Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects Promotes Jennifer Cash & Allison Commings to Principal
Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects is proud to announce the promotion of Jennifer Cash, AIA, and Allison Commings, AIA, KYCID, LEED AP, to Principals of the firm.
Jennifer Cash joined Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects in 2006 and has built a nationally respected reputation focused on high-performance, resilient learning environments for K–12 clients. She is widely recognized for her expertise in Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction and for guiding school districts through complex decisions related to durability, energy performance, life-cycle cost, and disaster resiliency. Known for her ability to translate technical rigor into clear, actionable solutions, Jennifer partners closely with boards, administrators, and communities to align educational goals, sustainability objectives, and budget realities. A frequent regional and national speaker, her portfolio includes Kentucky’s most recent Zero Energy school, as well as multiple Zero Energy Emerging and Zero Energy Achievable projects—reinforcing her commitment to design that is fiscally responsible, environmentally forward-looking, and built to last.
“Jennifer has earned the trust of school districts across the region by consistently delivering facilities that perform—both technically and educationally,” said Justin McElfresh, AIA, President of Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects. “Her leadership in high-performance and resilient design has elevated our work and positioned SCB as a trusted partner for communities making long-term investments in their schools.”
Allison Commings began her career at Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects as a student intern in 2007 and has grown into a trusted leader known for thoughtful design leadership, technical excellence, and team development. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how architecture shapes experience across educational, civic, and community-focused projects. Allison has led complex projects throughout Kentucky and Tennessee, earning national recognition for work that balances innovation, resiliency, and constructability. She is particularly valued for her ability to guide multidisciplinary teams through challenging project conditions while maintaining design intent, schedule, and budget. In addition to her project leadership, Allison plays an important role in mentoring emerging professionals and strengthening SCB’s design culture. In 2024, she completed the inaugural Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, a national initiative focused on cultivating the next generation of design and firm leaders.
“Allison’s journey from intern to Principal reflects the kind of leadership we value at SCB,” McElfresh added. “She brings clarity, integrity, and a deep commitment to her teams and clients. Her ability to lead complex projects while investing in people makes her an essential part of our firm’s future.”
“At Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects, we’ve always believed that exceptional design starts with great people,” said CEO Mike Smith. “Jennifer and Allison’s promotions reflect our continued investment in people who shape not just great projects, but the future of the firm.”
The new Principals will continue to help lead the firm’s work across multiple sectors, supporting SCB’s commitment to architecture that responds to real-world challenges and creates lasting value for the people and communities it serves.