top of page
Our Firm
Beard + Riser is an architectural firm serving design-and-cost-conscious clients who require problem solving and a high level of personal service.
Our responsive local access to high quality design and construction oversight results in a better process, fewer unknowns, outstanding solutions, and a process you can trust.
Team
John Beard
John is a founding partner of the firm. He spent his formative years in the offices of Samuel Mockbee before moving to New York to work for Keenen/Riley, the firm of Terrance Riley, former Philip Johnson Chief Curator at the Museum of Modern Art. Upon returning to Mississippi, he pursued his interest in historic preservation as a project manager for Belinda Stewart Architects PA. He has been a visiting professor at Mississippi State University and is an ongoing guest critic for the Architecture and Construction Science programs.
Beard + Riser Architects has won numerous awards, and the firm’s focus is on reinterpreting Southern vernacular, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability to impact both their community and clients. Beard’s commitment to grassroots community design projects is evidenced by his work with local preservation and community design groups.
His work for AIA includes organizing the state convention as well as Mississippi Celebrates Architecture, a symposium highlighting the state’s work and features a speaker series. He has served as director for AIA Mississippi for two years and 2015/16 President.
Beard currently serves on the Board of Directors of several local organizations including Golden Age Nursing Home, The Museum of the Mississippi Delta, Greenwood Little Theater, and the Greenwood Historic Preservation Commission.
Beard + Riser Architects has won numerous awards, and the firm’s focus is on reinterpreting Southern vernacular, historic preservation, and environmental sustainability to impact both their community and clients. Beard’s commitment to grassroots community design projects is evidenced by his work with local preservation and community design groups.
His work for AIA includes organizing the state convention as well as Mississippi Celebrates Architecture, a symposium highlighting the state’s work and features a speaker series. He has served as director for AIA Mississippi for two years and 2015/16 President.
Beard currently serves on the Board of Directors of several local organizations including Golden Age Nursing Home, The Museum of the Mississippi Delta, Greenwood Little Theater, and the Greenwood Historic Preservation Commission.
Dale Riser
Dale, a founding principal, has an established career spanning 30 years. His background consists of designing a broad variety of building types and his background includes 5 years with nationally acclaimed Lake/Flato. This diverse experience and knowledge of a range of building sizes and scopes, materials and systems, makes him a skilled and effective project team leader and mentor.
Dale’s knowledge in technical writing leads Beard + Riser’s focus on communicating complex design and planning ideas into clear formats. This additional tool during the design process has assisted the firm in minimizing errors in the field and provides a high level of trust in the drawings and specifications produced by the firm.
Dale’s knowledge in technical writing leads Beard + Riser’s focus on communicating complex design and planning ideas into clear formats. This additional tool during the design process has assisted the firm in minimizing errors in the field and provides a high level of trust in the drawings and specifications produced by the firm.
Christina Buschman
Christina has been with the firm for 8 years. She holds a Masters and Bachelor of Architecture, with a Minor in Historic Preservation, from Tulane University. She spent two years at Tulane working in the Office of University Planning, working on university space plans and projects. Christina's responsibilities include design and detailing of projects, interiors and graphic design.
Belton Walker
An Interior Designer. Belton earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Mississippi State University. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating thoughtful, functional spaces, Belton brings experience in both residential and commercial design. He blends creativity with technical expertise to deliver designs that enhance both aesthetics and usability.
Kenzie Stock
Kenzie graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She brings expertise in community engaged design practices and is passionate about promoting environmentally conscious design solutions in a rapidly changing climate.
Alexa Castillo
Alexa earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she studied at the School of Architecture and Design. She focuses on bringing interdisciplinary design approaches to architecture that combine technical spatial thinking with artistic intuition. With strong interests in sustainability and cultural expression, she strives for each project to foster connection, resilience, and well-being.
bottom of page