When you step through the doors of the new Phil Waldrep Ministries headquarters, it doesn’t feel like a typical office building — and that’s exactly the point.
Designed to be a place of welcome, ministry and collaboration, the space reflects not only the mission of the organization but also the people it serves. From cozy seating areas and curated bookshelves to thoughtfully layered rugs and natural wood tones, the headquarters tells a story — one of hospitality, intentionality and heart.
A Vision Rooted in Community
“We said from the very beginning that we wanted this to be a space that was shared with our community,” says TC Schwindling, creative director for Phil Waldrep Ministries. “We want this to be a place where our community feels welcome — where they can come and be in Phil’s library, or use our multi-purpose space. That was our number one goal.”
That sense of openness shaped every design decision, from layout to finishes. Whether it’s a guest entering for the first time or a team member walking in each morning, the space was designed to feel like a breath of fresh air — comforting, clean and inspiring.
A Collaborative Design Process
To bring the vision to life, the team brought in Austin Hamilton of Hamilton Design Company early in the process. Austin, who often partners with smaller architecture firms as an interior design lead, teamed up with 5R Design to support the architectural work and bring a cohesive interior experience to the project.
“One of the first things TC shared was that he wanted it to feel like a hotel,” says Austin. “Something comfortable, but also fresh and modern.”
From there, she brought in a curated collection of textures, color palettes, wood samples and carpet swatches to explore how the space could come together as a unified whole. “As you walk through the building, each area feels distinct — but they’re all tied together by common threads in color, texture and material,” TC explains.
Details That Tell a Story
The building layout includes clearly defined public, private and meeting areas — each designed with purpose:
Phil’s Office: A more traditional space with rich wood tones and plush seating, offering a calm, grounded atmosphere for reflection and conversation.
The Lobby and Waiting Area: Designed to immediately feel welcoming, this area features layered rugs, comfortable seating and natural light that pours through the windows.
The Multi-Purpose Room: A flexible, community-focused space that can host everything from meetings to events. It’s intentionally neutral and open, adaptable to many uses.
Team Collaboration Areas: These zones include thoughtfully chosen desks, chairs and shared workspaces, creating an environment that’s both productive and inviting.
Custom Touches: Throughout the building, art pieces, built-in shelving and soft lighting help transform functional rooms into meaningful spaces.
The finishes that tell the story:
- Paint: Sherwin Williams: General (SW7065 Argos), Trim/Accent (SW7068 Grizzle Grey) and Accent (SW7069 Iron Ore).
- Flooring: ShawContract
- Solid Surface: Caesar Stone
- Tile: BPI
- Collaborate Lattice Accent Panel and Ceiling: Interlam
Austin’s influence shows in the way materials and furnishings align to tell a consistent story — one of hospitality and harmony. “It really matters that a piece of furniture works with the flooring and paint — even before the foundation is poured,” TC said. “Having Austin involved from the start helped us stay on budget, stay on time and create a space that feels whole.”
Built with Purpose, Designed for People
After nearly three years of collaboration, the new headquarters is more than just a workplace — it’s a reflection of the ministry’s heart. A place where conversations can happen, relationships can be built and the work of ministry can flourish in an environment that supports and inspires.
“We didn’t just want a nice office,” TC shared. “We wanted a home base that represents who we are — and opens the door to everyone we serve.”
