At Dowdle Construction Group, building is more than just a profession; it’s a passion rooted in purpose. Whether it is a restaurant, office space, fire hall or greenway, the Nashville-based firm is known for creating spaces where people want to be.

With projects spanning both public and private sectors and a team equipped to manage everything from ground-up construction to complex renovations, Dowdle thrives on delivering solutions that bring client visions to life—especially when the job calls for thinking outside the box.

Founded by Glynn Dowdle in the early 2000s, the firm’s roots trace back to Glynn’s early shift from a successful sales career to hands-on homebuilding in the late 1980s. That entrepreneurial pivot grew into a trusted commercial construction firm with more than 30 years of industry experience behind it.

Today, Dowdle Construction Group is known not just for the quality of its builds, but for the culture it fosters: one of clear communication, reliable partnerships and a team that genuinely enjoys the work it does.

Glynn often reminds clients and colleagues alike that “building something well is only half the puzzle.” The other half is about people—collaboration, responsiveness and a commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget. That commitment also extends to sustainability, with Dowdle integrating green building principles across its operations, from LEED training and recycling efforts to energy-saving features in its own headquarters.

With a reputation built on integrity and a portfolio that reflects both versatility and craftsmanship, Dowdle Construction Group continues to shape places with purpose—and partners with clients to build something lasting.

Give us a snapshot of your brand.

Dowdle Construction is a Nashville-based mid-tier general contractor, specializing in hospitality-focused projects across both the private and public sectors. Known for our hands-on approach and deep community ties, we’ve built a reputation for quality construction and strong client relationships across Middle Tennessee.

What type of clients and markets are you targeting?

We serve both private and public sector clients. Our private-sector clients include both new and growing local businesses as well as regional brands entering the Nashville market. We’re trusted for our ability to guide first-time builders as well as support seasoned developers with budget-conscious, schedule-driven execution.

How does your work cater to today’s end-users?

Our construction is built on quality and trust. We foster lasting relationships with clients who feel comfortable picking up the phone and calling us, even years after project completion. That’s a testament to our commitment to service and ongoing support.

How is your construction strategy based?

Much of our work is negotiated and handled with an open-book approach. We also do a lot of design-assist work, starting from schematic drawings and partnering closely with owners to ensure their vision stays on budget and on track from day one.

What are some of today’s biggest challenges?

Rising construction costs and budget constraints continue to challenge the industry. Finding qualified labor remains a major hurdle as well and is a consistent industry-wide concern.

What are the biggest challenges in construction or renovating a project?

Renovation and construction projects are often challenged by unforeseen conditions, fluctuating material prices and the need to maintain operations during construction. Close collaboration with owners and design teams is key to navigating these issues.

How are you working to promote sustainability?

Many of the projects we take on are designed with sustainable solutions in mind. We lean into those features and materials wherever possible. One of our strengths is adaptive reuse, taking older, underutilized buildings and repurposing them, especially for multi-tenant retail or a reimagined hospitality venue, instead of tearing them down.

What do you see as some of the biggest challenges in construction, moving ahead?

Labor shortages will remain a significant issue. We need to find better ways to attract young, qualified talent into trades, especially those right out of high school. Promoting the value and potential of these careers is critical.

Are you optimistic about what you see in your building and construction sectors?

Absolutely. Nashville continues to attract major developments. It’s a growth market and developers are eager to establish a presence. The local public sector is also seeing strong investment, thanks to a growing tax base, which means more projects like libraries and parks.

What trends are you seeing?

We’re seeing strong opportunities in private sector work. Even when projects start out over budget, through diligence and creative solutions, we’re often able to help owners bring them back into range. It’s incredibly rewarding when those efforts result in a signed contract and a successful project.

Where is your business headed?

We plan to stay the course by focusing on what we do best in both the private and public sectors. Our strength lies in staying true to our values and our proven approach. As Nashville continues to grow, we’re aiming to scale alongside it. With a focus on smart growth, we’re investing in our team and technology to serve clients even better in the years ahead.

Tell us what makes your brand unique.

We pride ourselves on being straightforward, honest, and transparent—values that aren’t always easy to find in this industry. Most of our clients become repeat clients. We don’t just complete jobs; we build relationships. Doing the right thing, no matter what, is a cornerstone of our culture.

Is there a story you can share about that really shows off your work and ability to engage with the industry?

One standout project was The Wilder, an adaptive reuse of a blighted Super 8 Motel into 110 units of sustainable, affordable housing. This ULI-awarded project now supports workforce housing in an up-and-coming area of Nashville. The owner has been able to pass on the savings in the form of lower rent, it’s a real testament to the power of thoughtful, community-forward development.

Describe a typical day.

We enjoy coming to work each day. It often starts with conversations with our Director of Construction and General Superintendent to ensure everything is on track. We also focus on business development by meeting with clients, refining budgets and planning the path ahead.

What was the best advice you ever received?

“Always do the right thing, even when it hurts.” In a city like Nashville, which still feels like a small town at heart, reputation is everything.

What’s the best thing a client ever said to you? What was the job and why?

A recent client, the owner of project Federales, told us: “Thank you for all the hard work over the past 24 months… When we do the next project, consider it yours.” That kind of feedback reflects the trust and consistency we strive to deliver with every project.

Interview by Michael J. Pallerino, editor of Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine. Over the past 30-plus years, he has won numerous awards, including the “Jesse H. Neal Editorial Achievement Award,” recognized as the Pulitzer Prize for business-to-business magazines. He can be reached at mikep@ccr-mag.com.