Applications and drawings for historic and design review boards, prepared to meet their guidelines.
In historic districts and design review areas, changes to the outside of a building usually need approval before work starts. Boards look at proportions, materials, windows, additions and how a project fits its neighbors. Their guidelines are detailed, and an application that ignores them can be delayed or denied. Owners in Nashville ask us to design to the guidelines and prepare complete applications.
We begin by identifying which review body and guidelines apply to your property. We study the guidelines and the building and design the work to meet them. We prepare the application: drawings, photographs, material samples and a clear description. We submit or support your submittal, respond to staff comments and prepare you for any meeting with the board. Photograph every side of the building and note which features you plan to change, repair or replace. Staff and board members respond to clear photographs, and a complete visual record of existing conditions makes the application easier to understand and approve. If you know which parts of the building are original and which are not, tell us. Reviewers care about original fabric, and clear information on what is old and what is newer helps us propose work that treats each part appropriately. Finally, ask about meeting dates early. Boards meet on a schedule, and submittal deadlines are often weeks before the meeting, so planning backward from the date you want to start work keeps the project on time.
We study the rules that apply and design to them, which improves your chances.
Drawings, photos and materials are prepared as the board expects.
We talk with staff, answer questions and refine the application as needed.
We help you understand the process and prepare to explain the project.
What applies.
Compatible work.
Drawings and photos.
Package delivered.
Questions answered.
Ready for the board.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
ResourceNFPAA global authority on fire, electrical and life safety that develops codes and standards and offers training and…Learn more 
ResourceTennessee Historical CommissionThe state commission that works to preserve and promote Tennessee history, with state and federal preservation programs.Learn more ResourceTennessee Regulatory BoardsThe state division that oversees professional boards, with tools to apply, verify professionals and review disciplinary records.Learn more Enter up to three proposals and score fees, scope, schedule, experience and communication with your own weights.
You tell us what you want to build or fix, and we set a visit that fits your day.
We look at the property or building, take measurements, talk through goals and note anything that affects design, such as slopes, structure and rules.
We sketch plans and options, you choose a direction and receive a plain written scope before detailed design begins.
We refine the design, coordinate engineers and prepare drawings and notes that builders can price and reviewers can approve.
We submit for permits, answer comments and help you compare builder proposals.
We answer questions during construction, review products, visit the site and walk through the finished work with you.
Often yes in historic areas. We check the rules.
It varies. We tell you the typical schedule and watch for meeting dates.
Some are allowed and some are not. We review the guidelines and options.
Yes. We can revise the design and resubmit.
No. They are separate steps, and we coordinate them.
Historic Preservation DesignCareful design for historic homes and buildings, including research, documentation and review by preservation bodies.Explore 
HOA and Design Review Board SubmittalsDrawings and packages for HOA and architectural review committees, prepared to match community standards.Explore 
Facade and Exterior RenovationNew siding, windows, doors, porches and roof lines that update how a home or building looks and performs.Explore 
Zoning Variance and Rezoning SupportDrawings and materials to ask for a variance, special exception or rezoning, with clear explanations for boards and…Explore Tell us about your project and we will call you back to set up a visit.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.
