Congratulations to Alison Notation, AIA, and John Michael Worsham, AIA, BarberMcMurry's new Stewardship Coordinators!

Alison and John Michael will guide the firm’s sustainable design and stewardship efforts, including leading internal education, guiding research and development initiatives and leading goal-setting charettes. They will also be responsible for stewarding annual Sustainability Action Plans in support of the AIA 2030 Commitment, a voluntary program guiding design firms toward net-zero emissions in the built environment.

Both joined BarberMcMurry in 2023. 

John Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Science from Furman University and his Master of Architecture from the University of Tennessee. Prior to earning his architecture degree, John Michael was a wilderness education course director and instructor in Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, California and Costa Rica. His article “Hybrid Bending Active Systems: A Novel Application of Carbon Fiber in Lightweight Structures” was published in Inspiring the Next Generation: Proceedings from the International Conference on Spatial Structures 2021.

Alison is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she earned for Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Science in Architectural Sciences with a specialization in Architectural Acoustics. She completed undergraduate research at the Center for Architecture, Science and Ecology in Brooklyn, and was recognized with numerous awards and honors during her education at RPI, including the Founder’s Award of Excellence and Rensselaer Medal for Excellence in Mathematics and Science.

BarberMcMurry Architects has promoted Katie Lowery, NCIDQ, RID, to Interior Design Manager. 

“We’re thrilled Katie has accepted the role of Interior Design Manager,” said Ryan Dobbs, AIA, BarberMcMurry’s President. “Her talent, vision and dedication have already shaped the firm, and we look forward to seeing how she will use this new role to mentor younger designers and continue to guide the interior design strategy at BarberMcMurry.” 

Katie joined BarberMcMurry in 2014 and has grown into a senior interior designer and Associate, helping lead multiple efforts within the firm to strengthen its design process and culture. She also serves on the firm’s branding and design committees. A Knoxville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee, Katie and her husband, Brad, enjoy spending time with their three children.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow with such a thoughtful team,” Katie said. “Interior design plays an important role in shaping how people experience a place, and I’m excited to continue strengthening our design culture as we create meaningful spaces for our clients and community.”