Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Birmingham, AL
RLS Design Group has been delivering architectural excellence since 2000, founded by Rodney L. Sartain as a one-man firm that has grown into a team of seasoned professionals. Our approach prioritizes listening to clients, adapting to their unique needs, and creating functional, timeless spaces that balance aesthetics with practicality. With over 25 years of combined experience, our architects and designers specialize in translating complex concepts into intuitive, visually compelling environments. We utilize cutting-edge 3D imaging technology to provide clients with immersive previews of their projects before construction begins. Our commitment to sustainability ensures designs respect environmental constraints while maximizing energy efficiency.From initial conceptualization to final implementation, we maintain a client-centric philosophy, ensuring every project aligns with both budgetary and functional requirements. Our portfolio spans diverse sectors, including entertainment venues, hospitality spaces, and commercial developments. The firms growth has not diluted its core mission: to deliver personalized attention and technical expertise to every client. Our team includes certified professionals like AIA architects and BIM specialists, ensuring precision across all project phases. By integrating historical context, site-specific considerations, and modern innovation, we create spaces that resonate with users and stand the test of time.
Services
Architectural Design
Interior Design
3D Rendering
Sustainable Design
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of architectural expertise with AIA-certified professionals
- Client-first approach prioritizing personalized attention and transparency
- Advanced 3D rendering technology for immersive project previews
- Sustainable design practices integrating energy efficiency and site context
- Proven track record in diverse sectors including entertainment and hospitality
What people say
Exceptional 3D visualization
Client-focused approach
Sustainable design expertise
Timely project delivery
Creative problem-solving
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in commercial, entertainment, and hospitality projects, combining technical precision with creative vision. From concept to construction, we ensure compliance with zoning regulations while prioritizing sustainability and user experience.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that balance beauty with practicality. Our designers focus on spatial flow, material selection, and lighting to enhance functionality. Using client input and industry trends, we develop spaces that reflect brand identity while optimizing comfort and usability for end-users.
3D Rendering
Our 3D imaging technology transforms blueprints into photorealistic visuals. Clients see fully furnished spaces before construction begins, enabling informed decisions. This service reduces costly revisions by clarifying design intent and spatial relationships through immersive digital models.
Sustainable Design
We integrate eco-friendly practices into every project phase. Our sustainable designs optimize energy efficiency, utilize recycled materials, and minimize environmental impact. By analyzing site conditions and climate factors, we create LEED-compliant buildings that reduce operational costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Project Management
We coordinate all aspects of project execution from permitting to completion. Our team ensures timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met through rigorous oversight. By managing contractors and addressing challenges proactively, we deliver projects on schedule without compromising design integrity.
People
Rodney L. Sartain
Architect / Founder
AIA-certified architect with 25+ years of experience, Rodney founded RLS Design Group in 2000. He oversees project vision and ensures design excellence, blending technical expertise with client-focused solutions for commercial and entertainment spaces.
David J. Kelley
Architect / Principal
AIA-certified principal architect specializing in complex commercial projects. David manages design teams and ensures technical accuracy across all phases, from zoning compliance to construction documentation for large-scale developments.
David W. Breedlove
Architect / Principal
As principal architect, David W. Breedlove focuses on client collaboration and sustainable design strategies. He leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver energy-efficient solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements for hospitality and retail projects.
Tom Donaldson
Specification Writer
AIA-certified specification writer ensuring material and system compliance with industry standards. Tom develops detailed documentation for construction teams, maintaining quality control and regulatory adherence across all project components.
Alison Pruitt
Designer / BIM Specialist
BIM specialist Alison Pruitt manages digital modeling and coordinates design elements using Revit. She ensures seamless integration of architectural, structural, and MEP systems through advanced building information modeling techniques.
Questions
What architectural services does RLS Design Group offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, interior design, 3D rendering, sustainable design consulting, and project management for commercial, entertainment, and hospitality clients.
How does your 3D rendering process work?
We use advanced software to create photorealistic models of your space before construction. This allows design adjustments early in the process, reducing costly changes during building.
Do you handle projects outside Alabama?
Yes, we've completed projects in Georgia, Virginia, Texas, and other states. Our team manages remote projects through digital collaboration tools and periodic site visits.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We prioritize energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and passive design strategies. Our team can guide projects toward LEED certification or other sustainability benchmarks.
How long does a typical project take?
Timelines vary by scope: small renovations take 6-12 months, while large commercial builds typically require 18-24 months from design to completion.
Can you work with existing architectural plans?
Yes, we offer redesign services and can incorporate client-provided concepts into code-compliant, buildable designs using our BIM expertise.
