i5 design group, inc.
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
The Kentucky APEX Accelerator is pleased to feature a client that began working with our program back in 2017: i5 design group, inc., a full-service architecture and interior design firm with deep local roots and expertise that reaches across the U.S. and globe.
Established in Paducah in 2005 as an interior design firm, i5 has steadily grown over the past two decades to meet ever-expanding client needs and new opportunities. A large part of this growth has been driven by federal contracting work, which led i5 to add architectural services and new team members to support increasingly complex, regulated and mission critical projects. Today, the firm provides architectural, interior design and consultation services across civic, federal, military, healthcare and commercial markets.
With more than 100 years of combined experience across design and construction, i5 brings a deep understanding of how projects are planned, procured and delivered. The team includes multiple NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) licensed architects, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professionals, NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualifications) certified designers and additional specialized credentials. This depth of expertise enables i5 to deliver client solutions that are technically sound, code compliant and sustainable while delivering programming, design, procurement, bid management and construction contract administration with clarity and confidence.
While firmly rooted in its local community, i5 has completed work across the nation and supported highly specialized military installations world-wide. One notable success story includes a complete architectural renovation for the United States Army’s Defense Acquisition University at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. For this project, i5 leveraged the expertise of the Kentucky APEX Accelerator to research incumbent firms and better understand how the installation evaluates and awards projects. The firm also participated in capabilities statement reviews to refine its messaging, clearly define differentiators and strategically tailor its proposal.
Reflecting on that experience, Chad Beyer, President of i5 design group, shared, “The Kentucky APEX Accelerator helped us understand not only the project, but the process behind it. By researching the incumbents and refining our capabilities statement, we were able to put our best foot forward and clearly communicate why i5 was the right fit for the work. That guidance played a role in our success with Fort Belvoir.”
What truly sets i5 apart is its relational, process driven approach. The firm is known for being deeply involved, highly detailed and exceptionally thorough at every phase of a project. Rather than just responding to scope requirements, the firm thinks critically across the entire process to anticipate challenges, identify risks and guide clients through decisions they may not yet realize need to be made. This proactive mindset, combined with strong relationships and consistent leadership involvement, allows i5 to deliver informed solutions and achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
As i5 continues to grow its presence in the federal and military sector, the firm remains committed to its founding values of service, trust and purposeful design. By combining local roots with global experience and leveraging partnerships like the Kentucky APEX Accelerator, i5 is well positioned for continued, sustainable success in public and federal work.
To learn more about i5 design group’s work and vision, click here to see an overview video or click here to visit their website.
If you would like to leverage the Kentucky APEX Accelerator to pursue government contracting opportunities for your company, apply with us here.