Garvin Design Group’s culture is built on our commitment to being great colleagues and neighbors. Our team members work on all project types, building experience and expertise across various scales and markets.  Our open studio fosters dialogue among staff and creates the warm, fun, congenial atmosphere that characterizes our firm. Young designers are constantly engaged with senior team members, encouraged in their professional development through positive mentorship that is mutually beneficial.

And we are proud of the positive impact our firm has had on communities throughout the state. In addition to designing landmark projects, we have contributed time and funding to myriad worthy causes and organizations. Our teammates are proud partners and supporters of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, AIA, Historic Columbia, Leadership Columbia, the Urban Land Institute, Oliver Gospel Mission, Executive Association of Greater Columbia, and Clemson Architectural Foundation, among many others. Garvin Design Group staff serve on PTO boards, mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, help plan local festivals, and raise money for athletic events in support of cancer research. We stay busy in the studio and take that energy beyond our walls.

We work hard but have never let go of having fun. Our office calendar is punctuated by traditions old and new. At various times of the year you can find us roving the South Carolina State Fair, taking in the sights and bites at the Greek Festival in Columbia, relaxing on the lake at Steve’s house, doing Christmas up in style, and throwing impromptu pizza lunches on the back deck of our office. Our annual firm retreat in Charleston provides a cherished weekend of downtime and team building.

Simply stated, our firm is special.  It is unique.  It is family.  We love what we do, and we love the people we get to do it with day in and day out.