Meet the Team

About Isaiah Dunlap AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, EDAC, CEO, Principal Architect

Isaiah Dunlap brings more than twenty-four years of architectural experience, specializing in healthcare design and project delivery. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Design Architecture and a Master of Architecture with a Healthcare Specialization from Clemson University. He maintains professional credentials with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Center for Health Design. Throughout his career, Isaiah has developed a reputation as a highly skilled problem solver who excels in guiding complex projects from concept to completion. His approach emphasizes technical precision, clear communication, and strong client collaboration to achieve practical and buildable solutions that meet both functional and budgetary goals.

Isaiah's project experience includes leadership roles on several large-scale healthcare facilities. Notably, he served as Project Architect for the Cherokee Indian Hospital, where he was deeply involved in programming, design, and construction administration. His hands-on project management and coordination ensured the facility was completed on schedule and within cost parameters.

As part of an executive team at a healthcare architecture firm, Isaiah led one of the firm's most significant projects—a $90 million, 150,000-square-foot clinical center expansion. The facility included a new emergency trauma department with 80 exam rooms and five trauma suites, a 64-room pre- and post-operative department, a 40-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a 60-bed postpartum department. Isaiah directed the design process from early programming through construction documentation, demonstrating his ability to manage complex technical requirements while maintaining design integrity.

In 2014, Isaiah founded DesignEDGE, LLC, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. The firm was established with a vision to deliver innovative, sustainable, and results-driven architectural solutions—particularly within the healthcare sector. Under his leadership, DesignEDGE has become known for its strategic, hands-on approach and its record of client success across a range of building types, including healthcare, commercial, higher education, hospitality, and industrial projects.

Isaiah remains committed to advancing design excellence and fostering long-term partnerships built on trust, performance, and shared success. His guiding philosophy continues to be reflected in the firm's mission: “Exceeding Design with Great Expectations.”

Nina J. Dunlap
COO/Business Administrator

Nina Dunlap serves as the Business Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of DesignEDGE, LLC, bringing more than 20 years of professional experience in business operations and financial management. Drawing on her extensive background in banking, Nina provides the firm with exceptional organizational, administrative, and client service expertise.

Nina oversees accounting, marketing, project coordination, real estate management, and community engagement activities. She has a proven track record of reliability and efficiency, ensuring that all aspects of firm operations move seamlessly and effectively. As the primary administrative liaison, she works closely with clients and project partners to confirm that needs are understood, communications remain clear, and commitments are met.

Serving as the operational backbone of DesignEDGE, Nina supports the firm's leadership in maintaining high standards of performance, transparency, and accountability. Her ability to anticipate challenges, streamline processes, and foster strong client relationships contributes directly to the firm's continued success and reputation for excellence.