As co-principals of archimania, Barry Yoakum and Todd Walker have shaped the region’s architectural landscape through innovative, community-oriented design. Under their leadership, the firm has earned more than 350 awards and national recognition for design excellence and sustainability practices. Both are Fellows in the category of Design of the American Institute of Architects, placing them among the profession’s top 1% of practitioners. Beyond their design achievements, Barry and Todd actively support cultural, educational, and civic organizations, demonstrating a shared commitment to mentoring, community building, and elevating the urban landscape.
Since its founding in 1995, archimania has sought to deliver architecture that lifts both the human and functional experience — even within the most modest of budgets — by thinking beyond the expected and collaborating closely with all stakeholders to exceed expectations.
Our clients expect critical thinking, exceptional design, proven results, and near-zero compromises — no matter the size or budget by realizing leaner, better, faster projects. Our work has consistently earned the highest recognition nationally from within the design and construction industry. archimania has been ranked nationally as high as #8 Best Design Architect by ARCHITECT Magazine, and a Top 50 U.S. Interior Architecture/Design Firm by The Architect’s Newspaper.
archimania realized the world’s first two dual-certified Zero Energy/Zero Carbon buildings — one new, one a renovation — both in Memphis, both LEED Platinum Certified, and both AIA COTE Top Ten award recipients, the profession’s highest recognition for sustainable design excellence. Our work appears in publications such as ArchDaily, Architectural Digest Magazine, Architectural Record Magazine, Deezen, Fast Company Magazine, Forbes Magazine, Metropolis Magazine, Wallpaper* Magazine, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
1995
“Begin with the end in mind.” A simple and yet powerful statement as we each begin a new day, project, problem, or business venture.
Stephen Covey’s timeless 1989 bestseller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, included this quote among its seven key principles that lead to achieving a quality of life in an increasingly balanced way, or “true success.” This principle resonated with me in 1989 as I was moving from public service to private practice. Looking back, I realized that to “begin with the end in mind” was firmly rooted in my own journey of becoming, whether as an architect or an entrepreneur. My third-grade teacher uttered seven life-changing words to me: “Barry, you’d be a good architect.” I believed her because she believed in me. I pursued my education, my career, and my work with this mindset.
As archimania, we belong to a rare breed: the creative services industry represents fewer than 1% of all U.S. entrepreneurs. Yet, we inject both a cultural and business impact that can shape the soul of business, including its ROI. In today’s fast-paced AI world, this simple habit remains my true north.
Entrepreneurship, regardless of scale or industry, is not for the faint of heart. It can be fierce, exhilarating, terrifying, and triumphant — often all before lunch. Our work as entrepreneurs demands all that we have and sometimes more. Success in business and at home begins with the end in mind.
