Firm Profile

Studio 8 Design was founded in 2005, with a core focus towards bringing creative, responsible design to every project. We believe good design can be achieved, and should be a goal for every project whether large or small, regardless of budget. Rather than specialize in the production of one building type, we look for the unique characteristics of each project, and bring these to the forefront in the development of design ideas. Our firm is a member of the USGBC and strives to implement responsible design strategies in every project. Our project experience is diverse, including commercial, residential, office, multi-family, mixed-use, recreational and urban park commissions.

We pride ourselves on our repeat work with past clients, bringing professionalism and creativity to every project. We consider our clients part of our design team and we value the relationships we build on every project. We also strive to maintain a positive workplace, infusing fun into the creative process. Our people are our strength, and the chemistry we have forged makes every project stronger. We are passionate about our work, our clients, and our co-workers. At the end of the day, it is our passion for architecture that makes the difference.

Matt Taylor, Principal

Registered Architect (Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas), LEED AP

Clemson University College of Architecture
Master of Architecture, 1990
Bachelor of Science in Design, 1988

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Matt attended Clemson University, earning both his B.S. in Design and Master of Architecture. He spent the next six years working for Saxelbye Architects in Jacksonville, Florida, where he was involved in a variety of public and private projects, including the restoration and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and several projects for the State of Florida Department of Management Services. Matt moved to Franklin, Tennessee, in 1996 and continued to build upon his interest in civic design while working for local firms on a diverse collection of projects. As Matt became more involved in local civic organizations, he decided that he could make a positive impact on his community by forming his own architecture firm and pursuing projects that are both culturally responsible and responsive to the needs of his clients. Matt has been involved in a variety of large public and private projects ranging from the broad Master Plan scale through the details of architectural construction. His civic involvement includes participating on a citizen committee in the re-writing of Franklin’s Land-Use Ordinance, serving as Chairman for the Franklin Historic Zoning Commission, and Co-Chairing the Parks & Recreation Re-Visioning Committee with Franklin Tomorrow.

Anna Ruth Kimbrough, Project Architect

Registered Architect (Tennessee), LEED AP

Auburn University College of Architecture, Design, and Construction
Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude, 1999
Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Cum Laude, 1999

A native of Nashville, Anna Ruth graduated from Harpeth Hall School and pursued a degree in Architecture from Auburn University. While at Auburn, Anna Ruth participated in the Rural Design Program with Samuel “Sambo” Mockbee, the urban studio in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Study Abroad Program. Her interest in furniture and interior design led her to graduate with dual degrees in both Architecture and Interior Architecture. Shortly after graduation, Anna Ruth moved to New York where she gained valuable experience in the design of high end custom residential projects and various commercial projects. Upon returning home to Nashville, Anna Ruth explored the design integration of community centers and multi-family housing at Fort Campbell and worked on several unique projects in the Nashville Area, including Radius 10 Restaurant and the Nashville Holocaust Memorial. Since joining Studio Eight Design, Anna Ruth was the Project Manager for the Franklin Police Headquarters, Zumi Sushi Restaurant, several retail tenant buildout projects and residential projects. Anna Ruth’s talents, creativity, and project management skills bring experience and value to a variety of projects.

Heather Francis Robers, Project Architect

Registered Architect (Tennessee)

University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design
Bachelor of Architecture, 2002

A native of Middle Tennessee, Heather graduated with her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee, where she also spent a semester studying urban design in Cracow, Poland. After graduation, Heather relocated to Washington, D.C., where she began her career working in historic preservation. This experience helped her to develop an appreciation of historic structures and the skills to solve unique design problems creatively. Upon returning to Nashville, she pursued an interest in mixed use, multi-family, and commercial projects, furthering her career development and expanding her experience in design. Heather has participated in all phases of architectural design from concept studies to construction detailing and has worked with clients on interior finishes and fixture selections. At Studio Eight Design, Heather was the Project Manager for projects including the Franklin Bicentennial Park, HCA's Corporate Auditorium Renovation, several corporate office programming & space needs planning projects, and multiple residential projects. She is experienced with Building Information Modeling, various presentation techniques, and has worked to establish the office standards for Studio 8 Design.