barrett dunigan,
ra, leed ap
principal
W. Barrett Dunigan’s passion for construction and entrepreneurship began at a young age, nurtured by his grandfather, who gave him a hammer and nails and encouraged him to build, take things apart, and build again. This early hands-on experience sparked a lifelong fascination with the connection between design and construction.
As Barrett’s career unfolded, he found ways to merge these two worlds, leading to a dynamic 30-year journey in project management, architecture, and development. His work spans industries from hospitality and retail to healthcare, government, and industrial, with consulting expertise that ensures client goals are met with operational success—whether redirecting a project mid-course or guiding it from inception to completion.
At Halyard LLC, Barrett serves as Principal, drawing from his deep well of experience. His role is rooted in problem-solving, clear communication, and a hands-on approach. “I’ve always loved taking a project from start to finish and knowing I had a hand in it. The more I pursued my passion for design, the more I missed seeing how things were built. So creating a career that meshed both was, in a way, meant to be,” Barrett reflects. For him, there is no substitute for being on-site and seeing construction unfold—something blueprints alone can’t capture. He lives by the phrase “win or learn,” embracing both successes and challenges as opportunities for growth.
Barrett’s leadership at Halyard is built on the philosophy that two heads are better than one, and every team member’s input matters. “We’re a small company, and I make sure everyone has input—not just on the day-to-day tasks but also on where we’re going and how we get there. It’s about making sure everyone feels heard, and we remind our employees that time for themselves and their families is essential. Without them, we wouldn’t be who we are.”
Barrett values the deep-rooted connection among his team, forged through shared backgrounds in facility, design, and construction. “While our job experiences may vary, we think similarly because of what we’ve experienced in the field. We each bring something unique to the table, but we all agree that the most important things are maintaining high-quality work and building great relationships with our clients to keep them coming back.”
Barrett finds immense satisfaction in seeing clients succeed, knowing the behind-the-scenes work his team puts in plays a critical role in those achievements. Whether it’s large-scale problem-solving or small details, he takes pride in making sure projects run smoothly and team efforts align perfectly.
Outside of work, Barrett’s love for construction continues through woodworking and home improvement projects, where he often rolls up his sleeves and takes on the work himself. He believes in continuous learning and draws inspiration from tradespeople and field superintendents, always striving to improve. “It’s hard to imagine doing anything else,” he says. “I basically grew up with a hammer in my hand, and that experience set me on this path from the start.”
Barrett’s combination of hands-on expertise, lifelong learning, and a commitment to fostering collaboration ensures that both Halyard’s team and clients thrive. His dedication to quality, relationships, and personal growth is woven into every project and interaction.
