Academy of Country Music, HASTINGS Architecture

Project: Academy of Country Music
Award: Workspace Interiors - Corporate Offices (5,000 - 10,000 SQM), 2024
Location: Nashville, United States
Design Practice: HASTINGS Architecture
Client: Academy of Country Music

The new headquarters for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in Nashville feature a design that’s rich in detail and steeped in history, embracing the essence of both the organisation’s roots and the city's distinctive character. 

The building's exposed timber construction and concrete floors form the foundation of an interior scheme that is layered with natural wood, stone and leather accents to create a rich and comfortable aesthetic. 

Private offices and central workstations are supported by a variety of meeting rooms, as well as a content creation studio and editing space, and a chic lounge complete with a stage for hosting live performances for industry, members and staff. A generous adjoining balcony overlooks the hip neighbourhood.

Design highlights

A custom leather-wrapped reception desk at the entrance stands in contrast to the burnt wood wall behind. Industrial perforated metal panels split the space and align with the exposed concrete walls of the building core, further reinforcing a grittier rugged look and feel.

Interiors celebrate country music via details such as the two screen planting systems that flank the reception and create a boundary between the public spaces and private offices and open workstations. The band wrapping the base is made using the inside of guitars while the shelves at the top are placed based on the most popular chords played in country music.

Photo credit: Nick McGinn