Biz Buzz: Odell works to build world-class reputation

As it looks to take its work to a global level, architecture and design firm Odell Associates has turned to designer Roger Soto.

"I want to create a fresh new direction [at Odell]. To do work that's recognized by the design and architecture world," said Soto, who is leading the effort from the firm's Richmond office.

Odell is based in Charlotte, N.C., and has offices in three other cities, including ones in the Lucky Strike power plant building in Tobacco Row in Richmond. The firm completely gutted and renovated the old plant, turning it into a state of the art office.

Odell's chairman and CEO, James C. Snyder, is based in the Richmond office.

Soto is leading the firm's U.S. and international practices. He serves as president and director of design.

Before joining Odell, he worked at the Houston office of HOK, one of the largest U.S. architecture and design firms. He's designed projects throughout the U.S. and the world, including South America and the Middle East.

Soto says making Odell an international player is about the quality of its work, not necessarily gaining new clients or the size of projects.

To create that quality, he believes Odell needs to expand the scope of its work. The firm has the talent in place, but he said he brings knowledge, experience with technologies and skills needed to reach the higher level.

"We already have the infrastructure," he said. "We're working on changing the culture. There is no reason Richmond can't have a firm that does work that's internationally recognized."

Soto says he took the job at the smaller firm because he got a stake in the company. "I've had an aspiration to have my own firm for a long time."

Since coming on board in July, Soto has traveled to Saudi Arabia and India scouting for new business.

The visit to the Middle East is particularly important given that Soto is known in Saudi Arabia.

At his prior job, he led the design of the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology and the town built around the school. He also designed the CMA Tower in Riyadh, which will be the city's tallest skyscraper and will house the nation's stock exchange.

For Snyder -- who says Soto is a "rock star" in the industry -- bringing in the designer was partly self-interest. Snyder said he has always wanted to be a part of a world-class design firm.

"This is my opportunity to leave behind something great," Snyder said. "A chance to create something special."

2nd hot dog shop

City Dogs will open a second restaurant in early October.

The hot dog eatery will take over the former Nara Japanese restaurant space at 1309 W. Main St., which closed this summer.

City Dogs co-owner Cliff Irby said the new spot will allow the hot dog shop to reach a new customer.

"We'll be able to get the VCU students as well as those people living in the Fan," he said.

The 2,200-square foot space is already fitted for a restaurant, but work needs to be done before it can open.

City Dogs' other spot is on East Cary Street in Shockoe Slip. The new space is about 40 percent bigger that the original one.

The majority of Shockoe Slip customers are in their late 20s or early 30s, he said.

Hookah bar coming?

Look for a hookah bar to possibly open at 15 N. 17th St. in Shockoe Bottom later this year.

A hookah bar is a place where patrons can share flavored tobacco from a hookah pipe.

Owners of Laba Lounge are working with the city to see if hookah bars are allowed under the state's new smoking laws.

Work on the lounge could take a couple of months to complete.

HomeGoods opening

HomeGoods will open its first Richmond-area store next month.

The home furnishings retailer will put a 25,000-square-foot store in the West Broad Village development in western Henrico. HomeGoods is owned by TJX Cos., parent of T.J. Maxx and Marshall's.

Recreational Equipment Inc., known as REI, an outdoor gear and clothing store, also is scheduled to open at the center in November.

hhgregg hiring

Appliance and electronics retailer hhgregg plans to hire about 100 workers for the two area stores it plans to open in November.

The Indianapolis-based retailer will need about 45 to 50 employees for each store, said Jeff Pearson, the chain's vice president of marketing.

Positions will range from sales associate to store manager. Hiring will likely begin in October.

The company will open stores in former Circuit City locations at Short Pump Town Center in Henrico County and near Chesterfield Towne Center in Chesterfield County.

The chain hopes to open a third store by November, he said. That store likely will be at The Shops at White Oak Village in eastern Henrico.

Contact Louis Llovio at (804) 649-6348 or . Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RTDBizBuzz.