If you're thinking about building or renovating a dental office, you've probably already realized this isn't your typical construction project. Creating an amazing dental space involves so much more than just putting up walls and installing some fancy chairs. It's about crafting an environment where patients feel at ease (even when they're nervous about that root canal!) and where your team can work efficiently to provide top-notch care.

After growing up in Washington State and working construction for most of his life, Joel Tellez wound up in Smyrna, where he became a superintendent for Olympian Construction. One day, he was sitting in the pickup line at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in his work truck when Dow Smith­—who also had kids at the school—came over and struck up a conversation. A few months later, Joel was working at DSC. Last week, he celebrated 20 years with the company.

At Dow Smith Company, our purpose is to serve. That spirit of service shows up in the way we take care of each other, the exceptional and unique experiences we provide clients, and in our dedication to the community in which we live and work. We recently completed a bathroom restoration project at Smyrna Middle School (SMS). This project comes after we built an outdoor theater for Smyrna Elementary School in 2023 and a new field house for Smyrna High School in 2024. 

At Dow Smith Contracting Company, our intention is to provide an exceptional and unique experience for all. In order to provide this experience, we must have a zero punch list mentality from the day we start a project and remain consistent and disciplined until completion.

When designing and building a church, the process is far more than just creating a functional space. It’s about crafting a place of worship, community, and ministry that reflects the heart and vision of your congregation. But with so many moving parts—budgets, timelines, stakeholder input, and ministry needs—it’s easy for the process to feel overwhelming. That’s why we recommend starting with a Three-Day Design Charrette at Dow Smith Company. This intensive, collaborative event brings all your key stakeholders together to align on vision, goals, and practical steps before the design and construction process begins. You’re building a legacy. Let’s make it a great one.

When it comes to establishing or expanding a commercial operation, one of the most critical decisions business owners and executives face is whether to lease a commercial space or build a ground-up facility. Both options have their merits, and the choice ultimately depends on your business goals, financial situation, and long-term vision. As a design-build firm specializing in tenant build-outs and ground-up construction, we understand the complexities of this decision and want to clarify the benefits and advantages of each option.

Not all of our clients need a brand-new, ground-up facility. Sometimes they simply need a minor renovation or an office build-out. But they need more than just a handyman with a hammer.

When planning a new commercial or retail facility, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to pursue ground-up construction or to build out an existing structure. Each approach has its own set of advantages and challenges, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific business needs, budget, timeline, and long-term goals.

As the Smyrna Bulldogs face off against the Brentwood Bruins Friday in the Class 6A playoffs, we’re urging everyone to cheer on our home team.

One of the highlights of the season for Dow Smith Company has been the opening of the new field house, which was a longtime dream of Dow’s.

Join us on a poignant episode of “From The Ground Up,” as host Taylor Loyal sits down with Jason Surratt, City President and Senior Vice President at Volunteer State Bank and a past president of the Smyrna Rotary Club. This week, Taylor and Jason explore the integral roles that banking and community service play in building and supporting the fabric of Smyrna.

Don’t make a million-dollar mistake. In construction, even minor errors can be costly. And they add up quickly if you’re not careful. We know you’re excited to start building, but rushing to the ground-breaking ceremony before you’re ready will catch up with you later. It’s critical in any project to get all of your ducks in a row.