MZA Architecture • Interiors

MZA Architecture • Interiors nonconformist, cosmopolitan, sustainable, ubercool Celebrating over 30 years of redefining Nashville

Since helping establish the vision for The Gulch more than four decades ago, MZA has been proud to contribute to Nashvil...
06/15/2026

Since helping establish the vision for The Gulch more than four decades ago, MZA has been proud to contribute to Nashville's growth through thoughtful, community-focused design. From mixed-use developments and multifamily housing that have helped shape emerging neighborhoods to award-winning schools, adaptive reuse projects, hospitality destinations, and affordable housing, our work reflects the many ways this city continues to evolve.

For 45 years, we've had the opportunity to create places that support thriving communities and celebrate Nashville's unique character. Today, we're celebrating the city that has inspired us every step of the way. Happy 615 Day!

A new multi-family, affordable housing project is our latest collaboration with Nashville-based affordable housing devel...
06/10/2026

A new multi-family, affordable housing project is our latest collaboration with Nashville-based affordable housing developer . Located along Buena Vista Pike just north of the Cumberland River, the project offers sixty new affordable living units split between two buildings. Both buildings are currently being framed, and we’re excited to share another great project. Construction is scheduled for completion later this year.

MZA was engaged by in late 2024 to design a 60-unit multifamily project in the rapidly developing Bordeaux neighborhood of Nashville. The site’s challenging topography and an existing sewer easement impacted the team’s decision to divide the program and create two separate structures. The design allows the buildings to relate to one another without being replicas; consistency in materials, fenestration and design features conveys their relationship. Pedestrian access from Buena Vista is through a “slot” carved between the brick corner building and its partner building to the north. The slot provides access to the lower, central central courtyard, and to the open stairs that access the upper two levels. Single-loaded exterior corridors are intentionally wide to offer a “front porch” space for each apartment. Site amenities include a community garden and playground. A 1,200 SF community room and mezzanine provides a gathering space for residents and guests, as well as property management/leasing offices.

MZA Team: Chris Riley, Nelle Blevins, Mark Bixler, Lesley Beeman
Construction:
S/FP/PME:
Landscape: Hawkins Partners, Inc. landscape architects
Civil:

Big things and big laughs are coming to East Nashville.MZA is excited to partner with Third Coast Comedy Club on the des...
06/03/2026

Big things and big laughs are coming to East Nashville.

MZA is excited to partner with Third Coast Comedy Club on the design of their new home: a dynamic, multi-use entertainment space that blends comedy, community, and hospitality under one roof. The new venue will feature a ~100-seat theater, bar and lounge experience, classroom space, and a full kitchen — creating a destination designed for more than just the show itself.

We’re thrilled to help shape a space that brings people together through creativity, connection, and a good sense of humor.

MZA Team: Brad Province, Quest Design Group, Bilyeu Engineering, Beech Construction

Lesley has been part of MZA’s growth for more than two decades, bringing a depth of experience and design perspective th...
05/29/2026

Lesley has been part of MZA’s growth for more than two decades, bringing a depth of experience and design perspective that has helped shape the studio into what it is today. Since joining the firm in 2005, he has worked across a wide range of project types and architectural styles, contributing to everything from residential and hospitality spaces to office and medical projects.

Outside of the studio, Lesley is known for his eclectic music taste, love of travel, encyclopedic movie knowledge, signature fedora hats, and impressive guitar collection — not to mention a near-constant Diet Coke in hand. Above all, he’s deeply devoted to his family, bringing the same level of care, curiosity, and personality to both his work and the people around him.

Over the years, Lesley has remained a steady creative presence at MZA, bringing both perspective and individuality to the studio and its work.

We’re proud to share that MZA has been named 2026 Best of Luxury Design Southeast for Traditional Architecture in Nashvi...
04/30/2026

We’re proud to share that MZA has been named 2026 Best of Luxury Design Southeast for Traditional Architecture in Nashville by Modern Luxury Interiors. This recognition reflects the collaboration, creativity, and trust of our clients and partners. Thank you for being part of it!

MZA's Mark Bixler and Brad Province attended Cane Ridge High School's Architecture 1 Class senior presentation. Over the...
04/29/2026

MZA's Mark Bixler and Brad Province attended Cane Ridge High School's Architecture 1 Class senior presentation. Over the past several years, instructor Scott Keen has had the students design their own house using Revit and Lumion.

The culmination is this presentation, in which students show the development of their work, adjacency/planning diagrams, furniture, lighting and materials influences, floor plans, a series of model snapshots, an explanation of how their project could be LEED certified, and a video walk thru of the project. Brad and Mark also volunteer with CRHS' ACE (architecture, construction, engineering) program.

Matthew’s role touches just about every part of the studio. As Director of Operations, he leads the systems, structure, ...
04/23/2026

Matthew’s role touches just about every part of the studio. As Director of Operations, he leads the systems, structure, and day-to-day coordination that allow our projects — and our people — to perform at a high level. His work is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring that the studio runs with clarity, efficiency, and intention.

When he’s not holding it all together at the office, you can find Matthew traveling the world, walking through Wedgewood-Houston, or behind the booth at WXNA spinning his weekly Wednesday set. Around here, he’s also known for bringing a little extra joy to the studio, thanks to his three dachshunds: Bunny, Roman, and Ernie.

Whether he’s refining internal processes or shaping the rhythm of the studio playlist, Matthew brings a thoughtful, steady approach that strengthens how we work every day.

We are excited to share progress pictures of the Redbud Barn expansion for The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (The Sanc...
04/20/2026

We are excited to share progress pictures of the Redbud Barn expansion for The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (The Sanctuary). This design-build project is our latest collaboration with Chase Construction Group and The Sanctuary, and provides an indoor sand floor designed to accommodate multiple elephants. The Sanctuary’s emphasis on sustainability is showcased in the building design, which includes natural light and passive solar, rainwater collection, and continuous insulation.

To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, please visit www.elephants.com

MZA Project Team: Chris Riley

MZA's Work has released the long-awaited 10th album, titled "minim". Minim is a musical term for a half note, or one dro...
04/16/2026

MZA's Work has released the long-awaited 10th album, titled "minim". Minim is a musical term for a half note, or one drop of liquid. Both are relevant, in this case.

Proceeds from sales go to The Store, so don't wait! Head to the Bandcamp link in our bio to get minim today.

Set on a sloped, forested site in eastern Tennessee, this 1,800 square-foot residence is organized over two stories and ...
04/14/2026

Set on a sloped, forested site in eastern Tennessee, this 1,800 square-foot residence is organized over two stories and positioned to open up to the creek and gorge below. The home is modest in its approach from the uphill side, then opens dramatically toward the landscape, to heighten the experience of arrival and view. The siting maximizes views out through the trees while minimizing disturbance to the natural terrain.

The main living space is oriented toward the gorge, with expansive glazing and a cantilevered deck extending out over the slope, creating a strong connection to the outdoors. Program of the house includes an open living area, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a screened porch, deck, pool, and outdoor sauna — each space positioned to offer a distinct relationship to its surroundings. Throughout the house, glass is concentrated where views are most compelling.

Inspired by the client’s love of midcentury modern design, the architecture emphasizes clean lines, connection to nature, and natural materials. A simplified palette of wood, stone, and glass allows the house to blend with the site, the landscape remaining the primary focus while giving the house warmth and permanence. The result is a home that feels both grounded and expansive, rooted in its site yet oriented outward to the beautiful setting.

MZA project team: Scott Harootyan

Address

516 Hagan Street, # 100
Nashville, TN
37203

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+16152562880

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