Nashville State Architecture Program Helps Students Design Their Next Chapter

Architects are designers by trade, creating the great buildings of tomorrow. Still, before they bring their creations into the world, some are students in the architectural design and technology program at Nashville State’s School of STEM.

With that goal at the forefront, instructors are shaping a program that provides a strong foundation and the skills to thrive in the industry. Some students will go on to university programs to earn bachelor’s degrees and full licensure as architects; others will go straight into careers at design and architectural firms.

This is part of the plan for instructors like Heather Cohen, who see the program not only as a chance for students to gain an education, but as a launching pad for great careers.

“I’m really excited to see where it can take them,” Cohen said. “I love sharing all the different pathways.”

Erica Sypnieski and Anaiya Simon are two recent graduates and clear examples of the opportunities the program offers.

Sypnieski grew up in Indiana and after attending college there and working in restaurants, relocated to Nashville in 2014. After settling in Nashville, she continued working in hospitality but after over two decades in that industry she decided to make a change and follow her interest in design and technology.

Sypnieski said she asked herself, “What’s out there for me?”

After learning about the Tennessee Reconnect program and the potential to earn her degree for free, she enrolled at Nashville State.

“It was great, and it’s good to make yourself grow and put yourself in positions you’re not used to,” Sypnieski said.

“It was a new world and a new thing to dedicate myself to and dig into. And there are teachers who really had interest in seeing us grow.”

Originally from Antigua, Anaiya Simon came to Nashville State directly after graduating from McGavock High School in Nashville and always planned to pursue architecture.

“I’ve wanted to be an architect for a while now, so I knew I wanted to study that,” said Simon. “I wish it was a 4-year program. I feel like my two years flew by.”

Through the program, students learn the fundamentals of architecture and design, along with intensive training in computer-aided design,3D modeling, and drafting. Beyond the textbook instruction and design classes, Cohen also hopes to impart the importance of building relationships, creating well-rounded students ready to enter the industry on day one after graduation.

“Building relationships amongst each other is really important to me, in addition to what I’m teaching them,” Cohen said. “I want it to replicate what it’s like when you start working in a firm; making friends with who’s sitting next to you on your team is really important.”

Instilling that team mentality is critical to the success of both students and professionals in a field where long hours in the design studio force students to solve problems and create solutions to challenges they will face.

“I want them to have all the tools and the confidence to walk into those rooms and show what they’re made of,” said Cohen.

As a part of their training, students complete a capstone project which includes designing and presenting plans for a new building.

Both Sypnieski and Simon said the capstone was a highlight of their time in the program.

Simon designed a boutique luxury retail store called “Azalee,” while Sypnieski designed a new hotel called the “Hotel Pianissimo.”

Each project featured detailed blueprints and interior and exterior design choices, replicating a full project they will face in the field.

“It brought real-world facts into the picture for me,” Sypnieski said.

Sypnieski and Simon graduated in the Spring of 2026 and like each of their distinct starts at Nashville State, each is following their own path as they continue in the profession.

Sypnieski has joined the Nashville-based architecture firm Earl Swensson Associates which served as the architect of record for both Nashville's iconic Batman Building (the AT&T Building) and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. In her new role Sypnieksi is a part of the Technical Detailing Team working in the healthcare division

Simon completed an internship in Antigua this past summer before moving on to Belmont University this fall, where she earned a scholarship to continue her studies in their architecture program.

“We learned so much in our two years (at Nashville State),” Simon said. “And Prof. Cohen really helped me reach out to Belmont and navigate the transfer process.”

“The value of what these students are able to learn is immense. I know they’re both (Anaiya and Erica) going to do well.”

For students and instructors alike at Nashville State, moving forward to new challenges and to do great things is one of the ultimate rewards for all the work through the semesters.

The program “gave me a lot of confidence,” Sypnieski said. “Never wait, be the person who takes it seriously. Every day I can’t believe I get to do this.”

Through her time at Nashville State, Simon echoes that same sentiment. “Befriend professors, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to work late.”

While this is a story of two students and their experiences at Nashville State, the program continues to grow and gain in reputation throughout Middle Tennessee, and the drive to produce great graduates isn’t slowing down for teachers like Heather Cohen.

“I want all our graduates to do something.  And if someone says they came from Nashville State, I want [the graduate] known for being a rockstar in the AEC (architecture engineering construction) industry."