Meet Eric McGinnis, Director of Architecture Services at Comma Designworks, the architectural branch of Carpenter Marty Transportation. Eric leads architectural projects serving clients in the public sector, private development, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and entrepreneurial ventures. Since helping launch Comma Designworks in 2020, Eric has played an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s creative vision and continued growth in architectural design.
With a passion for collaboration, creativity, and problem solving, Eric brings both artistic perspective and technical expertise to every project. Whether working through complex design challenges or coordinating with multidisciplinary consultant teams, he thrives on turning ideas into spaces that leave a lasting impact on the communities around them.
Early Inspiration
When asked what inspired him to pursue architecture, Eric explained that the profession combines three things he has always been passionate about: teamwork, artistic expression within the built environment, and the technical challenge of assembling individual components into functional, meaningful spaces.
Creativity has been part of Eric’s life from an early age, and it runs in the family. His grandfather worked as an artist for advertising agencies, producing hand-drawn sketches while serving in World War II. Fascinated by both the craftsmanship and history behind the artwork, Eric developed a deep appreciation for design and visual storytelling at a young age.
That inspiration eventually carried overseas when Eric studied abroad in Kraków, Poland. During his time there, he recreated several of his grandfather’s original sketches, blending family history with his own artistic journey and further strengthening his passion for architecture and design.
Favorite Project
One of Eric’s favorite projects to date has been the Listening Room Hotel, a development that reflects Nashville’s rapid growth while preserving an important piece of the city’s rich musical history.
“This project presents a variety of challenges for us,” Eric says. “It requires collaboration across several different industries and consultant teams.”
The project stands out to Eric because it combines creativity, technical coordination, and meaningful community impact; all aspects of architecture that he enjoys most. From collaborating with internal team members to working alongside outside consultants, he values the complex problem solving that comes with bringing ambitious projects to life.
Life at Comma Designworks
What Eric enjoys most about Comma Designworks is the opportunity to build a fun, creative, and collaborative team culture while continuing to pursue projects that challenge and inspire the group. He takes pride in helping grow a team that embraces innovation and creates spaces that positively impact the people who experience them.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Eric enjoys activities like golfing and (winning) fantasy football. You can also find him playing backyard cornhole with his wife, Sydney.
