Designing Spaces for Flourishing: Belmont Students Reimagine Childcare Facility in Hickman County

Belmont Students Partner with United Way to Design Childcare Facility for Hickman County Families

When Interior Design students from Belmont’s O’More College of Architecture & Design walked into a vacant building in Nunnelly, Tennessee earlier this month, they didn’t just see walls and windows. They saw possibility. 

That possibility is The Duck Pond — a future nonprofit childcare facility that will serve families across Hickman County. The project, in partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville (UWGN), calls on Belmont students to re-imagine the space and draft architectural renderings needed to move the project forward for local approval. 

The Duck Pond will initially welcome 50 children, with the potential to nearly double capacity as the facility grows. That kind of expansion has the power to transform not just classrooms, but families and workplaces throughout Hickman County.  

For the students, the project is more than a class assignment. It’s a chance to use their creativity and training to meet a real community need. 

“As an interior design student, it is a privilege to contribute to a project that combines creativity with purpose by transforming an old skating rink into a vibrant childcare community center, thereby providing support to families in Hickman County,” said junior Ashley Vega Perez. 

Junior McKinley Shannon agreed, noting the broader inspiration the project sparked. “Being able to experience the site and learn about the community and their needs was eye-opening. It inspired me and others to pursue underserved areas not only in Tennessee but around the world," she said. "As designers, it is our top priority to share our knowledge and guidance that we have learned through our rigorous courses to provide spaces and opportunities for every person and their unique needs.”

Faculty leaders say the opportunity reflects both the quality of the program and the potential for meaningful impact. 

“These are third-year Interior Design students trained in graphic communication skills, accessible design and working with commercial spaces,” said Kelly Gore, O’More’s assistant dean of academic success. “They are equipped to tackle unique design problems in creative ways. This studio provides an important connection for serving the community in meaningful ways.” 

University leaders echoed how transformative the work can be. 

“At Belmont, we believe in the transformative power of educational partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits,” said Belmont President Greg Jones. “This collaboration with United Way and our Interior Design students is a beautiful example of how creativity, compassion and purpose can come together to serve families in Hickman County. We’re proud to help shape spaces that foster flourishing for children and their communities.” 

Gore added, “Smartly designed spaces are fundamental for living and working well. Our students are eager to come up with solutions that not only fulfill a need, but also foster development, support the parents and caregivers and create spaces for thriving.” 

United Way President and CEO Erica Mitchell said the partnership underscores how collaboration drives change. “The Belmont students’ creativity and expertise will help bring the vision of a nonprofit childcare center in Hickman County to life — and it’s a great example of what we can accomplish when our community works together.” 

For Belmont students, the opportunity is both educational and deeply personal. Their designs won’t just stay on paper; they’ll help bring a vital resource to families who need it most.