The Knoxville architects and designers of R2R studio have worked hard to create an open environment that embraces each person’s ideas and contributions—and we extend that philosophy not only to our staff, but also to our clients.
The development of your design is realized through a customized process suited to meet the individual needs of our clients. No matter the scale of your project, our goal is to provide a streamlined process to achieve a successfully completed project unique to you.
It’s important to us that everyone has a voice at each stage of a project. We feel the design process works best as a conversation; therefore, we highly value that collaboration.
We also cultivate opportunities for teamwork and communication in our workplace, so that every idea is heard and each project gets the attention to detail that it deserves. Whether through our open office and learning-driven culture or our team-building “fun days” like laser tag and kickball, we go to great lengths to nurture our employees.
The Knoxville Architects and Designers of R2R Studio
Scott Osborn
Why He Chose Architecture: “I love to interact with people and solve problems. Design and construction present a multitude of opportunities to interact and create solutions.”
As the founder and principal architect of R2R studio, Scott wears a lot of hats. Business development is his primary focus these days, but he still takes on architectural challenges to satisfy his creativity. He loves working on restaurant designs, and planning out a kitchen layout for a challenging space is his idea of a good time.
Scott received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee in 1994. Like many students, he had the opportunity to study abroad—but it turned out to be particularly lucky for Scott, because it was in the exchange program with the University of Technology in Krakow that he met his future wife and business partner, Daria.
During his career, Scott has been fortunate to work with great architects and mentors like Krzysztof Bojanowski and John Sicard, who provided him the foundation and inspiration he needed to succeed.
When he’s not at work, Scott loves to spend time with his family, shuttling his kids between activities or taking them to a Major League Baseball game. One day, he hopes to kick back and sail the Caribbean.
Favorite Quote: “Figure out what you are good at, and do it.” —Daryl Johnson
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Daria Krol
Favorite Building: “The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, Italy. Its classical proportions, beautiful Renaissance architecture, and stunning frescoes make it the most perfect, breathtaking building I’ve ever visited.”
R2R studio’s co-founder and lead designer Daria has known she wanted to be an architect since she was in seventh grade, when her parents sent her to an art camp that introduced her to drawing. Today, she uses that talent to sketch ideas for her designs.
Originally from Poland, Daria graduated from the School of Architecture at University of Technology in Krakow and came to Knoxville as an exchange student with the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design. Later, she married Scott, and together they started R2R studio.
For Daria, building a personal connection with clients is very gratifying, and getting to know people helps her create spaces that they’ll enjoy living in. She particularly enjoys working on different scale residential and renovation projects, frequently visiting job sites to brainstorm and learn.
In her down time, Daria enjoys spending time with Scott and their two sons, Ian and Adam. Gardening, reading books or magazines, and daydreaming about her next project are Daria’s idea of the perfect day. That said, if she ever gets the chance, she would love to go on a safari in Tanzania.
Favorite Quote: “Do more of what makes you happy.”
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Jason Atkins
Favorite Building: “’Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright. I am fascinated with how the building integrates into its site and surrounding natural landscape. It pushed the limits of both construction and architecture.”
Jason received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee in 1998. As a registered architect at R2R studio, Jason brings to our team his distinct architectural vision. Through his nearly 20 years in the commercial sector of the profession, he has gained valuable experience in project management and design.
His project expertise includes working with both local and national corporate clients through tenant upfits, retail centers, and office buildings. He also has extensive knowledge of master planning and has worked with multiple commercial developers preparing conceptual site plans for potential developments.
By focusing on thorough, accurate construction documents and open communication with all the parties involved, Jason works hard to ensure that every project runs smoothly from the initial conceptual sketch all the way through the construction process.
When he’s not working, Jason enjoys cheering for his kids at their volleyball and soccer games and hopes to make a return trip to Romania.
Favorite Vacation Spot: “The Gulf Coast, especially driving through Seaside, Florida along Scenic Highway 30A.”
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Brittany Bennett
Favorite Building: “My favorite isn’t a building, per se, but a space. Maya Lin’s Vietnam memorial was the first piece of architecture that hit me so strongly. I’m captivated by architecture that evokes a spiritual connection between the individual and the intangible.”
After receiving her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Brittany was presented with the opportunity to focus on residential design in San Diego, California. At the start of her professional career, she gained a wide range of hands-on experience with each custom residence.
This experience sparked her passion for the process of molding a structure from conception to reality. This same passion carried her cross-country to the R2R studio family, where Brittany has fully immersed herself in commercial design.
As she works toward her professional licensure here in Knoxville, Brittany has enjoyed learning alongside her colleagues here at R2R studio. She’s fascinated with how design challenges in architecture are never fully limited to a black or white solution—the “gray area” of endless design possibilities intrigues her the most.
When not in the design studio, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family. Whether organizing family dinners or recruiting everyone to work on her ever-growing list of home improvement projects, she can be found surrounded by those she loves the most.
Favorite Vacation Spot: “I have yet to crown my all-time favorite, but Asheville, NC remains my favorite weekend getaway. I never tire of touring the Biltmore, and the estate grounds are still remarkable to me throughout every season.”
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Tiffany Gentry
Why She Chose Architecture: Architecture allows me to improve people’s lives. I think most people go too often without interacting with their environment, so I aim to create spaces that connect people with their surroundings and community.
Born in Chattanooga and growing up in Karns, Tiffany is deeply rooted in East Tennessee. Early in school her art teachers encouraged her to pursue art professionally. As the daughter of two accountants, she knew she wanted to marry her love between art and hard sciences—and found architectural design to be the perfect avenue to pursue her passions.
In 2013, Tiffany graduated from the University of Tennessee and joined the R2R studio team in 2020. Tiffany is never happier than when she’s color coding her calendars (of which she has several) or checking off the boxes on her to-do list. Her organizational and scheduling skills go hand-in-hand with her years of project management experience on all types of projects.
Outside of the office, Tiffany answers the call of her inner-geek by reading comic books, watching fantasy movies, or planning her next trip to The Harry Potter Universe in Orlando, Florida. She is currently studying for her remaining Architectural Registration Exams (AREs) and is counting down the days until she is a licensed architect.
Favorite Quote: “Preparation is the key to success.” -Alexander Graham Bell.
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Stefanie Genua
Why She Chose Architecture: “I have always had a passion for design! When I was young, I would beg my parents to buy residential floor plan magazines for me, and I would draw floor plans for me and my make-believe families.”
A lifelong Knoxvillian, Stefanie graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and joined R2R studio in 2007. In her time with us as a designer and project manager, she has worked on a wide range of projects, though her favorites have always been in the restaurant sector. Her experience with franchise design also led her to expand the brand development side of R2R studio.
What Stefanie enjoys most about each project is establishing a relationship with the client and working together as a team to accomplish their goals in a creative way. The best compliment to her is when a client is so happy with the flow and feel of a space that they come back for their next project.
When she’s not at work, Stefanie loves to spend time with her husband and two boys. She’s coming up on the five-year mark with her own home remodel, and although her husband isn’t as enthusiastic about it as she is, Stefanie keeps coming up with new design ideas to put her spin on the modern-day family home.
Favorite Vacation Spot: ”Anywhere with sand, water, and sun…I LOVE the beach! I just checked Hawaii off the top of my travel bucket list! ”
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Savannah Greco
Favorite Building: “Located in Koyasan, Japan, Fukichi-In was the most experiential space I have ever been in. It was freezing, but somehow still cozy with light beaming through the shoji screens.”
After spending two years in Chattanooga at UTC, Knoxville called Savannah home to the University of Tennessee, where she received a Bachelor of Interior Architecture in 2019.
Growing up with a passion for the arts and mathematics, Savannah desired a career that would allow creativity and logic daily. She fell in love with architecture the moment she began drafting and could not imagine a better fit. At R2R studio, she works primarily on commercial projects, achieving a holistic design within our interior architecture studio.
Savannah enjoys playing a role in the growth and development in East Tennessee, making it a destination, and bringing quality design to the place she calls home!
When not at the office, Savannah spends her weekends renovating her house—inside and out—with her husband and two cats. She also loves to travel to new cities and states, trying new food, and gaining inspiration from buildings and sites. Her lifetime goal is to visit all fifty states, then branching out to countries around the world.
Favorite Quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney
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Meagan Grohol
Favorite Building: “I love many buildings in Chicago! It was the first major city I visited as an architecture student where I got to see and experience the architecture I’d been studying firsthand.”
Starting with us as an intern architect, Meagan has always loved to draw and was encouraged by her high school teachers to study architecture. At this point, she says, she can’t picture herself doing anything else.
Meagan relocated from the Tri-Cities area to Knoxville to study architecture at the University of Tennessee, graduating in 2010 and beginning an internship with R2R studio shortly after. She joined us full time that September and hasn’t looked back. She received her architectural license in early 2018.
Meagan works mainly with commercial projects, and has enjoyed being a part of various downtown Knoxville renovations. She loves a good makeover, and watching buildings transform through the design and construction process is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
Outside of work, Meagan spends her time playing with her unruly Doberman mix at the dog park and traveling with her husband Aaron, who’s also an architect.
Travel Bucket List: “I try to visit different cities every chance I get—one day, I’d love to go to Italy and Ireland. I just crossed New Zealand off my list!”
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Anna Katherine Kittrell
Why She Chose Architecture: “I initially chose architecture because I loved art and creating, yet I enjoyed the technical side of math. It seemed like a good match. I quickly learned that there is so much more to architecture that I love.”
Anna Katherine grew up in the East Tennessee area and joined R2R studio after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2018.
Harnessing that love of imaginative solutions, Anna Katherine brings a fresh perspective to the commercial and franchise studios. This is fostered by her ingenuity in making clay figures and tiny trinkets to cardboard houses and tree forts as a child. Anna Katherine fits right into the philosophy of R2R studio, where she feels that the teamwork of dedicated people creates the most successful building designs.
Anna Katherine fills her spare time with friends, family, and a variety of hobbies—including hiking, rock climbing, painting, reading, or cooking, just to name a few!
She looks to new adventures to drive her inspiration for design. Whether it is visiting new local restaurants, hiking through a new National Park, or planning her first trip to Europe, she believes beauty is in the unique characteristics of place. She revels in the impact that architecture has on people and bringing their ideas to life.
Favorite Vacation Spot: “Any National Park. My favorite so far has been Big Bend National Park. The scenery was breathtaking, and the hikes were incredible. Though the Smokies hold a special place in my heart because I grew up going to them countless weekends for hikes, camping, and picnics.”
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Christina Larson
Favorite Building: “The TWA Hotel at the JFK airport terminal. While I’ve never been, I followed the project as it was being restored to its former beauty. The structure’s unique curves beautifully integrate into the seating.”
Christina spent her childhood in Northern Virginia and relocated to Knoxville to pursue a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee. She joined R2R studio in 2021.
From a young age, Christina took interest in sketching floor plans and redesigning her bedroom layout. She realized how new designs changed the feel of her environment. She believes her career in interior architecture is the best opportunity to provide that transformation to others.
Christina enjoys venturing into all the facets of residential architecture and commercial interiors at R2R studio; and she is excited to provide clients with a holistic design approach on each project. As she works towards her NCIDQ certification, she likes the challenge of bringing her clients’ visions to life through every aspect of their design–from the general layout to interior details.
When Christina is not in the office, she creates new recipes, goes antiquing at local shops, and adding new houseplants to her collection. Her perfect weekend? She’ll be found perusing bookstores or searching for the newest coffee shop.
Favorite quote: “The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.” – Fabienne Fredrickson
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Katie Layman
Why She chose Interior Architecture: “My art teacher—who just so happens to be my mom—started me early on drawing and painting. I always knew I wanted to use my creativity to do something impactful. I instantly fell in love when I found architecture and design.”
As a member of the Interior Architecture Studio, Katie enjoys bringing her clients vision to life through concept sketches and materials selections. She joined R2R studio in 2020 after graduating with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. While pursuing her degree, she studied abroad in Northern Europe with a focus on landscape architecture and the overlap of our natural and built environments.
Katie is fascinated by the psychology rooted in design—both the physical and social needs of those that use a space—and is passionate about helping people realize their dream project through intricate details. She delights in merging the technical aspects of architecture and design with her creativity.
In her down time, you can find Katie going to the movies, being entertained by her Scottish Fold kitty, Harley, and painting pet portraits for friends. She loves that her hobbies of drawing, sketching, and painting flow into her daily routine at R2R studio.
Travel Bucket List: “Alaska is at the top of my bucket list. I have always wanted to see the northern lights and maybe a polar bear too!”
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Chris Leibensperger
Favorite Building: “Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is my favorite building. The exposed structural bracing and the integration of the chapel into the landscape are stunning features that make it the most interesting building to me.”
A recent transplant from Rochester, New York, Chris joined the architects at R2R studio in 2021. Chris received his Bachelor of Architecture from Alfred State College in 2009. As he works towards his architectural license, Chris brings his experience to our commercial studio as a project manager.
Growing up, Chris was fascinated by construction and the way buildings came together. This and the inspiration of Daniel Libeskind’s work drove him to become an architect. Chris strives to design each project with a strong connection to its site and that evokes an emotional response.
Outside the office, Chris is looking forward to exploring East Tennessee with his young children or playing a round (or two) of golf.
Favorite Restaurant: “Good Luck in Rochester is designed to be family style with extra large portions to share. The 1lb hamburger with bourbon ketchup is amazing, and they have great craft cocktails too.”
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Debbie McCarter
Favorite Architect: “Carlo Scarpa. He creates a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. The beauty in his work is easily experienced by any person regardless of education, profession, or status.”
Born in the bustling city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Debbie was raised in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Throughout her life, she has been surrounded by construction and building with her contractor father on projects of all scales—from fireplaces or furniture to the house she lives in now.
Debbie’s talents and skills do not end there. She enjoys crafting, oil-painting, and designing jewelry deeply inspired by the natural beauty of the Smokies. Her passion for art, academics, and construction led her to study architecture at the University of Tennessee.
While completing the final year of her degree, Debbie joined the team at R2R studio as an architectural intern, and we welcomed her back after she graduated. She sees architecture as an artform that allows her to apply her creativity into a tangible space.
Debbie loves the different facets of architecture, and currently works in our residential design studio. When not at work, her favorite pastimes include painting, cooking, gardening, or playing video games with her husband.
Favorite Vacation Spot: “Nothing refreshes me more than a weekend trip to Hot Springs, NC. The short drive there is nothing short of magic, and the town itself always helps me reset.”
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Maria “Cristy” Ortiz
Favorite Building: “My favorite building is the Perez Art Museum in Miami. When I visited, I felt that the Museum was not only there to display the art, but the building itself was also a piece of art.”
As native of the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, Cristy has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico in Environmental Design. She furthered her education at Florida International University, where she graduated with a Master of Architecture in 2013 and Master of Science in International Real Estate in 2015.
Cristy brings a new perspective on design to R2R studio. She began her architectural career working with a luxury condo developer in Miami, and later relocated to East Tennessee to work on single-family residential, mixed-use, and tenant improvement projects. At R2R studio, she supports both residential and commercial studios.
Architecture gives Cristy a way to create space, a sense of home, an environment for people that use it. She strives to create a better world through design, little by little.
Cristy spends her leisure time at being active at the gym or relaxing with her husband and two puppies. With a few extra days off, she visits her family in Puerto Rico touring her favorite spots along the way.
Favorite Restaurant: “Porch Light Latin Kitchen in Smyrna, Georgia, is the best Puerto Rican food I have ever had. The atmosphere makes you think you are in Old San Juan—with friendly staff, festive music, and interior design—it feels like home.”
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Makenna Smith
Why She Chose Interior Architecture: “Growing up, I saw myself going into the medical field, but I had a creative side to me that I couldn’t ignore. Interior architecture challenges me to use my creative side for problem solving and impactful designs.”
After interning with R2R studio in college, Makenna joined the team full-time in 2019. Her passion for Knoxville kept her here because she wants to have a hand in advancing the city and watch it thrive!
Makenna received her Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the University of Tennessee. While in school, she studied abroad in Italy and enriched her love and understanding for architecture. Her experience at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, in Florence further strengthened her passion in interior architecture after the building brought her to tears.
As one of our Interior Architects, Makenna works primarily on commercial projects helping to achieve a holistic design from the outside-in. She works with many consultants and reps in order to make designs come to life.
When Makenna is not at work, she and her husband are busy updating their fixer-upper home in Downtown Knoxville or enjoying the outdoors with friends, family, and their dog. Her favorite weekend activities include mini vacations, camping, and exercising.
Favorite Architect: “Zaha Hadid— She was a powerhouse! Her architecture had a huge impact on me while in school. Her work pushes the boundaries and limitations of architecture.”
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