BSCI Alumni Company Builds on Its Promises

That commitment to integrity has guided the Atlanta-based company for more than three decades—and it continues to define the culture Davidson, who now holds the role of chairman, built from the ground up.

“It’s an easy concept but hard to achieve, especially as the company grows,” he said. “We build buildings while we’re keeping our promises.”

Today, New South employs more than 300 people and operates offices in Atlanta, Ga., Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Jacksonville, Fla. From the canopies at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Coca-Cola’s headquarters renovation and Georgia Tech’s first new student housing in 30 years, the company’s projects have become part of the Atlanta landscape. Its first clients—Delta Air Lines and The Coca-Cola Company—remain partners decades later, and nearly 90% of its work is with repeat clients.

Auburn alumni have long been part of that success. Fourteen graduates from the McWhorter School of Building Science (BSCI) currently work at New South, many of whom began as interns through the company’s thriving student mentoring program.

While he was a BSCI student, interning helped Davidson gain real world experiences and round out his education. Now, the company has made teaching the next generation of construction professionals a cornerstone of its workflow.

Chris Mills ’16, a senior project manager at the company, said mentoring is woven into New South’s identity.

“Under Doug’s leadership, New South has created a teaching culture to develop recent graduates into leaders—not only at New South but across the industry,” he said. “New South and Auburn remain consistent in their values. As stated in the Auburn Creed and put into action every day at New South, we believe in hard work, educating others and being honorable and fair.”

Through the New South Foundation, the firm awards annual scholarships to students both in the BSCI program and outside of it and supports local schools and workforce development programs—continuing a cycle of opportunity that reflects Auburn’s values.

Davidson also remains active on BSCI’s Industry Executive Board, guiding the School’s curriculum and programming. After a long and successful career—one recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia—Davidson is starting to phase out of the day-to-day operations at New South, but he is dedicated to setting up opportunities for the leaders who will follow in his footsteps.

“We’re not a family company by name, but we are a family,” Davidson said. “Our commitment to the legacy of our company is very important.”

Davidson also remains active on BSCI’s Industry Executive Board, guiding the School’s curriculum and programming. After a long and successful career—one recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Georgia—Davidson is starting to phase out of the day-to-day operations at New South, but he is dedicated to setting up opportunities for the leaders who will follow in his footsteps.

“We’re not a family company by name, but we are a family,” Davidson said. “Our commitment to the legacy of our company is very important.”