howwehelp

Make smart, God-honoring decisions
about the space you use in ministry

Ready to build or renovate? Before you do, let’s work together to understand the big picture. Well-meaning, dedicated teams can be so eager to solve today’s challenge that they undermine the story you’re trying to tell or miss an option that will work better over the long haul. No building can do the work of ministry, but a thoughtful process and disciplined design can prepare you to be more effective.

Prepare

A well-articulated purpose simplifies
decision-making and builds unity.

Put the why, what and how of your organization into words
Seek counsel without surrendering leadership
Identify spaces and features that should be part of the solution
Lay out a flexible strategy for growth

Design

Great design is the product
of discipline – not dollars.

Benefit from wisdom gained through years of experience
Explore options early and minimize second guessing
See what’s possible through images and digital models.
Be good stewards of time and resources

Build

Walking a project through construction
isn’t your day job – it’s ours.

Choose a project delivery method that matches your priorities and values
Work closely with construction professionals to avoid expensive mid-course corrections
Monitor construction progress and expenses

nailed-it

Nailed It!

Chances are, none of these church’s stories matches yours.
But as far as they’re concerned, Good City found the answer they needed.

testimonials

We’ve worked with some amazing people…

Every week, more than 30,000 people worship and serve in spaces planned by Good City

Augusta Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Bellview Baptist Church Laurens, SC
Bethlehem Baptist Church Simpsonville, SC
Capstone Church Fountain Inn, SC
Center of Worship Christian Church Mauldin, SC
Cheohee Baptist Church Tamassee, SC
Christ Church Episcopal School Greenville, SC
Christian Heritage Church Greer, SC
The Church at Greer Station Greer, SC
Church of the Epiphany Port Said, Egypt
Church of the Holy Comforter Martinez, GA
Concord Baptist Church Anderson, SC
Covenant Community Orthodox Presbyterian Church Taylors, SC
Eastminster Presbyterian Church Simpsonville, SC
Eastside Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Edwards Road Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Emmanuel Bible Church Mauldin, SC
Episcopal Church of the Advent Spartanburg, SC
Fellowship Greenville Greenville, SC
First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Gastonia, NC
First Baptist Church Gaffney, SC
First Baptist Church North Augusta, SC
First Baptist Church Westminster, SC
First Presbyterian Church Gastonia, NC
Fourth Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Friendship Baptist Church Lugoff, SC
Friendship Presbyterian Church Hickory Tavern, SC
Golden Corner Church Walhalla, SC
Grace United Methodist Church St. Augustine, FL
Greenville Vietnamese Baptist Church Greenville, SC

Hope Community Primary School Kiburara, Uganda
Journey Church Huntersville, NC
Lighthouse School Gaza City, Palestine
Mission Aviation Fellowship Nairobi, Kenya
Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC
Mosaic United Methodist Church Evans, GA
Mountain Creek Baptist Church Greenville, SC
New Beginnings Outreach Ministries Greer, SC
New Horizon Outreach North Augusta, GA
North Hills Church Taylors, SC
Palmetto Baptist Church Powdersville, SC
Pendleton Street Baptist Church Greenville, SC
Piedmont Women’s Center Greenville, SC
Prince of Peace Catholic Church Taylors, SC
Redeemer Presbyterian Church Moore, SC
Remedy Church Rock Hill, SC
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Greenville, SC
St. Mark United Methodist Church Seneca, SC
St. Matthew Empowerment Center Piedmont, SC
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Gaffney, SC
Shandon Baptist Church Columbia, SC
Shannon Forest Christian School Greenville, SC
State Street Baptist Church Cayce, SC
Talatha Baptist Church Aiken, SC
3rd Person Qwesmay, Jordan
Town Creek Baptist Church Aiken, SC
Townville Baptist Church Townville, SC
Tryon Presbyterian Church Tryon, NC
Wesley United Methodist Church Evans, GA
Westminster Presbyterian Church Greenville, SC

LEGEND Current or Recently Completed Project Project Location

Ron was with us at every step of our arduous journey. He answered our questions, gave us options, and brainstormed with us. His understanding of the inner workings of a church were invaluable.
Dr. Craig Karriker, Chair, Building Committee, Gaffney First Baptist Church
It‘s rare to accomplish all of the project goals, on schedule and under budget, but that’s what we were able to accomplish, in great part due to your experience and wise counsel.
Mike C. Harris, Building Committee Chairman, First Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA
Ron cared about us as an organization, beyond just a client relationship. He tried to understand our personality and goals first and then find ways to meet our priorities.
L. Arthur Ringger, Executive Pastor, Fellowship Greenville, Greenville, SC
Ron ably guided us and worked within our timeframe. He exhibited personal faith, a calm and patient demeanor, communication skills, and planning expertise, that made the entire process rewarding.
J. Richard Cottingham, PE, Co-Chair, Building Team, St. Mark United Methodist Church, Seneca, SC
We were impressed that Ron was able to make our vision into something greater than we‘d dreamed. He led us with grace. Our meetings were productive, instructive and enjoyable.
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Taylor, Church of the Holy Comforter, Martinez, GA
They took the time to understand our purpose and vision and methodology for doing what God has called us to do. We are grateful they worked within both our budget and culture.
Dan Brooks, Pastor, Heritage Bible Church, Greer, SC
Mr. Geyer listened to our ideas, separated desires from needs, and helped us develop a plan that was unique, functional and adaptable. He understands church politics and faith-based principles.
J. Wade Padgett, Building Committee Chair, Wesley United Methodist Church, Evans, GA
Good City didn’t start by asking us what kind of building we wanted, but rather, asked us who we were and who we were trying to reach. The design was born out of those conversations. They listened.
John Kenney, Pastor, Quest Church, Grovetown, GA
We wanted to create a community center in which the Church could meet. We talked to others about helping us with this design, but Ron understood our vision and what we wanted to accomplish.
Walt Tanner, Vision and Teaching Pastor, Capstone Church, Fountain Inn, SC
Hiring Good City was an excellent decision. We were able to develop a long term plan, and build something that helps us now and makes sense for future generations of our church.
Rev. Jordan Bird, Pastor, Talatha Baptist Church, Aiken, SC

about-good-city

About Good City

In Jeremiah 29:7, God’s people are told to seek the welfare (good) of the city to which they are sent. Centuries later, Jonathan Edwards reminded us that a man of “right spirit” has concern for the city in which he dwells. Voices as diverse as Aristotle, Isaiah, Kemmis and Keller have spoken to the redemptive power of the built environment. Architecture can’t save us, but it has the power to symbolize and serve the best that we can envision. It’s our hope that Good City will be part of projects that have an impact greater than their footprint.

Ronald E. Geyer, Principal

Ron Geyer is an architect and interior designer with more than 40 years experience serving ministries, businesses and cultural organizations. Along the way, he’s become a master at helping full-time and volunteer leaders spell out the needs and aspirations that drive important projects, rally members, and equip churches to reach and serve their community. At the same time, he’s produced great buildings that guard resources and speak volumes about what’s going on inside.

Our Statement of Faith and Purpose

questions

Questions?

Does Good City build churches?

No. We design them. Our job is to help you figure out what’s best for your ministry and resources. If that means a new building or renovations (it doesn’t always) we’ll translate what’s been decided into working drawings, help you find the right contractor, and be there through the entire construction process.

Does Good City participate in “design-build” projects?

Yes. We’ve been successful using design-build, construction manager at risk (sometimes called “negotiated”), traditional design-bid-build, and a few more project delivery methods. But we don’t think one particular approach is “best” for all circumstances. Each offers advantages and challenges that should be matched to your ministry’s priorities.

How much do Good City’s services cost?

It depends. (Sorry). Both construction costs and design compensation are driven by complexity of the project, the value we offer, the efficiency of the owner’s decision-making process, and the timeline. Good City is uncomplicated and efficient, but our greatest value comes through our experience with and insight into the needs of Christian ministry and the realities of “doing church.” We’ll be happy to propose a precise fee once we know more about you and the challenges you’re facing.

What style buildings does Good City design?

We don’t show up with a particular style in mind, but confess a preference for simple structures that stand the test of time and can accommodate the changing needs of ministry. We’ve served a variety of denominations (and non-denominations), worship styles, vintages, and cultures, and have always sought to find an aesthetic that serves the goals and honors the heritage of each.

What if my church isn’t nearby?

Fortunately, architecture and construction aren’t short order cooking. Good City typically works in the Carolinas and Georgia, and engages consultants in the communities where we work. A two- or three-hour drive simply means we’ll have thought through the issues just a little bit longer.

How can we get started?

Call or email Good City at the number or address at the bottom of this page. We’d love to learn more about your ministry!

contact-us

Let’s Talk

Contact us at one of the following locations

Email: rgeyer [at] goodcityarch.com
Phone: (864) 360-9292
Mailing Address:
PO Box 27234
Greenville, SC 29616-7234
Shipping Address:
100 Orchard Park Drive, Unit 27234
Greenville, SC 29616-7234
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GOOD CITY SUPPORTS

A ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship, whose purpose is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and to establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living.

A not-for-profit Christian development organization made up of architects, engineers and design professionals who donate their skills to help children and families around the world step out of poverty and into a world of hope.

Get ready forLife Changing Work

Articulate purpose | Identify strategy | Put solutions on the ground

Tell Your Story

Make your case | Move forward together

Design Community

Remove obstacles to effectiveness | Set the stage for success

BE good stewards

Prepare for ministry | Plan for change

Make smart, God-honoring decisions about the space you use in ministry

Prepare

Design

Build

Nailed It!

Chances are, none of these church’s stories matches yours. But as far as they’re concerned, Good City found the answer they needed.

Old is the New New

Open Doors

Meet the Neighbors

Rebuild the City

We’ve worked with some amazing people…

Every week, more than 30,000 people worship and serve in spaces planned by Good City

Ron was with us at every step of our arduous journey. He answered our questions, gave us options, and brainstormed with us. His understanding of the inner workings of a church were invaluable.

It‘s rare to accomplish all of the project goals, on schedule and under budget, but that’s what we were able to accomplish, in great part due to your experience and wise counsel.

Ron cared about us as an organization, beyond just a client relationship. He tried to understand our personality and goals first and then find ways to meet our priorities.

Ron ably guided us and worked within our timeframe. He exhibited personal faith, a calm and patient demeanor, communication skills, and planning expertise, that made the entire process rewarding.

We were impressed that Ron was able to make our vision into something greater than we‘d dreamed. He led us with grace. Our meetings were productive, instructive and enjoyable.

They took the time to understand our purpose and vision and methodology for doing what God has called us to do. We are grateful they worked within both our budget and culture.

Mr. Geyer listened to our ideas, separated desires from needs, and helped us develop a plan that was unique, functional and adaptable. He understands church politics and faith-based principles.

Good City didn’t start by asking us what kind of building we wanted, but rather, asked us who we were and who we were trying to reach. The design was born out of those conversations. They listened.

We wanted to create a community center in which the Church could meet. We talked to others about helping us with this design, but Ron understood our vision and what we wanted to accomplish.

Hiring Good City was an excellent decision. We were able to develop a long term plan, and build something that helps us now and makes sense for future generations of our church.