Ware Malcomb is a full-service architecture and engineering firm and has recently opened an office here in Nashville. The firm is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary and has opened 27 offices nationally, with Nashville as its 26th. I had an opportunity to speak with architect Gregory Spon, Regional Director at Ware Malcomb, about what prompted the move and to share more about the firm.
What prompted Ware Malcomb’s move to Nashville?
We actually opened an office 6 years ago in Atlanta and had quite a few projects already in Tennessee. After reviewing market data, the move to the Nashville area seemed to be a natural progression.
How would you describe your design approach?
Our design approach starts with feedback from our clients and understanding their project objectives. We listen and work to incorporate that information into our designs. We also have a VP of Design who oversees the design and aesthetic of our projects both regionally and internationally.
What can clients expect when working with you?
What makes us unique is that we work with a lot of commercial developers and understand their needs. Our approach has always been to maximize the long-term real estate value of our clients’ properties. We also believe that Nashville is a market where relationships count and keep that at the forefront of what we do. We are very well versed and both locally and nationally trained. We are able to offer insight based on trends locally as well as applying our knowledge and expertise from our projects nationally.
What are some of the challenges or opportunities faced when opening an office in a new market?
We really don’t see them as necessarily challenges to overcome, they are more so challenges that we embrace when entering into a new market. So far everyone has been very welcoming, very friendly, and very enthused that we are here. It’s a fantastic community which we enjoy a lot. We are looking to foster more lasting relationships and repeat clients as we grow in this market.
What are some of the projects you are working on in the Nashville region?
Currently working on a tenant improvement for HelloFresh in Lebanon, we recently completed the NAPA auto parts distribution center for MDH partners, we have a project in Hillwood with Stone Lake Capital, as well as some restaurant work with Yum brands and Inspire brands.
What are some other projects you have that showcase the type of projects you are pursuing?
We have developed a Cold Ready Prototype for speculative cold storage facilities that was featured in NAIOP. We have multiple projects across the country under construction utilizing this design prototype, with completed projects in Texas and Florida.
Additionally, we provided interior design, workplace strategy, and branding services for approximately 55,000 SF of corporate office for Toyota Financial Services in Atlanta. We also provided architectural design services for a 1.5 Million SF industrial facility for Prologis Project Fireball in Newman, Georgia. It received NAIOP Georgia’s Award of Excellence for Industrial Development of the year.
Ware Malcomb is currently located in its temporary office in Franklin while they search for a permanent home. They currently have a staff of 5 and look to increase that number to 10 very soon. For more information on Ware Malcomb, check out their website using the link (Here).
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