Matthew Gulsvig, Principal and Architect, DLR Group

In an interview with Invest:, Matthew Gulsvig, principal and architect at DLR Group, highlighted the firm’s commitment to impactful community-driven projects and sustainable design. “We’re intentional about the opportunities we look at. We’re very intentional about the projects we pursue and building quality relationships that serve the needs of the client, the project, and the community,” he said. Gulsvig emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and environmental stewardship in shaping the future of design in Middle Tennessee and beyond.

What have been the most significant projects or milestones for DLR Group over the past year?

We’ve really expanded our team here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We’ve made a lot of great connections and strengthened existing relationships throughout the community. We’ve been fortunate enough to have some notable projects as well — all positive signs.

The foundations just started to go in for the Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment, so construction is taking place right now. It’s a truly impactful project on a lot of levels. The project is a representation of how civic-minded leaders are passionate about bettering their community. It’s also about people rallying around the future, making sure that we’re doing wonderful projects that look at the long-term benefit for a community.

Around the United States, it’s unique to have a consolidation of a variety of services within one location. Others are looking to model this in other places as well, which is exciting.

It’s also one of the key pieces of the East Bank development. A lot of times, when we look at large projects, there are a lot of pieces to it, kind of like a puzzle. You have to place one piece before you can place the next piece. Relocating the juvenile justice center is one of the first puzzle pieces of a larger development that will benefit the community.

How did public-private collaboration help get it off the ground?

That’s actually our approach as a firm and our approach here within Middle Tennessee and across the state — through partnerships and engagement with the community. It’s not I or me, it’s we, always supporting the idea of teamwork. This project really illustrates that. There’s a whole host of team members and partner firms and entities throughout the community that are involved to make it a success.

It takes a lot of time, perseverance, and collaboration to achieve success and impact.

How do you see civic and mixed-use sectors evolving in Middle Tennessee, and what approach do you take with these types of projects?

We’re very intentional about the projects we pursue and building quality relationships that serve the needs of the client, the project, and the community. We see these sectors continuing to grow in Middle Tennessee and our intention is to continue fostering great relationships and delivering excellent design for our clients and the communities these projects are a part of.

How is your firm incorporating the latest technologies to enhance both your projects and processes?

We utilize AI in a whole host of areas within our organization and how we operate. I think that’s consistent across the board.

By embracing the latest technology, AI has become another asset in our toolbox of resources in addition to our design software. It’s there to assist with processes and add value to our clients, but it’s not a replacement by any means for how we authentically approach design.

We’ve also used virtual reality (VR) in two capacities.

For example, we have our reality capture service that scans existing buildings. We utilize building scanning to create a digital model, and this serves as the basis for doing design work going forward. It works wonderfully and allows us to take a look at existing conditions from every perspective.

This tool is also helpful for showcasing the design to clients — it allows them to experience and visualize the space before making any further decisions.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities in Nashville right now?

There’s an abundance of opportunities out there. In line with our plan, we’re pursuing civic-minded projects, higher ed projects, and mixed-use opportunities. The sports and entertainment experience within the mixed-use environment is very promising. We’ve got a strong portfolio to support this work, alongside our higher ed and civic portfolios.

In general, the market has experienced milder growth across the U.S. due to economic conditions. Knowing that everything goes through cycles, we’re continuing to work with our clients and foster relationships and identify new opportunities in Tennessee.

What key trends are shaping demand for entertainment and sports projects in Nashville?

I’ve observed that projects continually increase in complexity and scale, and with that comes costs. It takes more resources and time to get larger projects going.

With respect to entertainment and sports, people enjoy leisure. In the environments and conditions that we’re in, there are great opportunities to celebrate leisure and deliver new experiences for communities to enjoy. We’re fortunate that here in Nashville, tourism is a big economic driver.

I think it’s consistent among our community leaders that we have to honor that great attribute of our community.

How do you balance sustainability with cost-effectiveness in your designs? 

Sustainability, or more so environmental stewardship, is one of our core values as an organization. It’s common language for us and how we practice. For clients, whether or not that’s a goal for them as part of their project, they inherently gain value because it’s embodied in how we approach our design. There is also a balance in the understanding that sustainability is an investment that offers long-term benefits for our clients.

What’s next for DLR Group in Middle Tennessee?

We’re committed for the long run here in Nashville and optimistic about the future.

We’re on a steady and conscious growth path. We’ll continue to do that. We’re doing it right, not in a rush.

I think that’s a reflection of DLR Group and how we approach growth. I often say that we’re fortunate to be diversified in market sectors and geographical locations. It really represents a stable growth path for our employee owners that directly benefits our clients, projects and communities.