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Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint, located in the heart of downtown Nashville, is a space for the community. The original brick building, former home to The Rutledge Room, was renovated and expanded to house three distinct areas: a full-service restaurant downstairs, two private dining rooms on the second floor, and a large beer garden with two bars at the top. The floorplan creates a multilayered atmosphere seamlessly connecting all three areas. Configured to feel like it's always been there, the design welcomes customers to linger in the lounge area featuring shipping containers converted into seats. Patrons can even view into the hog pits to see the smokers in action. A mural and aging effects created by Shelia B. Art cover the walls bringing depth into the space. A partial greenhouse roof collects rainwater to nourish the plants, which brings nature onto this rooftop in the heart of downtown.

Project Info

Location
Nashville, TN

Year Completed
2016

Process

Barbieri Sketch - Process Image
Congress of Country Music Sketch - Process Image

We are dedicated to making meaningful places that contribute to healthy communities and mindfully engage local resources

Wisniewski - Process Image
Schmucker - Process Image
Richards - Process Image
Echo - Process Image
Castner Knott - Process Image
Caruthers - Process Image
Barista Parlor - Process Image
Residential Render - Process Image
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Studio

Contact

Careers
work@dryden.studio

New Business:
collaborate@dryden.studio

All Other Inquiries:
info@dryden.studio

O 2520 White Avenue
Nashville, TN 37204

PH
IG
615.248.3223
@dryden_studio

Dryden Architecture + Design Studio

Approach

Established in 2001, Dryden Architecture and Design, formerly known as DAAD, is a comprehensive architecture and interior design studio located in Nashville, Tennessee. Our work is uniquely rooted in personal history and contemporary practice. The studio was born out of our desire to make meaningful places that contribute to healthy communities and mindfully engage local resources. 

Over the last 20 years, we have completed an array of projects across Nashville and beyond, ranging from neighborhood master plans, mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, private residences, boutique hotels, retail, restaurants, and corporate offices. 

Working closely with creative partners is an integral part of our process at Dryden. We believe in facilitating strong creative partnerships with the artists and craftspeople with whom we work. With each project, we participate in a careful analysis of the site and intent of our collaborators to create places that are beautiful, functional, and intellectually stimulating. 

We do not enter a project with a prescribed design solution. Instead, we work closely with our clients to establish a common design language and bring their creative vision to life. 

Dryden Architecture + Design Approach

Our Team

James Bagwell, AIA
Director of Architecture
Dryden Architecture + Design | James Bagwell, AIA Director of Architecture

James, a native Nashvillian, joined Dryden in 2004 to focus on context-driven design and community building. He leads projects ranging in scale and scope, from multi-family to private residential, with a thoughtful and lighthearted approach.

E. Dale Brackeen II, AIA, NCARB, LEED
Director of Architecture
Dryden Architecture + Design | E. Dale Brackeen II, AIA, NCARB, LEED Director of Architecture

Dale, a native Tennessean, joined Dryden in 2014 with ten years of professional experience. He leads complex projects spanning tenant build-outs to large-scale adaptive reuse with a resourceful and creative spirit while mentoring new designers and keeping our tech on point.

Richard Bryant, AIA
Project Architect
Dryden Architecture + Design | Richard Bryant, AIA Project Architect

Richard joined Dryden in 2022 after working in architecture for seven years in Atlanta, GA. Richard brings to the team a strong background in adaptive reuse projects, detailed design skills, and a grounded demeanor.

Colin Campbell, AIA
Senior Architect
Dryden Architecture + Design | Colin Campbell, AIA Senior Architect

Colin joined Dryden in 2019 after working in architecture for eight years in New York. He is a detailed and organized designer with a focus on hospitality and high-end residential design.

Chuck Draper
Project Designer
Dryden Architecture + Design | Chuck Draper Project Designer

Chuck, a native Tennessean, joined Dryden in 2019 with ten years of professional experience working in architecture and design in Tennessee. A natural educator, Chuck uses his background as a lecturer at Parsons and UTK’s College of Architecture in the workplace, bringing thoughtfulness and artistry into all that he does.

Nick Dryden, AIA, NCARB
Principal
Dryden Architecture + Design | Nick Dryden, AIA, NCARB Principal

Nick, a native Tennessean, leads Dryden with integrity and professionalism. For 20 years and counting, he and our team have been creating thoughtful and sensitive designs while building lasting relationships in the community.

Cara Anne Greene
Director of Operations
Dryden Architecture + Design | Cara Anne Greene Director of Operations

Cara, a native Nashvillian, joined Dryden in 2019 after managing the boutique architecture firm SO-IL in Brooklyn, NY. With ten years of small business management experience, she operates with an empathetic and detailed approach directing all operations, including business development, human resources, and finances.

Jason Hitchcock, AIA
Senior Architect
Dryden Architecture + Design | Jason Hitchcock, AIA Senior Architect

Jason, a native Tennessean, joined Dryden in 2021 after working for several years as a design-build architect for a wide range of projects. This unique background allows him to guide clients through the whole process, from site selection to final inspections.

Kim Martin, IIDA, NCIDQ
Director of Interior Designer
Dryden Architecture + Design | Kim Martin, IIDA, NCIDQ Director of Interior Designer

Kim, a native Nashvillian, joined Dryden in 2004. She is a nurturing leader with the ability to work with any style or budget. She enjoys working closely with clients to achieve the highest standard of design and craftsmanship, delivering interior spaces that are functional, safe, and beautiful.

Josh Méndez
Creative Manager
Dryden Architecture + Design | Josh Méndez Creative Manager

Josh joined Dryden in 2017 with an interest in creating a positive impact in the community through design, believing architecture can lead to a more environmentally and socially sustainable world. A Cornell alum, he is a powerhouse designer with strong graphic skills and an interest in beauty that elevates his work.

Maria Meyer, IIDA, NCIDQ
Senior Interior Designer
Dryden Architecture + Design | Maria Meyer, IIDA, NCIDQ Senior Interior Designer

Maria joined Dryden in 2021 after working in both Minneapolis and Nashville. She is a confident designer whose work is driven by providing opportunities for meaningful exchanges between people and the spaces they inhabit. Maria is highly engaged in the Nashville design community and currently serves as a Programming Advisor for Nashville Design Week.

Ann Kennedy Perry
Interior Designer
Dryden Architecture + Design | Ann Kennedy Perry Interior Designer

Ann Kennedy joined Dryden in 2019 after graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art, Interior Design. She has a keen interest in visual storytelling, revealed through her work on both commercial and residential projects.

Sammy Reedy
Design Assistant
Dryden Architecture + Design | Sammy Reedy Design Assistant

Sammy joined Dryden in 2020 after working in the hospitality industry. She uses her operations background and industry knowledge to provide invaluable support to our design team through vendor relations, project support, and styling.

Samantha Schnieder, AIA
Senior Architect
Dryden Architecture + Design | Samantha Schnieder, AIA Senior Architect

Samantha, a native Nashvillian, joined Dryden in 2021 after working locally for ten years. An intelligent and capable designer, she works to re-invigorate the Nashville community through mixed-use, commercial, adaptive reuse, and historic renovation projects.

Fleming Smith IV, AIA, NCARB
Director of Architecture
Dryden Architecture + Design | Fleming Smith IV, AIA, NCARB Director of Architecture

​​Fleming, a native Nashvillian, joined Dryden in 2015. A focused and detailed leader, he helps us balance achieving excellence in design with technical function.

Tabby Thurber
Operations and Purchasing Manager
Dryden Architecture + Design | Tabby Thurber Operations and Purchasing Manager

Tabby joined Dryden in 2022 with a background in project management and a passion for design. Tabby ensures daily operations run smoothly, making sure the team has what it needs to succeed. She also uses her strong organizational skills and industry knowledge to support our design team through purchasing and installations.

Ross Ullrich
Interior Designer
Dryden Architecture + Design | Ross Ullrich Interior Designer

Ross joined Dryden in 2021 after working as a designer in both Chicago and Nashville. He has a refined aesthetic and approaches his work with careful consideration. Ross loves developing and maintaining close relationships with clients to help them meet their goals.

Careers

We are always on the lookout for talented, creative people. Please email us at work@dryden.studio to learn about any future opportunities. Dryden encourages BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ candidates to apply. 

Dryden Architecture + Design - Careers