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The Best Commercial Architects in Nashville, Tennessee

10 Min Read

Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 04:18 pm

Nestled along the Cumberland River, Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant hub with an unmistakable blend of Southern charm and entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal canvas for innovative commercial properties.

Amidst the rhythmic beats of the country music scene, Nashville’s commercial real estate market is hitting all the right notes. The city’s strategic location and business-friendly environment make it a prime destination for commercial property investment. Whether you envision a sleek office space in the bustling downtown or a trendy establishment in the up-and-coming neighborhoods, Nashville’s diverse landscape caters to every entrepreneurial dream.

The choice of architect is paramount for those aspiring to build a commercial property in this flourishing metropolis. Here, we present Nashville, Tennessee’s eight best commercial architects, each poised to make your vision a reality.


Anecdote Architectural Experiences

508 Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203

Anecdote Architectural Experiences, rooted in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, stands out as a leading architectural firm with a distinctive approach. The company’s hallmark is drawing inspiration from the unique stories surrounding each project, client, and site. This inspiration transcends the mere functionality of buildings. Rather than conforming to conventional norms, the firm strives to create spaces that resonate with the individual character of its clients.

The company has become integral to Nashville’s architectural landscape with a diverse portfolio encompassing office buildings, civic structures, parks, museums, and more. The team, led by accomplished principals Mary Roskilly, Chuck Miller, and Josh Hughes, blends creativity and technical proficiency to contribute meaningfully to the built environment. 

Anecdote Architectural Experiences is not just about structures; it’s about crafting narratives in brick and mortar, leaving a lasting impact on the urban fabric. Noteworthy projects like the Music City Center and the Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall showcase the firm’s dedication to creating spaces that tell a story beyond blueprints and codes.


John TeSelle Architecture

405 Fairfax Ave, Nashville, TN 37212

Founded in 2000, John TeSelle Architecture is a dedicated provider of thoughtful design solutions for residential and commercial endeavors. The firm, led by Principal John TeSelle, holds a distinctive portfolio spanning Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, and New York. What sets the company apart is its commitment to offering personalized attention to every project, a deliberate choice in maintaining a size that allows for hands-on involvement from the principal himself.

The firm’s ethos revolves around attending every project meeting, coordinating drawings, crafting specifications, and meticulously detailing construction documents. Notably, John TeSelle handles architectural design and management tasks without delegation, ensuring a consistent and cohesive approach to each project. An impressive educational background, rooted in a Master of Architecture from Ohio State University and a B.A. in Russian and Mathematics from Vanderbilt University, underlines John TeSelle’s expertise. This academic background and practical experience shape a firm passionate about imaginative, attentive, and careful design.

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The team, affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), embodies a commitment to professional excellence.


CDP Architecture, LLC

2115 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

In architectural innovation, CDP Architecture, LLC stands as a beacon of collaborative design. The company, led by Principal Charles D. Polk, is a guiding force through the intricate journey of master planning mixed-use developments, crafting commercial office buildings, and envisioning high-end custom homes. The team, affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), brings a wealth of experience.

Principal Chad, a University of Kentucky graduate, founded the firm in 2007 after honing his skills in Nashville’s premier design firms. Under his leadership, Creative Design matters, and a commitment to quality design and client-centered service defines its approach. The emphasis on quality permeates the various projects undertaken, ranging from civic endeavors to churches and diverse commercial ventures.

It is also deeply rooted in community involvement and featured in publications like Town & Style and CDP Architecture, LLC. A former instructor at O’More College of Design, Chad’s dedication extends to serving on the AIA Middle Tennessee Board of Directors and holding the position of Vice President on the Executive Committee for AIA Tennessee.


Dryden Architecture and Design

2520 White Ave, Nashville, TN 37204

Founded in 2001, Dryden Architecture and Design is a distinctive architecture and interior design studio rooted in Nashville, Tennessee. The company’s commitment to creating meaningful spaces that contribute to community well-being and conscientiously engage local resources shapes its identity. Over the past two decades, Dryden has left its mark across Nashville and beyond, with projects spanning from neighborhood master plans to corporate offices.

Key to the firm’s ethos is its collaborative approach, emphasizing creative, solid partnerships with artists and craftspeople. The firm weaves its philosophy into carefully analyzing sites and collective intent. This results in aesthetically pleasing, functional, and intellectually stimulating spaces. The firm’s affiliations include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), reflecting a commitment to professional excellence. 

Featured in publications like Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, the firm, led by native Tennessean Nick Dryden, embodies integrity and professionalism, consistently delivering thoughtful and sensitive designs while fostering lasting relationships within the community.


906 Studio Architects + Interiors

249 4th Ave N Suite 200, Franklin, TN 37064

906 Studio Architects + Interiors, led by Owner and Principal Mike Hathaway, brings a wealth of experience encompassing single and multi-family residential projects and ventures into office and mixed-use retail/residential spaces. The firm prioritizes end-user satisfaction and crafting aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces while meeting clients’ budget constraints. The team’s commitment to timeless, quality design is evident in their attention to detail throughout the creative process.

Affiliated with the Williamson Chamber of Commerce and boasting staff with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), and the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) credentials, 906 Studio Architects + Interiors stands as a testament to professionalism and expertise. Mike Hathaway, with a background as the Planning Commission Chairman at the City of Franklin and education from the University of Arkansas, leads the team with a wealth of knowledge and insight.


Centric Architecture

1206 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN 37208

With roots dating back to 1955, Centric Architecture is one of Middle Tennessee’s oldest architectural firms, embodying a resilient ‘pioneering spirit.’ The firm has maintained its commitment to innovation through mergers, leadership transitions, and varied locations. From establishing a historic preservation office in the 1960s to navigating the eclectic surroundings of Germantown in the 1970s, Centric’s journey reflects a dedication to authenticity and adaptability.

The firm’s unique blend of historic preservation, creative adaptive reuse, and contemporary design sets it apart. With over 60 years of diverse project success, Centric embraces a youthful leadership and staff, injecting fresh perspectives into each endeavor. The firm is led by Principal Justin Lowe, a 7th-generation Nashvillian, and balances seasoned expertise with a designer’s flair. Lowe’s positive approach and engagement resonate, ensuring each project receives equal dedication, from single-family homes to large office buildings. Centric Architecture encapsulates the fusion of seasoned experience and vibrant innovation, contributing to Nashville’s growth while preserving its distinct charm.


MHP Architects

335 53rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Established in 1983 in Nashville, Tennessee, MHP Architects has become a professional architectural and interior design service provider. The firm’s diverse range of projects spans industrial, educational, commercial, public services, historical, and residential sectors, covering new buildings, renovations, expansions, assessments, and project master planning.

For MHP, architecture is more than a profession; it’s a passion deeply rooted in a commitment to infuse every project with a community spirit. The company’s emphasis on partnerships extends beyond projects to focus on clients, fostering a team-first approach that prioritizes information sharing for decisive decision-making and successful results.

MHP’s design philosophy prioritizes timeliness over trendiness, recognizing that the built environment is evolving. The firm is dedicated to creating ecologically conscious, healthy, durable, and productive spaces, following Design Best Practices that ensure sustainability and resilience without compromising budget or programmatic requirements.

Led by Principal Bob Panvini, MHP Architects excels in marrying high design with high performance, finding effective and cost-efficient solutions for each unique situation. Its commitment to extraordinary design, guided by imagination, experience, and understanding, is evident in every project it undertakes.


rootARCH

753 Alloway St, Nashville, TN 37203

rootARCH emerges as a versatile architectural and interior design firm, marked by a rich tapestry of achievements and a commitment to holistic design solutions. The firm offers services spanning new construction, renovation, historic preservation, sustainability, interior design, urban design, and construction management; the firm caters to diverse project types across residential, multi-family, healthcare, education, industrial, commercial, and retail sectors.

One defining aspect of rootARCH is its collaborative team approach to design, steering away from a rigid “design style” to prioritize a harmonious balance between design, budget, and functionality. The firm places a significant emphasis on fostering robust client relationships, with most of its work originating from customer referrals and repeat business, showcasing the trust instilled in its capabilities.

Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), rootARCH’s founder, John Root, brings two decades of experience, fostering a creative and responsive architectural ethos. His diverse background encompasses retail, office, medical, residential, adaptive reuse, and hospitality projects. With a National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) registration spanning Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia, John Root established rootARCH in 2009, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.