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 whose work is grounded in curiosity, craft, and a conviction that communities benefit from thoughtful, site-specific design. With two decades of experience across academic, multifamily, commercial, sacred, and recreational projects, Eric brings a broad range of experience to complex projects. His work with some of the country’s leading architecture firms on projects around the world has given him a deep understanding of the process to advance a project from an initial vision to well-executed reality, while retaining fidelity to both concept and detail. Eric is a natural collaborator who builds trust, asks strategic questions, and helps teams navigate the decisions that shape a project. He brings the same curiosity and discipline to his work as a cellist and illustrator, creative pursuits that continue to inform how he sees and approaches architecture.

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

AIA

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.

SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER

NCIDQ

Design begins with a blank canvas shaped by client aspirations. Through innovative problem-solving and collaboration, Kaylee delivers bespoke solutions and details that consistently exceed expectations. A highly skilled professional, Kaylee works with clients to bring their visions to life while maintaining budget and schedule—even on complex projects. In addition to her design expertise, she is committed to mentoring emerging designers and providing training in construction detailing, workload management, and overall project execution. Kaylee’s passion for learning drives her continuous growth.

ARCHITECT

AIA

Todd is an architect and educator whose work is grounded in thoughtful design, a strong sense of place, and an interest in how architecture can strengthen communities. His professional experience spans residential, institutional, commercial, and civic work across the southeast. Todd currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Architecture at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where his teaching and professional practice intersect around design, planning, preservation, and community engagement. His educational background bridges architecture and interiors, with a Master of Architecture from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Harding University.

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.

HR + STRATEGIC OPERATIONS

SHRM-CP

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— 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

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.

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Micaela joined Southern Architecture workshop in 2026 as a Project Architect. She comes bringing a strong background in commercial architecture with a focus on hospitality having managed numerous projects from initial planning stages through construction. Passionate about technical detailing while always striving to seek thoughtful actionable solutions for her clients, Micaela is constantly dedicated to finding thoughtful solutions that strive to enhance the communities she serves. Micaela received her Master of Architecture from The University of Cincinnati.

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 ARCHITECT

AIA | NCARB

Michael joined SAW in 2026 as a Project Architect. He is an architect who is passionate about thoughtful contemporary design — taking pride in communicating intentional design in all facets of his work. He is motivated by the opportunity to positively impact people's lives through the power of inspirational design. His  aim is to use design as a tool that is sensitive to specific client needs, to cultural conditions, and to local vernacular qualities while also striving for excellence.

When he’s not working, he loves spending time tinkering on house projects and spending quality time with his wife and 2 year old daughter. He’s a big fan of Southern Miss (his alma mater), indie singer-songwriter music, and college sports. He loves to meet and socialize over a cold drink (cold brew coffee, pilsners, old fashioned are his go-tos) and enjoys making connections in the local community.

OFFICE MANAGER

Sarah joined Southern Architecture Workshop in 2026 as the Office Manager. She has previous experience in roles in architecture & design, higher education, and journalism.  A native Texan, Sarah spends her time attempting to protect her garden from squirrels, checking out too many books from the library, or at the Belcourt.