DAVID SEIP, PRESIDENT OF TSG Architects, Inc., began his career as an architect in 1976 after graduating from Penn State University with a degree in architecture and a second degree in criminal justice. That combination of expertise landed David a position with St. Louis headquartered Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum (HOK), the largest architectural firm in the country. His responsibilities were primarily to perform master plans and feasibility studies for the construction of local, state and federal prisons. In the early 1980s he joined another architectural firm in St. Louis, received his architectural license, and was assigned to investigate the emerging senior retirement industry.
Retirement Industry
By 1984 David was recognized as a leader in the senior retirement industry, had structured two national conventions, spoken at national banking conventions, began writing a monthly column for a national trade journal on how to develop retirement communities, and had written the industry’s first book on how to perform feasibility studies and how to market assisted living facilities. He moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he headed up a new division for Radice Corporation, a publicly traded development company. David’s division designed, built, marketed, and managed upscale, active retirement communities under the name Horizon Clubs. They were built throughout Florida and several other states.
Consulting Business
Seizing upon his nationally recognized experience, David began a private consulting business to assist newcomers to the senior retirement industry and to redirect existing owners with floundering projects. His feasibility and marketing services were offered to clients in 22 states saving them millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Traditional Architectural Practice
In the 1990s a downturn in the economy and interest rate hikes brought the fledgling for-profit industry to its knees and momentarily ended their quest to enter the retirement industry. This shift caused TSG to reconsider its own marketing plan and focus. As a result TSG ventured into a traditional architectural practice with a primary concentration in residential, industrial and commercial projects. The firm relocated to Pennsylvania and expanded its practice to five states. It continues to offer architectural services to retirement community owners including life-care communities owned by ACTS in south Florida.
Continuing Education
In an effort to broaden his base of knowledge David has continued his pursuit of education. Since completing his first two undergraduate degrees which launched his architectural career, David has gone on to complete two masters degrees and two doctorates, including a PhD from internationally acclaimed Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Client Base
While TSG has a website and Facebook account to help articulate our services, nearly all of the firm’s business comes from repeat clients — some of whom have utilized our services multiple times. New clients are primarily generated by referrals from past clients.