SDG News

CHIP HILL JOINS SDG’S CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Chip Hill recently joined Structural Design Group as a Field Engineer in the Construction Administration Department. He will be overseeing the structural aspects of construction for SDG projects across the U.S., including educational, healthcare, office, multi-family, and commercial projects. Chip brings a wealth of knowledge he’s gained from over 34 years of experience as an engineer working in the construction industry. Chip spent 21 years with KSi Structural Engineers and was with SDL Engineering in......

16 September, 2022
PIEDMONT MEDICAL CENTER, FORT MILL, SC, IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!

Piedmont Medical Center – Fort Mill, located at 1000 Wellness Way, Fort Mill, SC, officially opened in September 2022. This new $170 million Medical Center consists of an approximately 200,000-square foot, 100-bed hospital located on a green field site in Fort Mill, South Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6973335575592415232/ http://www.sdg-structure.com/portfolio_page/piedmont-medical-center-at-fort-mill/...

12 September, 2022
MARY BRIDGE UNVEILS $415M TACOMA HOSPITAL DESIGN CHANGES

We are proud to be working with ESa on the new state-of-the-art pediatric hospital facility at Mary Bridge Children’s – the only Level II Pediatric Trauma hospital in Western Washington. After more than 30 years of sharing space with MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital is getting a new home and has revealed an updated $415 million hospital campus plan. When Mary Bridge first unveiled the design for its new standalone hospital in......

12 September, 2022
JIM STEPHENSON RETIRES

We’d like to share the news that Jim Stephenson has retired and transitioned to a Principal Emeritus role with SDG. In 1999, Jim was instrumental in the founding of Structural Design Group and served as our official President. Jim started his professional career 45 years ago in 1977.  After a return to graduate school, he started working at Stan Lindsey’s in 1981. He began specializing in healthcare design in the 1980’s and was involved early......

12 August, 2022
TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY: CASTLE ROCK HOSPITAL – MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING AND AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER

We are proud to be working with ESa on the campus of Castle Rock Hospital near Denver. The team recently celebrated the topping-out of the new medical office building and ambulatory surgery center in Castle Rock, Colo. The new four-story, 70,000 square foot MOB and ASC, slated to open in 2023, will be located adjacent to the current hospital. Services include an ambulatory surgery center with four ORs and two procedure rooms. Design features include......

11 August, 2022
WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER CELEBRATES LARGEST PROJECT IN HOSPITAL HISTORY

We are proud to be working on the campus of Williamson Medical Center once again with ESa. This time the project is set to be  the largest renovation and expansion project in the hospital’s history. The 2-year first phase of the project is worth $200 million and includes: · Expanding capacity in WMC’s Adult ER from 28 beds to 43, including a secure 8-bed behavioral health pod; · Expanding Obstetrics from 28 beds to 34,......

05 August, 2022
VUMC PLANS $500M 15-STORY TOWER

We are thrilled to be working with Blair + Mui Dowd Architects on the new VUMC Link Building, the first major expansion at the hospital since 2009. The 15-story inpatient tower is situated between 21st Avenue South and Medical Center Drive. The future Link Building will connect two existing structures and sit atop an existing parking garage and will add nearly 470,000 square feet to the Vanderbilt hospital. The Link Building is expected to include......

26 July, 2022
LODGE AT PARIS LANDING OPENS

SDG is honored to have provided structural design services for the new 91-room Lodge at Paris Landing State Park. The Lodge provides hotel resort-style vacation rentals on Kentucky Lake near Land Between the Lakes. Features include modern room design, conference space, a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge overlooking scenic lakes and natural beauty. TN State Parks News – Lodge at Paris Landing Opens SDG Portfolio Lodge at Paris Landing    ...

06 July, 2022
GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW ST. MICHAEL ACADEMY ON THE NOLENSVILLE CATHOLIC CAMPUS

SDG is honored to be on the team for the first regional Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Nashville. Construction of the $60.2 million facility marks the first of three phases of work on the beautiful 166-acre Nolensville Catholic Campus. The 102,000-square-foot building will make abundant use of natural light and provide easy access to outdoor classroom space providing ample environmental learning opportunities fostering real-world problem-solving skills. The school will eventually serve approximately 525......

19 May, 2022
SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE

Continuing a tradition for the third year now, SDG has our own Salvation Army Angel Tree.  SDG and our generous employees were able to provide needed gifts for children and senior “angels” in Nashville this Christmas season. We had so much fun shopping their wishlists and are very thankful that we were able to participate again this year in the program.        ...

03 December, 2021
ON-SITE START NEARS FOR DOWNTOWN HOTEL TOWER AT 127 ROSA PARKS BLVD.

We’re proud to be on the team transforming another corner of downtown Nashville for this beautiful new hotel on Rosa Parks Blvd. The 16-story mixed-use tower will be located on a downtown surface parking lot owned by Christ Church Cathedral and developed by New Orleans-based HRI Properties. The tower will offer one hotel and retail space at the intersection of Rosa Parks Blvd. and Commerce Street. The hotel will be a Hilton Tempo. The 16-story......

18 November, 2021
MTSU PLANS $66 MILLION UPGRADE TO FOOTBALL FACILITIES

We’re always grateful for the opportunity to work on local projects and eager to get started on this MAJOR athletic facility at MTSU! The project includes a $66 million, 3-story football building behind the north end zone of Floyd Stadium, the first of a three-part plan to upgrade athletics facilities costing at least $100 million. The first project is expected to be finished before the 2024 football season. The new building will be constructed on......

18 November, 2021
3 PROJECTS TRANSFORMING NASHVILLE’S NORTH GULCH

SDG is incredibly proud to be on the team for this triangle of 3 projects transforming Nashville’s North Gulch – 125 11th Avenue North Residential Tower, 1111 Church Street Residential, and the luxury Edition Hotel. 125 11th Avenue North – “Flank Inc. unveils second Gulch project near Pins Mechanical Co., Asurion hub and more” 1111 Church Street Residential Nashville Edition Hotel  ...

10 November, 2021
BRASFIELD & GORRIE WING COOK OFF

SDG’s team had a great day at Brasfield & Gorrie’s inaugural Claude Cup Wing Cook Off at Percy Warner Park. It was a beautiful day and the wings that Randi, Chris, Jonathan, and Auston made were delicious and enjoyed by everyone there. We’re grateful for the fellowship enjoyed with others in Nashville’s design and construction industry.              ...

08 November, 2021
SDG ATHLETES SHOWING OUT

We are proud to support our “active” engineers. Congratulations guys! George and Andrew ran the Moosic City Dairy Dash in MetroCenter this weekend. Andrew beat George by a mere 2 seconds and they both did great. George got 3rd place in his age group and won a cowbell! Jennifer ran the 5k on the Greenway in Bellevue in 29 minutes, a (post babies) personal best.            ...

04 October, 2021
CPR / AED TRAINING AT SDG

Big shout out to SDG employees who stepped up and volunteered for a CPR / AED Training Course conducted at SDG to be available in an emergency for their co-workers. Paige, Jennifer, Will, Jonathan, Rob, and David. Thank you!          ...

04 October, 2021
NEW FIELD ENGINEER

SDG is pleased to announce the addition of Blake Vickers to our team of field engineers and construction administrators. Blake received his M.S. in Civil Engineering in 2017 from the University of Kentucky and his B.S. in Civil Engineering from UK in 2016. He is a licensed Professional Engineer. Blake previously worked as a structural design engineer with LECGI, Inc. in Louisville and prior to that with Freeland Harris Consulting in Lexington, Kentucky.  ...

24 September, 2021
NEW ENGINEERING HIRES

SDG is excited to announce the addition of 5 recent engineering graduates to our design team of structural engineers. Auston Wingard, E.I. joined SDG in May of 2020 following completion of his M.S. in Civil Engineering from Auburn University. He obtained his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Auburn in 2017 and previously worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, MS and Hargrove Engineers and Constructors in Mobile,......

24 September, 2021
FAYETTE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ STEAM ACADEMY CHANGING THE WAY STUDENTS LEARN

SDG is proud to have worked with Ross Tarrant Architects on this innovative facility that is a partnership between progressive education specialists from the UK College of Education and Fayette County Public Schools. Fayette County Public Schools’ STEAM Academy is completely changing the way students learn. This building, originally built in 2007 for Imani Baptist Church, was completely renovated to create a new, state-of-the-art educational environment for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. The building......

20 August, 2021
WE’RE HIRING!

SDG has current openings for: Senior Structural Design Engineer / Project Manager and a BIM Modeler. See our job posts at Structural Design Group Jobs on Indeed.Com. If you are interested in becoming a part of our team, submit resumes with a cover letter through Indeed or email sdg@sdg-structure.com. http://www.sdg-structure.com/careers/...

19 August, 2021
RENDERINGS UNVEILED FOR THE NEW MARY BRIDGE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BUILDING

ESa and Mary Bridge Hospital unveiled architectural renderings for the new Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital building. Preliminary work is underway and construction of the new hospital building is scheduled to begin early 2022. Anticipated opening towards the end of 2024. The Outpatient Center will be incorporated into the new facility’s architectural design, bringing both inpatient and outpatient services to one location. Other design and architectural elements of the building reflect the hospital’s roots in Tacoma......

05 August, 2021
#NationalWorkLikeADogDay

What a fun day seeing everyone’s dogs! In honor of #NationalWorkLikeADogDay, our offices today were decorated with photos of our dog babies. So much cuteness!        ...

05 August, 2021
DEBBIE LOWE RETIREMENT

Debbie Lowe retired in June this year after almost 15 years with SDG. Debbie started with SDG in 2006.  She was a valued member of our staff taking on almost any administrative role needed and was a key contributor in our Field Group working with members of the Construction Administration team, architects, contractors, and testing agencies. Her always smiling, always helpful, willing and grateful attitude will be greatly missed.          ...

29 June, 2021
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY AT FORT MILL MEDICAL CENTER

Construction has begun at the new 200,000-square-foot, 100-bed hospital with a helipad and separate entrances for the emergency department and ambulances. An Integrated Project Delivery approach is being utilized with recurring team meetings to discuss, evaluate, and coordinate the project. https://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2021/05/27/fort-mill-medical-center-construction-begins.html...

18 June, 2021
UCF LAKE NONA MEDICAL CENTER OPENS

The $175 million UCF Lake Nona Medical Center is now officially open. SDG is proud to have provided structural design services with ESa. https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/ucf-lake-nona-medical-center-opens   UCF LAKE NONA MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES LEED AWARD The UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, a 64-bed new hospital that will be the teaching hospital at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine in partnership with HCA Healthcare, was awarded LEED for Healthcare Version 4. The new hospital was designed......

07 May, 2021
HOMELIKE DESIGN AT THE FEDEXFAMILYHOUSE

The design team’s commitment to the vision of housing families with children battling illness in a home-like setting while achieving LEED Gold certification for sustainable building process and features recognized. https://www.usgbc.org/articles/homelike-design-fedexfamilyhouse Photo credit: Lisa Buser  ...

26 April, 2021
SDG’S ROLE IN REBUILDING NASHVILLE’S SECOND AVENUE FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS DAY BOMBING

Like so many in Nashville, we were personally shocked and saddened by the Christmas Day bombing of Nashville’s historic Second Avenue. We’ve consulted on renovations to various buildings on the street throughout the years and watched as it evolved into the beautiful centerpiece of Nashville’s downtown district. We’re proud now to be part of the engineering team working to save it. SDG’s Tom Schaeffer has been onsite conducting observations and assessing the safety and stability......

15 March, 2021
SDG’S TOM SCHAEFFER OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PIPELINE OF WORK POST-COVID

SDG’s Tom Schaeffer optimistic about pipeline of work post-Covid published in an Engineering Special Report in the March 9, 2021 issue of the Nashville Business Journal. Tom was one of a number of top local engineering firm officials quoted in the article. SDG is ranked at 16 on the list of engineering firms based on the firm’s number of local licensed engineers. https://lnkd.in/eGtW-E3    ...

10 March, 2021
AVALON MIDTOWN TOWER CONSTRUCTION START EYED FOR SUMMER

The 645,000-square-foot, 25-story Avalon Midtown tower, located on Hayes Street in Nashville, will feature 308 apartment units, a top-floor amenities deck, and 58,000 square feet of office space in the two bottom levels. The high-rise’s design has undergone significant changes since its proposal in 2020. The project was being designed as a 27-story, 775,000 sq ft. mixed-use project with parking, 2 office levels, and apartments. Original plans called for two towers, not one, with 90,000......

04 February, 2021
BGA ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN MARCH

The 43,800-square-foot building contains both the innovative entrepreneurial center and a 550-seat auditorium not only for speeches, presentations and conferences, but also for theatrical performance, concerts and other artistic productions. The school expects the building to represent “one of the most influential changes” at BGA in the last decade. We’re proud to be on the team with @ESa_Architects.   http://www.williamsonherald.com/news/bga-entrepreneurship-center-nears-opening-date/article_ae832bc4-5b54-11eb-ae1c-1f5fc6911081.html https://franklinhomepage.com/bgas-groundbreaking-on-center-for-arts-and-entrepreneurship-is-a-game-changer-for-school/ http://www.williamsonherald.com/features/education/bga-breaks-ground-on-entrepreneurship-center/article_08ee5f9a-e0c5-11e9-829d-c750864bdb32.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share...

28 January, 2021
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2020

While Christmas this year looks very different for everyone, we are especially grateful to our wonderful clients, employees, and friends and families that we are blessed to have. We are thankful that we were able to participate again this year in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. SDG and our generous employees were able to provide needed gifts for 30 angels in Nashville this Holiday season. We are thankful that our “socially-distanced” employees chose to......

21 December, 2020
2020 ANNUAL LOVE HELPS GOLF TOURNAMENT

We had a great day at the annual @LoveHelps golf tournament at Vanderbilt Legends course. It was a perfect day to support the work Love Helps. inc.does in Nashville schools.        ...

08 September, 2020
THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED HEALTHCARE AT BROWNWOOD FEATURED IN NATIONAL DESIGN PUBLICATIONS

SDG is proud to have been part of the design team on The Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood in The Villages, FL. A fascinating concept in the future of healthcare, the CAHB is the main feature in the August Healthcare Design magazine. https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/healthcaredesign/202008/index.php#/p/30 The facility is also the cover feature of the Fall 2020 Environments for Aging magazine and in an article on “Concierge Care.” https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/efa/fall2020/index.php#/p/10 Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood    ...

03 September, 2020
PHIL FRANCIS IS RETIRING

Phil Francis, one of the original founding shareholders at SDG, is retiring after 21 years with the firm. Phil has been involved in structural drafting and detailing in Nashville for 45 years. He has designed and modeled thousands of facilities across the United States. Phil has served as the CAD Systems Manager, IT Manager, Senior Project Coordinator, and Manager of SDG’s Structural Modelers since the firm was founded in 1999. He’s been an essential contributor......

25 August, 2020
A VIEW INSIDE THE NEW GRADUATE NASHVILLE HOTEL

As seen in The Tennessean. Located in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood near Vanderbilt University, Graduate Nashville is a 12-story, 205-room hotel with decorative themes of country music and Vanderbilt University. SDG is very proud to have provided structural design services for the hotel. Nashville Lifestyles 7.7.20 Graduate Hotel Announces its New Rooftop Bar, White Limozeen  Tennessean 1.10.20 A view inside the new Graduate Nashville hotel          ...

25 August, 2020
PEEPLES CANCER INSTITUTE AT HAMILTON MEDICAL CENTER

The new 4-story Peeples Cancer Institute at Hamilton Medical Center is featured in the Aug. issue of Health Facilities Management magazine. https://www.hfmmagazine.com/articles/3979-facility-designed-with-compassion-and-care        ...

24 August, 2020
FALL CREEK FALLS NEW LODGE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESSES

Construction on the beautiful new lodge at Fall Creek Falls State Park is moving along and should be completed by the end of the year. With ESa and Bell & Associates Construction. The new facility will have a 2-story main entrance structure and an adjacent wing with meeting spaces and support functions. An indoor pool will be located at the lower level under the main lobby area. A 3-story guestroom wing with 85 rooms will......

24 August, 2020
WKU’S OGDEN COLLEGE HALL ACHIEVES WELL CERTIFICATION

WKU’s Ogden College Hall just became the first educational laboratory building in the world to earn WELLv2 Gold Certification for RossTarrant Architects. We’re proud to have provided structural design services. Ogden College Hall is Western Kentucky University’s $40-million, 83,000-square-foot science laboratory facility.  RTA designed the entire building to focus on the health and wellness of its occupants including “things like making stairs more prominent than elevators to more complex concepts like how light, art and......

15 April, 2020
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2020 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

In February 2020, SDG was ranked as 14th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal. Rankings are based on the number of local licensed engineers. SDG is the largest purely structural engineering firm in the Nashville area. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th. Nashville Business Journal “Top of the List: Nashville’s Biggest Engineering Firms”    ...

02 March, 2020
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY ASCE INDUSTRY NIGHT 2020

Excited to be at Vanderbilt’s ASCE Industry Night to help students discover opportunities within the civil engineering field and network with Nashville’s ASCE member firms.  ...

11 February, 2020
KRIS BOMAR PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL

In January 2020, Kris Bomar was promoted to Principal at SDG. Previously, he was an Associate Principal in the firm. Kris began his engineering career in 2001 as an Engineering Intern at SDG following his graduation from the University of Tennessee. Kris received a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2004.  He has significant experience in conventional and post-tensioned concrete structures, as well as steel and masonry structures. He has worked on......

16 January, 2020
SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE

We’re so pleased to have our own Salvation Army Angel Tree in the office this year to spread the joy and magic of Christmas. SDG’s generous employees have been busy shopping for gifts that will be distributed to needy families throughout Nashville this Holiday season.      ...

04 December, 2019
“STRUCTURAL VIBRATION SERVICEABILITY” PUBLISHED IN MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION

SDG Principal Jeremy Salmon and Brad Davis, vibration consultant and owner of Davis Structural Engineering, publish article in the December 2019 issue of MODERN STEEL CONSTRUCTION magazine. “Structural Vibration Serviceability” explores advanced design methods in AISC’s design guide on vibrations – “AISC Design Guide 11: Vibrations of Steel-Framed Structural Systems Due to Human Activity (DG 11), Second Edition.” Jeremy and Brad discuss the advantages of collaboration between structural engineers and vibration specialists in designing new......

04 December, 2019
2ND ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF

Celebrating “finally Fall” with SDG’s Second Annual Chili Cookoff. Congratulations to Rob for repeating in first place with his fiery chili. Jennifer’s cheesy chili was a close runner-up. And surprising the competition in third place “Smorgasbord Chili” by the team of Jacob, Walker, and Blake.    ...

28 October, 2019
BGA’S GROUNDBREAKING ON CENTER FOR ARTS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS A ‘GAME-CHANGER’ FOR SCHOOL

“BGA broke ground Thursday on a 37,000-square-foot building that will house the school’s theater program and serve as the home for BGA’s growing Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum.” SDG is providing structural design. We’re proud to be on the team with @ESa_Architects. The centerpiece of the facility is a 550-seat theater and auditorium to be used by the school’s drama departments. It will house school productions, as well as outside programs. The Entrepreneurial Leadership Center will occupy......

03 October, 2019
GROUND BROKEN ON MCMINN EDUCATION CENTER

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said the $17.75 million McMinn Higher Education Center will be “a model” for higher education nationwide at the ground breaking ceremony Friday. We’re proud to provide structural engineering on the team with Goodwyn Mills Cawood. The project will relocate current Cleveland State Community College classroom spaces, UT Extension, and Adult Education classes, and TCAT Vocational lab space and provide space for local industry workforce training to upgrade the existing workforce. Construction......

03 October, 2019
“DESIGNING FOR FUTURE EXPANSION” IN STRUCTURE MAGAZINE

“Structural engineers play an essential role in designing and detailing structures to accommodate future expansion, as well as helping the owner and design team plan ahead for the intended use and functionality of the additional floors.” SDG’s Jeremy Salmon, P.E., S.E. and Jennifer Acton, P.E. discuss “Designing for Future Expansion” featured in the October issue of STRUCTURE magazine. https://www.structuremag.org/?p=15030 http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d86df6ee#/d86df6ee/12          ...

02 October, 2019
JIM STEPHENSON PRESENTS STRUCTURAL TALK AT HCA’S 2019 PARTNERING MEETING

SDG was honored recently by being asked to present at HCA’s annual Partnering Meeting for Capital Deployment. Jim’s session focused on performance-based design, which originated in the Nuclear industry, and how it can contribute to the continuous operation of hospitals during and after intense wind and seismic events. SDG is grateful for our longstanding relationship with HCA Healthcare and thankful for their commitment to provide the best possible facilities for patients and their families.  ...

26 September, 2019
SDG’s 2ND ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

SDG held our 2nd Annual Cornhole tournament Friday. Congratulations to Tom and Paul for winning , coming back from a tough draw in the bracket with no first round bye and one loss and toppling the favorites, Sean and Caleb. We enjoyed a short break in Nashville’s September heat wave on a breezy day full of serious competition, trash talk, and fellowship.  ...

24 September, 2019
2019 NASHVILLE HEART WALK

SDG team members, babies, and dogs supporting the American Heart Association at the Heart Walk! It was a hot September day on the Vanderbilt campus, but we had fun supporting a great cause.    ...

16 September, 2019
5TH ANNUAL GULCH CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

We had a great time participating in the 5th Annual Gulch Cornhole Tournament presented by ESa, MarketStreet Enterprises, and JE Dunn, supporting the American Heart and Stroke Association. SDG was a proud Gold Level Sponsor for the event that raised more than $15,000 for the organization. SDG’s Kris Bomar and Jared Ganstine were the first place winners. Yeah, they’re pretty good at cornhole…and it was a great afternoon socializing with others in Nashville’s design and......

10 September, 2019
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 6TH AND BROADWAY ADDITION UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Tennessean’s  “Nashville’s construction cranes” features the addition to First Baptist Church at 6th and Broadway. The addition is a 3-story structure with a footprint of approximately 32,700 square feet. The addition will house a new Fellowship hall, worship center, choir room, education spaces, and kitchen. Several floors will have exterior balconies or terraces. The newly constructed building is a post-tensioned concrete structure. SDG is excited to be working with Earl Swensson Associates on the......

06 September, 2019
GRADUATE HOTEL RISING ON NASHVILLE’S WEST END

The Tennessean’s  “Nashville’s construction cranes” features the Graduate Nashville Hotel under construction.  SDG is excited to be working with Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture on the new 12-story, 203-room boutique hotel. Tennessean 9.4.19 “Nashville’s construction cranes        ...

05 September, 2019
NEW LICENSED STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Anthony Hendren has received his Structural Engineer (S.E.) license. The S.E. license is granted to professionals who have previously passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; have earned a minimum of 4 years of structural engineering experience with 2 years in Responsible Charge directing projects, with responsibility for the successful accomplishment of the project; and have passed the strenuous 16-hour NCEES – SE exam. Anthony received his Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in 2018. Anthony began......

05 September, 2019
2019 HEALTHCARE DESIGN SHOWCASE AWARD FOR ANNA SHAW CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE AT HAMILTON MEDICAL CENTER

The Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, Hamilton Health Care System, received the highest Award of Merit in the 2019 Healthcare Design Showcase. The project was submitted and designed by Earl Swensson Associates. The prestigious Healthcare Design Showcase awards program is now in its 19th year of honoring the very best design and architecture in the healthcare industry. Seventeen jurors, appointed by our partner organizations (The Center for Health Design, IIDA, and ASID), reviewed this year’s project......

03 September, 2019
PRECAST CONCRETE INSTITUTE’S (PCI) 2019/2020 DANIEL P. JENNY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

SDG is serving as a consultant to Clemson University on a research project sponsored by the Precast Concrete Institute’s (PCI) 2019/2020 Daniel P. Jenny Research Fellowship program. SDG will be providing support to Hannah Dillingham, a student at Clemson and one of only four students across the country who were awarded the Fellowship. The Daniel P. Jenny Research Fellowship program connects professors and students with industry experts to advance research in precast concrete. It is......

20 August, 2019
TWO NEW MIDDLE SCHOOLS FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY, TENNESSEE

We’re excited to be on the team with Binkley Garcia Architecture for two new middle schools in Cowan and Winchester in Franklin County. The county is investing $48 million to build the two new middle schools and have them in use by August 2020. Each school will consist of about 80,000 square feet. They are being built on existing school campuses. Existing classroom buildings will be demolished though the gymnasiums are to remain and are......

22 July, 2019
LUXURY MARRIOTT EDITION BRAND IN NASHVILLE’S GULCH

We’re excited to be on the team with ESa for the new hotel project at 1101 Grundy Street. The 16-story hotel will contain 281 rooms along with a restaurant, concert venue and 8,900-square-foot market hall. Nashville Business Journal 7.12.19  “Gulch hotel to boast high-end Marriott brand” Tennessean 7.12.19 “Luxury Marriott Edition hotel coming north of the Gulch”      ...

12 July, 2019
STRUCTURAL DESIGN GROUP CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

SDG is celebrating our 20th anniversary this June, and we can’t wait for 20 more! Thank you to all of our amazing clients! In June of 1999, a group of like-minded structural engineers and friends started SDG. They successfully guided the firm as it has grown to a leadership group now comprised of 7 principals and 4 associates and almost 50 employees. The years have brought changes, challenges, successes and lots of great memories and......

24 June, 2019
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR NEW TOWER AT SUNRISE HOSPITAL IN LAS VEGAS

SDG is providing structural design for the new 253,000-square-foot, 5-story tower. The tower will have 72 new beds (all private rooms) that include 36 ICU beds and 36 Medical-Surgical beds. The project also expands the Sunrise Hospital emergency department from 50 to 77 beds and expands the Sunrise Children’s Hospital emergency department from 20 to 30 beds. The state-of-the-art facility also incorporates a spacious new lobby and new public and emergency department entrances. The facility......

13 June, 2019
NORTH ALABAMA MEDICAL CENTER CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW FACILITY

SDG provided structural design for the new North Alabama Medical Center that opened the doors of its brand new 485,000-square-foot, 263-bed facility in Dec. 2018. http://www.lifepointhealth.net/news/2018/12/13/north-alabama-medical-center-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-facility http://www.laytonconstruction.com/news/north-alabama-medical-center-crossroads.htm        ...

13 June, 2019
CARILION ROANOKE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 400,000 SF EXPANSION ANNOUNCED

Carilion Clinic announces plans for a 400,000-square-foot expansion of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. SDG is providing structural engineering for the project that will provide specialized space for cardiac, behavioral health and emergency services for patients in Virginia. The project will include the addition of a new 8-story hospital tower, replacement of the neighboring Behavioral Health building, and the expansion of an existing parking garage to add 550 spaces. Construction will begin later this year and......

13 June, 2019
SDG INVOLVED IN DEVELOPMENT OF MASONRY BUILDING CODE

SDG is actively involved in development of TMS Masonry building code to make the Code more user friendly.  Charles Haynes discusses the changes in User-Friendly Tables in an article published in STRUCTURE magazine. TMS 402/602-16: Changes to the Masonry Code STRUCTURE MAGAZINE    ...

13 June, 2019
SDG AT 2019 NASCC STEEL CONFERENCE

SDG sent four engineers to attend NASCC: The Steel Conference in St. Louis this April.  This AISC conference is the premier educational and networking event for the structural steel industry, bringing together structural engineers, structural steel fabricators, erectors, detailers, and architects. The Steel Conference offered practical seminars on the latest design concepts, construction techniques and cutting-edge research with topics including seismic design, design for constructability, and the future of the steel industry. Attending were Jacob......

08 April, 2019
SDG AT THE JE DUNN HAMMER DOWN RACE FOR OUR KIDS CENTER

Jennifer and Josie Acton, Jacob Montgomery, Walker Trent, and Adam Oestman representing SDG at the @JEDunn Hammer Down Race benefiting Our Kids Center (@OurKidsTN ). Our Kids is a Nashville nonprofit that provides expert medical evaluations and crisis counseling in response to concerns of child sexual abuse. Our Kids is dedicated to increasing community awareness of child sexual abuse, conducting research and offering education and training about the issue. Our Kids: Has evaluated more than......

08 April, 2019
HEALTHCARE DESIGN ARTICLE BY JEREMY SALMON

Jeremy Salmon’s article “A STEP AHEAD – Well-coordinated structural drawings are critical to project success today and in the future” published in the April 2019 issue of Healthcare Design magazine. Healthcare Design “A Step Ahead” April 2019        ...

02 April, 2019
TWO NEW STATE PARK INNS

We’re providing the structural design for two new hospitality complexes in the Tennessee State Park system, Paris Landing State Park Inn and the Inn at Fall Creek Falls. Each features hotel-type rooms, restaurants, and conference space. Paris Landing’s Inn is scheduled to open summer 2020. (pictured at top) Doster Construction.com “TDEC releases renderings” The 95,700-square foot Inn at Fall Creek Falls celebrated a ground breaking on January 15, 2019. (pictured at bottom) TimesFreePress.com 1.15.19  “Officials break......

11 February, 2019
LAKE NONA GROUNDBREAKING

SDG is working with ESa on the UCF Lake Nona Medical Center. The new $175 million, 64-bed teaching hospital on the campus of UCF College of Medicine recently held a ground breaking ceremony with the hospital scheduled to open by late 2020. HCA Healthcare is developing the hospital in partnership with UCF. Orlando Sentinel 10.25.18  “UCF, HCA break ground on teaching hospital in Lake Nona”      ...

31 January, 2019
NEW 20-STORY HOTEL IN NASHVILLE’S GULCH

We’re excited to be on the team with ESa for a new hotel project at 1101 Grundy Street. This striking 20-story hotel is leading the way for redevelopment in this area of downtown Nashville. Tennessean.com 1.22.19  “20-story hotel coming to dilapidated lot in Nashville’s Gulch neighborhood”      ...

23 January, 2019
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2019 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

In January 2019, SDG was ranked as 13th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal. Rankings are based on the number of local licensed engineers and SDG has 18 licensed PE’s / SE’s. SDG is the largest purely structural engineering firm in the Nashville area. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th. Nashville Business Journal “Top of the List: Nashville’s Biggest Engineering Firms”  ...

22 January, 2019
CRSI Case Study: Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences

SDG project featured in CRSI Case Study. The CRSI Case Study of the VUBWC highlights the advantages to the use of a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural system. “Combining strong aesthetic goals with sophisticated programmatic needs can create challenges that require careful consideration of every aspect of a healthcare project. That combination led designers to use a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural system when they built a new eight-story building on top of an occupied four-level parking......

03 January, 2019
Crosstown Concourse – Memphis’ Vertical Urban Village

SDG provided structural engineering services for Crosstown Concourse, a $200 million, 10-story “Vertical Urban Village” that opened in 2017. The historic preservation of a former Sears distribution center and store now home to 265 apartment units, a 450-seat black box theater serving the “XQ Super School”, and outdoor swimming pool for the YMCA is featured in Building Design + Construction highlighting the role of Looney Ricks Kiss in the growth of Memphis. Memphis rising: Can......

16 August, 2018
NEW ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL NAMED

In January of 2018, Jared Ganstine was promoted to Associate Principal in the firm. Previously, he was a Design Engineer and Project Manager at SDG. Jared has been with SDG since 2004. He has 14 years of experience in the design of a variety of structural systems for healthcare, industrial, educational, and commercial facilities. He is a member of ASCE, AISC, and Structural Engineers Association of Tennessee.    ...

29 May, 2018
PCI Journal Features Article “Novel Use of Buckling-Restrained Braces in Precast Concrete Frames”

Jeff Viano and Tom Schaeffer publish feature article in PCI Journal, “Novel Use of Buckling-Restrained Braces in Precast Concrete Frames,” September-October 2017. Discussing the use of buckling-restrained braced frames as an innovative and relatively new solution for lateral-load resistance in steel-framed buildings in high seismic zones at a food-processing facility in Northeast Arkansas, less than 100 miles from the New Madrid seismic zone.        ...

19 September, 2017
SDG TEAM WINS “STRUCTURAL INGENUITY” AWARD IN 2017 CANstruction EVENT

Several volunteers from SDG teamed up again with Turner Construction and STG Design to compete in the annual fundraiser held at the Downtown Nashville Library benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. CANstruction is part of a national campaign where design industry professionals compete building structures made out of cans of food which are later donated to feed the hungry. Our submission was an ode to the classic Herman Melville novel, Moby Dick and “Can-mael“. Rather than......

12 April, 2017
America’s Largest On-Campus Housing Revitalization and Expansion at University of Kentucky

SDG provided structural engineering services for the University of Kentucky’s campus-wide housing project. The public-private partnership between the University and Education Realty Trust is America’s largest on-campus housing revitalization and expansion. Begun in 2012, it consists of 6,850 beds in 14 state-of-the-art buildings. There are 206 classrooms contained in the Living-Learning spaces. The total project cost is $459 million. This video by EdRtrust showcases the on-campus housing and development activity at the University of Kentucky.......

13 December, 2016
Pearland Medical Center opens in Texas

We are proud to have provided structural engineering services for this HCA-affiliated facility near Houston. Pearland Medical Center Opens In Texas      ...

13 December, 2016
The SoBro, Nashville’s New 32-Story Apartment Building Opens

Nashville’s tallest apartment tower, opened this fall, is featured in Crain’s Nashville. We are proud to have provided structural engineering services for the 32-story tower with 313 units at 205 Demonbreun. Nashville’s tallest apartment tower reshapes Music City skyline, luxury The SoBro’s Photo Gallery    ...

16 August, 2016
SDG’s 17th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Such fun!  We’re thankful to have shared a wonderful dinner and Jim’s annual competition – this year’s version was SDG Bingo!...

28 January, 2016
GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi OPENING MARCH 2016

We are proud to have provided the structural design of the new GRAMMY Museum® Mississippi – the world’s most technologically advanced music museum, on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. The project was recently featured in the Mississippi Business Journal in an article entitled “Against all odds, Grammy museum rising in Mississippi”. http://msbusiness.com/2015/06/against-all-odds-grammy-museum-rising-in-mississippi/...

28 January, 2016
SDG NAMED TO NBJ 2016 LARGEST NASHVILLE-AREA ENGINEERING FIRMS

In January 2016, SDG was ranked as 11th largest Nashville-area engineering firm on the Top 25 list published by the Nashville Business Journal. Rankings are based on the number of local licensed engineers and SDG has 15 licensed PE’s / SE’s. In January 2015, SDG was ranked as 12th largest Nashville-area engineering firm. SDG first appeared on the list in 2001 ranked 20th....

28 January, 2016
SDG PARTICIPATES IN 2015 CANstruction EVENT

SDG had another successful CANstruction build. Several volunteers from SDG and our partner firm, Turner Construction, started the build at 8:00am and finished with a little time to spare (6:00pm is the end of construction, whether you are finished or not!). CANstruction supports Second Harvest Food Bank. Our structure, titled “Take a Bite Out of Hunger” featuring the Hungry Caterpillar, won Juror’s Favorite, an award claimed two years in a row by SDG. Our team......

28 January, 2016
CHARLES HAYNES PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL

In December of 2015, Charles Haynes was named to the Principal group of shareholders in the firm. Charles joined SDG in 2002. He has been an Associate Principal in SDG since 2007. He now shares in day-to-day operational responsibilities, along with providing structural engineering services and all phases of project design and management. He has over 20 years of structural design experience, including structural steel, reinforced concrete, concrete masonry, cold- formed steel and wood-framed projects.......

19 January, 2016
NEW ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL NAMED

In December of 2015, Will Grigg was promoted to Associate Principal in the firm. He was previously a Project Manager and Design Engineer at SDG. Will has been at SDG since 2006. He has worked on a wide range of projects including educational, religious, and institutional facilities. He is a member of ASCE, AISC, and the Structural Engineers Association of Tennessee and is a Middle Tennessee Committee Member.  ...

19 January, 2016
JOE CONNOR PROMOTED

Joe Connor has been promoted to Director of Construction Administration Services for Structural Design Group. He will be overseeing the structural aspects of construction for projects across the U.S., including healthcare, office, multi-family, commercial and educational projects. Joe has over 20 years of experience as a construction administrator, field engineer, and design engineer. He joined SDG in 2000, shortly after the firm’s founding, and was named an Associate Principal in 2005. He became a full......

13 July, 2015
ROBERT BOVINE RETIRES

Robert Bovine, one of SDG’s founding partners, retired in 2015. Robert spent over 40 years as a structural engineer. He oversaw the construction of thousands of projects across the United States. He has shared his knowledge and experience with many young engineers over the years and his influence at Structural Design Group will continue for many years to come. Joe Connor took over as SDG’s Director of Construction Administration. Joe has over 20 years of......

09 July, 2015
GULCH CROSSING OPENS

We are proud to be involved in the design of Gulch Crossing – one of Nashville’s newest premier office buildings. Scenes from the project site include the monumental stairs from 11th Avenue to Demonbreun Street and amazing views of downtown Nashville  …...

28 May, 2015
CHARLES HAYNES IS PART OF DELEGATION SENT TO NEPAL

Charles Haynes is one of a group of 10 engineers who specialize in masonry construction recently sent to Nepal at governmental request.  The group was sent to perform rapid structural assessments of masonry buildings in the area of the recent devastating earthquakes to determine if they were sound for occupancy, could have limited access pending further evaluation, or if they were recommended for demolition. During the assessments, local authorities assisted the team while receiving on......

18 May, 2015
SDG CELEBRATES WITH OUR FAMILIES AT ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

SDG employees enjoyed a wonderful evening of food and socializing with each other and with our families at our annual Christmas Party. The evening was capped by a friendly, annual Trivia Competition hosted by Jim Stephenson.  ...

12 December, 2014
SDG DESIGNING 4 OF THE 2014 TOP 25 NASHVILLE-AREA CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS NASHVILLE BUSINESS JOURNAL

#5 Vanderbilt University – Engineering and Science Building. The 230,000 sq. ft., 7-story engineering and science building has an estimated construction cost of $109 million. #9 SoBro. 32-Story luxury apartment high-rise has an estimated construction cost of $90 million. #12 Gulch Crossing Office Building. 8-story Class A office space totaling 205,000 rentable sq. ft.; a 750-space, 6-level parking garage; 16,000 sq. ft. ground floor retail space has an estimated construction cost of $78 million.. #15......

05 December, 2014
SDG PARTICIPATES IN GINGERTOWN NASHVILLE 2014

Several SDG employees and their families participated for the third consecutive year in Gingertown Nashville 2014, a fun competition to build gingerbread houses benefitting Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Hospital Hospitality House, Ronald McDonald House, The Cumberland at Green Hills, The Next Door, and Adventure Science Center. We built the Runtz & Boltz Hardware Store and the Smarties Schoolhouse....

04 December, 2014
MURRAYS HONORED AT HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Paul and Lezlie Murray with Structural Design Group were honored at the 17th annual Love Helps, Inc. Holiday Luncheon. Paul and Lezlie were presented with the Edwin C. Rodgers, Jr. Heart of Distinction Award for their exemplary character and heart for helping others. This event supports the work of Love Helps, Inc., a nonprofit organization supported by the Murrays, Structural Design Group, and many others throughout the Nashville design and construction community, that has been......

04 December, 2014
SDG’S PRESIDENT, JIM STEPHENSON, SELECTED AS ONE OF NBJ’S NASHVILLE 2013 POWER LEADERS IN ARCHITECTURE/CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING:

To be selected as a Power Leader, the Nashville Business Journal started with a pool of the leaders of Nashville’s largest architecture, construction and engineering firms. Those executives then voted amongst themselves. Highlights from Jim’s conversation include: Of what project are you most proud? The Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital is a favorite because it provided children in the Nashville area their own hospital and it provides the physical resources for the doctors, nurses and families who......

03 May, 2014
SDG PARTICIPATES IN 2014 CANstruction EVENT TO SUPPORT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

SDG was well represented at the CANstruction event to support Second Harvest Food Bank. Our structure, titled “Give Hunger the Boot” won two awards – Structural Ingenuity and Juror’s Favorite. Our team donated 2,300 cans to Second Harvest (the boot is 7 feet tall). The structures were on display at Cool Springs Galleria. Additional winners were the “sandwich” for Best Use of Labels and “Yum” won the award for Best Meal.  ...

21 April, 2014