Tune Design - Pulse Article

Tune at Ten

1996 - 2006

What a Difference A Decade Makes

IN JUST TEN YEARS, TUNE DESIGN HAS GROWN to become one of Chattanooga’s largest and fastest growing architecture and interior design firms.

“We listen to our clients and go out of our way to find unique solutions to their specific needs,” according to Brian Tune. “This client-focused approach is why 75 percent of revenues come from repeat clients. As buildings become increasingly complex and specialized, our experience partnering with other architects and consulting engineers also gives us an edge. Collaboration brings the best brain power and creativity to a project, and leading or working within a team of specialists is a skill in itself.”

Brian Tune founded the company in 1996 as a solo architect. Tom Bartoo became a partner in 2000, and Jane Wilson Grant joined the firm in 2003 to develop a new interior design practice. Now a total of 15 staff represent a variety of disciplines and professional experience.

Tune Design’s portfolio is equally diverse. From a sleek, retro-modern restaurant to a multi-story corporate headquarters. From the specialized requirements of medical offices, correctional facilities and data centers to simple one-story office buildings. From a casual open floor plan with exposed structural elements to the formality of a city hall. From master planning a 30-acre mixed-use complex to designing a family home.

In the Chattanooga region, the firm’s diverse client base includes small and large businesses, municipal and state governments, nonprofit organizations and private individuals. Tune Design enjoys long-standing relationships with companies like BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, EPB, Galen Group, and others.

Nationally and internationally, Tune Design has worked with major corporations like IBM, Williams-Sonoma, Tyco, MGM Studios, and TD Waterhouse. Project construction values typically range from $100,000 to $40,000,000. More growth is on the way. The firm is gearing up for one of its newest and biggest assignments: collaborating on the interior architecture and providing construction administration for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s new $299 million corporate campus.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee marketing room, Chattanooga, TN

“Our architecture work is incredibly diverse.
On any given day, our active projects might
include multi-story corporate offices,
specialized medical offices, restaurants,
retail, industrial, multi-family residential,
churches, and detention facilities.”
Tom Bartoo, Vice President

Interior of newly opened Blue Plate restaurant, Chattanooga, TN
Interior of Blue Plate restaurant, Chattanooga, TN

Main lobby of Gordon Biersch corporate offices, Chattanooga, TN

Lobby of Tune Design office, Chattanooga, TN

“We listen to our clients and go out of our way to find unique solutions to their specific needs. This client-focused approach is why 75 percent of revenues come from repeat clients. As buildings become increasingly complex and specialized, our experience partnering with other architects and consulting engineers also gives us an edge. Collaboration brings the best brain power and creativity to a project, and leading or working within a team of specialists is a skill in itself.”
Brian Tune, President

Kenco headquarters
Kenco Group corporate offices, Chattanooga, TN

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but I’m more proud of our team. Their diverse skill sets and personal backgrounds mean that we can bring better solutions to our clients. As buildings become increasingly complex and specialized, our experience partnering with other architects and consulting engineers also gives us an edge.”
Brian Tune, President

Modular Industrial Computers headquarters, Chattanooga, TN