Thoughtful Engagement · Responsible Design
We deliver exceptional designs that foster a healthy environment for our team, clients and communities. Faith-based roots guide us to serve and share the expertise we have learned along the way to create a sustained and bright future for all.
The first of a series of videos diving deeper into our firm history, values and the work we would like to highlight.
The second of a series of videos diving deeper into our firm history, values and the work we would like to highlight.
About Us
Hereford Dooley Architects, Inc. is a dedicated team of professionals providing architectural design services with licenses in nearly half the states across the country. Thomas Dooley of Hereford Dooley Architects opened the Nashville office in 1994 when he partnered with Lyman+Davidson of Atlanta to form Lyman Davidson Dooley. When Tom started the Nashville studio, he had 9 years of previous experience in healthcare design, however, he initially focused on working with many different types of clients. His award winning portfolio of work included office spaces, restaurants, churches, high-end residential work, and a music publishing studio. Over time, designing healing environments became more of a focus, and to this day, healthcare facilities make up the majority of our portfolio. William E. Hereford, III (Trip) had 7 years of experience when he joined the Nashville studio in 2006. His past experience included the design of many types of public work including schools, jails, police/fire/EMS stations, libraries, and office buildings, but he was looking to pursue a career in healthcare design. Trip quickly acquired many responsibilities and obtained a leadership role, co-managing the local studio and business operations. In July 2014, the Nashville studio rebranded itself from a reorganization of Lyman Davidson Dooley, and became Hereford Dooley Architects.
In May of 2022, Thomas Dooley retired from practice. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors and commits time and efforts toward the success of the firm.
"The struggle is not with others,
but within us, to do what we are called to do." - J. Geddes
Our Mission to Give Back
Giving back to our communities has always been important to us. We are grateful for our successes and we are committed to sharing them with worthwhile causes. Each year our goal is to invest 1% of our gross revenue toward a broad range of charitable activities. This commitment will be fulfilled through both cash contributions and employee involvement. We believe that every dollar and volunteer hour matters, and we are dedicated to supporting organizations like the ones listed below who continue to make a difference in our communities.
Tennessee Riverkeeper*
LiveLikeLou
We would like to thank our clients for choosing us and wish for you to know you are helping to support our mission to give back to our communities.
*Please check out the news section to learn more about our annual donations over the years.
Where We Work
Just 2.0
At the end of 2021, Hereford Dooley Architects received our first Just 2.0 label. It is an exciting landmark for our organization! As a program of the International Living Future Institute, Just is a voluntary disclosure tool used a nutrition label for socially just and equitable organizations. It is not a certification program, but a platform for organizations to disclose operations, such as employee benefits and where financial and community investments are made. The Just program aligns with our five core values: service, integrity, generosity, learning and improvement – and our desire to be transparent with the people we work with, from our employees to our clients and everyone in between. After an extensive data dive and collection, we were granted our Just label.
We are pleased with our grade and the benchmark provided for us to improve our current policies in the near future. We encourage all corporations to join us in taking this internal look at their own operations.
Nashville Living Wage
As of July 2024, Hereford Dooley Architects became a certified Nashville Living Wage employer. Being a certified Nashville Living Wage employer aligns with our core values, which guide every decision we make in our firm. A living wage is the minimum amount a worker must earn to afford basic necessities, without public or private assistance. The Nashville Living Wage is based on the survival wage rate for Davidson County, which was determined by the 2023 ALICE Report from the United Way of Tennessee. They hope to educate our community on the importance and urgency of a "more just" minimum wage.
More information can be found on their website.
1% for the Planet
Hereford Dooley Architects joined 1% for the Planet in 2024, committing to donate 1% of annual sales directly to nonprofit environmental organizations. Becoming a 1% for the Planet member is another significant step in the firm taking meaningful action to better the planet. By pledging 1% of revenue as it grows, we hope to raise the bar of what it means for businesses to be a valuable part of outcomes that support the environment and protect our planet. To learn more about membership, visit onepercentfortheplanet.org.
