The Preston Partnership, LLC

We’ve been around now for over ten years, which isn’t that long compared to some design firms, but we’ve come further than most in that short space of time. Click on the timeline for a candid look at where we’ve been, and some thoughts on where we’re going.

In 1995:
Frustrated while working for others, Preston decides to work for himself, hang his own shingle and plunge thousands of dollars in debt.

In 1996:
Learning fast how much you need a skill set beyond design to run your own shop. Still thousands of dollars in debt working 80 hours a week, but growing to a staff of eight.

In 1997:
Designing drug stores and shopping centers all across the nation. Heavily vested in retail and growing to a staff of twenty four. Traded up to a larger office. Began to diversify with our first multifamily project in Florida. Working our way out of debt.

In 1998:
Remarkable growth saw us double in size and grow to a staff of fifty. Had a tough time with structural engineers, so went ahead and brought them in-house. Did the same with MEP. Somehow got recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the country. Firing on all four cylinders and having a blast.

In 1999:
Continuing to grow remarkably fast. Vested 54% of our revenue with just two clients in the retail and multifamily arenas. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty, but that proved not to be the smartest of moves! Both wound down their programs, the air left our balloon and we promised never again would any of our clients exceed 15% of our revenue! Welcome back to debt!

In 2000:
Worked hard to diversify, turned it completely around and had a hell of a ‘come back year’! Diversified into all kinds of multifamily projects and grew back to a staff of sixty-five. Got back to profitability which paid down the debt we got back into the year before. Paid healthy bonuses to our staff for their hard work and dedication.

In 2001:
Preston sheds his partner, responds to his entrepreneurial spirit and decides to go it alone! Gives up a third of his practice, pulling forty of his trusted friends into a new and exciting venture. Lines up all kinds of projects while looking to a bright and rosy future. Gets hit with nine eleven along with the rest of the world and waits for the fog to lift.

In 2002:
It took six months, but the wind is back in our sails after the horrific events of nine eleven. Survived without much loss, sadly more than could be said for many others. Reinvented ourselves in the retail arena, built tremendous credibility among the multifamily community and landed our first high-rise project. Realized the strength of trust and integrity in relationships. Moved to a premiere office location to reflect the growth in stature of the firm.

In 2003:
Had a good time! Doubled the size of the firm with the best year in its history! Challenged the more established and larger Atlanta hierarchy. Moved rapidly into the realm of larger design firms. Landed some really nice projects, with growth in the retail, multifamily and mixed use arenas. Recruited talented senior architects from some of our friendly competitors in response to continued growth. Built a house down at Lake Oconee to remind us to relax.

In 2004:
Doubled our growth once again in the first four months of the year. Finding the best people to join us. Paying the best salaries in town. Putting in place retention tools unseen in the profession. Working hard to be better at what we do. Living to service our clients and looking to further our friendships. Heavily vested in retail, mixed use, high-rise and multifamily projects. Looking forward to growth and success in our future.

The Future:
Working on doubling and tripling in size. Diversifying our project types and landing more commissions. Servicing clients like no one before. Taking good care of our people. Having a good time and looking for more folks to join us. It’s tough to say where we’re going. It’s safe to say we’ll get there!