Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Full-Service Construction & Design Solutions
Founded in 1958, Thompson Phelan Group (TPG) pioneered the integrated design-build approach, combining architectural and construction expertise under one roof. With over six decades of uninterrupted service across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, we have completed more than 850 projects through our collaborative model. Our Total Project strategy ensures seamless communication between design and construction teams, resulting in precise documentation, competitive bids within 1-2% of estimates, and minimal change orders averaging 1% of project costs. Our team of licensed architects, construction professionals, and project managers delivers client-focused solutions for financial institutions, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and municipal projects. We maintain rigorous quality standards through detailed construction documents and a commitment to understanding client objectives.Our in-house architectural division, Barber-McCalpin Associates, provides award-winning design innovation while maintaining functional practicality. With decades of combined experience, our leadership team oversees every project phase from concept to completion. We prioritize transparent communication, safety compliance, and value engineering to meet client needs efficiently. Our repeat client base reflects our dedication to exceeding expectations through comprehensive planning and execution. As a Great Lakes-based corporation, we remain committed to delivering construction excellence rooted in our founding principles.
Services
Architectural Design
Construction Management
Site Selection
Interior Design
Engineering Services
Project Estimating
Furnishings Coordination
Landscaping Design
Retail Solutions
Safety Compliance
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We pioneered the Total Project strategy for seamless design-construction integration
- Our bids maintain 1-2% accuracy through detailed documentation
- Average change orders remain at 1% of project costs
- Licensed architects and builders collaborate in-house for 360 expertise
- 65+ years serving Midwest commercial construction needs
Services
Architectural Design
Our award-winning architectural design integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal. Barber-McCalpin Associates, our in-house architectural division, creates customized solutions that maximize space utilization while meeting branding requirements. We focus on delivering innovative designs that enhance community value through thoughtful site planning and sustainable practices.
Construction Management
We provide comprehensive construction management from project inception to completion. Our team ensures strict adherence to schedules, budgets, and safety standards while maintaining open communication with all stakeholders. This approach guarantees quality control and timely delivery across diverse commercial sectors.
Site Selection
Our site selection services evaluate zoning compliance, traffic patterns, and future growth potential. We conduct thorough assessments of land suitability to ensure optimal project outcomes. This strategic approach helps clients make informed decisions about property investments for long-term success.
Interior Design
We create functional interior environments that reflect client brand identity. Our designers focus on maximizing operational efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal. From finish selections to furniture coordination, we deliver cohesive interior solutions that enhance user experience and business performance.
Engineering Services
Our engineering team provides civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical expertise to ensure project feasibility. We develop technical solutions that balance innovation with practical implementation. This multidisciplinary approach guarantees that design visions translate into functional, code-compliant buildings.
People
Brian Van Peteghem
General Manager, Owner
With 35 years of architectural experience, Brian oversees all TPG operations. He manages architectural, construction, and financial teams while maintaining academic connections through teaching roles at Lawrence Technological University and Baker College.
John Schwark
Chief Architect, Owner
A licensed architect in three states with NCARB certification, John leads TPG's architectural division. He combines 40+ years of construction and design expertise to ensure technical excellence across all projects while maintaining active involvement in professional development.
John Fountain
Vice President of Sales
With 35 years in commercial construction, John directs client relations and project services. His focus on relationship management has cultivated a strong base of repeat institutional clients through personalized attention to their evolving facility needs.
Kelly Watson
Lead Designer
As a graduate with distinction from Lawrence Technological University, Kelly oversees architectural and interior design projects. She specializes in creating functional spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical requirements for diverse commercial applications.
Bill Hass
Project Manager
Bill manages architectural project documentation with 20+ years of experience. He develops detailed plans and specifications that ensure accurate bidding and smooth construction execution while maintaining close client communication throughout project lifecycles.
Questions
What construction services do you offer?
We provide full-service design-build solutions including architectural design, construction management, engineering, interior design, and site selection for commercial projects.
Which industries do you specialize in?
We focus on financial institutions, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, municipal buildings, and educational facilities across the Midwest region.
How does your design-build approach benefit clients?
Our integrated model reduces costs through 1-2% bid accuracy, minimizes changes with detailed documentation, and ensures seamless communication between design and construction teams.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana with extensive local market knowledge and regulatory expertise in these states.
How do you ensure project quality?
We maintain rigorous quality control through detailed construction documents, safety compliance monitoring, and regular client progress meetings with project superintendents.
Can you handle complex commercial projects?
With 65+ years experience and 850+ completed projects, our team manages complex commercial developments from concept through construction with proven methodologies.