We’re excited to welcome Barge Design Solutions, Inc. as our newest member. To tell us more about the organization, we spoke to Ray Spangler, Chief Technology Officer for Barge Design Solutions, Inc..

What is the Mission of Barge Design Solutions, Inc.?

Barge’s purpose is to create a better life by unleashing the potential of our people, clients, and communities. Our vision is to be the firm best known for being selected when it matters the most. Success towards these aims looks like being a trusted consultant with both returning and new clients, sought after not just for our technical skills, but also for our commitments to collaboration, communication, and relationships.

What solutions does Barge Design Solutions, Inc. provide its customers?

As a multi-disciplinary engineering and architecture firm, we are comprised of engineers, architects, landscape architects, geologists, environmental scientists, planners, surveyors, engineering technicians, and CADD and GIS specialists. Our staff of over 400 serves clients nationwide from 17 offices located in Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. Barge provides multidisciplinary engineering (civil, transportation, mechanical, electrical, structural, hydrologic/ hydraulic, and environmental) and architectural services from conception to completion for a wide variety of public and private infrastructure projects. From topographic and boundary surveys to roundabout design; master planning to structural engineering; permitting assistance to establishing an information management system for a utility; Barge places a strong focus on providing cost-effective, high-quality solutions to our clients’ short- and long-term needs.

What kinds of services does Barge Design Solutions, Inc. offer?

Barge Design Solutions, Inc., is an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in-house multi-disciplinary practice areas. The employee-owned company is 400+ people strong and serves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is consistently ranked among Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms, Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms, and recognized by Great Place To Work®.

What is the primary reason your organization decided to join the NTC?

IT networks are becoming the next “utility,” and network connectivity is engrained into everything we imagine. We are focused on strategically positioning our firm to identify new possibilities for how we develop and deploy technologies that create value to our clients, differentiate us in the marketplace, and expand our client portfolio into the telecommunication sector. We believe being a member of NTC will assist in our efforts by providing opportunities to network with technology leaders, gain insight into the local technology landscape, and research other avenues of community involvement.

What fun facts would you like to share about Barge Design Solutions, Inc.?

Barge is committed to caring for the communities in which we live, work, and serve. The Community Fund was established to support these efforts. Twice each year Barge opens applications for non-profits to receive Community Fund Grants. Over $340,000 has been donated to employee-nominated, 501(c)3 charitable organizations since 2014.
These grants are primarily given to organizations surrounding our 17 offices because Barge encourages employees to view grants as an extension of the work they are already doing in their communities. Barge wishes to support our communities not just financially through the Community Fund, but also with our time, energy, and skills through employee involvement. Employees can participate in the Community Fund by donating with either one-time gifts or by payroll deductions. Employees can also nominate a non-profit they are involved in for a grant in the spring and fall of each year by completing a grant application. The application process involves the non-profit organization as well, encouraging intentional participation from our employees. Barge matches 100% of employee contributions throughout the year.

While the Community Fund gives most of their grants during the spring and fall application cycles, we also strive to be present in the wake of natural disasters and unexpected events. In the beginning of March 2020, multiple tornados left paths of destruction in two of the communities in which we have offices: Nashville and Chattanooga. Following these devastating events, we granted $5,000 each to the American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee and the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund to assist in the aftermath. As our nation dealt with the results of stay-at-home orders and various restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Fund awarded a total of $35,000 in grants in May 2020 to organizations contributing to COVID-19 relief efforts across our footprint. The majority of selected organizations were food banks, religious institutions, or farmers markets providing food to community members.

Barge is proud to have employees with such generous spirits, and our hope is that the Community Fund can come alongside them in their individual pursuits.

Thanks Ray for helping us to learn more about Barge Design Solutions, Inc.!