Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Dougherty.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I first came to Atlanta, I worked for a large nationally known architectural firm. I had the good fortune to work on many award-winning projects throughout the southeast while there. I left in the early 1990’s and formed my company, specializing in retail and mixed use developments.
Our biggest break was being selected by Cousins Properties to provide the design services for The Avenue East Cobb, one of the country’s first lifestyle retail centers. The project went on to win numerous design awards and put us in the forefront of architectural firms doing this type of design. Soon we were providing architectural services for the nation’s largest retail developers with projects spread out across the country. Some of the most notable examples included Destin Commons (Destin Florida), The Forum Peachtree Parkway (Atlanta) and Pinnacle Hills Promenade (Rogers, Arkansas). At the same time, we were expanding our presence in Mexico providing design services for some of the country’s leading firms. Among our award-winning projects was La Isla Acapulco, a retail center featuring a circular canal with gondolas and numerous theatrical water features. Since then we have remained active in Mexico, recently completing the design for Via Vallejo, a multi-level mixed use center situated in the nation’s capital. From the start, we have striven to provide the highest level of design services to create retail environments that stand the test of time and continue to provide a unique shopping experiences for their customers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My profession is never a smooth ride. All architectural firms are greatly affected by the economic climate. Although we glided through the economic downturns of the 90’s and early 2000’s, we were hard hit by the 2008 recession. Our clients stopped developing and many of our closest contacts left the industry entirely, choosing not to return.
Luckily our international work has increased to a point where we have rebounded from the difficulties of those challenging years. In addition, we have recently expanded our practice to include the design of private residences.
Dougherty Architectural Consulting – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Dougherty Architectural Consulting provides full architectural design services to our clients. Our specialty is open air retail promenades that often feature other uses on the upper floors, including housing, office and/or hotel functions. We often create downtowns for communities that have no central commercial district, similar to The Forum Peachtree Parkway which has become the commercial hub for that part of Atlanta.
Dougherty Architectural Consulting is proud of its legacy as one of the area’s leading retail architectural firms. We take pride in the results, the creation of exciting dynamic destinations that provide all the shopping, dining and entertainment needs for the surrounding environs. The innovative quality of our work sets us apart. We have been at the forefront of this type of retail design and hope to remain so in the future.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have been lucky to have had many such moments. The one consistent moment of pride throughout my career has always involved a project’s grand opening, the first day it is open to the public. I never get tired of watching how people interact with our designs. It is always gratifying to see the public enjoying the atmosphere and sense of place that my staff and I have created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dougharch.com
- Phone: 770-653-3535
- Email: kdougherty@dougharch.com
Image Credit:
John Williams Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
