Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Chapman.
Hi Don, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story starts a long way from where it ended up. I was born in Yokosuka, Japan in 1966, the youngest of five children to Bill and Lorraine Chapman. Being the last of five meant I learned early how to listen, how to adapt, and how to appreciate the chaos and love of a big family.
My dad served 22 years in the United States Navy, and when he retired, I was just five years old. That’s when my entire family returned to Anderson, South Carolina, my father’s hometown. Anderson is where my roots grew deep. It’s where I went through twelve full years of public school, made lifelong friends, and discovered the value of community.
In 1980, at just 14 years old, something in me felt called to serve. I joined the Anderson Rescue Squad as a volunteer, and for seven years I had the privilege of helping people on some of their hardest days. Those experiences shaped me early by teaching me responsibility, compassion, and what it means to be there for your neighbors.
I graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1984, still carrying a dream I’d had since childhood: to become an architect. That dream led me to the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I worked mostly full-time jobs to pay my way through school. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every late night and early morning. In 1989, I graduated with a double major… a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design and a Master of Architecture.
In 1991, I came back home to Anderson and worked with a few local architectural firms. But like every entrepreneur… I felt at tug to create something of my own. In 1994, I founded Chapman Design Group, Inc., and since then, I’ve been blessed to design over 500 commercial and residential projects across South Carolina and Georgia. Every one of those projects reflects the trust people have placed in me and that’s something I never take for granted.
A year later, in September of 1995, I married Amy White. Anyone who knows me knows that marrying Amy was the greatest decision I ever made. She’s been my partner, my encourager, and the heartbeat of everything I do.
In 2004, we expanded our work by founding Icon Construction of SC, LLC, which has now completed over 200 residential projects designed under the roof of Chapman Design Group.
In 2005, I became licensed Architect in both South Carolina and Georgia, and also became a South Carolina Licensed Residential Builder, allowing our businesses to offer both full design and construction of our projects.
That same desire to build… build homes, build relationships, build community is what eventually led me into public service.
In 2008, I was elected to Anderson City Council, Seat 2, where I worked for 13½ years to strengthen our neighborhoods, support law enforcement and public safety, and improve quality of life for the people of Anderson.
Then, in 2022, I had the honor of being elected to represent South Carolina House District 8. One humbling piece of history came with that election, I became the first architect to serve in the South Carolina House of Representatives in 100 years.
Today, I serve on several committees that reflect my passions and experience:
• Labor, Commerce & Industry (Primary Committee)
• Operations & Management Committee
• Real Estate Subcommittee
• Ad-Hoc Committee for Modernization of SCDOT
• South Carolina Workforce Development Committee
These roles allow me to work on issues that help shape our economy, our infrastructure, our workforce, and our future.
Looking back, I often say, and I mean it with all my heart:
As an architect, I feel blessed by God to given a talent that’s allowed me to make a living for over 40 years and still enjoy every moment of it. And as a public servant, I feel blessed and honored to serve a community that Amy and I love, and that has been so very good to us.
My life has been a journey from Japan to Anderson…
from rescue squad calls to the State House…
from designing buildings to helping design policy…
And through it all, one truth has stayed the same:
I am grateful… grateful for my family, my community, my work, and the chance to serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the 5th grade, my Father became disabled after a very serious fall. Financially, my family lost everything as he no insurance and had multiple surgeries while in and out of the hospital for the next several years.
Never thought I would be able to go to college as our parents struggled financially. I applied for college and attended after my brother who was a year older got accepted. Just like him… I worked mostly full-time to pay for college.
Was out of work during the 1991 recession for 54 months
My father passed away in 1996 just 5 months after Amy and I married.
Our architecture and construction business survived the nearly 5 year recession beginning in 2008.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I often dream in color, especially after meeting with a client about their project. I often visualize their project in my mind’s eye… needing to put pen to paper before I can stop thinking of my ideas for the project.
Clients tell me that their projects both residential or commercial are design allowing natural light to fill the interior eliminating the need for artificial light during the day.
As for a project… being chosen to design the Veteran’s Exhibit “Andersonians in War” for our museum.
I believe having more than 50% of our clients be repeat client speaks highly for commitment to their satisfaction.
What matters most to you? Why?
It is difficult to pick just one.
My Love of God with Him all things are possible.
My Love of Family especially Amy this provides joy in my life
My Love of County, State and Community as all have provided me an opportunity I do not take for granite.
My Love of Designing & Building as this allows me to be imaginative and see it come to fruition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ChapmanDesign.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgchapman
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-g-chapman-aia-cmb-22b0a234/
