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2017 Men of the Year: Eric Albers

Insight Design Architects LLC

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Following graduation from Drury University in 1999, Eric Albers positioned himself to build a career in architecture by taking on as much responsibility as possible.

“I was vocal if I was not learning or being challenged enough,” he says.

After six years at Butler, Rosenbury & Partners LLC, he was recruited in 2005 to Creative Ink Architects LLC, working on multiple projects involving more than 100,000 square feet of space each.

“I would have a sizable staff of younger intern architects to assist me in completion of these projects,” he says. “It was not only my job to perform the projects, but to mentor the younger intern architects as well, to further their knowledge in the field.”

Albers co-founded Insight Design Architects LLC in 2010 – during the recession, when many firms were dissolving. The company has designed more than 3 million square feet of retail, church, restaurant, residential, commercial, entertainment and educational spaces. Not wanting to design the same style project repeatedly, the team looks at each building as an opportunity to provide a unique design solution. That approach led to work on the national level, with brands such as Hobby Lobby, Fuddruckers, Grizzly Industrial and H & R Block.

The 7-year-old company reeled in a huge catch when it designed the retail, restaurant and bowling components for the $227 million Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid Memphis.

“As an architect, you dream of acquiring that one project that stands above all others – a project that is not only a great challenge, but will have a substantial impact on the local neighborhoods, community and city,” Albers says. “The size and scope of that project surpassed all other projects and is the catalyst to revitalize Memphis' Pinch District.”

Bass Pro owner Johnny Morris requested numerous changes during the design and construction phases of the 32-story, 535,000-square-foot, glass and steel structure, requiring Albers to react fast to develop solutions.

As a result, Insight Design won Project of the Year and Best Public-Private Project from the Memphis Business Journal.

Throughout all his projects, Albers utilizes a team mentality, working together with co-workers, clients and subcontractors to help each person do the best they can.

Albers also applys this cooperation to civic duties. He participates in many community organizations, especially in Nixa where the firm’s office is located.

He is a member of the Nixa Strategic Transportation Action Team Committee, which meets with business owners and others to evaluate the city’s transportation needs and makes recommendations to the City Council. Albers also works on a committee aimed toward improving downtown Nixa.

“Downtown revitalization is not only great for the local economy,” he says, “but adds to the community presence and pride.”

Additionally, he also attends many business ribbon cuttings as a member of the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage business owners to support their community.

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