Sara J. Atherton

After growing up in Michigan and Ohio, Sara earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 1999. Immediately after graduation, she moved to Nashville (she got here as fast as she could) and joined HASTINGS in 2003 and has since completed notable projects including Roundabout Plaza, SunTrust Plaza, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and multiple Residential Colleges at Vanderbilt University. An avid sports fan, First Tennessee Park is one of her most prominent accomplishments and won the Urban Land Institute’s Excellence in Development Award.

Sara’s commitment to mentorship and guidance is highlighted by her leadership in the office’s HYPE (Hastings Young Professional Experience) program. In 2015, she facilitated the HYPE Innovation Grant, an opportunity for HASTINGS employees to foster curiosity through funded research. She inspires the next generation of architects through her yearly commitment to Gingertown, a unique holiday initiative that brings together architects and children to create a town made completely out of gingerbread and candy.

Sara is a member of the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association and cares deeply about improving and promoting the historic neighborhood in which she lives. Also a member of the HRC Federal Club, Sara is passionate about fighting inequality in all its forms.

When not at work, Sara can usually be found walking the trails at Shelby Park, sitting in the stands at a Titans game, rescuing dogs, cooking meals, watching TV shows about cooking meals, or just trying to not eat too much pie.