Cheers to 2021
We are so grateful for the people who have made 2021 memorable and special. The end of last year and the start of 2022 has us reflecting on the growth of SGS and the accomplishments our team has made.
Engagement and Team Building
Our year has been filled with social events, both from home and together. We engaged in cutthroat kitchen action with our first “Chopped” event, where contestants were challenged to cook a dish with an assortment of odd ingredients, unknown to them until the start time. The team got crafty and made unique pieces for the home (or the desk) with a crafting class in the breakroom.
This summer included tours of Germantown and Neuhoff, celebrating one of the firm’s longest projects and learning more about our historic neighborhood. Furthermore, some of our team enjoyed a not-so-lazy kayak or canoe ride down the Harpeth.
Personalities were truly defined in the office as we took the DISC assessment and learned how we can better operate as a team and play to our strengths and work on our weaknesses. It’s given our members the chance to understand why they communicate, what motivates their work, and how to approach conflict in the workplace.
Professional Growth
Our office has lots to celebrate with many projects winning awards, many team members achieving various certifications, passing tests, and furthering their careers and education. Nothing is more energizing than seeing the passion of our peers and their investment in themselves – and watching it be recognized with award-winning projects.
Our team has grown greatly with ambitious new team members & new furry comrades as well. These folks have contributed strongly to our culture and continue to challenge design decisions and create the best possible designs for our team and clients. We are excited to see how they excel and grow next year.
This year had a lot of engagement with teaching as we had a summer intern from the University of Tennessee as well as participation from team members in various university design reviews. Working with students provides an opportunity for these young professionals to learn more about the profession and helps us learn more about the new ideas, new technologies, and new trends in design.
Festive
Fall was accentuated with a Halloween family picnic with classic picnic games, delicious food, and visiting with folks we haven’t seen in a while. Thanksgiving continued the spirit of gratitude and value of the people around us with a special lunch coordinated by our DEI committee with a special spotlight on unique dishes to families and cultures.
The end of a year is a time of thanksgiving; for acknowledging the opportunities we have been given, the people who have entered our lives and made them brighter, and the accomplishments we made. We would be remiss to not mention the SGS Thanksgiving potluck, where our DEI committee hosted the event and encouraged the team to bring dishes unique to their family. It was a joy to share a meal with our great folks and learn more about each other.
And SGS closed out 2021 with the most energetic and festive Holiday party – it was wonderful to celebrate our hard work and friendships together.
2022…
A month into 2022 and we’re already celebrating more professional accomplishments of our team members and promotions for others, awarded projects, and planning for the coming year. As well as some cozy snow days!
Thank you to the experiences and the people of 2021. You have given us hope and excitement for 2022.
