by Matt Jacobson
LEADERSHIP
GreetingsfromallofusatT.W.FriersonContractor,Inc.
AsAmericacelebrates250yearsthissummer,weareremindedhowincrediblythankful weareforthegenerationsofmenandwomenwhosesacrifice,courage,hardwork,and leadershiphelpedcreateandsustainthegreatestnationtheworldhaseverknown.
WealsoextendourgratitudetothemenandwomenoftheAmericandesignand constructionindustrywhohaveplayedacriticalroleinshapingthegrowthandstrength ofournation Fromroadsandbridgestofactories,churches,hospitals,schools,and landmarksliketheHooverDam,builderstransformedideasonpaperintoprojectsthat improvedlivesandmovedthecountryforward Theirleadership,innovation, craftsmanship,anddeterminationcreatedtheinfrastructurethatcontinuessupporting ourcommunitiesandwayoflifetoday
Inmanyways,constructionhasalwaysbeenanindustrybuiltonovercoming challengesthroughgrit,ingenuity,andinnovation.Advancementsinequipment, materials,engineering,digitaltechnology,andprojectdelivery combinedwiththe ination,andworkethicoftheAmericantradesperson havecontinually hatispossiblewithinthebuiltenvironment.Andaswelookahead, chnologiessuchasartificialintelligencepromisetocreateevengreater estoreshapeourindustry.
eindustryhasmadeincredibleprogressinmanyways,oneofthemost areasofinnovationhasbeenthegrowingfocusonthewellbeingofpeople. afetywastoooftencompromisedinfavorofscheduleandmentalwellbeing iscussedatall.Thankfully,however,todaytheflywheelofsafetyinnovation icalandmental continuesgainingmomentumascompanies,leaders, supportthepeople ourpeoplebothon practicesthrough nce,training,andeven elatedillnesses nedtoencouragelongonnectionwithfamily ialstabilityforcraft les. sultimatelyabout orkouremployee aysmoreworktodo. tinuebuildingan erserving,supporting, ehopeyouhavea
Cooper Christian Academy Bell Installation
Project Mustang
Transformer arriving at NES Central Substation TWF Bi-Annual Meeting
Robotic Total Station Interview at Project Mustang ABC Clay Shoot
ATULATIONSTOOUR MOTEDEMPLOYEEOWNERS
ALAN PANYAVONG
DSB Ironworker
ROBERT ROJAS PEREZ
DSB Ironworker
LUIS CORONA BARRERA
DSB Ironworker
TY HILL
DSB Ironworker
SAMIA SMITH
Project Engineer
HEATHER PIERSON
DSB Administrative Assistant
DEVIN COOPER
DSB Ironworker
ADAM HOWARD
DSB Ironworker
HARRY TARTER
DCi Project Coordinator
BLAKE MEACHAM
DSB Assistant Project Manager
GARRET SMITH
DSB Assistant Superintendent
JOSEPH NAPIER
DSB Assistant Superintendent
LUKE BURTON
DSB Intern
MATTHEW MITCHELL
PCS Laborer
ZACH VANDERPOOL
PCS Foreman
BRIAN KERZEL
DSB Project Manager
MYRA HIERS
On-site Administrative Assistant
HAYDEN BECKNAL
Safety Engineer
Forem
Director of Estim Foreman
Foreman
DELIVERING THE ENVELOPE FOR NEXT GENERATION DATA INFRASTRUCTURE
DesignSystemsBuilders,LLC(DSB)iscurrentlydeliveringthebuildingenvelope packageforProjectQuantumRise,aconfidentialhyperscaledatacenter campusdesignedtosupporthigh-demanddataprocessingandstorage operations Thelarge-scaledevelopmentreflectsthecontinuedgrowthofnextgenerationdigitalinfrastructure,withastrongemphasisonscalability, efficiency,andlong-termperformance
ProjectQuantumRiseincludesapproximately1.6millionsquarefeetof precision-engineeredmetalbuilding(PEMB)systemsutilizingButler Manufacturingsolutions.DSB’sscopefocusesonthebuildingenvelope package,incorporatinghigh-performancematerialsandsystemsengineeredto meettherigorousoperationaldemandsofhyperscaleenvironments.
Designedfordurability,speedofconstruction,andfutureadaptability,the campuswillsupportevolvingtechnologyrequirementswhilemaintainingstrict confidentialitystandards.Theprojectrepresentsasignificantinvestmentin criticalinfrastructurethatwillhelppowertheincreasingdemandsofdigital connectivityanddatastorage.
Constructioniscurrentlyunderway,withcompletionanticipatedinMarch2027.
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY THAT ACTUALLY SAVES TIME IN THE FIELD
by Matt Jacobson, Construction Technology Leader
Constructionisapeople-firstindustry.Longbeforesoftware,sensors,ormodelsexisted,skilledprofessionalswereplanning, coordinating,andbuildingcomplexprojectswithingenuityandgrit.Thatrealitymatters,becauseanyconversationabout constructiontechnologythatforgetstheintelligence,adaptability,andprofessionalismofthefieldisdestinedtomissthepoint.
Technology does not succeed in construction because the field needs to be “fixed.” It succeedswhen it respects howwork actually gets done and quietly helps great teams perform at an even higher level.
Ibelieveconstructiontechnologyhasreachedaninflectionpoint.Notbecausewehavemoretoolsthanever,butbecausewe finallyhavetheopportunitytousethemwithintention.Whentechnologyisalignedwithfieldrealities,itdoesnotdisrupt craftsmanshipitamplifiesit.
Ourindustryissurroundedbyinnovation.Newplatforms promiseefficiency,automation,andclarity.Manyofthemlook impressiveindemos,andsometrulyarepowerful Yetadoption oftenstruggles,andit’stemptingtoframethatasresistance fromthefield Fieldteamsarenotresistanttotechnology They areresistanttoanythingthatintroducesuncertainty,risk,or additionalburdenwithoutaclearpayoff Thatisnotreluctance; itisprofessionaljudgment
Ihaveseensystemsdeployedwiththebestintentionswithtools thatpromisedtoeliminatereworkorcentralizeinformationinto asinglesourceoftruth.Technically,theyworked.Practically, theyoftenlivedoutsidetherhythmofthejobsite.Theyadded stepswithoutremovingothers.Crewswereaskedtodomore documentation,moredataentry,morecontextswitchingall whilestillbeingresponsibleforthesameoutcomes.
Whenadoptionslowed,itwaseasytoconcludethatthe technologyitselfhadfailed.Moreoften,whatfailedwasthe alignmentaroundit.Existingworkflowsremainedintact, incentivesstayedthesame,andtheadditionaleffortrequiredto makethetoolsuccessfulwasfeltmostacutelyinthefield.
The takeaway is not that technology is inherently flawed. It is that technology must earn its place on the jobsite.When it meaningfully reduces friction, removes uncertainty, and supports howwork actually gets done, it stops feeling like anobligation and becomes something the field relies on, anAsset.
theoutside,itcanlooklikeresistancetochange From theinside,itisusuallyriskmanagement
Superintendents,foremen,andcraftprofessionalsare accountableforrealoutcomeslikeschedule,safety,and quality
Theyhavelearned,throughexperience,thatunproven systemscancreatedelaystheywillbeaskedtoexplain later.
Their caution is not fear-based, it is responsibility based.
Theencouragingrealityiswhentechnologygenuinely solvesaproblem,thefieldadoptionhappensquickly.No mandaterequired.Whenatoolremovesrework, eliminateswaiting,clarifiessequencing,orreduces exposuretohazards,thefielddoesnotneedtobe convinced.Theyrecognizevalueimmediately.
ThatinsightshapeshowIapproachconstruction technology
The Gap BetweenTechnology and Jobsite
AField-First Philosophy
Whensomeonebringsmeanewtoolorplatform,thefirst questionIaskisnotaboutcostorfeatures.Iaskaboutimpact onourcurrentprocessstate.Doesthisintegratenaturally,or doesitintroducedisruption?Insomecases,disruptioncanbe healthy.Itcanforceustothinkdifferentlyandimprovehow wework.Butdisruptionwithoutaclearoutcomeissimply friction.
Before I support the use of any kind of technology on a T.W. Frierson project, several criteria must be met:
1.
Thetechnologymustbeproventobeanassetin termsofhumaninteractiontooutcome.Toolsdo notcreatevalueontheirown,peopleusingitdo.I needtounderstandthewhyandthehowbehind thetechnology,notjustwhatitdoes.Ialsoneed confidencethatthereisastrongproductsupport organizationbehindit.Fieldpersonneldonot havethebandwidthtotroubleshootsystemsthat failunderpressure.
2.
3.
Thetechnologymustrespecttheflowoffield work.Ifitcausestoomuchdisruptiontohow peoplealreadyoperate,itwillnotbeused.No amountofmandatechangesthatreality.
Weintentionallycurateinterestandbuildacore groupofpowerusers Theseindividualshelp load-balanceimplementation,generate excitement,andprovidepracticalfeedback Bringingtogetherpeoplefromdifferentgroups withdifferentbackgroundsallowsustoevaluate technologythroughmultiplelensesandidentify whereitcantrulybenefitthebusiness.
Jobsitecriticalissuesalwayscomefirst.Technologythat directlysupportssafety,constructability,coordination,and schedulereliabilityisprioritized “Nicetohave”innovation followsalongervettingprocess Integration,workflow impact,personnelcapacity,andlong-termreturnon investmentallmatter
The goal is not to chase novelty, but to expand our capabilities responsiblywhile supporting our teams and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.
WhereTime Is Really Lost and HowWe CanWin It Back
Productivitydiscussionsinconstructionoftenfocuson execution.Inmyexperience,timeismoreoftenlostdueto lackofclarity,notlackofeffort.BuildingInformation Modelingisapowerfulexample.Manyorganizationsstill underutilizeBIM’sfullpotential.Whenprojectsaretruly builtvirtually,whenconflictsareresolveddigitallyandthe modelbecomesthebackbonefordownstreamworkflows, fieldexecutionbecomescalmer,morepredictable,and moreefficient.
Prefabricationbuildsonthatfoundation.Withstrong modeling,prefabricationimprovesquality,sequencing,and safety Workmovesfromcongested,elevated,weatherexposedenvironmentsintocontrolledshopsettings Cleanupdecreases Scrapdecreases Exposuredecreases Thesebenefitscompoundacrosstheprojectlifecycle
Evenwithhighlyskilledteams,waitingremainsoneofthe biggesthiddendrainsontime Technologyalonecannot eliminatethosedelays,butwell-designedsystemscan dramaticallyreducethembyimprovinginformationflow, visualization,andsharedunderstanding.
Technology as Confidence, Not Control Ithinkthemostproductivewaytoframeconstruction technologyisasatoolforreducinguncertainty. VirtualDesignandConstructionelevatesthequalityof conversationsbeforeworkbegins.Today’smodelsallow teamstoseenotjustwhatisbeingbuilt,buthowitwillbe built.Whenfieldteamsareinvolvedearly,theirinsight improvessequencing,constructability,andquality.A sharedmodelcreatessharedintent.
RoboticTotalStationscarrythatclarityintoexecution. Coordinatedmodelsbecomeprecisefieldlayout,reducing interpretation,acceleratinginstallation,andeliminating rework Thevalueiscertainty Crewscantrustthatwhat theyarebuildingmatcheswhatwasplanned
Dronesextendthatclarityintothephysicalworld They allowteamstoseeconditionsthatwereonceguessedat (ie unsafeareas,inaccessiblefaçades,evolvingsite conditions) High-resolutionimageryandphotogrammetry providereliabledataforprogresstracking,QA/QC,and disputeresolution.Theyenhanceawarenesswithout increasingexposure.
BUILDING RESILIENCE
PRACTICAL TIPS
PRIORITIZE SLEEP
Sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and jobsite safety. In a demanding industry, proper rest is not a luxury, it is essential.
ASK FOR HELP
One of the strongest things a person can do is recognize when they need support Whether facing stress, burnout, anxiety, or personal challenges, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
LEAN ON YOUR COMMUNITY
No one is meant to carry life’s challenges alone. Reboot Recovery encourages participants to designate a buddy on the jobsite Trusted friendships provide accountability, encouragement, perspective, and support both on and off the job.
AtTW Frierson,safetygoesbeyondthejobsite Whilephysical safetyremainsatoppriority,wealsorecognizetheimportance ofmental,emotional,andpersonalwell-beingforour EmployeeOwners,especiallythoseworkinglonghoursand spendingextendedtimeawayfromhome.
Recently,ourteamhadtheopportunitytoparticipateina courseledbyEvanOwensofREBOOTRecovery,aTennesseebasednonprofitorganizationfocusedontraumahealing, resilience,andsuicidepreventionthroughpeer-ledsupport programs.
Theconstructionfieldbringsuniquepressures.Longdays, travel,timeawayfromfamily,demandingschedules,andthe weightofresponsibilitycantakeatollovertime.Programslike thishelpcreateafoundationforhealthierworklives,stronger relationships, moreconnectedteams,andreducedturnover.
AtTW Frierson,webelieveinvestinginourpeoplemeans supportingthewholeperson,notjusttheworktheydo Conversationslikethesehelpstrengthenourcultureand remindusthatlookingoutforoneanotherispartofwhat makesourteamssuccessful
To learn more about the TWF partnership with REBOOT Recovery and the importance of supporting mental and emotional well-being in our industry, be sure to check out our recent podcast episode featuring Evan Owens.
FUTURE THINKING
Hard work is always easier when there is something meaningful to look forward to Whether it’s planning a vacation, working toward a big purchase, or investing in a new skill, having goals beyond the job helps create purpose and drive
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES
PerspectivesThat Build MoreThan Projects
We believe that sharing knowledge is one of the most meaningfulwayswe can serve our clients, partners, and industry That's whywe're excited to launch ourThought Leadership Series, a platform designed to showcase the expertise, experiences, and perspectives of the peoplewho help shape our company every day.Through this series, our leaderswill explore topics ranging from industrial construction, design-build delivery, and innovation toworkforce development, industry stewardship, and building exceptional teams.We inviteyou to follow along aswe share insights, lessons learned, and ideas that reflect our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and creating lastingvalue for the communitieswe serve.
Strongcompaniesdon’tjustbuildtoughpeople. Theybuildhealthyenvironments. Inhisfirstpieceofourthoughtleadershipseries,Kit Ozburn,President,pushesconstructionleaderstolook beyondwhatwebuild,andconsiderthehumancostof howwebuildit.Mentalhealthinconstructionisn’ta personalissue.It’saleadershipresponsibility.
Webelievegreatprojectsarebuiltbygreatteams. InPartOneofthisseries,LanceCouch,COO,shareshis perspectiveontheanatomyofahigh-performing constructionteam,andwhyhe’spassionateabout buildingteamsthatcollaborate,communicate,anddeliver exceptionalresults
BenEberleandBrentEdwardsrecentlysatdowntotalk aboutwhatmakesindustrialconstructionunique,and whyTW Friersondoesitsowell Fromlessonslearned andhard-earnedinsightstoreflectionsonthefutureof theindustry,theycoveritall.
THE VIDEO
FEATURED FEATURED
WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE | MURFREESBORO, TN
T.W.FriersonispartneringwithWegmann Automotivetodeliveramajorfacility
expansiondesignedtosupportthecompany’s continuedgrowthandmanufacturing capabilities.Currentlyunderconstruction,the projectincludesa68,000squarefoot expansionandanadditional4,000squarefoot addition,bothutilizingButlerConventional structuralsystemstailoredtotheoperational needsofthefacility.
Adefiningchallengeoftheprojectisthe constrainedjobsite,whichrequiresallprecast concretepanelsforthe68,000squarefoot facilitytobeerectedentirelyfromwithinthe buildingfootprint Thisuniquecondition demandsstrategicscheduling,precise coordination,andclosecollaborationbetween tradesandtheTW Friersonteamtomaintain projectmomentumwhileminimizingimpacts toscheduleandcost
PROJECTTEAM:
AlexMartin,Superintendent
JayMcGinnis,ProjectManager
AmyWhiffen,ProjectManagementAsst.
JustinCochrane,ProjectExecutive
MarcOakley,DesignProjectManager
AngelGonzalez,DSBSuperintendent
CarlosAldana,DSBSuperintendent
HopeDavis,DSBProjectManager
KeithFussell,PCSSuperintendent
ZackBryant,PCSProjectManager
GIS SUBSTATION BUILDING FOR HYPERSCALE CAMPUS | LOUISVILLE, KY
Thenew5,000squarefootGIS(GasInsulated Switchgear)facilityiscurrentlyunder construction.DesignedbyDCi,theproject reflectsafocusedapproachtodeliveringa compact,high-performancebuildingtailored tospecializedelectricalinfrastructureneeds.
Thefacilitywillbepurpose-builttohouse advancedGISequipment,supportingreliable andefficienthigh-voltagepowerdistribution Thedesignemphasizessafety,operational efficiency,andlong-termdurability,aligning withtheclientscommitmenttoqualityand innovationinelectricalsystems
PROJECTTEAM:
JayEarney,Superintendent
MylesAyers,Sr.ProjectManager
PhilGaines,Asst.ProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAsst.
AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
JosephNapier,DSBAsst.Superintendent
IsaacAlvarez,DSBForeman
JasonHedge,DSBProjectManager
NicWatson,PCSSuperintendent
KyleLudwig,PCSProjectManager
BenCarraway,DCiProjectArchitect
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
Theprojectrepresentsastrategicinvestment instrengtheningelectricalinfrastructure capabilitieswithintheregion.
PROJECTS PROJECTS
COOPER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY | SHELBYVILLE, TN
PhaseIofthenewcampusisnearingcompletion ascrewsworkthroughthefinaldetailsaheadof the2026–2027schoolyear The45,000-square-foot facilitywillbecometheAcademy’sfirstpermanent home,servingapproximately190studentsin gradesK–5aspartofalarger85,000-square-foot masterplandesignedforfuturegrowth
Insidethebuilding,cabinetryisbeinginstalled whilevibranttealandorangefinishesbringthe gymnasiumandmediacentertolife Outside, sidewalksarebeingpouredandtheparkinglotis beingpreppedasthesitecontinuestotakeshape.
Oneoftheproject’smostmeaningfulmilestones wastherecentinstallationofthecampusbell withinthe80-footbelltower.Originallyforgedin the1800s,thesolidbronzebellhasbeencarefully restoredandnowstandsreadytoserveasalasting symboloftradition,community,andtheschool’s faith-basedmission.
GriffinJones,Sr Superintendent
StephanieMendoza,Sr ProjectEngineer
JamesMerritt,Sr ProjectEngineer
MikeNolan,Sr ProjectManager
AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAsst. ToryRice,DSBProjectManager
NES CENTRAL GIS SUBSTATION | NASHVILLE, TN
PROJECTTEAM:
DavidTurner,Sr Superintendent
MylesAyers,Sr ProjectManager
PhilGaines,Asst ProjectManager
Theprojectincludesmajorhigh-voltage infrastructureupgrades,featuringfournew transformersand138kVindoorswitchgearto increasecapacity,improvereliability,and supportfuturegrowthindowntownNashville andtheEastBankcorridor
Akeychallengeisbuildingthenewsubstation besideanactivefacilitythatmustremainfully operationalthroughoutconstruction,requiring carefulcoordination,sequencing,andstrict safetymeasurestoavoidserviceinterruptions.
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAsst
AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
NateLogsdon,DSBProjectExecutive
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
Theprojectalsoincludesnewunderground ductbanks,removalofoutdatedequipment, andresiliencyimprovementstoNES’s distributionnetwork,usingadesignapproach basedontherecentlycompleted11thAvenue Substation.
PROJECTTEAM:
Durable Solutions for a
capable of withstanding frequent use while supporting smooth movement of equipment and personnel through critical service areas. By coordinating closely with the project team and maintaining a solutions-focused approach throughout construction, Armory helped keep installation activities aligned with the project schedule and operational goals
The completed overhead door systems provide long-term reliability, operational efficiency, and enhanced accessibility for Thompson Machinery’s expanding operations Designed for performance and durability, the installed systems support productivity within the facility while helping create a safe and efficient working environment for service teams and equipment operators.
Installed:
Eight 20’x20’ sectional doors
Two 14’x14’ sectional doors
Supported dedicated:
Service bays
Equipment access areas
Maintenance operations
Training and operational spaces
Delivered durable, high-performance access solutions designed for long-term operational reliability
TEMA MIDDLE REGIONAL COORDINATION CENTER
Captures Construction Milestonewith Beam Signing
InMarch,wehadtheprivilegeofhostingabeamsigningfortheTennessee EmergencyManagementAgency(TEMA)MiddleRegionalCoordinationCenter& Warehouse Thismilestonetypicallymarkswhenastructurereachesitsfull height Whileconstructionprogressedquicklyandthebeamwassetbeforewe hadthechancetosignit,wewerestillgratefulfortheopportunitytocome togetherwithTEMAandGoodwynMillsCawoodtocelebratethismoment,andto signabeamthatwillremainvisibleinthefinishedEmergencyControlCenter
TheTEMAMiddleRegionalCoordinationCenterandWarehouseisamissioncriticalfacilitydesignedtostrengthenthestate’semergencypreparednessand responsecapabilities.StrategicallylocatedtoservetheMiddleTennesseeregion, theprojectconsolidateslogistics,storage,training,andoperationsintoone highlyfunctionalandresilienthub.
Attheheartofthecomplexisastate-of-the-artEmergencyOperationsCenter equippedwithadvancedcommunicationandmonitoringtechnologiesto supportcoordinatedresponseeffortsduringemergenciesandnaturaldisasters. Surroundingthiscommandcoreareclimate-controlled,high-baywarehouse spacesdesignedforthestorageandrapiddeploymentofessentialequipment, vehicles,andsupplies.
Tofurtherenhanceregionalresponsecapabilities,thefacilityalsofeaturesa helipadforrapidaerialaccess,ensuringpersonnelandresourcescanbe deployedwithoutdelay Thisadditionunderscorestheproject’sfocuson operationalreadinessandadaptabilityindynamicemergencyscenarios
Thedesignintegratesdedicatedoffices,flexibletrainingrooms,andconference areastosupportdailyoperationsandongoingpreparednessefforts These spacesallowTEMAstaffandpartneragenciestoconducttrainingexercises, simulations,andcollaborativeplanningactivitiesinsupportofstatewide emergencyresponseinitiatives
COLLEGEGROVEATHLETICFACILITY
CarlosAldana,DSBSuperintendent
ToryRice,DSBProjectManager
COOPERCHRISTIANACADEMY
GriffinJones,SeniorSuperintendent
JamesMerritt,SeniorProjectEngineer
StephanieMendoza,SeniorProjectEngineer
MikeNolan,SeniorProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
ToryRice,DSBProjectManager
KYMEA ENERGY CENTER I
NealBelcher,DSBSuperintendent
JohnPatrick,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
KyleTorrence,DSBAssistantProjectManager
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
LANDMARK FIRE WATER STORAGE TANK
ChrisAndrews,AssistantSuperintendent
MylesAyers,SeniorProjectManager
AlexGraef,AssistantProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
MattSelf,PCSSuperintendent
ZackBryant,PCSProjectManager
NES CENTRAL SUBSTATION
DavidTurner,SeniorSuperintendent
MylesAyers,SeniorProjectManager
PhilGaines,AssistantProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
AndrewZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
NateLogsdon,DSBProjectExecutive
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
NISSAN P33C PHASE I & II
JasonWatson,Superintendent
RobHoltby,Superintendent
AshlyneGilbert,ProjectEngineer
MarkWalsh,SeniorProjectManager
CraigKaraszewski,SeniorProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
LukeMaddox,ProjectExecutive
HopeDavis,DSBProjectManager
KyleLudwig,PCSProjectManager
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
NASHVILLE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
JorgeLeal,SeniorSuperintendent
JoshCoquillard,ProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
AndrewZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
JustinCochrane,ProjectExecutive
LOUISVILLE GIS SUBSTATION
JayEarney,Superintendent
MylesAyers,SeniorProjectManager
PhilGaines,AssistantProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
AndyZimmerman,ProjectExecutive
JosephNapier,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
IsaacAlvarez,DSBForeman
JasonHedge,DSBProjectManager
NicWatson,PCSSuperintendent
KyleLudwig,PCSProjectManager
BenCarraway,DCiProjectArchitect
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
BLACK DOG STORAGE
BlakeMeacham,DSBAssistantProjectManager
PROJECT MUSTANG
JasonPowell,Superintendent
TravisMcDaniel,AssistantSuperintendent
ChristianBrinkley,SeniorProjectEngineer
JohnFrench,SeniorProjectManager
SteveMignoli,ProjectManager
LeeAnnWatson,ProjectManagementAssistant
AndrewByrd,ProjectExecutive
JasonHedge,DSBProjectManager
DaleWallace,PCSSuperintendent
ZackBryant,PCSProjectManager
CraigPolancich,DCiSeniorDesignProjectManager
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
QUANTUM RISE
JeffWaggoner,DSBSeniorSuperintendent
CliffManley,DSBSeniorSuperintendent
DonnieHiers,DSBSuperintendent
JavierSalazar,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
JoeSalazar,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
RubenSalazar,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
GarretSmith,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
LukeBoyd,ProjectEngineer
ThomasWest,DSBProjectEngineer
TonyMartinez,DSBFieldEngineer
TonyEnriquez,SafetyEngineer
RonParish,SafetyEngineer
HaydenBecknal,SafetyEngineer
ToryRice,DSBProjectManager
BrianKerzel,DSBProjectManager
MyraHiers,DSBAdministrativeAssistant
NateLogsdon,DSBProjectExecutive
DawnBogens,ProjectManagementAsst.
TEMA MIDDLE REGIONAL COORDINATION
CENTER
& WAREHOUSE
MichaelLeahey,SeniorSuperintendent
GeorgeCrenshaw,AssistantSuperintendent
ChristianBrinkley,SeniorProjectEngineer
MarkWalsh,SeniorProjectManagement
AmyWhiffen,ProjectManagementAssistant LukeMaddox,ProjectExecutive
THOMPSON STATION CHURCH
JasonHedge,ProjectManager
AmyWhiffen,ProjectManagementAssistant
JustinCochrane,ProjectExecutive
TMMAL CHILDCARE FACILITY
AngelGonzalez,DSBAssistantSuperintendent
HopeDavis,DSBProjectManager
WEGMANN AUTOMOTIVE EXPANSION
AlexMartin,Superintendent
SamiaSmith,ProjectEngineer
JayMcGinnis,ProjectManager
AmyWhiffen,ProjectManagementAssistant
JustinCochrane,ProjectExecutive
AngelGonzalez,DSBSuperintendent
CarlosAldana,DSBSuperintendent
HopeDavis,DSBProjectManager
KeithFussell,PCSSuperintendent
ZackBryant,PCSProjectManager
MarcOakley,DCiDesignProjectManager
WCK7A SPROUTS JV
DelPerry,DSBSuperintendent
AngelGonzalez,DSBSuperintendent
DersimYasin,DSBProjectEngineer
HopeDavis,DSBProjectManager
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
THE VILLAGE AT CHURCH OF THE CITY
ScottPeterson,SeniorSuperintendent
LoganSchaible,AssistantSuperintendent
MikeNolan,SeniorProjectManager
JakeGarren,AssistantProjectManager
AmyWhiffen,ProjectManagementAssistant LukeMaddox,ProjectExecutive
JimShelby,ArmorySuperintendent
BradEvans,ArmoryProjectManager
TEMA Middle Regional Coordination Center & Warehouse
Cooper Christian Academy
The Village at COTC
Design-build project delivery is hardly the new kid on
the construction block It’s been widely used in the
U S since the 1990s, with roots stretching back to
the 1950s And yet, many owners still approach it the
way one might approach a software update:
cautiously, skeptically, and wondering about
unintended consequences
Every successful project depends on three
essential stakeholders, what the industry
sometimes calls the “triumvirate, ” and what I
prefer to call the “three-legged stool ” Have one
leg that isn’t aligned and the stool wobbles
The Owner has the vision and the need, but of course doesn’t design buildings or pour concrete for a living
The Architect blends art and science to
create thoughtful, functional spaces, though they don’t live and breathe subcontractor pricing or supply chain fluctuations.
The Contractor brings the expertise to execute the vision, turning drawings into reality while navigating labor, material costs, and schedules
Traditionally, projects follow the design-bid-build
method The owner hires an architect The architect designs the project and produces drawings
Contractors bid competitively The lowest bidder wins
On paper, this sounds wonderfully efficient, like a welloiled procurement machine
In practice? It often goes something like this:
The bids come in and they exceed the owner’s
budget Now begins an all too familiar ritual: value
engineering The architect and contractor review
the design and associated costs The owner
evaluates what stays and what goes The design
team heads back to the drawing (key)board to
produce a more affordable version The contractor
reprices it Time passes and schedules tighten
Stress levels rise
Unfortunately, the owner’s desired completion
date rarely moves. So, while the start date slides
the finish line remains fixed, which means the construction team must compress time because
they should have been building while the team was analyzing costs and redesigning the project.
Another common byproduct of design-bid-build?
During bidding, contractors typically exclude everything not explicitly shown in the drawings, even if it’s required to complete the project Why?
Because the bid process rewards lean assumptions, and including costs that others
leave out is not a competitive strategy
Those “missing” items tend to reappear later as
change orders, and often as a surprise At that
point, the architect and contractor may find
themselves in an uncomfortable dynamic, each
protecting their respective positions What follows
can resemble a corporate version of a family
dinner debate: lots of explaining, not much
agreement, and occasionally, finger-pointing.
Design-build changes the structure entirely.
Under design-build delivery, the architect and contractor operate as a unified team under a single contract with the owner One team One agreement One shared objective: deliver a building that meets the owner’s needs, aligns with their budget, and is completed on schedule
From the earliest stages, the team aligns around two immovable truths: budget and schedule, and these become the project’s north star. Instead of discovering cost conflicts after the design is complete, the team makes informed decisions in real time. Pricing, constructability, and design intent evolve together and not sequentially.
I’ve practiced architecture for thirty years and have worked in design-build delivery since 2004. I’ve also been involved in more than my share of traditional design-bid-build projects. Frequently, I hear owners say they prefer the traditional method because they want someone “looking out for their interests, ” believe competitive bidding guarantees the lowest cost, or are wary of having a single point of responsibility
Ironically, I often see those same owners disappointed because the building isn’t quite what they envisioned, the final cost exceeds expectations, or the schedule slips
The real key to design-build success isn’t simply the contract structure, it’s the relationship. When architects and contractors have built trust over years of collaboration, the partnership is more than a contractual convenience and the results are markedly different. The team operates with shared accountability, shared transparency, and shared purpose.
Design-build doesn’t eliminate risk, because no project delivery method can What it does though is place responsibility for managing that risk in the hands of the people best equipped to handle it together
And when that alignment happens from day one, the three-legged stool doesn’t wobble It stands strong
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CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK 2026
Thisyear’sSafetyWeektheme,AllinTogether,centeredon threepillars:Recognize,Respond,Respect Itcallsfordeeper engagement,amindsetofcontinuousimprovement,and sharedaccountabilitythroughcollaborationwithour industrypartners
RECOGNIZE
Effectivecontrolscanonlybeimplementedwhenhazards areproperlyrecognized.
RESPOND
Whatwedoonceahazardisrecognized,notreactingafter somethinggoeswrong,butactinginadvancetopreventit fromcausingharm.
RESPECT
Respectingtheplanismorethanfollowinginstructionsit'saboutcreatingacultureofsafetywhereeveryworker feelsempoweredtospeakup,useStopWorkAuthority, andcollaborateopenly.
AspartofSafetyWeek,T.W.Frierson’sexecutiveteamvisited jobsitesacrossthecompanytopersonallythankourfield employeesfortheircontinuedcommitmenttosafetyand teamwork.Breakfastandswagitemsweredeliveredtoeach siteasasmalltokenofappreciationforthehardworkour employeeownersputineveryday
Throughouttheweek,wealsohostedfourhands-onsafety demonstrationsfocusedonkeytopics,includinghydration awareness-weintroducedournewhydrationpackets, Vitaera,electronictourniquetuse,andfallprotection These demonstrationsprovidedemployeeswithpractical informationandreinforcedtheimportanceofstaying preparedandprotectedonthejobsite.
Fall Protection Demo at Project Mustang
Hydration Demo at Cooper Christian Academy
Electronic Tourniquet Demo at Cooper Christian Academy
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR RELIABLE POWER INFRASTRUCTURE
ProfessionalConcreteSolutions(PCS)playedacriticalroleinthe constructionofaconfidentialhyperscalecampusGIS(GasInsulated Switchgear)facilityinLouisville,Kentucky.DesignedbyDCi,the approximately5,000squarefootbuildingispurpose-builttosupport advancedhigh-voltageelectricalinfrastructureessentialtoreliable powerdistributionacrossthecampus.
Workingoutoftownunderanacceleratedschedule,thePCScrew successfullydeliveredacomplexconcretepackagethatrequired precisioncoordination,adaptability,andastrongcommitmenttoquality execution.Theprojectincludedspreadfootings,piers,slab-on-grade work,andaspecializedexteriorpitfeaturing8-foot-tallwallsdesignedto supportcriticalinfrastructurerequirements.
Oneoftheproject’suniquechallengesinvolvedtheslab-on-gradescope, whichincorporatedmultipletrenchesthatrequiredseparatepours To maintainscheduleandqualitystandards,theteamdevelopedand implementedacustomformworksolutiontailoredspecificallytothe project’slayoutandsequencingdemands
Despitetheaggressivetimeline,thePCSteamcompletedthefinalslab pouronscheduleatthesix-weekmark,atestamenttothecrew’s planning,craftsmanship,andexecutioninademandingout-of-town environment
Thecompletedfacilitywillsupportreliableandefficienthigh-voltage powerdistributionwhileemphasizingoperationalsafety,durability,and long-termperformance.PCS’scontributionhelpedadvanceakey infrastructureinvestmentdesignedtostrengthentheregion’sgrowing digitalandelectricalcapabilities.
Spreadfootings
Concretepiers
Slab-on-grade(SOG)
Exteriorpitwith8-foot-tallwalls
Developedcustomformworksolution forseparatelypouredtrenchsections Completedfinalslabpouronschedule withinsixweeks
Questions? Contact Madison at mmaroney@twfrierson com
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