Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Chattanooga
Founded in 1933 by Selmon T. Franklin, our firm has maintained a legacy of excellence in architectural design and planning for three generations. We approach every project with a collaborative mindset, integrating the expertise of our team, clients, contractors, and community to create solutions that transcend individual contributions. Our philosophy centers on sustainable design principles that consider the long-term impact of our work on both local and global scales. With a staff of licensed architects, interior designers, and technical specialists, we deliver tailored planning, architectural, and interior design services across public and private sectors.Our commitment to intentional, client-driven design has earned us recognition through numerous awards and visible projects throughout Chattanooga and beyond. We prioritize integrity, quality, and enduring client relationships, adapting our process to each project's unique requirements while maintaining technical mastery and artistic vision.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
Sustainable Planning
Construction Administration
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- We offer 90 years of architectural expertise in Chattanooga and beyond.
- Our team includes licensed architects and LEED-certified professionals.
- We implement a collaborative design process tailored to client needs.
- Our sustainable approach considers long-term environmental impact.
- We maintain a proven track record of award-winning regional projects.
What people say
Award-winning results
Exceptional service
Sustainable solutions
Client-focused approach
90 years of experience
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services combine creative vision with technical precision to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We work across commercial, educational, and residential sectors, developing customized solutions that respond to site conditions, budget parameters, and client needs. Our process emphasizes collaboration and sustainability, ensuring each project meets current requirements while considering long-term environmental impact.
Interior Design
We create interior environments that balance beauty with practicality through comprehensive space planning and material selection. Our LEED-certified designers focus on optimizing spatial layouts, enhancing user experience, and integrating sustainable design principles. From concept development to final detailing, we ensure interiors reflect client branding while meeting functional requirements and regulatory standards.
Sustainable Planning
Our sustainable planning approach integrates environmental considerations throughout the design process. We employ energy-efficient strategies, material lifecycle analysis, and site-sensitive planning to minimize ecological footprints. Certified professionals guide clients through LEED certification processes and implement innovative solutions that reduce operational costs while promoting environmental stewardship across all project types.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction administration services to ensure design intent translates into built reality. Our team manages contractor coordination, conducts site visits, and reviews progress against specifications and timelines. Through rigorous quality control measures and code compliance verification, we protect client interests while maintaining design integrity throughout the construction phase.
Project Management
Our project management services coordinate all aspects of the design and construction process. We establish clear communication channels between stakeholders, develop detailed project schedules, and implement risk mitigation strategies. By maintaining budget discipline and timeline adherence, we ensure smooth project delivery from initial concept through final occupancy, tailored to each client's specific objectives.
People
Robert A. Franklin
Principal | President
As President of Franklin Architects, Robert A. Franklin leads the firm with over 30 years of experience in architectural design and project management. A licensed architect and NCARB-certified professional, he maintains the firm's legacy of excellence while guiding its evolution in sustainable design practices.
Matthew G. Lyle
Principal | Studio Manager
Matthew G. Lyle oversees studio operations and project execution at Franklin Architects. With AIA and NCARB credentials, he ensures technical excellence across projects while mentoring emerging architects. His leadership maintains the firm's commitment to quality design solutions that balance creativity with practical implementation.
Sara N. Gowin
Principal | Interior Design Lead
Sara N. Gowin directs interior design initiatives at Franklin Architects, combining NCIDQ certification with LEED expertise. She specializes in creating functional, sustainable interior environments that enhance user experience while meeting rigorous environmental standards across commercial and institutional projects.
Stephen K. Haase
Principal | Project Architect
Stephen K. Haase brings specialized expertise in sustainable architecture as a LEED AP BD+C and CPHC-certified professional. His technical knowledge and AIA credentials ensure innovative, energy-efficient solutions for complex architectural projects while maintaining strict adherence to design excellence.
Alex Meave
Senior Project Designer
Alex Meave serves as Senior Project Designer, translating conceptual ideas into detailed architectural solutions. With extensive experience in design development and client coordination, they ensure creative vision aligns with technical requirements while maintaining the firm's high standards of design integrity.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural services including design, planning, interior design, construction administration, and sustainable design solutions for commercial, educational, healthcare, and residential projects.
How long has your firm been in business?
franklin|architects has been serving clients since 1933, maintaining a legacy of excellence across three generations of architectural practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Do you specialize in sustainable design?
Yes, our firm integrates sustainable design principles into every project, with LEED-certified professionals guiding environmentally responsible solutions that reduce long-term operational costs and environmental impact.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, we work on projects throughout the southeastern United States, with notable projects in South Pittsburgh and other regional locations.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We employ a collaborative design process that involves clients, contractors, and community stakeholders from project inception through completion, ensuring solutions reflect each client's unique needs and goals.
Can you handle complex project types?
Our experienced team manages projects of all sizes and complexities, from corporate office renovations to large-scale educational facilities, maintaining technical precision and design excellence throughout.
