Latest News and Insights

6 Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of Lumber Price Escalations

6 Strategies to Mitigate the Impacts of Lumber Price Escalations and Supply Constraints on your Commercial Residential Development

Lumber prices continue to soar throughout the U.S., now almost 200% what they were this time last year. As developers look to break ground on new projects and maintain budgets on projects already in the process of construction, many are looking for new ways to cope with the drastic price escalation by exploring new strategies…

Seeking Long-Term Partnerships, Not Projects

Emory St. Joseph’s Hospital | Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Orthopedic & Spine Pavilion

Since 1991, when St. Joseph’s Hospital, now a part of the Emory Health System, became our first client, they have turned to us to oversee the design and construction of projects of every…

Connecting to a Client’s Mission Drives Deeper Sense of Purpose

Mercy Care – Managing Capital Projects Over $100 Million.

A not-for-profit organization, Mercy Care offers comprehensive care for those who cannot afford it through traditional channels. At Darden, our relationship with Mercy Care dates back to the 1980s when St. Joseph’s Hospital leaders (also Mercy Care board members) asked us to assist on…

Achieving Affordable Net-Zero Energy

A Visionary Energy-Efficient Workplace.

Founded in 1894 and based in Atlanta, ASHRAE is a not-for-profit professional association of HVAC&R professionals. The global society focuses on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration, and sustainability, providing industry research, standards writing, publishing, certification, and…

Defying The Boundaries of Innovation

Innovative is an understatement when we talk about thyssenkrupp Elevator’s groundbreaking Innovation and Qualification Center (IQC). It’s the kind of future-forward project that demands excellence. One that pushes the boundaries of what innovation means, requiring that each participating partner…

Darden & Company Delivers New Medical Office Building in Decatur, GA

Serving as program manager, Darden & Company celebrates the successful completion of Oakhurst Medical Center, now known as MedCura Health, in Decatur, Georgia. This new 12,500 SF medical office building hosts multiple practices, including…

The Post-Pandemic Stadium Experience: When Healthcare Influences Fanfare

It’s no surprise that the coronavirus had a negative impact on stadiums, with many surrounding towns and cities suffering losses as a result. The uncertainty surrounding operations amid the pandemic left owners with many questions and…

5 Trends Impacting Public Health in Commercial Buildings

What’s fading away and what’s staying post-pandemic.

Buildings possess the unique ability to influence public health for better or worse. When Covid-19 hit, we saw an overwhelming response from vendors that claimed to have an ideal solution to help building owners and operators battle the effects of the pandemic. From sprayers to lights, these proposed solutions spanned technologies and…

The Owner’s Missing Piece

All too often, somewhere late in design, as the project nears construction start, the problem of being over budget or behind schedule becomes a startling reality. The project, which had been proceeding seemingly well, is now “off the rails.” Now, business operations, growth plans, and revenues for the…

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Laura Leigh Barrett – Empathy Yields A Strong Advocate

Laura Leigh Barrett brings unique perspective to her role as Senior Director.

With limited time and limited funds, we see more and more public entities seeking program management firms’ guidance to oversee the entire building process. This smart move protects the owners’ interests while creating a solid…

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Joe Collins – Greatest Lessons Learned

8 Lessons in Project Management

In today’s environment, managing project teams and creating accountability presents new challenges. As teams look to consistently deliver amidst uncertainty, we asked veteran program manager, Joe Collins, to weigh in on ways to keep teams engaged and create accountability and collaboration. After 30 years in the business, he is often sought after for advice. Here, he shares 8…

Cobb Chamber – A Space to Further a Mission

Darden & Company helps Cobb Chamber breathe new life into their business.

As program managers in the commercial market, we believe a workplace should reflect your mission and culture. When this happens, it provides benefits tenfold. That is why teaming with Cobb Chamber as they embarked on their rebrand and opted for a new space became…

Darden Helps Nurture Innovation in Teaching

Marist School’s Latest Addition and Renovation

As a partner of Marist School for more than a decade, Darden & Company has overseen the development of a master plan, construction of the new centerpiece building (The Ivy Street Center), and the renovation of the majority of the classrooms on campus. Now after six short months, renovations to the Wooldridge Center are…

COVID-19 Response: What now? Where do we go from here?

Confused about what to do next with your Covid-19 mitigation plan?

With so much information (and misinformation) circulating about the most effective COVID-19 mitigation measures, many businesses are scrambling to assess their options and implement the most effective plans in line with their customized needs and limited budgets. Our extensive research on the subject concludes that the “best” solution…