For this month’s retail architect Q & A, we sat down with Chris Goble, Chief Executive Officer and President of SGA Design Group. Chris is a LEED Accredited Professional, a member of the American Institute of Architects, NCARB certified, and a licensed architect in multiple states across the U.S. We caught up with Chris and discussed a broad range of topics from sustainable architecture and retail design to the Panama Canal.
1. In your own words, describe SGA’s approach to sustainable architecture and retail design.
Prove it – SGA’s approach to sustainable architecture is based on the idea that every decision about what component goes into a building should be quantifiable and should meet the unique needs of our clients. Each client has different needs and business goals and it’s our responsibility to provide choices and options that can be quantified as real cost savings and/or energy savings.
2. What parallels exist between retail design and sustainable architecture?
Volume and size matter – SGA works with a lot of major retailers that have the ability to realize economy of scale both on the purchasing side and the energy savings side. As an example, purchasing a single LED light bulb will cost approx. $1.50, but if you’re buying several hundred thousand, the savings in both operating costs and procurement increases exponentially.
3. In what significant ways does SGA bring value to projects?
Lagniappe – a little something extra. Beyond being technically competent and providing world class service, it is that little something extra we try to do each day to remove pain or obstacles for our clients so they can be successful.
4. Is there an exotic destination you hope to visit someday?
The Panama Canal. The history coupled with the recent expansion and the magnitude of that construction project is almost unimaginable.
5. Before working at SGA, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
One summer during high school, I worked sweeping the shop floors and delivering HVAC components to project sites at McIntosh Heating & Air. I also got to produce shop drawings and learned quickly that I would rather be working inside rather than outside.