Our Transformation Philosophy
Our Purpose - Liberate Greatness !
At Design Pursuits, our mission is to help people and businesses thrive. We do this by providing comprehensive consulting services that are tailored to the unique needs of each client. Our team is committed to delivering top-notch results that exceed expectations.
Our transformation philosophy is simple: Liberate Greatness in Others!
We believe that failing people and organizations is a direct result of not understanding one’s purpose, mission and talents both on an individual and organizational level. The goal of individuals and organizations should be to serve others as they develop themselves. Done through well executed leadership employing a disciplined approach of learning how to think (frame and assess) and design (solve and create) built off of a solid foundation of beliefs, values, and faith.
ABOUT JEFFREY W. GANTHNER, DSL, RA, NCARB
Our President and CEO
Dr. Ganthner transforms leaders and organizations through three decades of building and leading high-performing teams. As MBA Program Director and Architect in Residence at Regent University (www.regent.edu), he bridges academic excellence with real-world marketplace experience. In addition, he serves as faculty advisor for the Investment Club, integrating his passion for financial stewardship with leadership development.
He also serves as Director of the Liberty Leadership Institute (www.libertyleadership.org), a marketplace ministry equipping leaders to make Kingdom impact in their spheres of influence.
His career demonstrates what's possible when vision meets execution. As Vice President and General Manager, he launched and scaled the Mid-Atlantic Region for Burns & McDonnell from concept to over 350 architectural, engineering, and construction professionals across seven offices in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland. Over 14 years, this team delivered projects nationwide, proving that employee-owned culture and client-focused excellence drive sustainable growth. He retired from Burns & McDonnell (www.burnsmcd.com) in January 2025 to invest more in developing the next generation of leaders. He remains a Registered Architect accepting select commissions.
Before Burns & McDonnell, his diverse project portfolio ranged from entrepreneurial ventures to architectural design for the Smithsonian Institution, managing construction projects up to $500 million with geographically dispersed teams. This breadth taught him an essential truth: the right team, properly developed and led, makes all the difference.
Dr. Ganthner holds a Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Regent University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Architecture, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering—all from Virginia Tech.
Outside work, he's been married for over 30 years, has two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and shares his home with one energetic dog. He recharges through weightlifting, golf, reading, studying military history, and serving at Liberty Live Church.
Core Expertise
His consulting and teaching draw from proven success in:
Leadership Development • Organizational Design & Optimization • Strategic & Business Planning • Business Execution • Client Retention• Change Management • Design Thinking • Conceptual Planning• Investing • Architecture & Capital Projects
Purpose
Liberate Greatness — Dr. Ganthner believes extraordinary potential exists in every person, team, and organization. His life's work removes the barriers—whether mindset, structure, or strategy—that keep that greatness locked up. Through teaching, consulting, and mentoring, he creates the conditions where people discover what they're truly capable of achieving.
Let's Go!!!