BY DESIGN
MGM’s architecture and engineering industry brings the region (and beyond) the tangible places and spaces in which we all live, work and play, using a combo of raw talent and sophisticated tools to marry form and function.
From idea spark to full-fledged vision, from blueprint to actual bridge, road or building, at every step of planning and creating the spaces that shelter us and the infrastructure elements that connect us, there are architects and engineers at work. Without them, our ability to do business and our quality of life would — both literally and figuratively — crumble. BY JENNIFER STEWART KORNEGAY
PROJECT OF NOTE
PRIDE IN WORK FOR A LOCAL FIRM TAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL TOUR VIA SOME MGM FIRMS' NOTABLE PROJECTS
While it may seem obvious that the architec-
assets is our expertise,” said Jack Daniels,
of time. It packs a pretty sizable econom-
ture and engineering industry has and will
President of structural engineering firm
ic-impact punch too, according to Dr. Keivan
continue to play essential roles in the River
Blackburn Daniels O’Barr, Inc. “We are able
Deravi, Dean of AUM’s College of Public
Region, Don Brown, FAIA, founder of Brown
to provide highly complex designs for a
Policy and Justice. “The architecture and
Studio Architecture elaborated on the point.
multitude of projects.”
engineering industry, statewide, has a payroll of $2.2 billion and a total employment
“We create things that matter and that bring pleasure and usefulness to people,” he said.
Some firms, like JMR+H and Goodwyn, Mills
of 26,000 employees,” he said. “I believe
Vice President at JMR+H Architecture Tim
and Cawood, Inc. (GMC), cover multiple bas-
the River Region’s share of the industry is
Holmes, AIA, echoed Brown. “Good archi-
es in one office. “Our practice is diversified
approximately 6 percent of the state figures.
tectural solutions equal productive office en-
and spread over many areas, including com-
That means a payroll of $100 million and
vironments, pleasurable retail opportunities
mercial, governmental, military, educational,
employment of 1,500.”
and cultural gathering spaces that enhance
retail and coastal resort work,” Holmes
our daily lives,” he said. “The influence this
said. “So our beneficial influence sweeps a
GMC alone employs more than 400 profes-
has on creating positive experiences for all
wide path: whether it’s a student sitting in a
sionals companywide, with approximately
we do is undeniable.”
classroom at Carver High School, a patient
120 of those in the River Region. “Architec-
having surgery at a local clinic, a family
ture and engineering are major sources
Knowing that our area’s architecture and
going to the movies or a soldier receiving
of employment for an educated workforce
engineering firms are foundational to con-
training or a professional practicing in an
here,” said David Reed, PE, PLS, Executive
tinued growth and progress, it’s comforting
office environment.”
Vice President and Board Chairman at
to also understand the depth and breadth of options that the large number of firms in the River Region provides. “Our area architects
ECONOMIC ENERGY
GMC. “That’s a big positive.”
But the industry brings more to our commu-
Simply having so many architects and engi-
and engineers are some of the best in the
nity than interesting, usable buildings and
neers living alongside us is a plus. “Because
United States. One of the industry’s greatest
transportation systems that stand the tests
the Alabama Department of Transportation
10 MONTGOMERY BUSINESS JOURNAL