Discover how Nashville’s historic main post office was boldly reimagined into a world-class art museum—and became an essential and beloved part of Nashville’s cultural community. Enjoy a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation with an extraordinary panel—reunited for the first time in a quarter century—as they reflect on their roles in bringing this landmark project to life.
The panel includes Chase Rynd, founding director of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts; Seab Tuck of Tuck-Hinton Architects, architect of record for the historic renovation; Mary Roskilly, partner/principal at Anecdote (formerly Tuck-Hinton Architects), who worked alongside Tuck in examining every square inch of the building before, during, and after the post office’s renovation; Walker Mathews, CEO of R.C. Mathews Contractor, the general contractor responsible for the renovation; and Carl Munkel, former construction manager with Gresham, Smith and Partners (currently senior risk advisor with Gresham Smith).
Their shared vision, close collaboration, and unforgettable stories promise an afternoon that will entertain, surprise, enlighten—and make you laugh.
Registration link coming soon
About Chase Rynd
Chase Rynd served as the executive director of the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, for seventeen years, retired in 2020, and is now executive director emeritus. A former longtime resident of Seattle, Rynd was appointed by the mayor to the Seattle Arts Commission in 1988 and served two terms as chair. In 1990, Rynd developed a public gallery space for Security Pacific Bank as a contribution to Seattle’s vibrant arts community. In 1993, he was appointed executive director of the Tacoma Art Museum and supervised its reaccreditation, collaborated with the Bellevue Art Museum to merge their regional art collections, and oversaw the planning and fundraising for a new facility. In 1998, Rynd became the founding director of the Frist Art Museum in Nashville. He oversaw the renovation of its historic art deco building, hired and trained over fifty full-time staff, developed all policies and programs, and procured world class exhibitions. A graduate of Georgetown University, Rynd is adjunct faculty for Goucher College, teaching an art museum management course for a masters program.
About Seab A. Tuck
After graduating with a degree in architecture from Auburn University, Seab A. Tuck practiced elsewhere in Nashville before starting his firm in 1984. Tuck-Hinton Architects prepared numerous master plans for schools, universities, parks, and the city. Many of their projects were awarded and published nationally. Their most notable projects include the Bicentennial Capitol Mall, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Frist Art Museum, and, with a larger team, the Music City Center. Tuck helped establish the Urban Design Forum and was on the founding committee for the Nashville Urban Design Center. As its second president, he helped initiate The Plan of Nashville. He has also been involved in Leadership Nashville and served on the boards of Leadership Middle Tennessee and Cumberland Region Tomorrow. Tuck was inducted as a fellow in the American Institute of Architects and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Chapter the AIA. He retired at the end of 2018 to enjoy his many hobbies and four grandchildren.
About Mary Roskilly
Mary Roskilly is a principal and partner at Anecdote Architectural Experiences, a small, woman-owned business that is known for creating many of the region’s most iconic buildings. She joined the firm in 1994 after graduating from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor of architecture degree. She has been involved in the design of several prestigious projects that have impacted Nashville: Music City Center, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Frist Art Museum, and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall. Other projects include 1030 Music Row, an award-winning mass-timber office building, the Community Foundation offices, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, projects for Jack Daniels, and a new event center at Historic Rock Castle.
About Walker Mathews
As CEO and chairman of R.C. Mathews Contractor, Walker Matthews has spent over four decades leading with purpose, building not only transformative projects but lasting relationships. Since becoming president of R.C. Mathews in 1991, he has expanded the company’s reach while growing alongside Middle Tennessee. His background spans a wide range of projects, including the Fisher Center at Belmont University and expansions of Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry. As a Licensed Professional Engineer, Mathews offers deep technical insight that strengthens every project team. Above all, he is driven by a passion for people, believing that strong relationships are the foundation of great work.
About Carl Munkel
Carl Munkel is a former owner in Gresham Smith. His project experience includes public and private clients for significant projects in the commercial, municipal, industrial, and aviation markets. As Gresham Smith’s former director of risk management, he was responsible for the firm’s risk management processes, agreements, claims management and in-house professional liability training programs. In this role, he assisted in identifying, evaluating, reducing, or mitigating potential risks that may impact a project. Munkel is also a founding member of the Nashville Chapter of the Project Management Institute. He has a BS in construction management from Bradley University, where he also serves on the advisory board for the civil engineering and construction program, and an MBA in engineering management from the University of Dallas.
