designshop Featured in Memphis Business Journal's Small Business Awards

“The origins of Memphis-based architecture firm designshop date back much further than its official start 10 years ago. Cofounders, Tim Michael and Scott Guidry started working together two decades ago, but at separate studios. The two had complementary personal styles and goals. Michael was focused on design and construction detailing, and Guidry was all-in on elevating Memphis’ built environment and bringing people together.

They came together to form an architecture firm with a wide range of projects. Developments the group has been involved with include the Edge Motor Museum, 18 S. Main St., and the Millington Fire Station.

The firm found its stride in 2019, securing big projects, including the master plan of the $1.1 billion Pinch District, renovations to the Memphis Grizzlies locker room and fitness center, and the proposed Dream Hotel. Revenue soared 61% and designshop moved to a new headquarters at 431 S. Main St.

Then the pandemic hit, and projects dried up, creating a ‘learning experience,’ according to Guidry. The company celebrated its highest-ever projections in January and February 2020, just to watch work start to cancel in March.

Prior to 2020, designshop had firmly planted its roots in the retail, hospitality, and multi-family sectors, and the pandemic led to an eight-month lull. The company adapted, adding educational, industrial, and religious facilities to its portfolio. The year still wasn’t great, with revenue dropping about 20%, but that drop allowed for a strong recovery when the pandemic market subsided.

Existing clients returned and new ones came in. The company had to hire three new associates to handle the additional work. Revenue again soared by 61%, and lessons learned from the pandemic taught the company to be both humble and hungry. designshop registered a strong showing in 2022 and has upped its employee total to 10. And the firm’s outlook for the rest of the year is outpacing pandemic levels.”

MacLeod, S. (2022, August 26- September 1). Small Business Awards. Memphis Business Journal, 16.