Virtual Reality: A Tool for the Future of Business in Chattanooga

Drake Farmer

Virtual reality offers users a peek into an augmented present. As virtual reality (VR) technology continues to advance, so do options for implementing the technology in a variety of fields.

Chattanooga is no stranger to VR technology. The Tennessee Aquarium already uses it to give students a deep-dive experience into Chattanooga’s nearby streams and rivers. Students use the technology to observe the wildlife that inhabit the waterways that surround Chattanooga. 

Now VR has begun to expand further in our region, lending its services to businesses who want to make Chattanooga home.

One Chattanooga architecture firm, TWH Architects, has begun using virtual reality headsets as a way to give clients a glimpse into the future of their business.

With several successful projects completed, TWH merged with Knoxville based Architectural and Engineering firm, Michael Brady Inc. (MBI), in 2016.

In March, TWH and MBI used virtual reality technology as a tool to show Finnish Tire Company Nokian Tyres, a projected plan for a proposed factory in Rhea County. At the time, the company hadn’t decided on a location.

The VR headset allowed TWH and MBI’s clients to see their future plant on site.

In May, Nokian announced it would be building a new, 830,000-square-foot plant on the site TWH showed them.

TWH Principal Architect Ronny Rahn suggests that VR technology facilitated Nokian's decision to invest in our region.

“We’ve been using VR as a design tool for over a year now to help our clients better visualize their projects,” Rahn says. “However, this was the first time we did this remotely on the project site.”

Visit TWH’s Facebook page to learn more about the company.


For more information about MBI, visit their website

You can learn more about TWH, here

Other Topics

In 2019, Finland-based tire manufacturer Nokian Tyres opened its first North American Plant in Rhea County, thanks in part to the influence of the Greater Chattanooga Economic Partnership (GCEP). Wes Boling, Senior Manager of Communications, Nokian Tyres, explains that the…

Chamber Chatt is a video series offering community members the chance to hear from elected officials and those in public service.  This month’s Chamber Chatt was recorded live inside the Chattanooga Chamber’s Connection Conference Center, Powered by EPB.  Matt Phillips,…

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce announced the promotion of Yolonda Hayslett, MBA, SHRM-CP, to Vice President, Finance and Operations. She will continue to be responsible for leading and managing a team that handles member-investor services initiatives, accounting, finance, human…

As the sun sets on another Protégé Chattanooga session, a bright future emerges for Chattanooga's young leaders. Over a nine-month period, Protégé Chattanooga participants connected with their peers and area business and community leaders to develop their business and civic-engagement…

In the ever-evolving professional landscape of today, the significance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace has surged to the forefront of discussions surrounding the creation and promotion of a healthy workplace environment. Acknowledging mental health is an important aspect…

Chattanooga Zoo, BNI Southeast Tennessee, (Be) Caffeinated, and Master Machine Inc., were recognized for growth and overall performance as they received top honors at the 2023 Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Awards program, presented by Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C.…

Sign up for weekly updates.