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.

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.

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.

Martin Hodges

Martin is a licensed architect with 16 years of experience in firms in Mississippi and Atlanta, with 10 years at Beard+Riser Architects. His experience has included a diverse range of project types including restaurants, hotels, corporate offices, laboratories, mutli-family housing, single-family housing, as well as new construction, renovations, and interior projects. Martin’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of functionality, aesthetics, and the unique needs of each client. Whether shaping new spaces or reimagining existing ones, his work reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and timeless design

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.

Morgan Sistrunk

Morgan has 7 years of experience as a commercial interior designer. Working alongside other designers and architects, she is responsible for producing design packages and documents, including assisting clients with finish, lighting, and plumbing selections, furniture and art packages, and producing specifications, bid documents, and performing construction administration and project management for interior portion of projects.