Nashville has been named one of the best places to live for some good reasons. As everyone knows, it is the “Home of Country Music” and it has an electrifying multi-genre music scene as well. It also offers its residents and visitors plenty of things to do and see in addition to great live music. Nashville features award-winning cuisine, historic homes, and world-class art. Numerous colleges and universities and some Fortune 500 companies also call it home.

If you are considering opening an office in the area, we have compiled a list of the best office architects serving the city. Our team picked these firms for their expertise and the honors they have received.


HASTINGS Architecture

225 Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Since its founding in 1985, HASTINGS has been deeply committed to design and community, producing award-winning, contextual sustainable design. HASTINGS is a nationally recognized practice based in Nashville, TN and is ranked #3 in the US by the most recent ARCHITECT Magazine Top 50 list.

HASTINGS provides architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainability consulting. Their portfolio includes a curated range of scales, typologies, and styles, united by their commitment to design, sustainability, and community. Each project is the successful manifestation of creative thinking intersecting with each project’s specific conditions to create work that tells each client’s unique story, engages occupancy, and positively contributes to the environment and the greater community.

HASTINGS is consistently recognized for their work. They are a recent recipient of the prestigious 2021 American Architecture Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for 225 Polk Avenue.


Tuck-Hinton Architecture & Design

508 Houston Street, Nashville, TN 37203

Tuck-Hinton Architecture and Design is a premier architecture firm headquartered in Nashville that offers a wide array of services that includes commercial architecture, residential architecture, educational, religious, and civic facility construction. Founded in 1984, the firm has completed numerous projects that include office buildings, retail centers, civic structures, libraries, museums, parks, performance halls, private residences, apartment buildings, religious buildings, and educational structures.

The company is under the direction of its principal and owner, Mary Roskilly. She completed her education at the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Architecture. She works closely with the clients and the company’s Leadership Team to formulate goals, identify design direction, and facilitate a plan for each project. She uses her ingenuity to improve the environment around her. She was named to the 2019 Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence list and was also included on the 2018 Nashville Business Journal Most Admired CEO list.


Manuel Zeitlin Architects

516 Hagan Street, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203

Founded in 1981, Manuel Zeitlin Architects is an award-winning architecture and design firm based in Nashville. It works on a wide range of project types across the country, including mixed-use, sustainably designed developments, preservation, adaptive reuse of historical structures, restaurants, and modern residences.

Manuel Zeitlin established the company after moving back to Nashville in 1981. He oversees the daily operation and management of the company and leads a team of skilled professionals who are up to the challenges of every project. A Nashville native, Manuel earned a degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. He is certified with the National Council of Architectural Boards (NCARB) and is a member of various organizations in the industry.

Since its inception, Manuel Zeitlin Architects has been awarded the 2019 Citation Award from the AIA Middle Tennessee, the 2019 Preservation Award from Metro Nashville Historic Commission, and the 2016 Excellence in Development Award from Urban Land Institute.


Smith Gee Studio

602 Taylor Street, Suite #201, Nashville, TN 37208

Smith Gee Studio is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm that provides a wide array of services including commercial architecture, residential architecture, interior, adaptive reuse, master planning, and neighborhood development. With over a decade in the construction industry, the company is committed to improving the built environment through excellence in design, collaboration, and community involvement. Its experienced staff is skilled in project management and assists in completing projects on time and within the specified budget. Those results are always provided with exceptional customer service.

Smith Gee Studio is managed by its principals, Fleming Smith III, Hunter Gee, Dallas Caudle, and Greg Tidwell. Their combined experience in the field of architecture has been instrumental to the firm’s growth and success. They have diverse expertise in large-scale projects, urban redevelopment, public-sector planning and visioning, and the design of mixed-use, multi-family, commercial, civic, and educational buildings. Smith Gee Studio has won local, regional, and national design awards and has signed on to the American Institute of Architects 2030 Commitment, a strategy to reach net-zero emissions in the built environment.


Dryden Architecture And Design

2520 White Avenue, Nashville, TN 37204

Established in 2001, Dryden Architecture and Design is a full-service architecture and interior design company based in Nashville, Tennessee. The company is dedicated to creating meaningful human places that operate as habitations places of timeless memories. The firm has completed diverse projects ranging from neighborhood master plans, mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, corporate offices, boutique hotels, private residences, retail, and restaurants.

Dryden Architecture and Design is led by its principal, Nick Dryden, a third-generation architect whose talent comes naturally. His company balances historic integrity with modern functionality, works with local creative partners, and emphasizes projects that positively affect the environment. His father and grandfather have always been his greatest inspiration. He completed his education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, earning a degree in architecture.


Studio 8 Design

56 Lindsley Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210

Studio 8 Design was established in 2005 and provides comprehensive architectural services to its clients throughout Nashville and the surrounding area. Its services include planning, land use studies, analyses, full design development, feasibility studies, urban design, and construction development. Studio 8 Design is committed to reliable, responsible, and creative services that enhance the built environment. It strives for accountability in project management and all areas of the professional practice of architecture. The company’s goal is to adhere to the highest level of professionalism, competence, and integrity.

The firm was established in 2005 by Matt Taylor. His passion for urban design and planning and his commitment to the community have led him to vast experience in the construction industry, working on numerous architecture projects and several civic board positions. The firm focuses on bringing responsible and creative design to every project. The firm has established many lasting relationships that continue after the completion of a project.


Centric Architecture

35 Peabody Street, Unit 305, Nashville, TN 37210

Established in 1955, Centric Architecture is an Architecture and design firm specializing in a broad range of project types—commercial, residential, historic preservation, planning, interiors, government, institutional and adaptive reuse—based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm is one of the oldest architectural firms in the industry.

One of the company’s partners and principals is David Plummer, a LEED-accredited architect, who has a background in both construction and art. His project experience varies from residential remodels, including office, urban residential, university schools, libraries, conference, and performance spaces. David is a member of several industry-related organizations.

Since its inception, the company has been awarded the 2021 Peoples’ Choice Award by AIA Middle Tennessee and the 2020 Honor Award from AIA Middle Tennessee. Centric Architecture is also certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP).


Powell Nashville

905 Main Street, Suite A1, Nashville, TN 37206

Headquartered in Nashville, Powell Nashville is an architectural firm that provides service for the commercial architecture, residential, office, retail, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. The company offers award-winning design and seamless boutique construction, whether for a luxury home or a hospitality project. Powell Nashville strives to treat each client and project with personal care and attention, focusing on minute details and specifications. The company not only ensures the highest level of quality craftsmanship but also maintains a long-term relationship with its clients. It aims to exceed the expectations of its customers by working collaboratively with them and its partners in the industry.

Powell Nashville is managed by its owner, Stephen Powell, a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Luke Tidwell, CEO and partner of the company. Together, they oversee the management and operations of the firm and lead the team of skilled professionals in providing the best possible service. 


Gilbert | McLaughlin | Casella Architects

2305 Kline Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville, TN 37211

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gilbert McLaughlin Casella Architects is a professional limited liability company established in 1996 by Steve Gilbert and Kent McLaughlin. Jeff Casella, the firm’s first employee, became the third principal in 2006. The company provides a wide range of services including commercial architecture, residential architecture, education, civic, and planning. Its goal is to provide the highest standard of quality for all areas of design and client service.

The company has been repeatedly recognized by industry-related organizations. Some of the awards it has received are the 2018 Excellence in Development from the Urban Land Institute, the 2013 Award of Merit, the 2010 Award of Excellence, and the 2007 Award of Citation from the AIA Middle Tennessee. Gilbert McLaughlin Casella Architects is certified by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC).