ELIZABETH COOMBS

Co-Founder | Licensed Interior Designer

Elizabeth leads the design vision and planning of Modern Antiquity's properties, guiding projects from the earliest study of an existing building through design development and construction. Her work includes documenting existing conditions, programming and space planning, developing interior layouts, producing technical drawings and construction documentation, selecting architectural materials, fixtures and finishes, and coordinating interior design with architects, engineers, contractors, and trades. Working within existing and historic buildings often requires solving conditions that are unique to each property. Elizabeth develops design solutions that balance function, building and life-safety requirements, historic character, and the experience of the people who will ultimately use the space. She produces the drawings and specifications needed to communicate those decisions and works with the project team as the design moves from plan to construction. Elizabeth earned her degree in Interior Design from Mississippi State University's College of Architecture, Art and Design. She began her professional career with Sroka Design in Washington, D.C., before founding Modern Antiquity Design in 2011 and later helping establish the real estate development company that Modern Antiquity is today. Her approach is rooted in classic, enduring design and a belief that historic buildings don't need to lose their identity in order to serve a new purpose.

BRAXTON COOMBS

Co-Founder | Development, Construction & Operations

Braxton leads much of Modern Antiquity's development, construction, financial, and operational work, bringing a background in business, economics, consulting, banking, and executive leadership to the company's projects. During construction, Braxton coordinates contractors and trades, manages project logistics and budgets, and works closely with Elizabeth and James to move projects from design and drawings through completion. His experience also informs Modern Antiquity's approach to evaluating acquisitions, project feasibility, financial planning, property operations, and long-term investment strategy. In addition to Modern Antiquity, Braxton is CEO and owner of Coombs Gas, Inc., a multigenerational family-owned propane company serving communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. He also serves on the boards of directors of BNA Bancshares, Inc. and BNA Bank. Before returning to Northeast Mississippi, Braxton held consulting, banking, and financial-services advisory roles with Accenture in Washington, D.C., SunTrust Bank in Atlanta, and Ernst & Young LLP. He earned degrees in Business Administration and Economics from Mississippi State University. Together, Elizabeth's design expertise and Braxton's business, development, and construction experience shape Modern Antiquity's approach: good design and sound development working together to create properties that are both beautiful and viable for the long term.

MORRIS KELLY SNYDER

Marketing, Communications & Events Manager

Morris Kelly joined Modern Antiquity in 2026 and helps shape how the company's properties are presented, promoted, and experienced by the community. Her role spans marketing and social media, website and print materials, rental properties, vendor relationships, and event planning and coordination. She works across Modern Antiquity's portfolio, helping carry projects from behind-the-scenes development to their public launch and ongoing operation. Morris Kelly earned her BBA from Millsaps College with a concentration in entrepreneurship and marketing. Prior to joining Modern Antiquity, she worked as a Merchandising Coordinator with Fusion Furniture, where her work included supporting sales representatives and accounts and helping develop showroom spaces. Her background in marketing and merchandising brings together relationship management, brand presentation, and a strong visual perspective. Since joining the company, she has played an active role in marketing and vendor development for the Shirt Factory, while also coordinating events and promotional efforts for properties including the Shands Building and Hutchins House. Working closely with Elizabeth and Braxton, Morris Kelly helps translate the vision behind each property into the materials, events, partnerships, and experiences that connect it with the broader community.

JAMES GREGORY

Construction Foreman

James has been an integral part of Modern Antiquity since its earliest projects and brings extensive hands-on construction knowledge to the company's restoration and redevelopment work. As construction foreman, James leads Modern Antiquity's in-house construction team and oversees day-to-day work in the field, working closely with Elizabeth and Braxton to carry the design and construction plans through implementation. He is particularly skilled in woodworking and carpentry, bringing a craftsman's eye and practical problem-solving ability to the challenges of working with older buildings. His work continues beyond active construction projects. James handles repairs and maintenance across Modern Antiquity's properties and helps prepare spaces between tenants, giving him firsthand knowledge of the buildings and how they perform over time. Having worked across Modern Antiquity's portfolio for years, James brings a combination of craftsmanship, construction experience, and familiarity with the company's properties that is invaluable to both restoration work and their ongoing care.