Sexton Design and Development makes its mark in the Upstate

Design and construction go hand and hand.

Architects are responsible for creating designs that fits each customer’s needs and are feasible for contractors to build. Contractors must execute the architect’s vision in a cost-effective, timely manner for their customers.

This collaboration process, however, isn’t always cohesive, especially when the designer and contractor are hired through separate contracts.

After noticing a disconnection between the design and construction worlds, Jeremiah and Natasha Sexton decided to start their own design-build company called Sexton Design and Development in 2017. Such firms can provide clients with design and construction services under one contract.

Based in Greenville, Sexton Design and Development aims to streamline projects by providing a one-stop shop for landscape architecture design, construction and development services. Natasha explained that offering both design and construction services in-house helps complete projects on time and within budget.

“We solve problems,” Natasha said. “We figure out how to do something that’s not been done before.”

The company has added more services over time to expand its capabilities. Depending on the project scale, Sexton Design and Development will also hire outside architects, civil engineers, surveyors, etc. to work under its project contract.

Jeremiah, a licensed general contractor, serves as the CEO and lead project manager for Sexton Design and Construction. Natasha is the company’s president and lead landscape architect. The couple manages a team of eight staff members and oversees the company’s diverse portfolio of projects.

Notable Sexton Design and Development projects

Provided by Sexton Design and Development

The Sextons started their design-build firm with a drive to work on projects that have a lasting impact. Jeremiah explained these are the types of projects that offer an experience to people, where they can live, work, play and learn.

“The goal is to impact as many people’s lives in a beneficial way through construction and development and design as humanly possible in our lifespans,” Natasha said.

The couple found their company excelled at projects in the hospitality, institutional, industrial and redevelopment space. Over the past seven years, Sexton Design and Development has been involved in several projects across Upstate South Carolina and in surrounding states.

One of the most notable projects for the Sexton’s was the Grand Bohemian Hotel Lodge in downtown Greenville. The company completed the landscape architecture design and site construction for the project. Natasha said the goal was to weave together the hotel’s landscaping to Falls Park, which she also helped design at the beginning of her career.

Sexton Design and Development has also worked with Clemson University, Jeremiah and Natasha’s alma mater, on several projects. For example, the company completed the landscape design for the “Tiger Walk” entrance into Memorial Stadium.

The Sextons bring years of experience in the landscape design and construction industries to each of their client’s projects. The couple met through work and married in 2011.

While others were skeptical of starting a company with their spouse, Jeremiah and Natasha said they wouldn’t want to run a business with anyone else. Jeremiah believes good communication has been the key to their personal and professional success.

“I already trust him with everything,” Natasha said. “We have a child together. We built a family together. We’ve got a house together – we already have to trust each other. I never question his loyalties. I never question if he’s looking out for the company’s best interest.”

Other local projects completed by Sexton Design and Development include:

United Community’s headquarters in downtown Greenville
Clemson University’s School of Business Building
Poe West in Village of West Greenville
Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites in Greenville

“We want to do great projects,” Jeremiah said. “We want to build things that would be there forever for people and that impact communities.”

What is a design-build company?

Design-build firms provide clients with design and construction services under one contract. Designers and contractors work together as one team to provide unified recommendations for the project. Traditional project delivery is when a client manages separate contracts with the designer and contractors. Design-build projects are completed 102% faster than traditional projects, according to the Design-Build Institute of America.