Tom Chidlow is the reason DesignGroup has a thriving practice in Pittsburgh. The City of Bridges wasn't a foregone conclusion to DesignGroup's next market expansion; it was chosen because that's where Tom lives. It was, as President Jennifer Horvath likes to say, the perfect combination of person and place.

Tom leads our Pittsburgh practice, which is just a 25-minute drive from Rennerdale, the small town where he grew up. Coworkers love his skillful leadership, dedication to quality, and optimistic outlook on life.

How did he get here? At a young age, Tom started building models: airplanes, toothpick buildings, and anything else he could imagine. In elementary school, he began drawing buildings. He even sketched the headquarters of his dad’s company. When he was finally old enough to work, his uncle introduced him to architecture. 

Tom credits his success to many of his family members: “My mother showed me compassion for others, my father gave me dedication, my father-in-law taught me self-sacrifice, and my uncle was my professional mentor who taught me how to do the right thing, always.”

Tom can’t choose a project he’s most proud of. Each one holds a special place in his heart. They all demonstrate the trust a person or organization has placed in him and his team.

After hours, Tom and his family like to spend time hiking, camping, skiing, fishing and biking. The outdoors, he says, always provides a mental break  – whether it’s active participation, or simply working outside.