ESa

06/04/2026

What does it take to design spaces where creativity thrives?

In our latest blog, principals Ben Metz and Randy Nale explore how thoughtful architecture can support the next generation of musicians, performers and industry leaders. Through ESa's work with Belmont University, they examine how performing arts venues, recording studios and academic spaces can foster collaboration, innovation and artistic growth while honoring Nashville's unique musical legacy.

Read the full blog:

Designing Music City’s next note: A closer look at performing arts education IndustryMay 2026 Designing Music City’s next note: A closer look at performing arts education Ben Metz, AIA, NCARB, LEED® AP Randy Nale, AIA As Nashville grows, so does the responsibility to protect what makes its crea...

06/01/2026

The groundbreaking of Erlanger East’s expansion and renovation project marks an exciting milestone in the hospital’s continued commitment to serving the healthcare needs of Southeast Tennessee.

The expansion and renovation project will bring 22 additional patient beds, new cardiac and interventional labs, expanded clinical support spaces, a fully renovated Emergency Department, and a new three-story, 52,000-sf, medical building to better serve patients across Southeast Tennessee.

Erlanger will begin construction on the expansion this summer and plans to open the new building in fall 2028.

06/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating Tripp Parker on his promotion to Principal.

Tripp's leadership is defined by his dedication to clients, passion for design and commitment to mentoring those around him.

Throughout his career at ESa, he has played a key role in delivering impactful projects across commercial, hospitality and mixed-use markets while helping strengthen our culture and elevate the work we do every day.

This well-deserved promotion recognizes Tripp's contributions to our clients, colleagues and firm. We look forward to his continued leadership and the impact he will make in this new role.

Congratulations, Tripp.

05/27/2026

What makes interior design worth the investment?

In part two of ESa's interiors series, our team explores how thoughtful design creates lasting impact beyond aesthetics. From operational efficiency and intuitive flow to emotional connection and adaptability, interior design shapes how spaces function and how people experience them over time.

Through projects spanning healthcare, hospitality, education and senior living, ESa's interiors team shares how purposeful design supports both people and performance long after the first impression.

Read the full blog:

The first impression factor: Why interior design is worth the investment IndustryMay 2026 The first impression factor: Why interior design is worth the investment First impressions of a space happen at the door, but their impact is long-term. What people feel when they enter a space carries through....

05/26/2026

1111 Church Street Residences and Parking Structure has been recognized with a 2026 PCI Design Award and featured in Ascent magazine.

The garage façade establishes the project's architectural tone, stepping beneath the Church Street viaduct to create a strong urban edge while integrating seamlessly into its surroundings.
Developed in collaboration with Gate Precast and the project team, the design balances texture, rhythm, durability and performance through a refined precast expression.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to life. Read the full project profile in the spring issue of Ascent magazine: https://lsc-pagepro.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=863241&p=54&view=issueViewer

05/19/2026

Designing spaces that support student well-being goes far beyond the classroom.

In School Construction News, principal, Wendell Brown, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, explores how human-centered design shapes environments that promote mental health, connection and student success from wellness-focused spaces to flexible, collaborative settings.

Read the full article, “Designing Higher Education Spaces That Nurture, Not Just Teach,” and see how these strategies are redefining the campus experience: https://issuu.com/wmhmedia/docs/school_construction_news_2026_may_higher_educat/9

05/15/2026

We're proud to celebrate chairman emeritus Richard "Dick" Miller on receiving an honorary Doctor of the University degree from Belmont University during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies held at the Curb Event Center alongside fellow honorees Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

Since 1962, American colleges and universities have honored exceptional individuals with honorary degrees, acknowledging scholarly, creative and professional achievements across a range of fields.

Belmont awarded honorary degrees to three distinguished individuals whose lives and careers reflect excellence, generosity and service to the broader community. University president Greg Jones shared that the honorees "represent the very best of what Belmont hopes to inspire in its graduates: a life marked by excellence, generosity and a commitment to something larger than themselves."

For more than five decades, Dick's leadership, mentorship and vision have helped shape communities across Nashville and beyond through architecture grounded in integrity, humility and service. His impact can be seen in landmark projects throughout the region, as well as in the generations of architects and designers he has mentored throughout his career.

This recognition reflects an extraordinary professional legacy, and the lasting influence Dick continues to have on our industry, our city and the people around him. Congratulations, Dick, on this well-deserved honor.

Read more: https://www.belmont.edu/stories/articles/2026/2026-honorary-doctorates.html

05/08/2026

Exciting momentum continues on Music Row as Belmont University officially breaks ground on the next phase of its Mike Curb College expansion. Designed to support the future of entertainment, media and music business education, the new facility will create dynamic spaces for collaboration, creativity and industry connection in the heart of Nashville’s iconic Music Row district.

ESa is proud to be part of a project that honors the legacy of Music Row while helping shape the next generation of creators, storytellers and industry leaders. Congratulation to Belmont University, the community and entire design and construction team on this project milestone.

05/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who connected with us at this year’s HD Expo as we explored new ideas, built relationships and celebrated the future of hospitality design.

To continue the conversation and learn more about our hospitality team, connect with senior interior design manager, Leslie Ann Wilson, and/or interior design team member, Macy Davenport.

05/07/2026

This week at the ULI Spring Meeting in Nashville, attendees had the opportunity to experience The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center firsthand through guided tours highlighting thoughtful design, community impact and the evolving future of the built environment.

It was great to welcome visitors into these spaces and share the stories, collaboration and vision behind each project alongside our partners and clients. Thank you to everyone who joined us!