We’re so honored to have been named Small Business of the Year for Norfolk! This honor is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. A decade of growth, challenges overcome, and building something we’re truly proud of in Hampton Roads.
None of this would be possible without our incredible clients, talented collaborators, and dedicated team. Your trust and partnership have been the foundation of our journey.
CoVaBiz also featured the winner firms in their magazine with an interview. Scroll down to see more!
What inspired you to start this business?
We started GARC because we deeply believe in the power of thoughtful design to elevate everyday life. After decades in the industry, we wanted the freedom to explore diverse project types and approach each one as a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s a public space, adaptive reuse, or a custom home, our work is guided by curiosity, design excellence, and the desire to make our community better through the built environment.
What are the core values that drive your business decisions?
At GARC, our business decisions are driven by values that keep us focused and intentional. We prioritize design integrity, community impact, and deep collaboration. Lifelong learning through research helps us continuously improve and stay curious. We integrate sustainability and wellness into our work, not as add-ons but as essential components. And above all, we believe in building lasting relationships, choosing long-term value over short-term gains.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
One of the biggest early challenges was earning client trust, especially for project types we hadn’t yet completed. We also had to wear every hat—design, marketing, business development, even IT and HR—while learning to run a firm in real time. We often say that starting GARC felt like designing our own blueprint, brick by brick, through resilience and vision.
How do you differentiate your business from competitors in your industry?
We differentiate GARC through our research-driven, user-centered approach. Our name reflects this philosophy—GARC is short for G Architecture and Research Collaboration, where the ‘G’ can represent Group, Green, or Global, because we think broadly and work collaboratively. We dig deeper into each project’s context and constraints to uncover thoughtful solutions. We actively engage clients throughout the design process to ensure outcomes truly reflect their needs and aspirations.
What are some key factors that have contributed to your success?
Our success comes from a combination of hard work, resilience, and staying true to our mission: creating meaningful design that enhances everyday life. Building a small firm from the ground up has taken grit and persistence. We’ve grown by forming strong relationships, managing risks with care, and staying personally involved in every project to ensure consistency, quality, and trust.
How do you give back to the communities you serve?
Beyond designing spaces that bring long-term value to the communities we serve, we also engage through volunteerism and advocacy. GARC is a corporate partner of Virginia Zoo. Our president serves on City of Norfolk’s Architectural Review Board and is active in several civic and professional organizations to help elevate our region’s built environment. For us, being good neighbors, mentors, and environmental stewards is just as important as good design.
What’s your go-to source of inspiration when you hit a creative or motivational slump?
When we hit a creative or motivational slump, we turn to nature and community. Nature helps us step back, clear our minds, and gain perspective—it reminds us of the bigger picture beyond daily pressures. Community grounds us. It reconnects us with real-life challenges and the people we’re designing for. Together, they help us reset, think more clearly, and find inspiration to solve problems in ways that are both imaginative and practical.
If your business were a person, how would you describe its personality?
Curious, thoughtful, resilient, nimble, and quietly impactful. It listens before it speaks. It sees potential in overlooked places. It’s humble, collaborative, and creative. It’s someone who thrives in both art studios and construction sites—and loves bringing people together to make something meaningful.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, just start. Let your grand vision chart the course, but build momentum through focused, manageable steps. Be persistent, surround yourself with people who share your values, and learn by doing. Build something that’s a reflection of who you are, not just what’s trending. And most importantly, take care of yourself, your well-being fuels your creativity and clarity, which are essential for the long haul.