Meet TMP: Dalton Pumputis

Dalton Pumputis didn’t always know he wanted to pursue architecture. But after taking several high school electives that introduced CAD, photoshop, and other technical programs, the decision was easy.

“I’ve always had an interest in how things are built, so I initially looked at construction,” he says. “But after I experienced the design side and the process of a building from start to finish, I knew I wanted to go into architecture.”

A graduate of Clemson University, Dalton took a job with TMP out of college and has been working as an Architectural Designer for four years on a range of projects including healthcare and government work. Meet Dalton and learn more about what drives him as a designer.

What led you to TMP?

By the time I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to study architecture. I only applied to three schools and they were all architecture-focused. I decided on Clemson and attended the Clemson Career Expo my senior year. It’s a really fantastic event where you can interview with several firms. TMP was actually the last company I spoke with, and I talked to Josh Stewart.

It was immediately a different vibe from all the other interviews I had that day. It felt more like a conversation than an interview, and when talking with Josh, it was clear that he was more interested in who I was as a person versus who I was as a student.

I had visited Nashville with some friends a few months earlier and felt that TMP was the place for me.

What does a day in the life look like for you?

Honestly, no two days are the same. I’ve learned that I can try and plan out my week and I’ll end up with 50% actually going to plan. Architecture is a service industry and you’re working for clients, so you have to be able to flex and prioritize.

I work exclusively on healthcare projects now, but worked on government projects for about a year and a half. Especially in healthcare, there’s lots of day-to-day coordination both internally and externally. It’s really collaborative work so I’m always bouncing ideas off of coworkers or asking questions on details that maybe I don’t have as much experience with.

What have been some of your favorite projects to work on?

The Metro Nashville Emergency Communication Center renovation was the first project that I worked on from day one through completion. I value that experience a lot because it taught me so much. The project took about two years total. When it started, I was just learning Revit for the first time and by the end, I was empowered to coordinate with the contractor in the field and make decisions.

One I’m really looking forward to is the TriStar Skyline Medical Center expansion. It’s a great opportunity for TMP and it’s really cool that we’re getting to add onto the building and carry the existing language, but modernize it and make it more exciting too.

What sets TMP apart?

It’s definitely the people. Architecture can be taxing — there are long weeks and strict deadlines. At TMP, I don’t dread coming to work. The culture and flexibility is really nice in that I don’t feel like I’m met with resistance if I have an appointment or am traveling. People know that there’s a life outside of work and you earn that trust to do what you need to while still getting the work done.

I also feel like no matter your level, our leadership is really approachable. When I’m talking to my boss, I don’t feel like I need to speak differently than talking with a peer. Even if a Principal isn’t working on the project I’m on, they’re always available to talk through something or answer questions.

What inspires you?

My family. I’m the oldest of six children and I’m still really close with my siblings and parents, even though I live far away. My parents are the hardest working people I’ve met. They don’t complain and they’ve earned everything they have. They taught me the value of hard work and that nothing is ever given to you. That carries through to my work at TMP.

What industry organizations are you part of and how has this helped you grow?

I’ve been part of NAIOP Nashville for several years, the AIA EP committee for Middle Tennessee, and the ACE Mentor program.

All of them have helped me learn more about the industry and meet people, but ACE is my favorite. You get to work with high school students who are interested in AEC careers and help them on a project for a semester. It’s really a perspective check. I feel like talking to a 16-year-old who has great ideas invigorates me and gives me energy to come up with new ideas.

What’s one of the best pieces of advice you’ve gotten?

I used to always think in terms of, “Oh, I wish I would have done this.” I’ve had a lot of people along the way tell me not to think that way, and it’s honestly shaped my decision-making to be on the forethought of regret. Will I regret it if I don’t do something? That’s led me to step out of my comfort zone and try things, like moving 900 miles away from my home for a job. It’s trusting my gut and going for it, instead of looking back and asking “what if?”

What are your hobbies?

I love to play golf and try as much as I can when the weather is nice. My fiancé and I also love food so we’re always cooking new recipes and going to new restaurants or trying to recreate something we had somewhere. I’m gearing up for wedding planning too, as we’re getting married in fall 2026.