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Sponsor Spotlight: The Boudreaux Group's Ownership Transition
February 14, 2013
The Boudreaux Group, one of South Carolina’s most distinguished architecture, interior design and planning firms, has completed its ownership transition from founder John Boudreaux to Heather Mitchell and Randy Huth.
Boudreaux, who founded the firm 37 years ago, retired at the end of 2012.
“When I founded the firm in South Carolina, I had one question: Can you build a successful business based on decidedly Christian ethics and do work that glorifies God?” Boudreaux said. “After all these years, I can say the answer is a resounding ‘Yes.’”
The Boudreaux Group’s focus on creative, innovative and ethical thought has deep roots. So, too, does its history of growing leadership from within.
“I began working with The Boudreaux Group as an intern architect right out of grad school, Mitchell said, “with no idea that I would have the honor and privilege of this position 17½ years later.”
Mitchell and Huth have been working together for 15 of those years, having been promoted together as corporate associates in 1998 and principals in 2004. Mitchell assumed the role of President and Huth that of Executive Vice President in 2006.
“Internal transitions are very unusual in this day of mergers, acquisitions and buyouts,” Huth said. “Part of our story is that, because of the patience and diligence it took to transition internally, we have ensured that the values and ethics on which John founded the firm continue. Moving forward we’re very much who we’ve always been and more.”
Based in Columbia, S.C., the firm is growing into one that serves the Southeast, specializing in religious, municipal, corporate, civic and education projects. The firm is now majority woman-owned, making it one of a handful in the state.
The Boudreaux Group is known locally for the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center on the University of South Carolina campus, Dreher and Blythewood high schools, the Drew Wellness Center and St. Peter’s Catholic Church and School, among many other projects. The firm received some of its most notable sustainability awards for the University of South Carolina Green Quad Residence Hall and Learning Center, the first LEED Certified residence hall in the state.
Regional projects include: the North Augusta Municipal Center; St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville, N.C.; and Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Johns Island near Charleston. Currently, the firm is in the process of transforming Douthit Hills into a student housing and mixed-use development for Clemson University in addition to designing Christ the King Catholic High School in Kannapolis, NC; the School of Journalism and Mass Communications for the University of South Carolina and the renovation of Decker Mall into Richland County’s Central Courts and Regional Sheriff’s Headquarters.
Boudreaux will always take great pride in holding true to the ideals that have served the company so well. Of all the awards the firm has received, his most prized award was given for the firm’s high degree of integrity and excellence in professional practice and design. This award was bestowed by Tau Sigma Delta, an honor society at Clemson University.
One of The Boudreaux Group’s core ideals has always been and continues to be a commitment to the community. “I’m passionate about helping to lift families from poverty and thrilled to have more time to devote to community service,” Boudreaux said with confidence that he has left the firm in good hands. “The table is set. They have projects under contract that are quite large. I couldn’t ask for a greater group of people. They’re poised to do some more great, great architecture.”
CONTACT: Allyson Seitzer
(803) 799-0247
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS:
John Boudreaux
(803) 730-1169
Chrysti Shain
(803) 445-4905