OWNER

AIA | NCARB | LEED AP BD+C

Neil has extensive experience coordinating large teams of designers and consultants in the design and execution of Educational, Residential, Commercial, Office, and Master-plan projects across the Eastern United States. Throughout his career he has been focused on public work, designing and managing projects for public and institutional clients from Seattle, WA, to Nashville, TN and Winter Gardens Florida. Passionate about sustain-ability, he has helped execute numerous LEED projects including the 310,000 gsf, James Lawson High School in Nashville, TN which is targeting LEED Gold and LEED Platinum Fire Station 20 in Seattle, WA.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

AIA | NCARB

Eric Hawkins is an architect with over twenty years of experience who is driven by dual passions for design and shepherding ideas to reality. His commitment to relationships and his collaborative spirit enable him to guide clients and teams through the challenges of realizing the built form. He draws from a breadth of experience with diverse project types in markets around the globe. Eric received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and his Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech.

PROJECT MANAGER

AIA | NCARB

David joined Southern Architecture Workshop in 2024 as a Project Manager, bringing nearly a decade of architectural experience across a wide range of project types in Middle Tennessee. He approaches architecture as a true generalist, engaging deeply in every phase of the design and construction process—from early conceptual development to navigating complex technical challenges in the field. David is committed to delivering thoughtful, creative solutions and to shaping architecture that makes a lasting, positive contribution to the built environment.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Cole joined Southern Architecture Workshop in 2025 as a Project Architect. He started his career in Jacksonville, Florida at Group 4 Design, where he managed projects from early planning through construction during the post-COVID building boom. With a focus on the intersection of design and constructability, Cole enjoys finding thoughtful, practical solutions that put people at the center of every space.

OFFICE MANAGER

Melodie joined SAW after spending nearly a decade in administrative and HR roles, primarily within the architecture and design world. She’s passionate about supporting those around her and building strong foundations for shared success. Working alongside designers continually inspires her—she loves watching their ideas come to life.

When she’s not at her desk, Melodie is usually chasing something—whether it’s her next caffeine fix, her kids, or her dogs. A fan of fiction, thrifting, and writing as a form of reflection, she also takes pride in keeping her sourdough starters alive (most of the time). She enjoys a good patio cocktail but, at heart, she’s a homebody—her favorite place will always be snuggled up at home with her family.

PROJECT DESIGNER

Prior to joining Southern Architecture Workshop as a project designer in 2024, Michael began his career in San Francisco, contributing to high-end residential and hospitality projects across California, Texas, and Montana. He is committed to elevating design quality and thoughtfully integrating architecture with the land and community, values he strives to embody in his work at SAW.

PROJECT DESIGNER

Ryan joined Southern Architecture Workshop as a Project Designer in early 2025. With a strong background in hospitality design, he has contributed to a range of large-scale projects and renovations across Florida. Ryan is driven by a passion for problem-solving and thrives on creating thoughtful, functional spaces. He is dedicated to architecture that not only enhances communities but also elevates the everyday experience.