Please tell us a little about yourself.
“I was born in Dallas, Texas (go Cowboys!), raised in Miami, Fla., and live in Mt. Juliet.”
Your current career position?
“Owner of Anderson Architects, PLLC.”
Married, children?
“I am married to Leigh Ann (nee´ Ferguson) of Lebanon and have three children (Ashley McCormack — married to Ethan; Samuel; and Jacqueline Sorrels – married to Jameson — and one grandchild (Andie Kate McCormack).”
Schooling?
“I went to Miami Palmetto High School, University of Florida (Go Gators!) and the Georgia Institute of Technology (Go Jackets!).”
When did you move to Mt. Juliet?
“I moved from Atlanta to Mt. Juliet in 1992 to be closer to my wife’s family in Lebanon.”
When did you realize you would be an architect?
“I realized I wanted to be an architect when my mom told me I could not stay in school at UF and major in art. She told me to get a professional degree, hence architecture.”
Were you good at math and conceptualizing at a young age?
“I was not great at math, but I built many models: rockets, cars, some airplanes, etc. I loved geometry in high school and did well at it.”
What did you do prior to founding Anderson Architects in 2002?
“I gained valuable experience at KBJM Architects here in Mt. Juliet that allowed me to step out on my own. We are celebrating 20 years in business this year.”
How hard was it to take that risk?
“My wife’s job as a nurse at UMC allowed me to step out. It was pretty lean in the early years.”
What are the challenges and perks of being an architect?
“The challenges are keeping up with the changing codes and the sometimes-difficult projects. Perks are walking into a structure you designed and experiencing the space within and also enjoying the view on the outside, and also the satisfaction of helping out a client.”
How competitive is it to get all the big jobs you do?
“I have been blessed to have the great clients that have come our way. We don’t do a lot of marketing, mostly rely on word of mouth. We call ourselves ‘Community Architects’ which means we will take a nice big job, and also the difficult, small, or unusual projects as well from the local area.”
Do you have to be a math whiz to be an architect, or is it more about imagination?
“You certainly do not have to good at math. With the CAD programs out there, and the consulting engineers that we hire, math is not a daily problem. Codes, products, contractors, owners, billing, etc. are the challenges.”
How many projects have you completed?
“Maybe over 700. We have done many small projects, as we do residential additions, but also some larger ones.”
There are some well-known buildings with your handprint.
“Nossi College of Art New Campus Building in Madison is one I am very proud of. RxMed in Lebanon had 50 KW of solar panels on the roof. Joy Church Coffee House and St. Philopateer Coptic Orthodox Church are recent projects in Mt. Juliet. I was proud to have been one of the four Wilson County architects who came together to design the Veterans Museum pro bono. I have enjoyed working on the Wilson County Library projects.”
Why do you take special interest in your hometown for projects?
“I have been honored to be able to put a new façade on MJ City Hall, to design the Clock Tower (it’s not taller because of the budget) and also the forthcoming Veterans Memorial Wall in Mt. Juliet.”
Your favorite all time project?
“Probably the Men of Valor Congregate Living Facility and Apartments at Valor Ridge in Antioch. It has special meaning to me because I knew Carl Carlson, the founder.”
What are you currently working on?
“I am currently working on two gymnastic studios. We have just finished drawings for the Wilson County Road Commission New Shop Building.”
Do you have a team now?
“Yes, I have three full-time employees, Jacob, Evan, and Bishoy. Sherri Shedd is a tenant in my building and is my CPA and guides me in business matters. We joke that she is my ‘work wife.’ ”
Why are Biblical values the forefront of your work philosophy?
“I knew at the beginning that I would put that out there for people to know and to hold me to it. I designed my logo to have a cross in the middle to keep that at the forefront as well. God has been with me the whole journey. We have done many projects at no cost to ministries and charities.”
What is your biggest accomplishment?
“Getting married and staying married. My family means everything to me.”
Pivotal moments that guided your career?
“My dad once told me that he didn’t see me working for other people my whole life, so I always had that in the back of my mind that it was meant to be.”
Best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Go ahead and ask her to marry you.”
Best piece of advice you’ve given?
“Turn your life over to Jesus and watch out for real life to happen.”
I know you are heavily involved with local civic organizations. Why is it important for you to be a cornerstone in your community?
“My former boss, Bill Morris of KBJM, encouraged me to join Rotary and Leadership Wilson, both of which I have enjoyed being part of, so I owe him quite a bit. I do enjoy serving the community.”
Hobbies?
“Boating is about it. Really not much time for hobbies anymore”
Biggest career accomplishment?
“I have gotten some ‘Best’ awards which are quite humbling, given that there are probably better architects in Wilson County.”
Which living person do you most admire?
“Perhaps Elon Musk? He has been able to accomplish amazing things in relatively short periods of time.”
Your idea of perfect happiness?
“Family on vacation.”
If you could spend an evening with anyone, past or present, who and why?
“OK, I will give you the Sunday School answer: Jesus. Because I have a lot of questions.”
What would you ask?
“Details about creation and the universe, but also about the Godhead /Trinity.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“Probably doing the same things hopefully. I am 61 now, so I have several more years of work ahead.”
Your favorite thing about Mt. Juliet?
“Its location: between two lakes, on the right side of the airport, and good churches and restaurants.”
Movie or book person?
“Both. I enjoy a well written, decent book that will make me laugh and also educate (Mary Roach is a favorite author). My favorite movies are ‘Nacho Libre,’ ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ and ‘LaLa Land.’ My movie choices don’t educate too much but to me are entertaining. The only TV show I will make time for is ‘BattleBots.’ ”
