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Sproles explains that they’ve recently completed several projects across the country that have utilized creative solutions that meet the goal of both form and function. One such project was the new Science and Innovation Center at Rivier University in New Hampshire. It all started as a result of a comprehensive campus master plan. As part of implementing the overall campus plan, Derck & Edson programmed and designed a beautiful building that was functional and met the needs for the nursing and other healthcare and science programs while also providing elegant, creative, and engaging solutions to their challenges and needs. For example, the building was placed at a key intersection to create a new first impression of the campus and addresses stormwater management needs by incorporating attractive rain gardens alongside an outdoor teaching plaza. “As you might imagine, higher education is a very competitive space as institutions work to maintain or even grow their enrollment,” Sproles says. “Our role as planners and designers who can create long-term plans as well as improve indoor and outdoor spaces is very much in demand.” Clients are having to make sure their campuses are aesthetically appealing to a young and very demanding clientele, and staff at Derck & Edson enjoy the challenge of understanding that unique culture and designing spaces accordingly. Likewise, within the athletics market – for higher education as well as private entities – physical spaces can bring a competitive advantage. “Our firm thrives on creating interior and exterior experiences that best align with the institutions they represent,” he says. Derck & Edson also thrives on moving business and projects forward. “In essence, if you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward,” he says. “We’ve always worked hard to understand that business today cannot stand still. We’re “We’re constantly anticipating and embracing new ways of doing things – incorporating technology, and working to stay ahead of the curve – which allows us to be competitive with much larger national firms.”
constantly anticipating and embracing new ways of doing things – incorporating technology, and working to stay ahead of the curve – which allows us to be competitive with much larger national firms.” “If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backward. We’ve always worked hard to understand that business today cannot stand still.” In addition to understanding where and how they fit into the big picture, Derck & Edson leadership also stay on top of how the firm is doing financially. They established parameters for valuation a few years ago. Now they work with an outside consultant and review the methodology with them periodically and adjust if needed. “We use these agreed upon formulas to update the value in-house every year,” he says. And as a firm leader, Sproles says he’s constantly working on balancing the business side of things with the creative. He says he’s always been drawn to the profession because of the variety of directions you can go with the degree. “Some programs are very focused on plant material, biodiversity, and the natural/ environmental aspects of our profession, while others are focused more on broad scale planning aspects,” he says. “Whichever end of the spectrum you choose to focus your career, you have a broad understanding of it all and can use that to inform your designs, no matter how detailed or broad your project might be.” He believes that most design professional principals are typically first and foremost designers, always wanting to have a hand in creating the solution, but he also understands the need to focus more on the business, growth, strategy, and mentoring. “I’m getting better, but still like engaging with the design team, hearing the clients’ needs and trying to solve their problems with creative solutions,” he says. Derck & Edson have clients from all around the country, and while the pandemic did throw a bit of a wrench into overall habits, they had a solid base to build on. Prior to COVID, they were already using web-based
HEADQUARTERS:
Lititz, PA
NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEES: 35
YEAR FOUNDED: 1940
OFFICE LOCATIONS: 3
MARKETS:
Higher education
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Urban/downtown
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Athletics
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SERVICES:
Planning
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Architecture
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Landscape
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architecture
Civil engineering
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Interior Design
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EXPANSION: Once a
regional firm, Derck &
Edson now serves clients
See MOTIVATOR, page 8
from Maine to Texas.
© Copyright 2023. Zweig Group. All rights reserved.
UARY 16, 2023, ISSUE 1472
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