zone,” Wang advises. Butler adds, “Some of the most important qualities in a strong leader are good decision-making, integrity, accountability, and empowering others.”

Together, Wang and Butler embody the philosophy that architecture is not only about structures, but also about people and legacy. Their work at McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects continues to shape Knoxville in meaningful ways, building spaces that reflect the spirit of the community they proudly call home.

MHM Takes Home 3 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards

We’re excited to share that MHM received three awards at the 2025 AIA East Tennessee Design Awards Gala held on Thursday, October 2, 2025!

The Athens PreK-5 School was honored with the Citation Award for Interior Architecture. In collaboration with Design Innovation Architects (DIA), the team designed around the innovative concept of two schools under one roof. This 1,340-student facility maintains two independent schools through separate primary and intermediate wings connected via a “Knowledge Avenue.”

The Mobile Art Gallery received the Honor Award for New Construction. Designed for Knoxville’s Arts & Culture Alliance, this mobile “pop-up” gallery brings art directly into the community through adaptable, low-cost installations built by volunteers.

The SEED BLOCK project was recognized as the Gala’s Choice Winner for the Housing ETN Single Stair Design Competition. This six-story, mixed-use prototype for Knoxville’s infill lots combines sustainable design and Net-Zero Energy goals to create a replicable model for livable, affordable urban housing.

It was a fantastic evening celebrating the creativity and dedication of the design community in the heart of the Old City. We’re proud of our team for bringing these projects to life and grateful to be recognized alongside so many talented peers.

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