PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Upon meeting Shelly Carder, you quickly learn he is a lover of all things beautiful—from nature and the outdoors to the flourish of a well-designed architectural detail. Carder’s gifted hand with a pencil led him to study architecture at Auburn University where he developed his visionary eye and learned to ask, “What if?”, a question that has become a sort of mantra to The Guild. Upon graduation, he moved abroad to the Renaissance capital of Florence, Italy where he worked with renowned architectural firm, Archea Assocciatti, fostering a growing appreciation for timeless beauty.

Inspired to bring this newfound energy back to the States, Carder returned to Nashville, Tennessee and launched a design-build practice where his love of fine craftsmanship was truly born. The active jobsite/office, donned with a tool belt, became Carder’s proving ground where he garnered the skills and perspective that define his design sensibilities today: the true marriage of art and craft. Carder finds much delight in riding his mountain bike in the Tennessee hills and much purpose in his Faith. When asked what he truly enjoys most, “It’s the people and relationships…”

“There are only two things in this world: Relationships & Junk.” - jack thompson

DESIGNER

To Connor, beauty is in the small, simple moments: an autumn breeze, the smell of a new book, or the creak of an old floorboard underfoot. As a graduate of Mississippi State University College of Architecture, Art, and Design, Connor has a strong technical foundation in architectural design shaped by a deep interest in proportion, tactility, and the expressive qualities of materials. His brief tenure in New York City sparked a particular love for timeless residential architecture, where he learned to balance beauty, function, and the intimate ways people inhabit space. A study abroad in Europe further broadened his understanding of architectural history and the importance of context. He believes that architecture is the intersection of art and function.

Originally from the upstate of South Carolina, Connor grew up surrounded by rolling landscapes that shaped his appreciation for architecture that belongs - buildings that feel rooted in place and invite you to imagine the story behind how they came to be. Outside the studio, Connor is drawn to adventure and creative exploration. He enjoys photography, hiking in the mountains, playing a variety of instruments, and reading fantasy literature; pursuits that continually inspire him and his design outlook.

“Journey before destination.” - brandon sanderson

DESIGNER

Lukas Johnson brings a thoughtful, measured approach to architectural design at Carder Design Guild, guided by a deep respect for place, proportion, and process. Lukas graduated with a Bachelor’s of Architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, where he gained hands-on design-build experience in the UDBS Affordable Housing Studio and further broadened his architectural perspective through a semester of study abroad in Rome. Lukas contributes a quiet rigor to every phase of design from early concept to final detail. His work is guided by the belief that good design is both functional and poetic, and he finds the greatest satisfaction in creating a sense of place and feeling of home for his clients.

Originally from Fairview, Tennessee, Lukas returned to the Nashville area after completing his studies, drawn back by the familiar rhythm of home and a desire to shape the region's architectural landscape. His education instilled a love for regionalism and natural materials, which continues to influence his perspective today. Outside the studio, Lukas finds enjoyment in hiking Tennessee’s quiet trails, traveling, thrifting his wardrobe, and catching live shows around Nashville with his friends.

“Keep it simple, stupid.” - kelly johnson