Overview of New Frontier Design
New Frontier Design is a Nashville, TN-based design studio that works at the intersection of architecture, interior design, and tiny home construction. Founded by David, a self-taught designer with a background spanning fashion, hospitality, and construction, the company has built a portfolio of compact living spaces that function as detached ADUs, backyard cottages, and casitas for homeowners looking to add livable square footage to their property.
Since 2019, New Frontier Design has expanded beyond building tiny homes in-house to offering architectural and interior design services for homes and businesses of varying sizes across the country, in addition to designing and selling its tiny home models domestically and internationally.
Tiny Home and ADU Models
New Frontier Design offers a range of tiny home models that can serve as granny flats, in-law suites, or standalone backyard units. Each design balances compact square footage with functional interior layouts:
- Bella — Sleeps up to 4, starting at $220,000. A privacy-focused design for high-density settings featuring skylights, large picture windows, and a spa-style wet room with concrete finishes and a rainfall shower.
- Luna — A park model home developed in partnership with Zook Cabins, marking the company's first collaboration of this kind.
- Orchid — Sleeps 4, starting at $220,000. A design with fine furnishings suited for discerning tastes.
- Escher — Sleeps up to 6, starting at $235,000. Built with families in mind, featuring a king bedroom suite, a second loft for children, a full bathroom, walk-in closet, and office space.
- Alpha — Sleeps 2, starting at $225,000. The company's original model, built with multi-functional furniture and clever storage solutions.
- Cornelia — Sleeps up to 4, starting at $185,000. Originally created as a writer's retreat in collaboration with author Cornelia Funke.
Garage Conversion Project
Among its project work, New Frontier Design has completed a garage conversion that transformed the unfinished attic space above a garage into a one-bedroom apartment. The space includes custom woodwork throughout and a concealed pull-out bed, allowing it to serve both as a private retreat and, more recently, as a short-term rental unit. This type of garage conversion work reflects the kind of accessory dwelling unit projects the company takes on for homeowners seeking to convert existing structures into functional living space.
David's approach to design draws on a varied career path that included work in retail design for Ralph Lauren, concept design for Earnest Sewn in New York, interior design and hospitality work in Chicago, and construction experience gained as a framer in his teenage years. His introduction to the tiny home movement in 2014 led him to found New Frontier Design, combining his interest in architecture, craftsmanship, and intentional living into a single practice based in his hometown of Nashville.
