Robert Garris brings 30-plus years of architectural experience to CMH. The former D1 college basketball player’s game is outpaced only by his architectural acumen, which encompasses the full gamut of project management—from design development to creation and supervision of construction documents to construction administration and field construction management.

Robert has a proven track record of delivering thoughtfully designed projects that are on time, within budget, and technically sound—a practicality that is measured by his desire to provide structures that are “vital to everyone.”

“With education facilities, for example, you hope to create an atmosphere that is more than just a storage area for our kids during the day, but instead spaces that encourage flexible and safe opportunities for students to learn, question things, and think for themselves,” he says, adding, “Healthcare facilities are among the most technically demanding projects you can undertake: You must balance the programming and criteria involving all the equipment, utilities, circulation, and sterile environments with the creation of pleasant respites for both patients and visitors as well as efficient workspaces for doctors and staff.”

When he’s not racking up awards—be they AIA Design Awards (2) or his Silver Medal for 3v3 Basketball (50-55 age group) in the National Senior Games—Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and three children; hiking and fishing with the family; extended walks with his rescue pup, Kino; and photography, especially of abandoned buildings and parks. “I find it fascinating how nature always starts to reclaim life in man-made places after people have left them behind.”