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
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.
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.”