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When Casey’s General Stores began acquiring convenience store locations across the country, their team needed accurate site data and a reliable way to evaluate each building quickly. Every store was different, and before moving forward, they had to understand the existing layout, equipment, and overall condition of each space. They also needed to determine whether the store could be updated to match their current standards, including adding their signature full pizza kitchen.

In the past, gathering this kind of information meant sending a large team to each location to manually measure the building. This process often took several days and could disrupt normal store operations. It also left room for error, since measurements taken by hand are not always precise. With a high volume of potential acquisitions, this approach slowed down decision-making and increased costs.

SGA Design Group helped solve this problem by using advanced site services technology to capture accurate data in a much more efficient way. Instead of relying on manual measurements, a small field team used 3D laser scanning to document each store in a single visit. The scans created a detailed digital model of the building, along with a virtual walkthrough that allowed the client and project team to explore the space without needing to be there in person.

This approach made a noticeable difference right away. The field team could gather more detailed information in less time, and with far fewer people on site. The scanning technology also improved accuracy, capturing measurements within a quarter inch, which is a significant improvement over traditional methods. Because all of the data was collected during one visit, the team did not need to return to the site, saving both time and money.

With access to accurate as-built drawings, virtual tours, and detailed documentation, the Casey’s team was able to review each location quickly and make informed decisions about whether to move forward with the acquisition. They could evaluate store layouts, understand how equipment was arranged, and assess accessibility requirements without interrupting daily operations. At the same time, SGA’s design team could begin developing remodel plans earlier in the process, helping to keep projects on schedule.

The detailed data also made it easier for multiple teams to work together. Designers, consultants, and client stakeholders could all access the same information and coordinate their efforts more effectively. This reduced delays, limited the need for additional site visits, and helped prevent costly surprises during construction.

By combining architectural expertise with advanced site documentation technology, SGA helped Casey’s move faster and with more confidence during a high-volume acquisition program. What used to take days of field work and repeated trips to the site could now be completed in a single visit, with better accuracy and less disruption to the business. For a program that depended on speed and consistency, having reliable data from the start made all the difference.

If you are a high-volume retailer managing acquisitions, remodels, or multi-site rollouts, having accurate data from the start can make a major difference in your timeline and costs. SGA Design Group works with national clients to create site services solutions that fit their program needs and help projects move forward with confidence. Contact us today to start a conversation about how we can support your next phase of growth.

 

SGA Design Group is proud to announce the full integration of GreenLight 360, a subsidiary company launched six years ago to provide advanced laser scanning and reality capture solutions. Moving forward, GreenLight 360’s services and team will operate as part of SGA Design Group under a new Site Services division, strengthening SGA’s ability to deliver accurate, efficient, and data-driven solutions to clients nationwide.

This integration represents the next step in SGA’s ongoing commitment to innovation and service excellence. By bringing GreenLight 360’s expertise in laser scanning and as-built documentation in-house, SGA Design Group clients will benefit from a seamless process from site documentation through design and construction, supported by the same experienced professionals they already know and trust.

“GreenLight 360 has been a valuable partner in helping our clients make informed decisions with reliable site data,” said Chris Goble, President and CEO of SGA Design Group. “This move allows us to deliver even greater efficiency and consistency by uniting our teams under one brand.”

For existing GreenLight 360 clients, nothing changes about who to contact or how projects are managed. The same team members will continue to provide high-quality scanning, modeling, and documentation services as part of SGA’s Site Services team.

As SGA’s new Site Services team, this group will continue to support architects, developers, and retailers with accurate as-built data that enhances project speed, precision, and coordination.

About SGA Design Group

SGA Design Group, headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a national architecture firm specializing in retail and distribution projects. With offices in Tulsa, Bentonville, Oklahoma City, and a Denver group, SGA provides a full range of design, program management, and integrated site services across all 50 states. Visit out About page to learn more.

SGA Design Group is proud to share that we have been recognized in the 2025 national rankings published by Building Design + Construction. This year, our firm earned placement on two of the publication’s most respected industry lists.

For 2025, SGA Design Group ranked:

These rankings reflect the continued growth of our national practice and the trust our clients place in us to deliver consistent, high-quality architectural solutions across multiple markets and project types.

Recognition for Industrial Design Leadership

Our Top 10 ranking among industrial architecture firms highlights a year of strong performance in distribution, logistics, and industrial facility design. Our teams support clients with efficient design processes, repeatable solutions, and a deep understanding of how industrial buildings function operationally.

“This recognition is a direct result of the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our project teams,” said Jeff Dalton, Principal at SGA Design Group. “Our focus has always been on creating efficient, buildable solutions that support our clients’ long-term growth.”

Continued Strength in Retail Architecture

Earning a Top 20 ranking on the retail architecture list reinforces SGA Design Group’s long-standing expertise in high-volume retail programs. We work closely with national brands to develop adaptable prototypes, streamline rollout programs, and navigate permitting and construction across both urban and rural markets.

Our retail clients value our ability to scale efficiently while remaining responsive to brand standards, local requirements, and evolving business needs.

Built on Relationships and Results

These recognitions are made possible by the dedication of our employees, the collaboration of our partners, and the confidence our clients place in us year after year. We are grateful for those relationships and excited to build on this momentum as we continue supporting retail and industrial clients nationwide.

How Do We Know Our Clients Love Working With Us?

We will be honest, at SGA Design Group, we do not love pestering our clients with satisfaction surveys, but the feedback we do have speaks volumes: repeat business from our clients, trust with their most challenging projects, and requests to share our expertise with other firms.

Repeat Business Speaks for Itself

One of the clearest signs that our clients are satisfied is that they come back to us repeatedly. As soon as one project wraps up, we often see multiple other projects lined up with the same client. That kind of trust doesn’t happen overnight – it’s built on consistently delivering quality design solutions that save time, streamline operations, and ultimately translate to real dollars saved and earned. After 30 years in business, we are proud to say that 99% of projects are with repeat clients.

Clients Trust Us with Their Toughest Challenges

Our clients don’t just give us easy assignments. They ask us to take on high-priority test projects, often with extremely short timelines. They trust us because they know we’ll pull together the right team, leveraging our strong network of consultants, to deliver results on schedule. Whether it’s integrating new technologies, exploring innovative deliverables, or even preparing for something as forward-looking as 3D-printed construction, our team is ready to adapt and deliver.

When every time our clients need to speak with an architect, we’re able to answer the phone and address their needs in a competent and timely manner, they start to notice the impact that has on making their life a little bit easier. If our entire team has a clear understanding of their role and the influence they have on the overall success of a project, we function with a healthy sense of urgency. Being available and responsive is a key part of our client care approach.

Sharing Knowledge for the Greater Good

Another strong indicator of client satisfaction is that our expertise is recognized beyond individual projects. For example, SGA recently led a training session for other architecture firms that also support one of our valued clients. Why? Because our clients recognize the high quality of our work and they are striving to raise the bar across the entire program. We are not only open to this collaboration – we thrive on it. We’re also willing to provide peer reviews for a retailer’s existing program to help improve workflows and results.

Navigating Branding and Approvals with Ease

Branding is a top priority for many of our clients, and sometimes when they update their brand guidelines, the stores can’t be rebranded fast enough. That’s why we’ve become experts at working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to secure approvals that align with brand standards. This ability to negotiate effectively ensures that projects stay on track, while still honoring the identity and goals of the brand.

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Efficiency

Operational efficiency is always top of mind in retail design, and that’s where our work truly shines. From adapting layouts for Online Pickup and Delivery (a topic we explored in a 2021 blog) to pioneering new approaches with vendors and technology partners, our designs are focused on creating spaces that work smarter. Every efficiency we help build into a store translates to measurable financial impact – whether that’s a reduction in operation expenses or opportunities for increased revenue.

Why Our Clients Keep Coming Back

When you put it all together, the reason our clients keep choosing SGA Design Group becomes clear:

  • Quality they trust.
  • A willingness to learn and innovate.
  • Being available and responsive.
  • Collaboration that extends beyond our own walls.

We’re proud that our work is not only shaping spaces but also strengthening the partnerships that make retail design successful. Our clients’ confidence in us is the best proof of satisfaction we could ask for.

We’re excited to announce that SGA Design Group has been ranked #61 on Building Design + Construction’s Top 180 Architecture Firms for 2025, up from #82 last year. This annual list recognizes U.S. architecture firms for their excellence and impact, and we’re proud to see our continued growth acknowledged.

SGA Design Group is a leading retail architecture firm that’s licensed in all 50 states with an expanding industrial team serving clients nationwide. From prototype development to construction administration, we help clients navigate every stage of the design process. Our work spans high-volume retail, convenience stores, health & wellness facilities, and industrial projects, delivering functional, efficient, and forward-thinking design solutions.

Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with offices in Bentonville, AR, and Oklahoma City, OK, SGA has been in business for 30 years, completing hundreds of projects annually. Our team stays at the forefront of industry trends, including online grocery pickup adaptations, self-checkout innovations, and automation integration for warehouses and distribution centers.

Why This Matters to Our Clients

Being ranked in the top third of this list reflects both our bench strength and our commitment to client relationships. A firm of our size has the capacity to handle large-scale, high-volume programs and meet tight deadlines while still maintaining a hands-on, personalized approach. We prioritize understanding each client’s unique needs and providing thoughtful, tailored solutions for every project, ensuring quality and consistency across all engagements. It’s why our clients keep trusting us with projects year after year.

We’re grateful to our clients, partners, and employees for helping us achieve this recognition. If you’re looking for a partner who combines expertise, reliability, and personalized service, we invite you to explore opportunities with SGA Design Group.

When choosing an architecture firm for national rollouts or large-scale commercial projects, licensing isn’t just a formality – it’s a necessity. Nationwide licensure makes it possible for firms to handle projects across multiple states with ease. At SGA Design Group, we are proud to be part of an elite group of firms with architects licensed in 50 states and the District of Columbia, positioning us to serve clients wherever we’re needed.

Nationwide Licensure: A Rare Distinction

Only a small percentage, estimated around 1.5%* of U.S. architecture firms hold active licensure across the entire country. Achieving this commitment to providing professional architectural services is no small feat; it requires diligence, experience, and a deep understanding of state-specific regulations. Whether you’re managing a multi-site retail program, expanding to new markets, or developing nationwide prototypes, SGA Design Group is ready to support your architectural needs coast to coast.

Why Multi-State Licensure Matters to Clients

For companies operating in multiple states – such as larger retailers, developers, and national brands – working with an architecture firm licensed across the United States offers:

  • Speed and Flexibility: Avoid delays caused by finding local partners in each region.
  • Consistency: Unified design, documentation, project standards and ease of communication across all your locations.
  • Reliability: A proven track record of meeting compliance standards nationwide.
Understanding Architectural Licensing Requirements

Acquiring an architectural license in some states can take longer than your design or permitting process. That means your regional firm might not be able to grow with you as quickly as your expansion plans demand.

Each state has its own rules. For example, Texas has TDLR, Florida has hurricane zones and NOA’s, and California has seismic zones, just to name a few.  At SGA, we have provided work in all 50 states and understand all these unique building requirements.

Our compliance team manages these complexities, so you can keep your projects moving without delays.

Compliance You Can Count On

At SGA Design Group, we’ve built systems, workflows and partnerships to ensure our licenses remain in good standing across all jurisdictions. From permit submittals to jurisdictional approvals, we’re prepared to meet every requirement – so you can focus on growing your business and avoid project delays.

Ready to Build?

If you’re looking for an architecture firm with nationwide licensure, experience, and capacity to scale with your business, let’s talk. SGA Design Group is your go-to partner for architecture services across the United States. Visit our Markets page to learn more.

 

*Based on data compiled by NCARB By the Numbers: 2024 and the AIA Firm Survey Report 2024

Principal Jeff Dalton, AIA, NCARB, started at SGA Design Group in 2010, and after a brief hiatus exploring other career options he returned in 2015, and is celebrating his last 10 years of excellence at our firm. Today, we asked him for some insight into his tenure and this is what he shared in our recent Q&A with Principal Jeff Dalton.

Question: How do you cultivate a culture of mentorship and leadership within your teams?

Answer: I continue to reinforce to each team member the idea of growing and learning each and every day. I myself am learning and developing each day, be it technical or on the people side of the business. There is always an opportunity to grow if it is viewed with a growth mindset.

Question: How would you describe the leadership culture at SGA, and how does it support career advancement for architects and designers?

Answer: We continue to support the next generation of architects within SGA, with different opportunities, learning objectives, and 1 on 1 meetings to be available. There is never a question that shouldn’t be asked to facilitate the growth mindset.

Question: What was the trajectory/timeline for the promotions you received as you moved from Associate to Principal?

Answer: After returning to SGA in August 2015, I became an associate at the beginning of 2017 and then became a senior associate at the beginning of 2018. I was then promoted to a Principal / Shareholder the beginning of 2022.

Question: What new opportunities do you see emerging for young architects or aspiring leaders in the next 5-10 years, and how can they prepare for these changes?

Answer: The future and the opportunity is here now and will continue to remain as we seek to expand on new work sectors and clients. The diversification within the firm for larger retail clients, QSR and distribution center work is continuing onward. Everyone has the opportunity to improve if they exhibit the will and drive to learn and grow each day.

Question: What are some of your favorite clients you have worked with through the years?

Answer: I’ve partnered with BSRO, Casey’s and several others. I enjoy fostering and developing personal relationships with our client contacts and helping their programs be successful.

Question: What are you looking forward to in the future in your role at SGA?

Answer: At the moment, the opportunities feel limitless – as we continue to build upon what has been created over the last 30 years and continue to grow both in number of employees and diversification of clients.

Question: What kind of projects do you see yourself and your team working on more in the future at SGA?

Answer: Right now, there is a large push for raw space in the ever-moving retail game. There is support of current and new clients, as well as the potential expansion for the design of data centers and cold storage facilities.

SGA Design Group placed #11 for Retail Design Firms in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook in 2025. This annual list highlights the top U.S. retail design firms based on revenue from the previous year, and we’re honored to be recognized among some of the best.

SGA is a leading retail architectural firm in the U.S., specializing in high volume programs for the retail, c-store, health & wellness, and industrial markets. From architectural prototype development to construction administration, we assist our clients with all stages of the design process.

SGA Design Group is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with additional offices in Bentonville, Arkansas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and employees in 11 different states.

We are licensed in all 50 states and have completed more than 7,000 projects; so our team is well-versed in every aspect of retail design. This includes the latest industry trends such as online grocery pickup adaptations, self-checkout innovations, and cold storage solutions and robotics system integration for warehouse and distribution centers.

If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a top-ranked architectural firm, we invite you to explore opportunities on our careers page.

We’re proud to share that SGA Design Group was ranked on the 2025 Hot Firm List by Zweig Group as one of the fastest growing firms in the industry! This prestigious list recognizes the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) companies in the United States and Canada. Rankings are based on a combined score of percentage and dollar amount revenue growth over a three-year period.

This recognition reflects SGA’s continued strength, growth, and resilience in the AEC industry. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you and congratulations to the incredible clients and team members who have helped make this possible. And congratulations to all the other outstanding firms on the list, we’re excited to continue the momentum together and make a lasting impact.

We’re honored to be included in this year’s Hot Firm List and look forward to continued success with our partners and clients.

As SGA Design Group marks its 30th anniversary in the design industry, we’re proud to announce our inclusion in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms of 2025. This annual list highlights the top 500 design firms in the U.S. based on revenue, and we’re honored to be recognized among some of the best.

Over the past three decades, SGA has become a leading retail architectural firm in the U.S., specializing in high volume programs for the retail, health & wellness, and industrial markets. From architectural prototype development to construction administration, we can assist with all stages of the design process.

With licenses in all 50 states and more than 7,000 completed projects, our team is well-versed in every aspect of retail design. This includes the latest industry trends such as online grocery pickup adaptations, self-checkout innovations, and cold storage solutions and robotics system integration for warehouse and distribution centers.

SGA Design Group is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with additional offices in Bentonville, Arkansas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and employees in 11 states.

If you’re looking to grow your career with a top-ranked firm, we invite you to explore opportunities on our careers page.