A leader in healthcare, education, and civic architecture, Columbus-based DesignGroup sees exciting potential in its neighboring capital city to the west.
In our 55-year history, DesignGroup has expanded into a new market just once: 10 years ago, when we established a studio in Pittsburgh. As a newcomer to that city, we approached cautiously. In fact, we searched for the right expansion market for years before that and settled on Pittsburgh only after we found the perfect leader to spearhead the studio, Tom Chidlow. Deeply experienced and connected to that community, Tom’s been leading that studio ever since. When you have the right person in the right place, amazing things can happen.
We’re taking a similar approach to the next market that interests us, Indianapolis. The more we learn about this dynamic city, the more we like it. But we aren’t rushing into it. We’re taking our time, learning the landscape, meeting potential partners, and seeking the right talent for the opportunity. And we can feel the momentum building.
Why Indianapolis? Simply put, the similarities between it and Columbus, Ohio, where DesignGroup was founded, are undeniable – and comfortably familiar. It’s a terrific fit. Here are just a few reasons why:
Indianapolis is a growing, vibrant state capital with a diverse, recession-resistant economic base. It’s in need of experienced architects with diverse skill sets that understand scope, speed, and scale. The Economic Enhancement District is a great example of concerted efforts to make downtown even more appealing. From the Convention Center expansion to the new IU Health Downtown Hospital, the city is doing great things.
It has strong higher education and healthcare infrastructure, two pillars we serve more than any other. We’ve worked with countless universities and hospitals, in Columbus, Pittsburgh, and other Midwest cities – many relationships lasting decades. By my count, there are 23 colleges and universities in metro Indianapolis alone, and at least 25 general hospitals. We’re excited to engage with them.
There is a growing potential in the Science and Technology sector, a space that’s tangential to our work in healthcare and education. We’re vigorously pursuing life science opportunities in our current regions, and it makes sense to leverage these efforts beyond. We’re actively engaged with Indiana Life Sciences and making inroads with other initiatives.
Both cities are seeing investment in the built environment. The economic activity supports it, and the community believes in it. We hear it every time we speak with community and business leaders. The downtown population has doubled over the last decade, and development is responding with new residences, healthcare facilities, and more. The Downtown Indy Alliance is doing smart things.
Thanks to all the universities in and around Indianapolis and throughout the state, there is abundant architectural talent that is seeking opportunities to perfect their craft.
As a capital city, Indianapolis is host to a wealth of world-class cultural and arts institutions, which not only gives a community an intellectual richness and diversity, but also demands a creative community to support it. (Our team’s kids will love the world-class Children’s Museum.)
Finally, and this is something we love: Indiana (and your Columbus, specifically) has a strong design tradition that we believe will welcome new ideas and strong leadership. We’re excited to be a part of AIA Indiana.
So, what are our next steps? To continue getting to know this market, its leaders, and potential partners and associates. Watch for us at professional gatherings and industry events and please say hello. While we believe Indianapolis provides us many opportunities for client engagement, we also feel DesignGroup will offer local design talent with a compelling new professional experience. So recruitment is underway, as well.
In the coming months, we’ll outline what makes DesignGroup uniquely effective: our storied history, our leadership, and our very purposeful structure for professional development. We believe strongly in mentorship and creating pathways to success. We’re actively exploring sites for our studio. And, of course, seeking a specific leader to help us make the studio real.
Thank you, Indianapolis, for welcoming us into your city. We’re eager to build connections that last.
Select Examples from DesignGroup's Portfolio:
An Unprecedented Facility for Innovative Medical Treatments
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Hospital Tower
DesignGroup partnered with HDR and The Ohio State University on the New Hospital Tower for the Wexner Medical Center. DesignGroup was also involved in the initial planning for this project. DesignGroup has multiple scopes within this very complex project, including an 84,000 SF zone with 12 additional Intensive Care Unit beds and 72 additional Progressive Care Unit beds for the James. Additional programs in support of the new University Hospital Tower included a neurodiagnostic suite, satellite imaging, a dialysis clinic, and teaming and support spaces.
Meeting a Growing Need for Care
Adena Health System Emergency Department Renovation and Expansion
The previous Emergency Department was last renovated 28 years ago. Since then, requirements for patient privacy have been implemented, technology advancements require space for new equipment, and the number of patients, providers and caregivers has also increased; factors all contributing to the need to grow and meet today’s volume of patients using this service. Plans for the new department would help Adena’s Emergency Department serve patients in the fastest, most efficient and caring way.
Transforming a Community Icon
Columbus Museum of Art Margaret M Walter Wing
This award-winning expansion project, the third phase of a three-part master plan, consisted of an addition of 50,000 SF, a major renovation of the 40,000 SF 1974 wing of the Museum, and associated site work related to the new main entrance, new sculpture garden and outdoor spaces. The 22,000 SF increase in gallery space allows for more than three times the amount of works on view. The project included a 8,300 SF increase of temperature and humidity-controlled art storage space.
About DesignGroup
Founded in 1972, DesignGroup strives to design buildings that provide inspirational spaces in which to work, live, learn, and heal. Our goal is to always contribute to the long-term sustainability of the project or client objective. It’s the ultimate measure for everything we do.
Our philosophy is a foundational vision. It’s a differentiating approach that puts our clients and their communities at the center of our work.
Design the Elevates
We strive to create desire for architecture, rather than taking the path of least resistance and conforming to commodity. It's what all customers desire from their architects and it is exactly what we demand of ourselves.
Relationships that Inspire
We serve our customers by first being inspired by them and their philosophies as an organization. Then we guide them along paths of discovery, asking challenging questions and questioning the results of those questions until we have discovered the essential truth of the project together. Most importantly, we always, always check our egos at the door.
Results that Impact
We create successful architectural expressions, each with a clear sense of entry, cohesive logic, consistency of detail, and orderly progression of spaces. Our designs are pragmatic solutions that honestly respond to and enhance the unique qualities of the building's mission. They respond to a specific time and place. When this happens, experiences within are elevated and people and purpose flourish.
A Continual Desire to Put People and Planet First
A balance of people, planet, and profitability is vital to buildings that make a lower negative impact on the environment and a higher positive effect on the people who live, learn, work, and heal in them. DesignGroup has prioritized sustainable building practices and operations since the firm’s founding more than five decades ago. We lead not by saying, but by doing.
