About

My name is Lila Simone Horner, but I go by Simone. I was born and raised in Old North Knoxville where I currently live. I grew up in a historic home that my parents renovated, and I helped them to renovate other houses throughout my childhood. This early exposure to renovation and maintenance in architecture was the starting point of my interest in the built environment. Now having completed my Master of Architecture at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I am interested in sustainable architecture, rehabilitation and reuse, and the relationship between architecture, people, and their daily lives.

Before pursuing my Master’s, I received a Bachelor’s in Arts and Sciences from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Hispanic Studies and Sustainability. Originally, I had no intention of majoring in Spanish, but it has become one of my passions through exposure to a new language and to new cultures and environments. My time in the humanities influenced my desire to design spaces that are used and loved at a human scale. Also, my interest in sustainability has continued into my architecture studies. I am dedicated to designing projects practically and resourcefully with respect to economics, human need, and environmental considerations.

In my spare time I continue my studies of Spanish through reading, television, and music. I also play soccer, practice yoga, and love to be outside. Typically, I am working on creative projects. For example, I like sewing, mixed media art, and home renovation projects.

As I consider my future after graduation, I hope to continue to discover new interests in architecture and am looking to gain practical experience. I plan to obtain licensure ideally while working with creative and attentive architects. I hope to have the opportunity to try new things through architecture. As an architect my goal is to create beautiful places that improve people’s lives by connecting them to their environment while satisfying their fundamental needs.