HBG Design Named 2026 Outstanding Early Career Professional Friendly Firm
Nationally recognized program honors firms creating exceptional opportunities for emerging architects and design professionals.
HBG Design is proud to announce its selection as a 2026 Outstanding Early Career Professional Friendly Firm by AIA Tennessee, an honor awarded to just five architecture firms across the state.
The Early Career Professional Friendly Firm Award Program recognizes Tennessee firms that go beyond industry best practices to intentionally support the personal and professional growth of emerging professionals and young architects. The program celebrates organizations that cultivate meaningful career development opportunities, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and create pathways for long-term success.
This year’s award recipients were selected from a highly competitive field of applicants. According to AIA Tennessee, jurors noted that the distinction between firms ultimately came down to several key factors, including active engagement of early career professionals in shaping firm culture and programs, a commitment to developing diverse talent and leadership pipelines, intentional mentoring efforts, and clear opportunities for professional advancement.
For HBG Design, the recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to investing in people and creating an environment where emerging professionals can thrive.
“At HBG Design, we believe the future of our profession depends on empowering the next generation of architects, interior designers, and industry leaders,” said Nathan Peak, HBG Design Practice Leader. “We are honored to be recognized by AIA Tennessee and remain committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, mentorship, continuous learning, and professional growth.”
Across its offices, HBG provides team members with opportunities to engage in meaningful project responsibilities, collaborate directly with clients and consultants, pursue licensure and professional certifications, participate in mentorship initiatives, and advance within clearly defined career pathways. The firm’s culture encourages early career professionals to contribute ideas, take on leadership opportunities, and actively shape the future of the practice.
Being named an Outstanding Early Career Professional Friendly Firm underscores HBG Design’s dedication to creating an employee experience that supports both personal development and professional achievement.
As the firm continues to grow, HBG remains focused on building a workplace where emerging talent is empowered to learn, innovate, and develop rewarding, long-term careers.
About the Award
The AIA Tennessee Early Career Professional Friendly Firm Award Program recognizes architecture firms that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting emerging professionals through mentorship, career development, workplace culture, leadership opportunities, and professional growth initiatives. For 2026, only five Tennessee firms received the Outstanding Early Career Professional Friendly Firm designation.
AIA TN Conference 2023: Our Top 5 Moments
1. Excellence Shines at the AIA TN Conference: Showcasing HBG Design's Impact
The recent AIA TN Conference held in our hometown of Memphis was not just an event; it was a testament to the indelible mark that HBG Design continues to leave in our local design community. As the conference unfolded at the Hyatt Centric Beale Street – designed by HBG Design – the resonance of our team's commitment to innovation, diversity, and professional growth reverberated throughout the event.
2. Nurturing Emerging Professionals: A Prestigious Acknowledgment
HBG Design was honored to be recognized as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm at the conference. This prestigious award underscores our dedication to creating nurturing environments that foster the growth and development of emerging talents within our industry. As firm believers in the power of mentorship and professional development, we are humbled to receive this recognition.
3. Diverse Voices Resound: Carmen Fluellen Jr. & Jeanne Myers Featured in 'Say it Loud' Exhibition
The "Say it Loud" exhibition celebrates the invaluable contributions of diverse designers, architects, engineers, and planners, amplifying their voices and experiences within the architecture and design fields. HBG Design team members Carmen Fluellen and Jeanne Myers were featured in this year's exhibition.
Carmen Fluellen
Carmen Fluellen's contributions have been pivotal in the development of notable projects such as the new 23-story, 317-room Four Winds South Bend Casino Resort in South Bend, Indiana, and the impressive $44.5 million, 155,600 SF Hyatt Centric in Memphis, Tennessee. His expertise was also key in the master planning of the proposed 85-acre, multi-building BLP Film Studios complex in the Whitehaven area of Memphis, Tennessee. This ambitious project is set to become the second largest African American-owned film studio in the U.S.
Carmen's commitment to excellence extends beyond the project site, as seen through his involvement with the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Memphis Chapter and his leadership in our Emerging Professionals Studio (EPS) program.
Jeanne Myers
Jeanne's dedication to architecture and design is paralleled by her deep involvement with AIA Tennessee. Serving as the current AIA Tennessee Treasurer since 2020, Jeanne's leadership has played a pivotal role in the organization's success. Her commitment extends to the AIA TN Conference on Architecture Committee, where her innovative ideas have led to the creation of meaningful engagement opportunities for fellow professionals.
An embodiment of mentorship and support, Jeanne champions the achievements of emerging professionals through her leadership in the Newly Licensed Award since 2013. Jeanne's dedication to supporting the growth of young professionals and her commitment to fostering a sense of belonging within the architectural community are truly inspiring. Jeanne's journey also extends beyond her professional involvement to her feature in the "Say it Loud" exhibition.
4. Celebrating Achievement: Ryan Callahan's Architectural License
HBG Design's Ryan Callahan was recognized at this year's conference for achieving his architectural license. The architectural license is not merely a piece of paper; it represents years of hard work, continuous learning, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It embodies a profound understanding of the built environment and the impact that architecture has on shaping communities and enhancing lives. The HBG Design Emerging Professionals Studio thrives on mentorship, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, and Ryan’s success is a reflection of these principles in action.
5. Embodied Excellence: The Guest House at Graceland Tour
As the conference unfolded, attendees were offered a unique opportunity to delve into one of HBG Design's remarkable Memphis projects – The Guest House at Graceland. This tour showcased the marriage of design innovation and cultural resonance that defines our work. The Guest House at Graceland exemplifies our commitment to crafting transformative design experiences.