Nashville’s Evolving Multifamily Market
Smith Gee Studio (SGS) has been a key player in Nashville’s multifamily housing boom, a sector that continues to evolve as the city grows by nearly 30,000 people annually, as reported by The Tennessean. Associate Lauren Miller offers insights into our firm’s approach, shaped by the rapid expansion of the city and the ever-changing needs of its residents.
Timeless Design & Market-Driven Choices
A key to SGS’s success in multifamily design is our focus on creating timeless spaces that transcend trends and respond to users’ needs. Lauren emphasizes the importance of designing with the future in mind: “You have to consider market-driven elements far in advance to ensure they remain relevant by the time the project is built.” This approach includes using materials that stand the test of time, such as brick and wood, rather than relying on trending color schemes. “The colors of natural materials can help a product feel more timeless,” Lauren shares. Neutral tones and simple, high-quality finishes allow residents to personalize their spaces, enhancing the longevity of the design. Increased housing costs have led to people renting longer, reshaping traditional assumptions about what appeals to renters and what will successfully lease in the market.
In recent years, multifamily developments in Nashville have increasingly shifted from wood-frame construction to concrete as available parcels become smaller and developers capitalize on vertical space. “The transition to concrete is something we’ve really seen take hold in the past two years,” Lauren explains. While the firm’s expertise in wood-frame construction remains a valuable asset to clients, Lauren adds, “With fewer large sites available, the need for vertical development has expanded, making concrete construction a popular choice.”
Flats at Taylor Place, Photography by Matthew Carbone
Meeting Market Needs & Client Expectations
Guiding out-of-state clients in making decisions that align with local preferences has been essential in designing within an evolving city. “We help clients understand what the Nashville market actually wants, which can be very different from other cities,” she says. This local expertise ensures the delivery of designs that are not only cost-effective but also tailored to the city’s unique needs.
A significant portion of SGS’s work is focused on urban developments, with about 60% of our multifamily projects located in city settings. As urban living becomes more prevalent, there is a growing need for buildings that combine luxury with functionality. “People want a luxurious feel in a cost-effective way,” Lauren explains. This hospitality-driven approach to multifamily design has become a pillar of the SGS strategy, offering residents a high-quality experience while maintaining affordability.
Sustainability & Resident Preferences
Sustainability is an important consideration for both our firm and the residents we design for. While budget constraints can make it challenging to incorporate large-scale sustainable features, Lauren emphasizes that small efforts, such as providing recycling and EV charging, are highly valued by tenants. “It might seem like a minor feature, but 90% of residents [surveyed from Willow Bridge Property Company for The Living Lowdown™] said they’d use recycling if offered,” she shares. We continue to focus on practical, resident-friendly sustainability and meeting the needs of today’s environmentally conscious renters.
Designing for Post-Pandemic Lifestyles
Another shift in the multifamily market is the increased demand for flexible spaces that accommodate remote work. Lauren notes, “Studios were once highly sought after, but now people prefer having space to work within their home or building.” This shift has led to a rise in demand for one-bedroom units with dens or flexible spaces that can double as home offices. Smith Gee Studio’s design guide, The Living Lowdown, explores Nashville’s evolving multifamily preferences, revealing that 68% of tenants surveyed now work from home at least once a week. With the rise of remote work becoming a key aspect of the average resident’s lifestyle, adaptability in how residents use their living spaces has become a vital element in modern multifamily design. Finding creative ways to integrate work-from-home solutions within units and amenity spaces should remain a priority for newly designed developments.
83 Freight, The Largest Residential Shipping Container Community in North America, Photography by Matthew Carbone
A Passion for Multifamily Design
Lauren’s passion for multifamily work is evident in her approach to design. “I love that multifamily lets you design someone’s space on both a small and large scale,” she says. “You’re designing their individual unit, but you’re also thinking about the amenities and how the building fits into the neighborhood. It’s about creating spaces that people will want to live in for years to come.”
This approach was evident with The Hamilton and Hume House in Germantown, where SGS worked closely with the client to create a building that catered to both luxury and market-rate residents. “Our client really cared about the product they were putting out for the people living in it, as well as how it fits within the neighborhood,” Lauren explains. This thoughtful, community-centric approach has become a core aspect of SGS’s work.
The Hamilton and Hume House, Photography by Seth Parker
Looking into the Future
As the multifamily market in Nashville continues to evolve, Smith Gee Studio remains at the forefront, blending technical expertise, market insight, and a commitment to design excellence. Demographics have shifted with recent changes in the economy, and homeownership has become less attainable. We are seeing residents remain in their apartments longer – a trend that is driving the user’s age to increase and therefore evolving the needs for the space. By anticipating, staying ahead of these trends, and focusing on what residents and clients truly want, SGS continues to shape the future of multifamily living in Nashville and beyond.
