General Contractor in Nashville, TN

Design Build Partners is a general contractor in Nashville that brings architecture and construction together under one team. We serve clients throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee with general contracting, construction management, cost analysis, value engineering, design-build services, commercial construction, and commercial and residential renovations.

Google Rating 5.0 7 verified reviews Houzz Rated 5.0 See our Houzz reviews

AIA Recognized Firm
AGC Member
Best Architects The Tennessean
Best Builders Nashville Scene

Discuss Your Project

Tell us about your commercial build. We respond within one business day.

Or call 615-275-5133

General Contracting Services Built Around Your Project

A general contractor coordinates the people, information, materials, schedule, and fieldwork needed to complete a construction project. That may include reviewing plans, developing a realistic budget, hiring and managing subcontractors, ordering materials, coordinating inspections, tracking changes, checking quality, and closing out the work.

No two projects start at the same point. Some clients come to us with an idea and need both architecture and construction. Others already own a building that needs renovation, adaptive reuse, or a more functional layout. We begin by reviewing the property, goals, budget, and timeline, then recommend a practical way forward.

Before hiring a general contractor in Nashville, look beyond the total price on the proposal. Check what is included, what is excluded, which costs are allowances, and how unexpected conditions or project changes will be handled. A clearly defined scope can prevent confusion and surprise costs later.

Modern vet clinic waiting lounge with bench seating, green feature wall, and arched architecture.

Reviews

What Our Construction Clients Say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 7 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Hale Finbar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Design Build Partners is easily one of the top commercial builders in the Nashville area. Commercial construction can usually be a headache, but their team brought honest pricing, great communication, and exceptional quality from start to finish.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Frankie Piccione 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I knew them from their work building the physician practices and veterinary hospitals, and they more than lived up to their reputation. I was calling for help on a commercial project. They took my goals and visions to heart, offered a plethora of ideas, and took as much time as I needed for them to explain the process to me. To say I’m happy with the experience would be an understatement, and I can’t recommend them enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katharine Ray 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a tremendously positive experience working with Design Build Partners. As a nonprofit organization, we were looking for a team with heart, to accompany the critical skills and knowledge, to upgrade an existing office space and to build out a commercial kitchen for our Meals 4 Health and Healing program (which provides nutrient-dense meals free of charge to people in cancer treatment). Getting a quality project complete during a year when there were many supply chain challenges was daunting, but DBP delivered on time and according to specifications, knowing that our mission impacts many lives and people count on our weekly meals for healing through cancer treatment and to feed their families. They worked through challenges, always found solutions, adhered to our budget, clearly communicated status each week, and executed on a plan for a space that we are incredibly proud of and happy with. They never let us down. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for quality and integrity and a stellar construction project. Katharine Ray, the Heimerdinger Foundation
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob and company are great folks.  Had the pleasure of working with them on a build out. Carolyn, Joe, Cindy and Carlos are great to work with.  Just good people. Thanks.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandria Azam 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough good things about Design Build Partners. They've been in the architectural business in Nashville for over 30 years, and it really shows in the way they approach every project—with care, thoughtfulness, and a real love for the craft.

Joe Kinney, the lead architect and designer, is incredibly talented and easy to work with. Their work feels intentional and tasteful, and you can tell they put a lot of heart into what they do. If you’re looking for a team that listens, understands your vision, and brings it to life in the best way, I highly recommend reaching out to them. Such a great experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Goldzweig 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Joe Kinney personally, and I can’t speak highly enough of him. As an architecture and project design expert, Joe brings exceptional attention to detail to every project. His professionalism and warm personality set him apart; knowing him has been wonderful.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Our Nashville General Contractor Services

General Contracting and Construction Management

We coordinate construction from planning through completion. Depending on the project, this may include scope review, budgeting, subcontractor coordination, material planning, scheduling, field communication, inspections, quality checks, punch-list work, and closeout.

Our goal is to keep responsibilities clear and give the client an approachable point of contact. The exact services are defined in the project agreement so the owner understands what our team will manage.

Preconstruction, Cost Analysis, and Value Engineering

Many expensive construction problems begin before anyone reaches the jobsite. Early planning can uncover incomplete scope, design conflicts, difficult existing conditions, unrealistic allowances, and materials that do not support the budget.

Our team reviews cost and buildability while design decisions are still flexible. Value engineering is not simply about choosing cheaper products. It is about comparing options and protecting the parts of the project that matter most to function, appearance, durability, and long-term use.

Design-Build Construction

Design Build Partners is a design-build general contractor. Architecture and construction are coordinated within the same firm, under one point of responsibility. Clients do not have to carry information between an architect and builder working under separate priorities.

With design and construction handled by the same team, owners spend less time passing information between separate firms. Cost and buildability can also be reviewed while the plans are still flexible. Our open-book approach brings cost information into the design conversation earlier. Learn how our design-build process connects the first idea with the finished space.

Commercial Construction

Commercial work remains a major part of our experience. We help with offices, retail environments, healthcare practices, veterinary facilities, event spaces, industrial facilities, and other business properties.

Commercial construction affects more than the building. Staff, customers, equipment, daily operations, opening dates, and future growth must all be considered during planning. Our commercial architecture and contractor services bring those business needs into both design and construction planning.

Residential Renovations and Selected Residential Projects

Design Build Partners is not limited to commercial work. Our broader architecture and construction practice also includes residential projects and renovations.

Residential work may involve rethinking an existing layout, improving how a property functions, updating an older building, or coordinating design and construction through one team. Because project size and scope vary, we review each residential inquiry to determine whether it fits our services.

Historic Renovation and Adaptive Reuse

Older Nashville properties often require more investigation than a new site. Existing structure, earlier alterations, building systems, access, preservation considerations, and current code requirements can all affect the plan.

Historic renovation and adaptive reuse are established parts of Rob Cochran’s experience. Our team works to understand what should remain, what must change, and how the building can support its next use.

Our Recent Construction and Design Projects

Explore our recent general contracting and design projects to see how we bring design and construction together. From new buildings to renovations, each project reflects the owner’s goals, the property’s needs, and the way people use the space.

Modern commercial building architecture in Nashville with brick exterior and contemporary design

Retail storefront architectural design with glass railing and modern shopping spaces in Nashville

The Eye Vets Veterinary Nashville Clinic Construction

Exterior of Urban Juicer storefront, featuring modern red brick and metal facade architecture.

Modern veterinary staff break room with a long dining table, tan chairs, white cabinetry, and plants.

Client refreshment station at a veterinary clinic, featuring a beverage fridge, coffee maker, and pet water station under a wall sign for The Eye Vets.

Nashville commercial design build project interior with exposed wood beams and industrial-style kitchen island.

best doggy daycare interior in Nashville

architecture firm retail store design ideas

The Associated General Contractors building with a blue sky in the background.

Project Experience Across Nashville and Beyond

Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals

A veterinary clinic general contractor must plan for animals, clients, staff, medical work, storage, cleaning, noise, and daily movement through the building. Design Build Partners has experience with veterinary projects including The Eye Vets, Carothers Parkway Veterinary Clinic and Richland Animal Clinic.

For a practice owner choosing a veterinary hospital general contractor, relevant facility experience can help the team ask better questions early. Explore our veterinary clinic construction services.

Medical and Healthcare Facilities

A healthcare general contractor must coordinate patient areas, staff workflow, accessibility, building systems, equipment, and code requirements. Our experience includes Academy Children’s Clinic, Centennial Medical Center’s endoscopy office, and the Eskander Medical Building.

Organizations comparing a medical-office or hospital general contractor can learn more about our medical facility design and construction services.

Offices, Retail, Industrial, and Event Spaces

Each commercial property creates different construction priorities. An office may need phased work around employees. Retail and event environments must account for customer movement and opening schedules. Industrial projects can require close coordination between the building, equipment, utilities, and day-to-day operations.

Owners looking for a design-build industrial general contractor or a Nashville construction company for another specialized property can send the project details for review. See examples in our architecture and construction portfolio.

How Our General Contracting Process Works

Start With the Property and Your Goals

We begin with the property location, intended use, project goals, current plans, budget expectations, and desired timing. This first review helps determine fit and which services are needed.

Define Scope and Existing Conditions

The team reviews what will be built or changed. For renovation work, available records and existing conditions are especially important because they can reveal constraints that affect design, price, or scheduling.

Coordinate Design, Cost, and Buildability

Architecture, construction requirements, and budget are reviewed together. This is where the team can compare materials, systems, layout decisions, and alternatives before construction.

Prepare for Construction

The next stage may include final documents, pricing, subcontractor coordination, procurement planning, schedule development, and support for applicable approvals or permits.

Build, Communicate, and Close Out

During construction, the contractor coordinates the work, tracks questions and changes, and keeps the client informed. Final checks, remaining items, and closeout requirements are addressed before the project is complete.

Why Choose Design Build Partners?

38 Years of Local Experience

Rob Cochran has spent his career in Nashville architecture and construction. His local knowledge comes from being born, raised, educated, and professionally established in Tennessee.

One Point of Responsibility

Architecture and construction stay connected. The client has one coordinated team instead of separate companies shifting responsibility when questions arise.

Open and Transparent Communication

Costs and project decisions are discussed openly. Clients can see how design choices affect construction instead of waiting until bidding is complete.

Hands-On Principal Involvement

Design Build Partners is intentionally approachable and client-focused. Leadership remains engaged in the work and the relationship.

Experience Across Different Building Types

Our background includes commercial buildings, veterinary and medical facilities, residential projects, retail, offices, industrial facilities, event spaces, historic renovation, and adaptive reuse.

Award-Winning Work

Our work has been recognized by AIA, Associated General Contractors, the Nashville Scene, The Tennessean, and the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission.

The Royal Range Firearms Training Center also received a Build Tennessee Award of Excellence for a renovation project under $5 million.

What Affects General Contractor Costs in Nashville?

Construction cost depends on the project type, size, site, existing conditions, level of finish, structural work, mechanical and electrical systems, accessibility needs, materials, labor, schedule, approvals, and amount of design work required.

Renovations may contain hidden conditions that cannot be confirmed until the building is investigated. New construction can include site work, utilities, drainage, parking, and other costs beyond the building itself.

A Nashville Contractor With Local Perspective

Design Build Partners is based at 438 Melrose Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee. We serve clients throughout Nashville and nearby cities, including Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, and Goodlettsville, as well as Middle Tennessee, across the state, and in nearby states when the project scope is a good fit for our team.

Construction in Nashville is never one-size-fits-all. A new development presents different challenges than renovating a historic building, working in an occupied business, or updating a home. Rob grew up here and has worked in Nashville for decades, so he understands those differences and helps create a plan that fits the property and the people who use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a general contractor in Nashville do?

A general contractor plans and coordinates construction work. Responsibilities may include budgets, subcontractors, schedules, materials, inspections, quality control, changes, and closeout. The exact scope depends on the project agreement.

Is Design Build Partners only a commercial general contractor?

No. Commercial construction is a major part of the firm’s work, but Design Build Partners also includes residential projects and renovations within its broader architecture and construction practice.

What is the difference between a general contractor and a design-build general contractor?

A traditional general contractor often builds plans created under a separate design contract. A design-build general contractor coordinates design and construction through one team and one point of responsibility. Design Build Partners has architecture and construction within the same firm.

When should I involve the contractor?

Early involvement is helpful, especially when cost, existing conditions, phasing, materials, or site constraints may influence the design. The contractor can review buildability and budget before major decisions become expensive to change.

How do I compare the top general contractors in Nashville, TN?

Compare relevant project experience, the people assigned to your job, clarity of scope, cost transparency, communication, change-management procedures, and responsibility for design and construction. “Top” should mean the best fit for your project, not simply the largest company.

How should I choose a commercial general contractor near me?

Choose a contractor with relevant building-type experience, a clear scope, realistic budgeting, named project leadership, and a defined process for communication and changes. Local knowledge helps, but industry and project experience matter too.

Does Design Build Partners handle renovations and adaptive reuse?

Yes. We work on commercial and residential renovations, historic buildings, and adaptive reuse projects that give an existing property a new purpose. These projects often uncover outdated systems, earlier alterations, accessibility concerns, or structural issues. Rob Cochran’s experience with older properties helps our team identify those challenges early and coordinate the design and construction needed to move the project forward.

Discuss Your Nashville Construction Project

If you need a general contractor in Nashville, start with a conversation about the property, intended use, scope, budget, and timing. Design Build Partners will review the project and explain whether general contracting, design-build, architecture, renovation, or another service is the right fit.

Discuss Your Project

Tell us about your commercial build. We respond within one business day.

Or call 615-275-5133

Updated on September 27, 2026