Connecting People + Places

McCoy Design Dismas House

Dismas House

Dismas House is a beacon of hope for the formerly incarcerated in Nashville, Tennessee. This vital nonprofit program gives people the skills, education, and support necessary for sustainable success after incarceration, stopping the “revolving prison door” for hundreds of successful graduates. Opened in 1974 as an 8-bed residential facility, Dismas House expanded in April 2020 to become a 72-bed campus. Dismas House engaged us to design all interior and exterior signs, donor acknowledgment, and a feature wall for the new campus.

Challenge

Dismas House wanted to use design elements to create a serene, supportive, positive environment in its new space… and still squeeze every drop from its non-profit, donation-supported budget.

Solution

We challenged ourselves to be extra creative with simple materials to be sure Dismas House got the design and functionality it needed (and then some). Signs are acrylic and vinyl, and the donor wall is engraved wood. The feature wall serves as a brand touchpoint and homage to the organization’s history, highlighting the bird from their logo. Every piece of the signage system is light and references the mission and brand.

McCoy Design Dismas House
McCoy Design Dismas House

We helped Dismas House make the most of their resources to create a positive, supportive environment that will touch lives—and help heal our community— for generations to come.

McCoy Design Dismas House
McCoy Design Dismas House
McCoy Design Dismas House
McCoy Design Dismas House
McCoy Design Dismas House
Client

EOA Architects PLLC

Location

Nashville, Tennessee

Photographer

Jeni Abercrombie

Photographer

Nathan Pedigo