Mississippi Business Journal: CDFL plans for its next 60 years

In a recent issue, the Mississippi Business Journal did a spotlight on Architecture and Engineering in Mississippi. Two of our Principals, Chris Myers, AIA and Newell Watkins, AIA, sat down with Dennis Seid to discuss what we can expect from CDFL in the next 60 years. Read excerpts from the article below.

After celebrating its 60th year in business last year, CDFL Architects + Engineers is forging ahead and planning for the next 60 years and beyond.

The architectural and engineering firm has expanded since its anniversary last fall, having grown its staff of 39.

Chris Myers, an architect and principal of the firm, said CDFL's business model — bringing together architects and engineers under one roof to work collaboratively — isn't a new concept, but it is fairly unique for firms in Mississippi.

“We go to bat with our engineers — they're our partners, they're with us,” he said. "We feel like that's the best way, particularly with our larger clients. It gives us a bigger breadth of the understanding of systems.”

Newell Watkins, vice president of CDFL, said the integrated designed process is ideal.

"Buildings are infinitely more complicated than they were when this profession began, so it helps to have all parts of the design process working collaboratively day-to-day."

Watkins said technology is the driver behind most of the changes in the profession today. What is being designed today is more sophisticated than ever before.

"Buildings are so more technically advanced than they have been," he said. "There are multiple systems, and having all the systems working efficiently is the key. Technology evolves at such a rapid pace today, it's hard to keep up."

CDFL has worked on a variety of projects for a wide variety of clients. While most of the firm's work is institutional and university related, CDFL also works with commercial, industrial, military, correctional and other clients. Their portfolio of projects includes medical facilities, dormitories, academic buildings, baseball stadiums, museums, churches, banks, and more.

And while based in Mississippi, CDFL's work has extended to Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, New York, and Florida. An office in Birmingham, Alabama was opened in 2020.

Of the many projects CDFL has done over the years, there are some that the firm takes particular pride.

"I think we have a few for sure," Watkins said. "The hospital addition at UMC, the two Mississippi Museums, the football stadium for South Alabama in Mobile ... we've been very blessed to have been able to work on some really high-profile projects over the years.

"The Children's Hospital and the two museums really changed and furthered the culture of Mississippi, and I would say the planetarium, when it's complete, will be one of those projects that really furthers the state."

Read the full article here: https://www.djournal.com/mbj/cdfl-plans-for-its-next-60-years/article_529f5c65-02d6-5d2d-ba85-b62fb4a944cc.html