home

development plans

permit application service

permit plans

contact us

Mitch Glasgow, founder of GDS, started with the basics… designing and building custom cabinetry and residential remodeling projects in 1977. The tools of the trade at that time were graph paper, pencil and a scaled straight edge. Lacking the automation of the present day, designers then had no choice but to thoroughly learn their art, and constantly sharpen their skills. In the early 90s, practical Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology first appeared and grew in sophistication. As a Regional Manager for Pella Virginia, Mitch developed with it, using whatever software happened to be at the forefront of the fledgling industry.

Whether you are a contractor or home owner, Glasgow Design Services can save you time and money, and help you "get it right the first time."

gallery

how it works

The key to their success, according to Mitch, is knowing how to make the process fun, and take the mystery out of it. "Many structural designers are good at drawing pictures, but bad at communicating," he says. "As a result, their customers feel uninformed and apprehensive. But it doesn't have to be that way. Our customer's eyes light up when they see actual photo-realistic images of their project coming together. They get excited and really enjoy themselves. That's the way it should be."

Most architectural firms still use early versions of CAD software, intended to help design gears as well as buildings, and they tout it as being the "industry standard." The truth is, after investing years of time to learn how to use that software, they are reluctant to discard it, and invest time and money in newer, vastly superior technologies. Our state-of-the-art software was created specifically for residential construction, so it creates better, more visually-stunning plans, in half the time. And less production time means "less expensive." Paying a fortune for the old black and white "blueprints" simply no longer makes sense.

After many years as an independent designer, and as the Chief Designer and Technical Coordinator for Stuart Components, Inc. and Rockwood Inc., Mitch has put his experience and energy into developing a truly unique, multi-service structural design company.

In a given year, GDS designs over 100 projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic, and guarantees in writing that all will be awarded building permits. As part of their Permit Application Service, they typically acquire over 30 of those building permits personally for their clients (central Virginia only).

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment to date, however, was his ability to persuade his wife, Laura, to join the company.

Laura is a life-long Tarheel, so it is not surprising she chose to attend UNC and Eastern Carolina. Her studies there included diverse approaches to design and the commercial arts. That in turn led to a storied career in design, culminating in her position as Production Coordinator for HouseTrends Magazine; a role she still maintains. Her gorgeous new home, addition and office designs, along with her artistic flair and easy charm, have earned her a great many admirers.