Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Services in Knoxville, TN
Founded in 2005, Smee + Busby Architects has grown into a respected firm led by principals Gregor R. Smee and J. Scott Busby, both licensed architects with over 35 years of experience each. Our team combines diverse design expertise with technical proficiency to deliver customized architectural solutions across commercial, educational, religious, and residential sectors. We prioritize unique, client-focused approaches, maintaining active involvement from concept through construction administration. With a portfolio spanning project inception to master planning, we emphasize sustainability through LEED certification and community engagement. Our practice has earned recognition through awards and leadership roles in professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects.We operate from a renovated historic church in Knoxville, Tennessee, reflecting our commitment to adaptive reuse and local heritage. Our team's extensive experience in 40 U.S. states demonstrates our adaptability to diverse regulatory environments. We integrate construction administration with client consultation to ensure projects meet design intent and quality standards. Professional affiliations with CSI and AIA chapters underscore our industry leadership. Community involvement remains central to our practice, evident in projects like the Junaluska Museum and UT Botanical Gardens Tree House.
Services
Concept Design
Construction Documents
Project Management
Feasibility Studies
Building Renovations
Master Planning
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Record Drawings
Fundraising Support
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of architectural experience across 40 U.S. states
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals specializing in sustainable design
- We maintain active involvement from concept through construction administration
- Our principals have received national AIA Young Architects Awards
- We operate from a LEED-certified office space in historic downtown Knoxville
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
- LEED AP
- Construction Specifications Institute
Services
Concept Design
Our concept design phase establishes project foundations through client collaboration, budget analysis, and preliminary sketches. We develop multiple design options with pros/cons evaluations to align with client goals. This stage creates the architectural vision that guides subsequent development.
Construction Documents
We prepare detailed technical drawings and specifications required for permits and contractor bidding. These documents translate design concepts into actionable construction instructions while maintaining compliance with local regulations and building codes.
Project Management
Our project management services coordinate all phases from inception to completion. We facilitate team collaboration, monitor timelines and budgets, and ensure quality control throughout the architectural process.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct comprehensive assessments evaluating project viability through site analysis, budget projections, and regulatory requirements. These studies identify potential challenges and opportunities before design development begins.
Building Renovations
Specializing in adaptive reuse, we transform existing structures like the UT College of Veterinary Medicine Renovations. Our approach preserves architectural heritage while integrating modern functionality and sustainability features.
People
Gregor R. Smee
Principal
Licensed architect with 35+ years experience in 40 U.S. states. Specializes in commercial, educational, and religious projects. Established firm in 2004 and co-led its growth into a multi-award practice.
J. Scott Busby
Principal
Award-winning architect with expertise in healthcare and educational facilities. Recipient of AIA Young Architects Award. Holds leadership roles in national architectural organizations and serves on AIA committees.
Greg Armour
Senior Architect
25-year architectural professional with teaching experience at Pellissippi State Community College. Specializes in design solutions combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving for diverse project types.
Geoffrey Cavalier
Architect
AIA member with decade of experience in architectural design. Active in CSI chapter leadership and AIA equity initiatives. Combines technical proficiency with community-focused design principles.
Robert Marlino
Project Manager
Oak Ridge native with architectural expertise from University of Tennessee. Manages complex projects while balancing professional responsibilities with community involvement in Scenic Knoxville.
Questions
What architectural services does Smee + Busby offer?
We provide full-service architecture including concept design, construction documents, project management, and construction administration for commercial, educational, and civic projects.
How experienced is your architectural team?
Our principals have over 35 years of experience each, with licenses in 40 U.S. states and multiple AIA awards for design excellence.
Do you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both new construction and renovation projects, including historic preservation work like the Junaluska Museum and K-25 Interpretive Center.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We incorporate LEED-certified design principles and sustainable materials, operating from a renovated LEED-certified church office space in downtown Knoxville.
How do you manage the construction process?
We provide comprehensive construction administration services including on-site visits, material evaluations, and contractor coordination to ensure project quality.
