The Winner is……
Interiors by AR Design, LLC won 4 awards at the ASID TN Excellence in Design Awards Gala held in Nashville, TN at Riverside Revival on September 18th, 2025.
Gold in Commercial Assembly Below 10,000 SFT
McLeod Software Conference Event Center
This state-of-the-art conference center was designed as a flexible, multi-use space to support both the primary building occupant and the surrounding community. It needed to accommodate in-person and virtual seminars, training sessions, and events with a focus on comfort, adaptability, and advanced AV capabilities. The design emphasized clean sightlines, balanced acoustics, solar control, and seamless technology integration, all while working within existing architectural constraints and a cost-conscious framework.
My Role in the Project
I was an important part of the schematic design phase, focusing on orientation and space planning to include key programmatic elements and sight lines around columns. I was responsible for all furniture solutions, including layouts, specifications, and ensuring coordination with electrical engineers for core placements and wiring requirements. I managed the procurement and installation of all furniture, including the retrofit of the client’s existing tables with integrated power. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with the architectural design team to align finishes and furniture selections with the overall aesthetic. Furniture placement was optimized around structural columns to preserve sightlines. Solar blinds were added to control natural light and reduce glare. The collaboration among all disciplines—AV, acoustics, mechanical, and electrical—was essential in delivering a cohesive, high-performance space that fulfilled both client and community needs.
I could not have executed my role without the amazing partners on this job.
CCR Architecture & Interiors, Hallmark Builders, Inc. Office Furniture + Related Services Modular Furniture Specialists dba MFS,LLC
Gold in Commercial Healthcare Below 10,000 SFT
Naphcare Compounding Pharmacy Cleanroom and Workarea
I was contracted by a long-standing pharmaceutical client serving the incarcerated population to assist with the schematic design and spatial planning of a new compounding pharmacy featuring a modular cleanroom and support offices.
My focus was on space optimization, workflow efficiency, and USP cleanroom compliance within a small concrete shell environment. Through strategic design, we reduced the cleanroom footprint to maximize non-sterile workspace, integrated ante rooms and pass-thru cabinets for infection control, allowing reduced need for garbing, and incorporated observation windows to enhance safety and communication.
The result is a functional, efficient, and compliant facility that supports nationwide pharmaceutical operations and long-term growth.
Thank you to Neocase, ACI Group Business Environment, LLC Kent Brooks for partnering on this project.
Silver in Commercial Corporate Below 10,000 SFT
Grade A Construction Company
Grade A construction company needed a headquarters that could evolve with its rapid expansion. Initially, the plan was to occupy only the main level of a new building while subleasing the ground floor to offset costs. However, growth outpaced expectations, and the original design for 19–20 employees needed to be reimagined to support up to 33 staff, plus monthly contractor trainings, breakout areas, and future scalability.
As an interior designer, I collaborated with the architect of record to redesign the interior layout. My responsibilities included space planning, finish selections, exterior materials and signage, coordination of power, data, plumbing, AV, and the full FF&E package (excluding select restroom and breakroom items). I managed the furniture bid process and coordinated with the construction project manager to oversee interior buildout and FF&E installation.
The original design’s oversized rooms triggered multiple occupancy classifications, raising costs and disrupting circulation—staff had to walk through the training room to access restrooms and the breakroom. I resolve this by reclassifying the layout as a single business occupancy by resizing key spaces and adding a dedicated egress corridor for better flow. I introduced a hospitality station for guests and staff during training sessions. Designed flexible workspaces to support 42–44 people, exceeding projections.
Mid-range, high-quality finishes and furnishings were carefully selected to stay under budget. Solar shades were added to mitigate glare, and the building’s exterior palette was kept consistent with the overall aesthetic. The interiors reflect a clean, branded aesthetic with curated details by a local decorator. Earth tones, pops of color and texture, a kinetic art sand table in the lobby, a custom conference table, and an outdoor deck with a grill and seating were included to support team events.
NOI | Nashville Office Interiors Jenny Smith Timothy Hefler, AIA, NCARB Miranda Atwood Groupe Lacasse Inc.
Photo Credit: Kristin Mayfield Photography
Silver in Commercial Institutional Below 10,000 SFT
Ed Farm Vikings Hub at Huffman Middle
This project was developed in partnership with a forward-thinking education ecosystem backed by major technology and philanthropic partners. The goal was to transform an underutilized shell into a dynamic, tech-forward learning environment that could serve both students and adults exploring careers in STEM, coding, and media production. The design emphasized modularity, transparency, and collaboration, supporting a wide range of programs—from multimedia production and podcasting to eSports and digital design.
Outfitted with professional-grade technology, the space now includes a video production lab, podcast studio, music recording studio, Mac lab, and an eSports suite. Every element was selected to support creativity, engagement, and digital literacy in a modern educational setting.
As a contracted designer for the dealership partner, my role was:
—Space planning for technology integration and demountable wall systems
—Furniture and finish specification to support educational functionality
—3D concept renderings that helped the school secure critical grant funding
—Procurement support, coordinating with the dealer’s project manager to ensure seamless execution
Division12 Consulting A special shout-out to Barbican architectural walls and Contract Design Studio
Thank you to ASID TN and to all the incredible partners I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past two years. Your collaboration helped bring these projects to life and led to these truly meaningful honors.
Anita Ryan