Barge Appoints Laine Hiera as the Firm’s First Chief Digital Solutions Officer

Industry veteran to lead digital transformation and technology innovation for AEC firm

Update:
1/22/2026
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Barge Achieves Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level II

Certification Highlights Barge’s Robust Cybersecurity Posture and Positions the Firm for Continued Growth in Defense Markets

Update:
9/17/2025
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Barge Named to 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces List

This recognition reflects the employee-owned firm’s ongoing commitment to creating a positive company culture rooted in shared purpose, vision, and values.

Update:
9/10/2025
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Barge Named No. 14 Fastest-Growing Company in Middle Tennessee

This honor reflects Barge's 21.23% growth over the past year and nearly 80.03% over three years.

Update:
8/18/2025
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Barge Acquires South Carolina-based Carlisle Associates Inc.

Barge's acquisition of Carlisle Associates expands the firm's presence in South Carolina and strengthens its capabilities in the growing industrial sector.

Update:
7/1/2025
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AM25: Celebrating 70 Years of Impact and Employee Excellence

AM25 offered a moment to connect, reflect, and celebrate a year of accomplishments, while also honoring a major milestone: 70 years in business.

Update:
5/7/2025
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Barge Marks 70 Years of Service, Innovation, and Impact

To commemorate and recognize Barge's long-standing contributions, Nashville Mayor proclaims April 21, 2025, is Barge Design Solutions Day.

Update:
4/21/2025
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Bob Higgins to Retire as CEO of Barge After Nearly 16 Years

After nearly 16 years at the helm, Bob Higgins announced his retirement as CEO, effective Feb. 28, 2025.

Update:
11/12/2024
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Barge Projects Honored at ACEC Tennessee Engineering Excellence Awards

Barge’s transportation projects were recognized at this year’s American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Tennessee Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) on November 6.

Update:
11/8/2024
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Stephen DeCastro Named Chief Financial Officer

Stephen DeCastro has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Stephen brings over 20 years of financial leadership experience across multiple industries, and a proven track record in driving strategic financial growth and operational efficiency.

Update:
10/15/2024
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Georgia Tech’s EcoCommons Recognized with ASLA Honor Award

The EcoCommons Living Building Sector (LBS) received an Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in the “General Design” category. The project, led by Barge, was recognized at the ASLA’s annual professional awards ceremony.

Update:
10/7/2024
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Barge Moves Up in National Rankings for Auto Plants and Manufacturing

Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) 2024 Sourcebook revealed a jump in Top Design Firm rankings for Barge’s Auto Plant and Manufacturing categories. Based on 2023 design revenue, the firms’ auto plant numbers rose to No. 6, with manufacturing leaping four spots to No. 23.

Update:
8/22/2024
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Barge and Vanderbilt Reimagine the Future of Infrastructure with New Research Collaborative

Barge officially kicks off its latest strategic initiative with Vanderbilt University. ‘Reimagining the Future of Infrastructure by Leveraging Generative AI’ is a research collaborative set to revolutionize the infrastructure sector and address today's and tomorrow's most critical infrastructure challenges.

Update:
8/21/2024
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Barge Certified as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Tennessee Chapter has certified Barge as an Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm. This certification underscores our commitment to fostering the growth of our early-career professionals and enriching their experience.

Update:
8/16/2024
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Barge Fuels Growth with the Acquisition of Core Engineering Group

Barge is excited to announce the acquisition of Core Engineering Group (CORE), a fully integrated professional engineering service and management consultation company based in Florida.

Update:
6/3/2024
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Barge Launches Chemical Process Engineering Department, Led by Knisley Brothers

Barge launches chemical process engineering department, led by industry veterans and brothers Dennis Knisley, PE, and Phil Knisley, PE. 

Update:
5/8/2024
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AM24: Barge Celebrates Success, Honors Its People, and Sets Sights on the Future

We gathered for the much-anticipated annual meeting (AM24) on May 4 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville. This event is a key part of our employee-owned company's culture.

Update:
5/7/2024
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Bay County, Florida Selects Barge for Water Treatment Plant Expansion

The Bay County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has chosen Barge as the consultant for the Transmitter Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) filter expansion and resiliency project in Panama City, Florida.

Update:
4/3/2024
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CEO Roundtable Names Bob Higgins as Innovator of the Year

The CEO Roundtable selection committee has named Barge CEO Bob Higgins as their 2024 "Innovator of the Year" recipient. This award recognizes the winner's legacy of innovation and impact in Tennessee.

Update:
3/19/2024
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Barge Names Erika Booker as New Chief Marketing Officer

Barge announces the promotion of Erika Booker, SVP, to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). She previously served as the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Update:
3/13/2024
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Barge and Vanderbilt Unveil Collaborative Initiative Aimed at Educating Leaders on Generative AI

The New 'Generative AI for Leaders' Course Provides a Comprehensive Journey into Understanding, Applying, and Mastering Generative AI as a Robust Tool to Strengthen Leadership Capabilities.

Update:
2/28/2024
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Barge Strengthens Leadership Bench

As part of the company’s ongoing efforts to recognize and nurture talent, Barge announces two new additions and three appointments within our leadership bench.

Update:
1/22/2024
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Eli Wood Receives Honey Badger Spotlight Award

Barge has selected Eli Wood, a Dothan, Alabama-based engineering associate, as a recipient of the Honey Badger Spotlight Award.

Update:
12/15/2023
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Barge Strengthens C-Suite, Names Firm’s First Ever Chief of Staff

Barge announces Carrie Stokes as its first-ever chief of staff (COS). With more than 25 years of experience, Stokes is an industry veteran who joined Barge in 1996, rising through the firm to become a board member in 2015.

Update:
12/6/2023
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Barge Appoints Casey Tyree as Director of Its Private Client Center

Barge announces the appointment of Casey Tyree as the new director of the firm’s largest division, serving its private client base.

Update:
12/6/2023
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Barge Acquires Florida-Based Environmental Consulting & Design, Inc.

Barge is excited to announce the acquisition of Environmental Consulting & Design, Inc. (EC&D), a respected Florida-based consulting firm specializing in environmental permitting, land planning, mitigation banking, land management, and geospatial services.

Update:
11/14/2023
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NDOT Tactical Urbanism Guide Wins ACEC-TN Award

Barge was awarded an Honor Award for the Nashville Department of Transportation & Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) Tactical Urbanism Guide at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee’s Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on November 7.

Update:
11/8/2023
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City Walk BHAM Wins Alabama APA Outstanding Urban Design Award

Barge won the Franklin M. Setzer Outstanding Urban Design Award from the American Planning Association (APA) Alabama Chapter for our planning and urban design of City Walk BHAM.

Update:
10/23/2023
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Barge Renews Bicycle-Friendly Business Status

Barge’s Nashville Office has earned recognition once again as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business from the League of American Bicyclists. 

Update:
9/18/2023
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Wilburn’s Hideaway Terrace Selected as Nashville’s First Permanent Parklet

Barge's parklet design, Wilburn's Hideaway Terrace, has been announced as the first permanent parklet in Metro Nashville and is now open to the public.

Update:
9/18/2023
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Thang Nguyen Receives Honey Badger Spotlight Award

Barge has selected Nashville-based Information Technology (IT) Support Analyst Thang Nguyen as a recipient of the Honey Badger Spotlight Award.

Update:
8/29/2023
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Georgia Tech EcoCommons Recognized with SCUP Jury’s Choice Honor Award

The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) recognized the EcoCommons: Living Building Sector with a Jury’s Choice Honor Award at the organization’s annual excellence awards.

Update:
8/11/2023
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Barge Founder Bill Cannon Has Passed at Age 93

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of our last living founder, William “Bill” Harold Cannon. Bill Cannon passed away on Saturday, July 15, just a day after celebrating his 93rd birthday.

Update:
7/20/2023
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Barge Adds Veteran Healthcare Design Professionals as Client Service Leaders

Barge announces the appointments of Denis Stroup, RA, and Sims Polk, RA, AIA, as client service leaders in the Nashville office.

Update:
7/13/2023
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Barge Strengthens C-Suite, Names Veteran Human Resource Leader Karen Cosentino as First-Ever Chief People Officer

Barge announces the appointment of Karen Cosentino, SPHR, as its first-ever chief people officer (CPO). Cosentino will spearhead the firm’s employee experience strategy and serve as the cultural ambassador to Barge’s leadership team.

Update:
7/12/2023
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Ascension Saint Thomas Board Elects Bob Higgins as Board Finance Committee Chair

The Ascension Saint Thomas Board has elected Bob Higgins, president and CEO of Barge Design Solutions (Barge), to the position of board finance committee chair for the health system. He will also serve as a member of the board executive committee.

Update:
7/12/2023
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Melinda Parrish Brumfield Joins Barge as Director of Development – Private Markets

Barge announces the appointment of Melinda Parrish Brumfield as Director of Development – Private Markets. Brumfield brings over two decades of experience in Atlanta’s architecture, engineering, construction and real estate industries to her new role.

Update:
6/29/2023
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City Walk BHAM Recognized with ACEC National Honor Award

ACEC presented Barge with an Honor Award for its master plan design of City Walk BHAM. This prestigious awards event honors the nation’s top engineering achievements.

Update:
6/14/2023
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Reece Tucker Receives Honey Badger Spotlight Award

Barge has selected Nashville-based Project Architect Reece Tucker, RA, as a recipient of the Honey Badger Spotlight Award.

Update:
5/31/2023
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McKinney Joins Barge Design Solutions

Barge welcomes Mark McKinney, PE, who has joined the firm as Water Practice Leader.

Update:
5/23/2023
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Barge Ranked as Top Architecture Firm

Barge has been ranked as a top architecture firm for 2023 by Modern Healthcare. Based on the total 2022 construction costs for healthcare projects, Barge moved up two spots to No. 31 on Modern Healthcare’s 2023 Top Architecture Firms List.

Update:
5/19/2023
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Board Members & Vice Presidents Selected at 2023 Annual Stockholders' Meeting

As an employee-owned company, Barge allows employees to purchase stock and vote on company decisions, including the election of the firm's board members and officers.

Update:
5/17/2023
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Barge Annual Meeting Celebrates People, Projects, and Innovation

Barge held our annual meeting in downtown Nashville at the JW Marriott. Each year, this event gives our team the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments, look forward to the future, and reconnect to both our purpose and one another.

Update:
5/16/2023
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ENR Ranks Barge Among Top Design Firms

Based on 2022 performance, Barge has risen three spots on the 2023 ENR Top 500 Design Firms list – to No. 169. The firm also advanced five spots on the 2023 ENR Southeast Top Design Firms list – to No. 20. Additionally, Barge ranks No. 1 in Tennessee, and No. 10 in Alabama.

Update:
5/10/2023
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City Walk BHAM Master Plan Design Wins ACEC Alabama EEA Grand Award

Barge Design Solutions (Barge) was presented with the Grand Award for its master plan design of City Walk BHAM at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Alabama’s annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala on April 27.

Update:
5/1/2023
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Barge Wins ACEC-GA Engineering Excellence Award

Barge was recognized by ACEC Gerogia with an Engineering Excellence Award in the “Water Resources or Waste and Storm Water” category for work with Macon Water Authority (MWA) to rehabilitate its two wastewater reclamation facilities (WRF) - the Lower Poplar WRF and the Rocky Creek WRF.

Update:
4/28/2023
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Barge Awarded Two FDOT Projects in Northwest Florida

FDOT District 3 awarded Barge two projects, including a roadway and bridge improvement project in the Pensacola/Escambia County area.

Update:
4/27/2023
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Kris Hatchell Receives Inaugural Honey Badger Award

Barge has selected Project Manager Kris Hatchell as its first recipient of the company’s newest internal recognition – the Honey Badger Spotlight Award.

Update:
2/1/2023
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Barge Transportation Secures Key Win in Florida

Barge is excited to announce that the firm was selected for a Continuing Aviation Engineering Services Contract with the City of DeFuniak Springs, a community nestled in the heart of Northwest Florida.

Update:
1/17/2023
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Dane Danielson Receives HCA Award

We are proud to announce that Dane was selected as the HCA Partner of the Year Award for 2022!

Update:
12/19/2022
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Kevin McAlister to Present at ABC Conference

Kevin McAlister, PE, is presenting on at the 2022 International Accelerated Bridge Construction Conference alongside Scott McKinney, PE, a Member & Transportation Operations Project Executive with Bell & Associates Construction, LLC. 

Update:
11/22/2022
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Vanderbilt Engineering Alumni Article Recognizes Barge Team

Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering published a feature article recognizing the Barge team and our client, Glenn Springs Holdings, for our efforts to reclaim the Copper Basin in East Tennessee. This project recently received the Grand Conceptor Award from ACEC National, dubbing it the top engineering achievement of the year.

Update:
1/25/2021
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