SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, today announced the elevation of six key leaders to shareholder, a strategic expansion of the firm’s ownership as it scales operations across the Carolinas. The move recognizes the contributions of the leaders who have helped shape the firm’s growth, culture, and long-term direction.
The firm welcomes the following leaders to the shareholders:
Mount Pleasant:
Preston Busbee is a civil engineering team leader and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in environmental engineering. Following graduation, he moved to Charleston to begin working with SW+. He focuses his time on commercial and industrial developments, working with both private developers and local economic developers. Busbee is a Member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association (SCEDA), Charleston Regional Development Alliance Rising Leaders, and Charleston Young Professionals. When not working, he enjoys boating, fishing, bird hunting, and attending Clemson Football games.
Paul Peeples, PE is a civil engineering team leader and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in civil engineering. During college, he interned with SW+ for two summers. Following graduation, he began his career at SW+. Since then, he has worked on a variety of projects, including industrial site design, mixed-use developments, retail, restaurants, and multifamily projects. Peeples is a Member of the South Carolina Economic Developers Association (SCEDA). In his spare time, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, and the outdoors.
Abigail Richardson is a civil engineering team leader and graduated from Clemson University with a B.S. in civil engineering. Richardson specializes in commercial and mixed-use developments. and loves the business side of engineering in addition to design, entitlement work, and managing multiple projects around the Lowcountry. Richardson currently sits on the Board of the Mt. Pleasant DRB. She is very involved in the Charleston Chamber, Urban Land Institute (ULI), Leadership Charleston, Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). She is a world traveler and cooking enthusiast. She loves spending time at the beach, playing sand volleyball, power walking, and spending time with friends and family.
Greenville:
Rick Schroder serves as director of business development, supporting the company with a focused, results-driven approach grounded in his background as an industrial engineer. An upstate native, he is actively engaged in the local business community and works to build relationships that support regional growth. Outside the office, Rick enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.
Whit Dawson, PLA is the director of technology and graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. After graduating, he spent eight years working for the Sea Island Company on the Georgia coast, where he worked on world-class resorts, golf course communities, and high-end residential projects. Dawson excels in both digital and hand graphics and loves all aspects of design. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and playing with his kids, endurance sports, and spending time in the great outdoors.
Andrew Allen, PE. leads the Greenville office and graduated with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech. He started his career in Florida before following his wife to South Carolina. After working in the upstate for 10 years, he joined SW+. Andrew is a licensed professional engineer. Off the clock, he enjoys spending time with his three boys and being outdoors.
“Becoming a shareholder at SW+ isn’t about a title or tenure alone,” said Russ Seamon, president of SeamonWhiteside. “It’s about character, leadership, and the consistent commitment to doing great work while supporting the people around you. Each of these individuals has earned that trust, and we’re grateful for the impact they’ve had on our firm.”
Ownership at SW+ is offered when employees have demonstrated long-term loyalty, strong leadership skills, and meaningful contributions to the firm’s success. Expanding ownership is a natural extension of its people-first philosophy and reflects both the health of the business and its confidence in the future.
“Our growth has always been tied to the strength of our people,” said Joe Bryant, executive vice president of SeamonWhiteside. “By inviting our most dedicated leaders into ownership, we’re reinforcing continuity and setting the firm up for sustained success. It’s one of the ways we take care of our team while planning for the future.”
The firm looks for shareholder candidates who exemplify SW+’s core values of passion, collaboration, quality, and care. Shareholders are expected to lead by example, support fellow employees, contribute strategically to the business, and help guide the firm’s mission as it evolves.
“This is about ensuring strong leadership doesn’t skip a beat as the firm grows,” William O’Neal, vice president at SeamonWhiteside. “By investing in our emerging leaders, we’re protecting the culture and values that make SW+ what it is. That continuity matters to our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve.”
In addition to their leadership roles within the firm, shareholders may serve on SW+’s board of directors, helping guide company strategy, community engagement, and environmentally responsible design practices.
With more than 200 employees and offices throughout the Carolinas, SW+ continues to grow while maintaining a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and long-term stewardship of the business and communities.
To learn more about SeamonWhiteside, its offices, and projects, visit www.SeamonWhiteside.com.
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