Published on: November 12, 2025
When you think about trusted partnerships in commercial construction, the relationship between Charter Construction and Turner Construction Company is one that stands out. Since 1986, the two companies have worked side by side on some of Nashville’s most recognizable projects, including mixed-use developments like Peabody Union and Broadwest, and world-class healthcare centers like Tennessee Oncology and Ascension St. Thomas facilities.
Over nearly four decades, this partnership has been defined not just by the buildings themselves, but by the consistency, collaboration, and trust that have carried both teams through each project. For Paul Lawson, Vice President and General Manager of Turner’s Nashville and Huntsville offices, the partnership goes beyond transactional work.
“It truly is a trusted partnership for us,” Lawson shared. “Charter has always been that partner willing to roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches early on to help make a project successful from day one. It’s not a one-way street. It’s seamless collaboration.”
A True Definition of Partnership
For both Charter and Turner, the foundation of this partnership has always been about mutual respect and shared standards of excellence. Turner brings a high level of expectation to every project — from the design process to final delivery — and that’s part of what Charter values most about the relationship.
“The relationship we’ve built with Turner over the years has been incredibly important to us,” shared Drew Hauser, Director of Project Management for Charter. “They expect a lot from their partners, and that environment pushes everyone to deliver our best work. That’s the kind of collaboration that sets projects up for success.”
Turner’s work is demanding and often comes with difficult conversations, technical hurdles, and high expectations from design teams and clients alike. Lawson echoed that sentiment, noting how Charter’s proactive approach fits seamlessly with Turner’s way of working.
What is so impressive about Charter is the early engagement. They have the ability to innovate and think differently. They don’t just take a plan and spec job and go build it. They show value to us, to the design team, and to the client by evaluating different options that may be a better solution for the entire project.
— Paul Lawson
Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company
That creative mindset is one of the reasons the two teams align so well. Both believe that thinking outside the box and tackling challenges head-on leads to the best outcomes — not just for their companies, but for every stakeholder involved. For Lawson, that kind of collaboration is essential.
“They’re always looking at long-term partnerships and goals. They’re not just thinking about what’s best for Charter. They’re thinking about what’s best for everybody,” Lawson added.
Showing Up Every Day
The strength of a partnership is often revealed in the hardest moments. Lawson recalled a Vanderbilt project that perfectly illustrates the way Charter shows up, no matter how difficult the circumstances, with a specific interaction he had with Charter President Richard Wilson.
“It was probably one of the hardest concrete jobs we’ve done together. Nobody knew exactly how to do it going in, but we knew we were locked arms and were going to figure out a way to make the project successful,” Lawson said. “Richard walked in with a smile and walked out with a smile. And no matter how hard the issue was, he maintained a positive outlook and a positive attitude. From that moment forward, I had a tremendous amount of respect for him.”
It’s moments like that, built on trust and teamwork, that have defined nearly 40 years of partnership.
“He was as much a Turner employee as he was a Charter employee on that job. And to see him go from boots on the ground to leading Charter today is great. He still cares deeply about every job and always looks for ways to provide best-in-class solutions.”
People Who Make the Difference
Both companies share a belief that it’s the people on the ground who make all the difference.
“They just have great talent. It’s one thing to think outside the box on the front end, but you still have to build it. Their collaboration and partnership with our on-site staff is powerful. In this industry, if we can all lock arms and figure out paths forward, we can overcome hurdles together. Charter does a great job of that.”
At Charter, the feeling is mutual. Turner’s field and leadership teams set the tone for an environment built on respect, accountability, and collaboration — qualities that elevate everyone involved.
“Turner has a reputation for being one of the best in the business,” shared Drew Hauser. “They’re creative, they expect excellence, and they lead with integrity. Those are the kinds of partners you want to work with.”
Looking Ahead
After nearly 40 years of collaboration, Turner and Charter have delivered some of Nashville’s most complex projects together. But more importantly, they’ve proven what true partnership looks like.
Lawson summed it up simply: “Charter is a very talented group. They work collaboratively with us to solve problems and create solutions for all stakeholders. That’s the definition of partnership to me, and that’s what Charter continues to bring to the table on every project.”
And from the Charter side — the feeling is reciprocated.
“The longevity of our relationship with Turner speaks for itself,” the Charter team reflected. “We’re proud to have built a partnership based on innovative problem-solving and consistent craftsmanship — one that’s helped shape the Nashville skyline over the years.”
