Kazakhstan World EXPO 2017 – ODA Architecture was invited to provide an entry for the 2017 World Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan. The theme of the Expo was sustainability and how architectural planning principles can reduce the impact on earth’s rapid population growth. This invitation gave ODA the opportunity to Dream Big and Design Globally. As we approach this milestone, we felt that this project exemplifies the forward-thinking concepts that embody ODA’s design philosophy.

 

Dear Friends …

 

ODA Architecture is celebrating our 40th year in business this month. I would like to thank everyone who has helped our firm to be sustainable and successful. This includes our employees, clients, contractors, consultants, my wife and family.

The average lifespan of a small buiness is 8.5 years. I am overwhelmed at how 40 years has passed in the blink of an eye. 7 words started the firm and I feel that it is appropriate to identify 7 words that are important for small businesses to be successful. The 7 words that started the firm were from my former boss who had brought me to Charlotte 5 years earlier. The words were, “When do you want your last day?” It was clearly a very urbane way of saying “you’re fired”. With a wife, a 4 year old daughter and a 6 month old son, it was time to figure out how to run a business.

Reflecting on the business, I feel that the following 7 words have helped ODA Architecture to survive the first 40 years:

1. Resilience: being able to bend and spring back quickly. Being agile.

2. Work Ethic: companies require a tremendous amount of effort and being on call 24 hours a day. It is important for clients and employees to know that you always have their best interests in mind.

3. People: a firm’s employees are the soul of the company. ODA is fortunate to have creative employees that love our profession.

4. Flexibility: a company must be able to change and pivot through economic recessions, international acts of terrorism, pandemics, changes in the industry and technological advancements.

5. Fairness: my grandmother always said, “let your conscious be your guide” (when she knew thalamy brother and I were up to mischief). This has always been a guiding principle at our firm.

6. Diversity: as it pertains to employees, clients, and project types, diversity keeps a company fresh and interesting. Variety is the spice of life.

7. Luck: every company needs “luck” to survive. Our company has had more than our fair share of luck (possibly due to my mother being Irish). ODA has discovered ways to make luck happen.

ODA Architecture has employed hundreds of people, with many of them starting their own successful firms. I hope that their successes may have been influenced by lessons learned at ODA. I am truly grateful for everyone who has helped in the successs of our firm. We look forward to the challenges and opportunites of the “Next 40”.

Let’s discuss turning your vision into a masterpiece!

Stephen F. Overcash, Managing Principal,  ODA Architecture (704) 905-0423

 

Structural: Taylor and Viola Structural Engineers |   PME: Wilde Engineering |   Civil: Timmons Group

 

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Owner: Flagship Healthcare Properties |   Structural: Taylor and Viola |   PME: Wilde Engineering|  Civil: Timmons Group |   Contractor: Myers & Chapman

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Structural: Taylor and Viola |   PME: Shultz Engineering Group |   Civil: Blue Water Civil Design

 

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Owner: Five Star | Structural: Taylor and Viola Structural Engineers | PME: Wilde Engineering | Civil: The Isaacs Group |  Contractor: Metrolina Builders