We are proud to partner with Saga Spirits Group to redefine the distillery experience with a groundbreaking development that blends tradition with innovation. This world-class whiskey campus embodies the company’s history, values and brand strategy, while reflecting evolving consumer expectations for a bourbon experience.
An immersive campus rooted in legacy, crafted for experience, and designed for sustainable impact.
Inspired by the life and legend of Clyde May, Alabama’s original outlaw distiller turned namesake of the official state spirit, Luckett & Farley was entrusted to design a destination that honors his rebellious ingenuity while positioning the brand for long-term growth. Drawing on deep expertise in the distilled spirits sector and a legacy of designing iconic visitor experiences, our team provided comprehensive design services from master planning through construction administration, helping bring to life Alabama’s native son’s distillery once again.
The greenfield campus in Troy was envisioned not as a singular structure but as a series of interconnected experiences, nestled into the site’s rolling hills and mature woodlands. The design mirrors Clyde May’s dual nature (part moonshiner, part entrepreneur) by marrying agrarian vernacular architecture with elevated experiential design. A gravel drive winds around forested terrain, gradually revealing a collection of thoughtfully placed structures: a still house with a 40-foot copper column still, bottling facility, and The Big House, which includes a tasting room, retail space, and open-air porches.
With the goal of making Clyde May’s a catalyst for distillery tourism in Alabama, every element of the campus was conceived to balance visitor immersion with operational transparency. Public and production functions were clearly delineated yet visually connected to reveal the craft.
Sustainability was an essential layer of design. The project leverages site topography for gravity-fed process lines, reducing energy consumption, while the buildings use breezeways, porches, and operable doors for natural ventilation. Taking full advantage of Alabama’s expansive campus and temperate climate, we designed a series of distinct buildings that support diverse uses, each connected by a central courtyard that encourages movement, interaction, and outdoor activity year-round. Water conservation is achieved through low-flow fixtures and a passive stormwater strategy that uses existing lakes for on-site management. Native meadow grasses and preserved forest reduce ecological disturbance and maintenance needs, reinforcing a landscape-first design ethos.
Ultimately, this immersive campus doesn’t just produce whiskey, it preserves heritage, sparks tourism, and sets a benchmark for future spirits destinations in the Southeast. Luckett & Farley’s integrated architecture, engineering, and interiors approach brought Clyde May’s legacy into sharp focus and translated authenticity, place, and vision into a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Luckett & Farley team partnered with Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distillery for a multi-phase transformation of a historic, century-and-a-half-old distillery located in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon-producing region. This distillery, which has played a pivotal role in the rich history of bourbon making, underwent a meticulous design process, aimed at preserving its historic buildings while enhancing and modernizing its functionality. The original structures, which date back to the 1800s, were carefully preserved, maintaining the authenticity and charm of the site. The interiors of these buildings were completely revamped to accommodate modern distillation processes, including copper kettles sourced from Scotland, reflecting the global influence and craftsmanship of the distillery.
As part of a partnership spanning over thirty years, our multi-disciplinary team was tasked with designing and executing a multi-phase project for the expansion of the Brown-Forman Distillery. The project required thoughtful integration of new operational elements with the existing infrastructure, ensuring the distillery's operations continued uninterrupted while significantly expanding its capacity. The phased approach spanned multiple years, with each stage meticulously planned to align with the distillery’s long-term operational needs and the complexities of its production process.
Set within Louisville’s Nulu district, Rabbit Hole Distillery redefines the urban distilling experience—merging hospitality, transparency, and industrial process into a single, architecturally bold facility. Luckett & Farley played a central role in delivering the project’s vision, providing integrated structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and civil engineering services to support both the building’s striking form and its highly complex function.
After years of evaluating and reinforcing aging wooden rickhouses, we began to question the long-term durability of the standard model. For Rabbit Hole Distillery—known for blending tradition with innovation—a new approach made sense. Together, we explored how a steel structure could improve performance, reduce maintenance costs, and create a safer environment for workers.
As Rabbit Hole’s presence evolved beyond its original urban campus, the brand looked to create a destination that embraced Kentucky’s rural character while offering a space for meaningful, immersive experiences. Luckett & Farley envisioned a new tasting room and event venue that would reflect this next chapter—an environment designed to bring people together through landscape, craft, and hospitality.
As Rabbit Hole Distillery grew, its team sought a dedicated space for research, quality control, and brand innovation—one that would support evolving ambitions while fitting into a tight urban context. Luckett & Farley developed a two-story concept designed to support these priorities while integrating seamlessly into the existing downtown campus.
We have been a key partner in Jack Daniel’s Distillery’s growth, contributing to a multi-year collaboration that supports the brand’s increasing global demand. This partnership has included the design and expansion of some of the most critical facilities at the distillery, providing a tailored architectural, engineering, and interior design approach to meet both the operational and experiential needs of the world-renowned whiskey producer.
Brown-Forman Corporation needed a state-of-the-art cooperage facility to support its growing whiskey production while optimizing efficiency, sustainability, and worker safety.
The University of Louisville Athletic Association sought to update the former Brown & Williamson Club, originally designed by Luckett & Farley in 1997 as a part of the original Cardinal Stadium.