3 min read January 2024 — In an interview with Invest: Dominique Arrieta, president and CEO of GHP, discussed the company’s long standing impact in Middle Tennessee, the steady state of the local architecture and construction industry, and the company’s strategic plans for national expansion. Arrieta also highlighted the firm’s approach to adopting new design technologies, the challenges in finding skilled architects, and advice for potential business owners or investors interested in the Middle Tennessee market.
What are GHP’s contributions or impacts on Middle Tennessee?
As a company with a 46-year history in Middle Tennessee, GHP has significantly impacted the region. With our headquarters located in a historic building in Downtown Nashville and 50 employees and their families in the local market, we care deeply about how our team contributes to the community. As a smaller firm, our longstanding presence and work in the environment play a major role in many local projects and buildings. Especially in the last five years with the city’s growth, our involvement has been substantial. We built a strong reputation, serving some clients for over 30 years, which is a testament to our commitment and impact in Middle Tennessee.
What is the current state of the architecture and construction industry in Middle Tennessee?
I am encouraged that the architecture and construction industry in Middle Tennessee remains steady. We’re actively hiring and have a significant amount of work in our pipeline and backlog. I have a positive outlook for our local economy and promising opportunities for GHP.
What are the plans for GHP’s strategic growth and expansion?
GHP plans to expand nationally in the next three to five years. We’re considering expansion in markets where we already have a presence. As we expand, our focus is on meaningful growth that aligns with our company culture, ensuring we maintain our standards. We want to be intentional in our growth and guide our expansion thoughtfully.
What are the latest design trends in the projects you’re working on?
In architecture, we often encounter new innovations, particularly with building materials. We aim to adopt new technologies but cautiously, ensuring they work as expected and can be maintained by end users. We can’t risk using untested materials, especially for critical components. Testing and validation are crucial for us. While we’re open to trying new things, we do so in controlled environments with clear communication. Our philosophy balances the eagerness for innovation with the need for proven effectiveness.
What are the key challenges in the architecture and construction industry today?
The primary challenge in our field is workforce-related. Architecture is a demanding profession, and ensuring appropriate wages and benefits to attract and retain talent is crucial. This is important for architects to live and work effectively in our cities. Additionally, there’s a noticeable gap in experience levels in the industry, likely a result of the 2008 recession. This gap in experienced professionals is a significant challenge we face in finding skilled architects.
What are the most pressing infrastructure needs in Middle Tennessee, particularly for new buildings and structures?
The most pressing infrastructure issue in Middle Tennessee, from my perspective, is mass transit. Our city is growing rapidly, with numerous high-rise buildings, many residential or hospitality-focused, planned in the next five years. The challenge is how to transport people efficiently without relying on large parking structures or wider roads. This is a critical concern for our community and impacts our urban fabric. Investing in mass transit infrastructure is essential for our city’s future.
What advice would you give to a potential business owner or investor about the Middle Tennessee market?
I feel fortunate to be part of the Middle Tennessee market, which I believe has a unique mix of higher education, a strong tech workforce, vibrant entertainment, and sports venues. When considering this market, it’s important to recognize the diverse elements that contribute to its distinct culture. For anyone interested in joining this community, I’d encourage them to embrace long-term thinking to build our city in intentional ways.
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