Background

On a Monday in 2007, Inverness Country Club in Birmingham Alabama burned to the ground, creating a physical and emotional loss to its members that is hard to assess. Within two weeks, a master plan, provided by Chambers, was in place to guide the club's owner and members on the road to rebuilding.

Our Approach

Working closely with club owner Bill Ochsenhirt and his staff and a members' committee, Chambers' master planning group unearthed some of the shortcomings that the old club had faced, helped to determine how new aspects of the club could work, and how the club could rise from the ashes financially. "The loss of the club was devastating, but they quickly saw the opportunity to make something positive happen," said Chambers President and CEO Rick Snellinger.

Results

Chambers architectural and interiors teams began the design of the new clubhouse, rectifying deficiencies of the previous club, such as providing a kitchen central to all dining areas, easy access to equipment areas, a "command center" for lighting throughout the club, and, of course, a state-of-the-art sprinkler system. The aesthetics of the club reflect not only the gracious architecture and interiors of the sophisticated Birmingham area, but the status with which membership holds the club in their lives. Chambers responded quickly and efficiently, from establishing the path to rebuilding to the architecture, interior design, purchasing, and installation. It was a match made in adversity that has served the Inverness Country Club as it rose from the ashes.