Artech Design Group, a company with a 39-year legacy of design in Chattanooga, is now part of Tinker Ma, LLC.
Officials said, "Over the years, the principals and staff of Artech and Tinker Ma have worked as peers in Chattanooga, sharing values related to quality service and design excellence. Through conversation after an AIA chapter meeting, they realized that joining forces would be mutually beneficial and would expand their collective capacity to serve the region."
“It happened naturally," said Tinker Ma Principal Thomas Palmer.
"Through our discussions, we recognized that a partnership would benefit both firms and be the best way to serve the city."
Officials said, "Both firms enjoy excellent, long-term client relationships and plan to prioritize established relationships throughout the transition. Clients will work with the same teams they know and love and can expect the same design excellence and personalized approach to their projects.
"For Tinker Ma, the addition of Artech staff allows the firm to grow and add experienced professionals with considerable technical expertise to the team. Artech has served Chattanooga since 1985 and has a 39-year legacy of quality design and client satisfaction. The Artech staff have an average of more than 20 years in the industry and established relationships in the region.
"For Artech, the collaboration fosters creativity and provides additional professional leadership as Rice Williams and Rick Thompson, two of Artech’s founding partners are now retired. The collaboration also offers additional resources that align with Artech’s original mission to enhance client success."
Artech Partner David Hudson said, "Several years ago, when we saw Tinker Ma rising as a competitor, my partners and I noted that Tinker Ma looked like Artech 20 years ago."
Additionally, Tinker Ma employs both a full-time urban planner and a full-time construction administrator, which will be a great benefit to Artech clients, officials said.
Mr. Hudson plans to continue his career as part of Tinker Ma.
"Trey Wheeler and David have known one another since 1995, and Trey credits David with his initial involvement in AIA Chattanooga. The members of both firms look forward to working together for the next chapter of their careers," officials said.