History / Timeline

  • 1982

    In October 1982, the end of the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Jerry W. Lewis and Michael Brady start an architectural firm called Artec.

  • 1983

    Artec is awarded its 1st major school project for the old “Knoxville City School System”. It also hires its 1st employee.

  • 1985

    The firm is awarded its 1st ever Healthcare project, a new Medical Office Building adjacent to Parkwest Hospital in West Knoxville for 6 internal medicine physicians.

  • 1988

    The firm broke into the Retail Marketplace with Goody’s Family Clothing Corporation Headquarters in Athens, Tennessee. The firm’s staff grew to approximately 20 people because of Goody’s in six different states.

  • 1990

    Michael Brady left the firm to pursue other interests.

  • 1991

    Artec joint ventured with J. Anthony Moore Architect in Kingsport, Tennessee and was awarded 2 school projects for city schools. The school projects were our 1st ever “School of the Year” awards from the Tennessee School Board Association. Johnson Elementary won 1st place and Lincoln Elementary won 2nd place.

  • 1993

    Artec was awarded is 1st ever Knox County School project. A.L. Lotts Elementary School was well received and won the Tennessee School Board Association’s “School of the Year” in the state of Tennessee.

  • 1994

    Artec changes its name to The Lewis Group Architects.

  • 1995

    The Lewis Group Architects is awarded the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center, its 1st ever Greenfield project for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

  • 2001

    The Lewis Group Architects relocate to The Landmark Center.

  • 2002

    The Lewis Group Architects was awarded its 1st ever Replacement Hospital projects, Fort Loudoun Medical Center, a joint venture with BMA for Covenant Health. The Lewis Group Architects was also commissioned to Masterplan and Design Phase I of St. Mary’s North Campus.

  • 2003

    The Lewis Group Architects starts an Interior Design Department, institutes a new Corporate Identity and Branding, and also design a website.

  • 2005

    The Lewis Group Architects was selected by Knox County Schools to design the new Hardin Valley Academy, the 1st new High School Project in the county in almost 50 years. Also, Grainger County Schools selected The Lewis Group Architects in alliance with Penland & Associates to design a new comprehensive High School.

  • 2006

    The Lewis Group Architects relocated to the 8th floor of the Landmark Center.