Studio Four Design Expands Ownership

Leading Knoxville-based architecture firm adds five new shareholders to its ownership team entering its 20th year in operations in East Tennessee

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – February 8, 2022 – Studio Four Design, a top Knoxville-based architecture firm, has added five new shareholders to its Board of Directors as it kicks off twenty years of operations in Knoxville, TN.  Joining the firm’s current President, Stacy Cox, and Vice President, Brian Nicholson as new owners are:

  • Markus Chady, Vice President & Principal
  • Melanie Sitzlar, Associate & Business Manager
  • Kim Firkins, Associate & Project Manager
  • Macy Rudell, Associate & Project Manager
  • Erin Metelka, Associate & Interior Designer

“We are thrilled to expand our ownership.” said Stacy Cox, president of Studio Four Design. “These five individuals have all demonstrated a passion for serving our clients and their teammates and have been deeply invested in our company and culture from the moment they first joined our team.  We are beyond blessed to have them invest into the company and be part of our senior leadership team.  They will help set the vision for our next 20 years and open the door for the next generation of owners to come.”

  • Markus Chady joined the firm in 2019 as a project manager advancing to Vice President and Principal. Markus is a licensed architect and provides leadership in business development and senior project management of commercial, manufacturing, and mixed-use developments.  “It is a tremendous opportunity to step into leadership with this team; fostering a really positive and high performing professional culture that is uniquely Studio Four Design.”

 

  • Melanie Sitzlar, also joined the firm in 2019 as the company’s Business Manager. “From the minute I stepped into this office and met the team, I knew this was “home”.  I’m so proud and honored to be a part of such a dedicated and creative group.”  Melanie directs the firm’s financial, human resources and corporate operations as well as marketing and business development.

 

  • Kimberlee Firkins has worked at Studio Four Design since 2014, with a short two-year absence, returning in 2019. She is now a Project Manager focusing on interior architecture projects and is currently pursuing both interior design and architectural registration.  “Studio Four Design has always had a special place in my heart and to be able to be a part of its future growth as a shareholder is such an honor.”

 

  • Macy Rudell started as a student intern in 2015 and has grown into the role of Project Manager, overseeing many of the firm’s church and ministry projects which she is passionate about. Macy is currently in the process of architectural registration. “I am thankful for all that I have learned through the mentorship of my colleagues at Studio Four Design. I have been able to grow in my career and I am looking forward this next step in a leadership position as a shareholder.”

 

  • Erin Metelka is a licensed interior designer and has been a part of the team since 2017 and provides senior design leadership on interior architecture projects. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to become an owner in such a wonderful company. Studio Four Design is everything I could have dreamed of in a company to be a part of, and I could not be more excited. I look forward to continuing growing as a professional and a as person with this team.” Erin’s creativity and talent as a designer extend over a wide variety of the firm’s projects.

 

“I believe the desire of these team members to commit themselves as owners is a true testament to the culture that has been built at the firm” said Brian Nicholson, Vice President of Studio Four Design. “This type of passion will power the firm for the years to come.”

Published on March 17, 2022 by .
Posted in Studio Four Design News

Studio Four Design Named Top Ten Firm for Emerging Professionals

Leading Knoxville-based architecture firm honored by American Institute of Architects Tennessee for their proactive stance in hiring and developing emerging talent

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – July 27, 2018 – Studio Four Design, a top Knoxville-based architecture and design firm, has been named a Top Ten EP Friendly Firm of 2018 by the American Institute of Architects, Tennessee Chapter. Emerging professionals, or EPs, include architecture students, recent graduates and newly licensed architects who have received registration within the last ten years.

The Top Ten EP Friendly Firms of 2018 recognizes firms that take innovative and proactive approaches to fostering the development of emerging industry professionals. Studio Four Design was presented the award at the AIA TN Conference on Architecture on Wednesday July 25.

“Emerging professionals are important to us at Studio Four Design because they represent the future of our industry,” said Stacy Cox, president of Studio Four Design. “We believe that all firms should focus on cultivating the next generation of talent, because it ultimately sets up a future of great achievements in architecture and better design industry-wide.”

Studio Four Design facilitates the growth and development of emerging professionals by encouraging participation in various industry organizations, maintaining open communications about the business and including emerging professionals on all committees and in their annual planning retreat. The firm has presented more than 50 percent of its core values awards over the past four years to emerging professionals.

“At Studio Four Design, we place a high value on our culture and maintain a group of dynamic, multitalented individuals that also work exceedingly well together as a team,” Cox said. “Our philosophy is to ensure emerging professionals participate on all phases of our projects and are involved with the entire team at all levels. While our team spans across different generations, we fully understand the value in mentoring and supporting our young professionals and will continue to seek out and develop the industry’s best incoming talent.”

About Studio Four Design Inc.

Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville Area. Their guiding principal is Design Matters, and they believe that design can improve the quality of life for individuals, families, organizations and communities. Their key areas of expertise include churches, educational facilities and athletic venues along with corporate and commercial buildings. Studio Four Design takes pride in providing a memorable experience to all of the clients they are blessed to serve. To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit http://studiofourdesign.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com

Local Design and Construction Firms Help Expand 97-Year-Old Knoxville Business

Studio Four Design and Jenkins & Stiles, LLC design and build 3,500 square foot addition to Colemans’s Printing & Awards, LLC

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – June 28, 2018 – Studio Four Design and Jenkins & Stiles, LLC., top Knoxville-based architecture and construction firms, designed and built a 3,500 square foot expansion for Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC., a custom commercial printing business serving the greater Knoxville area for more than 95 years.

Founded in 1921, Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC. has steadily grown and expanded its services over the years as demand for multicolor prints increased. In 2000, the business installed its first four-color press. The company continued its growth with the integration of a six-color press in 2013, which also began to press the need for a larger workspace.

“As we continued to acquire new equipment to meet demands, we were clearly running out of room in the shop,” JT Coleman, owner and operator of Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC. “We also knew we wanted any expansion made to look like part of the original design, and Studio Four Design gave us room to keep growing while truly creating a seamless addition to our existing building. Our contractor also did a great job meeting our budget and minimizing the impact on our business during construction.”

The 3,500 square foot addition built by local construction firm, Jenkins & Stiles, LLC combines a very open, almost warehouse-style interior with high ceilings to meet the growing needs of the printing company, and integration of proper ventilation systems allows the printing equipment to operate safely and unimpeded. The exterior incorporates the same materials and design elements as the original building to reflect a natural expansion, and the road-facing wall proudly displays their founding date.

“It’s an honor to design an addition for a local family business operated by its fourth generation,” said Stacy Cox, president of Studio Four Design. “Having the structure change, adapt and grow but in a seamless and continuous manner is a fantastic analogy for this business. Since 1921, they’ve constantly grown and adapted to fit the needs of their market while remaining family-owned and operated to this day, and that’s inspiring.”

About Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC.
Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC. is a leading, custom commercial printing business located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1921 and owned and operated by fourth-generation family, Coleman’s Printing takes pride in both themselves and their work, offering printing solutions as crafted artforms. Having recently completed a large expansion, Coleman’s continues to implement new products and services to meet the evolving and growing needs of their customer base. To find out more about Coleman’s Printing & Awards, LLC., please call 865-689-6416 or visit www.colemansprinting.com.

About Jenkins and Stiles, LLC.
Jenkins & Stiles, LLC was founded in 2006 to provide the highest quality commercial construction in today’s market. In the last 12 years, that purpose has driven the construction firm to excellence in every aspect of their business. They stand by their primary value that the customer always comes first. With energy and dedication, they undertake whatever is necessary to move a project from an idea to reality. They have completed projects in more than 20 states. To find out more about Jenkins and Stiles, LLC., please call 865-671-0130 or visit www.jenkinsstiles.com.

About Studio Four Design Inc.
Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville Area. Their guiding principal is Design Matters, and their goal is to go beyond expectations to provide design solutions that positively impact their clients’ lives and organizations. Their team has worked on a variety of projects over the last decade that includes: churches, educational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, athletic venues and much more. Studio Four Design takes pride in and is dedicated to all of the clients they serve. To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit http://studiofourdesign.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com

Studio Four Designs Eye-Catching Facility for Premier Eyecare

Leading Knoxville-based architecture firm exceeds optometrist’s goals by designing a highly-visible eye care center with an expansive retail showroom

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – May 24, 2018 – Studio Four Design, a top Knoxville-based architecture and design firm, helped Premier Eyecare and primary optometrist Dr. Brent Fry achieve their business visibility goals by designing a striking and spacious retail center with leasable space and room to expand.

Premier Eyecare, a longtime optometry center in the Farragut community, was previously located at a site that wasn’t conducive to walk-in business. Positioned below road level, behind trees and with only small windows, the setting almost concealed the eye care center from potential patients. In 2016, Dr. Fry approached Studio Four Design with three primary goals: achieve better visibility, have room to expand and provide a large retail showroom.

“Unless you were an existing patient, it was difficult to drive by our former location and immediately know who we are and what we offer,” said Dr. Fry. “To continue to grow, I knew we needed to stand out, offer an attractive showroom and have room to expand, but I didn’t know exactly how to get there until we spoke with Studio Four Design.”

Studio Four Design, tasked with achieving Premier Eyecare’s goals within a modern, semi-industrial environment, set about designing an 11,000 square foot structure. Half of the space, 5,500 square feet, was designated specifically for Dr. Fry and the Premier Eyecare team, and another 5,500 square feet is leasable space. To highlight the beautiful retail showroom, they incorporated 24-foot-high windows to maximize natural lighting. The design team was able merge modern elegance with traditional warmth by integrating a mixture of brick and glass, high ceilings and exposed beams.

“Lighting and space can contribute significantly to a guest’s experience and therefore to the quality of your interactions with customers and patients,” said Stacy Cox, president of Studio Four Design. “We’re happy we could exceed the Premier Eyecare team’s goals by introducing a modern yet very welcoming center that will cater to long time patients and curious new shoppers alike.”

About Premier Eyecare
Premier Eyecare has proudly served the West Knoxville and Farragut communities since 2002. Dr. Brent Fry, optometric physician, and his experienced team are dedicated to providing only the highest quality of personalized eye care products and services to their patients through uncompromising attention to detail and state of the art technology. Offering services such as LASIK co-management, corneal refractive therapy, contact lenses, and comprehensive and medical eye exams, as well as providing an expansive showroom featuring the best in eyeglasses and eyecare products, Premier Eyecare pledges to “serve all of your family’s eye care needs under one roof.” For more information, visit www.premier-eyecare.net.

About Studio Four Design Inc.
Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville Area. Their guiding principal is Design Matters, and their goal is to go beyond expectations to provide design solutions that positively impact their clients’ lives and organizations. Their team has worked on a variety of projects over the last decade that includes: churches, educational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, athletic venues and much more. Studio Four Design takes pride in and is dedicated to all of the clients they serve. To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit http://studiofourdesign.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com

Studio Four Design Founding Member to Retire

Mike Keller announces retirement after 15 years with Knoxville-based top architecture and design firm

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – March 1, 2018 – Studio Four Design, a top architecture and design firm based in Knoxville, Tennessee, announces the retirement of founding partner Mike Keller.

Keller is retiring March 1,  after 15 years at Studio Four Design. He helped found the architecture and design firm in 2002 and has since served as CFO and vice president.

“Mike was a founding partner of our team, and his leadership has been instrumental in creating our unique brand and culture,” said Stacy Cox, President of Studio Four Design. “His vast experience and knowledge in planning and design has helped shape our company and accomplish its goals since 2002.”

As Studio Four Design has grown and matured as a company, Keller made the decision to retire early. He will, however, still make himself available as a part-time consultant and designer, continuing to share his more than 27 years of experience in architectural design and planning with the company.

“Mike has been such a fantastic mentor for all of our team members, new and seasoned alike,” Cox said. “We will miss his regular presence, but he has empowered all of us to move forward by continually imparting his knowledge and experience. We wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

Keller is a Baltimore native and 1990 University of Tennessee graduate. He and his wife, Kendall, moved back to Knoxville in 1993 after a short period in Atlanta.

To learn more about Studio Four Design, visit http://studiofourdesign.com.

 About Studio Four Design Inc.

Since 2002, Studio Four Design has served as a premiere architectural and interior design firm to the Greater Knoxville Area. Their guiding principle is Design Matters and their goal is to go beyond expectations to provide design solutions that positively impact their client’s lives and organizations. Their team has worked on a variety of projects over the last decade that includes: churches, educational facilities, restaurants, retail buildings, athletic venues and much more. Studio Four Design takes pride and dedication in all of their projects they serve. To find out more, call 865-523-5001 or visit http://studiofourdesign.com.

 

 

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