Sanders Pace Architecture

Sanders Pace Architecture (SPA) is a full-service architecture, planning, and design firm based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 2002 by John Sanders and Brandon Pace, the practice has grown to offer a wide range of services, from unique adaptive reuse and renovation projects to small-scale custom residential work, innovative institutional buildings, and large-scale public sector projects. Our design approach is centered around a thoughtful and progressive solution that meets the goals and needs of our clients.

Design Philosophy

At SPA, we believe that the revitalization of a city can be organically realized one building at a time through preservation, adaptive re-use, and sensitive urban infill. Our focus on urban revitalization in Knoxville has been greatly impacted by our sensitive and methodical approach to architecture and urban design. Additionally, our work has been informed by the surrounding natural context of the Appalachian Mountains and the Tennessee Valley Region, resulting in projects recognized regionally and nationally for their nuanced and sustainable relationships to the unique histories, ecologies, and landscapes of East Tennessee.

Awards and Recognition

Our commitment to design excellence has earned us numerous awards and recognition. We are proud to have received a Citation Award for the Clauss Haus II by Residential Design Magazine as part of the 2024 Residential Architect Design Architecture Awards. We have also been honored with an Honorable Mention for the Best of Practice awards by The Architect's Newspaper in the Southeast Medium-Sized Category. Furthermore, our project, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Learning Center, received an Orchid Award for New Construction from Keep Knoxville Beautiful.

Selected Projects

Some of our notable projects include the Urban Wilderness Gateway Park, the South Banks at Suttree Landing Park, the University of Tennessee Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre, and the Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park. These projects showcase our ability to create innovative and sustainable designs that integrate research into a collaborative design process, leading to unique and inventive solutions.

People

John L. Sanders, FAIA, is a founding member of SPA and is known for his passion for the profession. His designs approach and capture opportunities that are typically unconsidered. Under his leadership, SPA has become a respected and influential practice in the region.