Summer is simmering at the edge of our schedules.
With it comes vacation planning, teasing us with destinations like Orlando and Washington, D.C.

There’s a Middle Tennessee company that’s etched its skill and crafted its excellence on perhaps one of the very sites you have planned to visit. Tate Ornamental’s work can be seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and at Universal’s Epic Universe.

The beauty and grandeur of Tate’s architectural work—long recognized throughout Nashville—transport visitors into immersive experiences. Using the power of sight and touch through ornamental work that’s both functional and visually captivating, Tate helps bring to life the story each site tells.

Tate's recent NOMMA awards inspired a conversation with Jeremy James, Vice President of Tate's Metal Division. He shares insights into Universal Studios' Epic Universe project:

Take us back to the beginning—how did Tate end up working on a project at Universal in Orlando?
“Yates Construction reached out to Tate about providing a complex ornamental metal scope on the project.”

What specific elements or features did Tate Ornamental create for the park, and what makes that work unique or challenging?
“Tate provided all different kinds of decorative architectural metal ceiling features, railings, stairs, gates, and other miscellaneous metals on the project. What made this so complex and challenging was that every piece was a custom fabrication that had to fit into complex field conditions while meeting a tight construction schedule.

Not only was every piece custom in geometry, but there were 40+ different paint selections applied throughout the project, including custom patina finishes created by specialty artists. Certain ceiling features also had to be coordinated with electricians to allow decorative light features to be integrated into the systems.”

When guests walk through Universal, they may not realize the craftsmanship behind what they’re seeing. What details are you most proud of that people might overlook?
“I would highlight the ceiling features in the retail spaces as soon as you enter the park. These had complex geometries that also had to allow custom lights to be integrated within the features.

You will also notice custom acrylic and metal medallions on some of the large features in the retail breezeways that act as light covers. Tate performed these as well in our machine shop.

In addition, I would highlight the monumental staircase and railing system that sits in the outside VIP area of the retail space at the entrance. This staircase had to be installed with a crane in tight quarters due to the job site conditions. These railings also had to be coordinated with lighting to allow for lit grab rails.

Pay attention to the multiple colors on the railing system that had to be carefully applied in stages to ensure they did not bleed through onto other parts of the railing and stairs.

All of the decorative gates that you see were designed and completely fabricated by Tate. Pay close attention to the engraving and machine shop work featured on all of the custom medallions on the gates.”

What does it mean to your team to know your work is part of an experience that millions of families will enjoy each year?
“This project is one that everyone from top to bottom at Tate Ornamental takes immense pride in. Everyone from design, project management, the shop, and the field all worked countless hours and long weeks to make this project come to life.

It is the largest project ever completed at Tate Ornamental, and I would venture to say the most complex as well. It highlights the abundance of talent that sits inside the doors at Tate Ornamental.”

As a local business with international reach, what message do you hope your story sends to young people or other small businesses here in Middle Tennessee?
“That if you keep your head down and solve the problems and tasks in front of you day in and day out with consistency, the sky is the limit.”

As summer settles in, let’s remember to do just that and make the sky the limit. That just might make our everyday world as magical as the Epic Universe.