PATRICK NALL

President

Patrick Nall was born in Jeffersonville, IN and grew up in Vincennes, IN but moved to Louisville as soon as he could- right after college.  When people ask, he says he’s from Louisville. Patrick went to Ball State University and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Architecture. In 2022 he obtained a Graduate Certificate from the University of Louisville in Distilled Spirits Business.  He has 35 years of experience in the field and has spent 29 years with DKN; 7 years as president. Early in his career he spent 5 years at The Estopinal Group working on medical facilities such as Cath labs, emergency rooms, linear accelerators for cancer treatment, etc…

After moving to DKN he worked primarily on commercial work, and today Spirits Industry projects are his passion. He has been working diligently at building a portfolio of clients in the industry, from established names to start-up brands, assisting in all aspects, from schematic planning/ feasibility to construction documentation. His current career goal is to work with a client on a ground-up whiskey distillery project and be around to taste the first product they make, which would happen at least 4 years after they start producing.

When asked about his favorite project, he says, “Difficult question.  I find that it is not so much the projects that are enjoyable, but having great clients makes the work worth doing.  Seeing my colleagues take pride in what they do is one of the things I like best about leading the company.”

 His love for the Bourbon Industry doesn’t stop at the office. He is an Executive Bourbon Steward and hosts tastings at his home bar. He is also a DIYer and likes to work on renovation projects. He enjoys playing golf and the guitar and learning about music theory. 

Patrick is LEED AP BD&C, a member of the AIA and NCARB and is registered in KY, IN, VA and NE.

Question: In another life, I’m pretty sure I was _____________.
Answer: A helicopter pilot.  I’ve always loved flying and could see myself as a pilot.

Question: If I won the lottery tomorrow, I’d __________________.  
Answer: Design and build a distillery.  If I won enough money, I would build a whiskey distillery here in Kentucky and a Rum distillery in Florida!

Question: The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is ________________.
Answer: Take your work seriously, but never yourself.

Question: What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team?
Answer: Be flexible and ask lots of questions.

Question: My favorite word in the English language is ________________.
Answer: Thank you. That is actually two words, but none of us are grateful enough.  Including me.

Question: My favorite word that has no direct English translation is _____________.
Answer: Terroir (tear-wa).  It is a French word that roughly describes environmental and other factors that give shape to the overall character of a wine.  It is a topic of debate in the whiskey industry.  Can whiskey have Terroir? 

Question: What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Answer: Seeing projects start from an idea or just a conversation and then become a real place that we can interact with.  There are few professions where you can have that experience.

Question: If I were a superhero, my superpower would be ______________.
Answer: Listening to people.  Not much of a superhero, Captain Listener! 

Question: When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a ___________ when I grew up. 
Answer: Engineer.  I came close. Architecture is more fun than engineering though.

Question: If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why? 
Answer: Bowtie.  I wear them on occasion, mostly when I go to Churchill Downs.  I know how to tie a real one.  No clip-ons for me.