Careful design for historic homes and buildings, including research, documentation and review by preservation bodies.
Nashville is full of buildings with stories: Victorians, bungalows, warehouses, churches and storefronts that give neighborhoods their character. Working on them takes more than skill with drawings. It takes research, patience and a respect for original materials and for the review boards that guide work in historic areas. Owners in Nashville ask us to plan repairs, additions and restorations that protect what matters.
We start by researching the building and its setting and documenting existing conditions with measured drawings and photographs. We review the preservation rules and design guidelines that may apply to your property and discuss what you want to do. We design repairs, restoration and any additions to respect the original, prepare materials for review and coordinate with specialists in masonry, wood and windows. Gather any deeds, photographs or past permits connected with the property, and tell us what you know about earlier owners and changes. Documents like these help us understand how the building evolved and which features are original, and they strengthen applications to review boards.
We record the building as it is and learn how it changed, so decisions rest on evidence.
Overlay districts and preservation guidelines are reviewed early, so design fits what reviewers expect.
New work is designed to be distinct but respectful, so the original is not overwhelmed.
We work with specialists who repair historic masonry, wood and plaster properly.
The building documented.
Preservation rules studied.
Work that respects the original.
New work that fits.
Prepared for boards.
Craftspeople aligned.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
ResourceTennessee Historical CommissionThe state commission that works to preserve and promote Tennessee history, with state and federal preservation programs.Learn more ResourceHistoric Nashville EasementsA nonprofit that secures and manages permanent preservation easements to protect significant historic sites in Nashville.Learn more ResourceNashville Planning DepartmentMetro Nashville and Davidson County planning staff who handle community planning, zoning, rezoning, subdivision and historic zoning.Learn more Pick the project and options to see a typical sequence from design to permits to bidding and construction.
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, if the property is in a historic overlay or has other protections. We help you find out and prepare materials.
Often yes, with a design that respects the original. We review rules first.
Rules vary. Repair is often encouraged, and we review options and requirements.
Some historic projects may qualify for incentives. We point you to the official programs so you can check.
Yes. We work on homes, storefronts, warehouses and churches.
Historic Commission and Design Review ApprovalsApplications and drawings for historic and design review boards, prepared to meet their guidelines.Explore 
Adaptive Reuse DesignTurning old warehouses, schools, churches and storefronts into homes, offices, restaurants and shops.Explore 
Renovation and RestorationPlans to renew older buildings: repairing what is worth keeping and updating what no longer works.Explore 
Facade and Exterior RenovationNew siding, windows, doors, porches and roof lines that update how a home or building looks and performs.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.
