Design Build Partners is a Nashville architect and design-build firm with 38 years of experience, providing architectural design, planning, renovation, adaptive reuse, and construction services. By combining expertise in architecture and construction, we give clients one coordinated team from early planning through project completion.
A successful architectural project starts with the first discussion and vision of the client. Before drawings or sketches are created, the project is already underway. The communication with the client is one of our favorite parts of the process. We want to learn about the future functionality of the space along with features you may like to have. From there, we bring our ideas to the table and it initiates the collaborative process. Programming, site considerations, project goals, budget, planning, and construction requirements all will be considered as we move toward the final design.
Design Build Partners provides architectural services including:
Our design-build structure allows construction considerations to be introduced during the design process rather than treated as a separate stage after the architecture is complete.
Reviews
Design Build Partners combines architecture and construction under one integrated process. With 38 years of experience, the company brings both functions together under one process. In a conventional project, the architect and contractor may operate as separate parties with different contracts and responsibilities. Our design-build model brings those functions together.
That means construction pricing and timing can be considered while the design is developing. Design decisions can be evaluated in the context of how they will actually be constructed, rather than waiting until the end of the design process to discover construction implications.
Design Build Partners uses an open-book design-build method, with construction added to the architecture practice in 1997.
For an owner, the practical benefit is a more connected conversation about design, constructability, cost, schedule, and project priorities.
Design Build Partners received the Build Tennessee Award for its work on the Royal Range Firearms Training Center (Owner: Royal Range Realty, LLC.). The firm was recognized for both as a General Contractor and Architect on the project. in the following category: General Contractor Renovation Project, Under $5 Million (Award of Excellence)
As founding principal of Design Build Partners, Rob Cochran spearheads marketing efforts and client relations for the firm. Cochran's particular areas of expertise include real estate development, medical facilities, retail design, and historic renovation & adaptive reuse. He has directed multiple design projects, which have garnered preservation and design awards. Cochran's strong design sense and his ability to use design to achieve his clients' financial and sales goals have been integral to the firm's success. He is involved in managing virtually all aspects of services for his clients. With 38 years of experience in architectural design, Cochran's history began with large Nashville groups including Earl Swensson Associates, Gobbell Hays Partners. Ownership of design firms began in 1988 as his design career has yielded a number of awards and recognition over the years. In 1997, Cochran added construction to his practice to include a transparent, "open-book" method of pure design/ build project delivery. The purity of the design and construction practice has garnered a number of awards and most important, clients who are now friends.
As an Architect at Design Build Partners, Joe works with clients to define their identity and helps them to express their identity in architectural form to the world at large. Joe believes that architecture is a powerful tool that can shape our culture and refine our interactions with our families, neighbors, colleagues, and communities. Joe's works closely with design engineers, lighting designers, interior designers to integrate the clients hopes and ambitions and uncover hidden opportunities. With over 20 years of experience, Joe has cultivated a deep understanding of the design process for projects ranging from a city block to a doggy bowl.
Commercial architecture requires more than an attractive building. The design needs to support the way a business operates, accommodate users and staff, respond to the site, and fit the client’s development objectives.
Design Build Partners has experience with medical facilities, retail environments, veterinary facilities, commercial spaces, real estate development, and renovation work. Our architectural services include programming, architectural design, space planning, construction documentation, commercial code compliance, and construction observation.
For developers and commercial property owners, architectural planning can also involve evaluating land-use requirements, zoning considerations, access, parking, and overall project feasibility before committing too deeply to a project.
Renovating an existing property is different from starting with a blank site. The design has to respond to the existing building while creating a practical path toward its future use.
Design Build Partners provides historical preservation, renovation, and adaptive reuse services. Founding Principal Rob Cochran’s areas of expertise include historic renovation and adaptive reuse.
For Nashville properties in historic areas, the design process may also involve additional preservation requirements. Careful planning can help identify these considerations early and support a design that responds appropriately to the existing property.
Design Build Partners also works on residential projects as part of its broader architecture and construction practice.
Residential architectural design may involve a new home, renovation, addition, or another project where the owner’s goals need to be translated into a buildable plan. Our approach connects architectural design with construction expertise so that material choices, building methods, and project considerations are addressed as the design progresses.
For larger or more involved residential projects, an architect-led design-build approach can provide a direct connection between design decisions and construction planning.
Developers often need architectural thinking before a project reaches the drawing stage.
A development-oriented process can look at the site, intended use, planning requirements, building program, design direction, and construction implications together. This can help identify opportunities or constraints before significant resources are committed.
Design Build Partners’ services include real estate development, master planning, site selection studies, land use and zoning analysis, architectural design, cost analysis, and value engineering.
That combination is especially relevant when the success of a project depends on balancing design quality with practical development objectives.
We begin by understanding what you want to accomplish, the property involved, the intended use, and the priorities that will shape the project.
Site conditions, planning considerations, zoning, existing structures, and other project requirements can influence what is practical.
Architectural concepts are developed around the program, function, appearance, and project priorities.
Because architecture and construction are integrated, buildability, materials, costs, and construction requirements can be considered while the design develops.
The project moves into detailed design, specifications, and construction documentation required for the next stages.
Construction follows with the design and construction teams continuing to work together through completion and final project requirements.
Design Build Partners is based in Nashville and provides architect & design-build services throughout Tennessee. Other states we serve include Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia, as well as more nearby states. We are available to discuss your needs in cities such as Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Clarksville, Columbia, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Gallatin, Lebanon, Cookeville, Johnson City, and Kingsport.
A Nashville architect helps translate a client's goals into a coordinated building design. Depending on the project, services can include programming, architectural design, planning, space planning, construction documentation, code-related coordination, and construction observation.
A design-build architecture firm combines architectural and construction responsibilities within one integrated delivery structure. Instead of separating the architect and contractor into independent teams, the design and construction process is coordinated under the same organization.
Yes. Design Build Partners combines architectural services with general contracting and commercial construction. The firm's construction practice was added to its architecture practice in 1997.
Yes. Renovation and adaptive reuse are established areas of the firm's architecture practice, with historic renovation and adaptive reuse specifically identified as areas of Rob Cochran's expertise.
Yes. Design Build Partners includes residential projects within its architecture and construction practice.
There is no single price that applies to every architecture project. Fees can depend on project size, complexity, scope of services, existing conditions, engineering requirements, documentation needs, and whether construction is included. An accurate proposal should be based on the specific project.
Start by providing information about the property, intended use, project goals, and the type of work being considered. Design Build Partners can then determine the appropriate scope and next steps for the project.
Planning a new building, renovation, adaptive reuse project, or design-build project in Nashville?
Design Build Partners brings architectural design and construction together to help clients move from planning to completion with one coordinated team.
Call 615-275-5133Updated on September 12, 2026
