EXPERT PERSPECTIVE: A CONVERSATION WITH TRAVIS BASNETT, PE
SHAPING SOUTH CAROLINA’S MIDLANDS
In the evolving landscape of South Carolina’s Midlands, few leaders have been more engaged or invested than Travis Basnett. As Principal and Managing Director of Hussey Gay Bell’s Columbia and Charleston offices, Travis has been instrumental in shaping the region’s industrial growth — championing smart infrastructure, deep local collaboration, and a future-forward approach to development. In this edition of Ask the Experts, we sat down with Travis to explore the trends shaping the Midlands, how our firm is positioning itself to lead, and why community-rooted work is more important now than ever.
INDUSTRIAL TRENDS ACROSS THE MIDLANDS
Travis Basnett, PE, has spent much of his career focused on infrastructure and industrial development throughout the Midlands. Working out of Hussey Gay Bell’s Columbia office, he has had a front-row seat to the region’s rapid expansion as manufacturers, logistics companies, and large-scale employers continue investing in South Carolina.
“We’ve seen tremendous momentum in the Midlands over the past several years,” Basnett says. “Companies are recognizing the strategic advantages of this region — from its workforce and transportation network to the collaborative approach between local governments and industry partners.”
As economic development continues to accelerate across the state, Basnett works closely with communities and project teams to help ensure the infrastructure supporting that growth keeps pace, positioning the Midlands as a competitive destination for future industrial investment.
INFRASTRUCTURE KEEPING PACE WITH INDUSTRIAL DEMAND
As industrial growth accelerates across the Midlands, infrastructure planning has become one of the most important factors shaping where and how projects move forward. Basnett notes that while the region offers tremendous opportunity for development, utility capacity and long-term planning often determine whether a site is truly viable.
“Power is at the forefront of nearly every conversation right now,” Basnett explains. “The lead times for critical components like specialty transformers and switchgear can stretch to 36 months, which means projects have to plan much further ahead than they used to. Water and sewer access can also be a challenge, especially in more rural areas where extending infrastructure may require miles of new pipe.”
Because of these constraints, early coordination has become essential. Basnett and his team frequently work with municipalities, counties, and utility providers to evaluate potential sites and identify infrastructure limitations before development begins. Through careful planning and collaboration, Hussey Gay Bell helps communities explore solutions such as phased utility expansions and strategic infrastructure investments that allow promising sites to become viable industrial locations while supporting sustainable growth across the region.
BALANCING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH WITH SUSTAINABILITY
As industrial development continues to expand across the Midlands, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of project planning. Basnett notes that while economic growth remains the driving force behind many developments, environmental considerations are now deeply integrated into the design and permitting process.
“It’s definitely a balancing act, but in many ways sustainability is built into the process now,” Basnett says. “Stricter permitting regulations play a role, but we’re also seeing more intentional design strategies — things like orienting buildings for natural cooling, preserving existing tree cover, and creating environments that improve the day-to-day experience for employees.”
By approaching sustainability as both a regulatory requirement and a design opportunity, project teams can create industrial facilities that support economic development while also enhancing the long-term environmental health and livability of the surrounding community.
COLLABORATION ON LARGE-SCALE INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS
Having worked on major industrial projects such as those for E. & J. Gallo Winery and Jushi USA, Basnett has seen firsthand how complex industrial developments rely on coordination among many different teams and disciplines. In South Carolina, civil engineering teams often focus specifically on site and infrastructure components while working alongside architects, contractors, and specialty trades.
“Teamwork is everything on projects like these,” Basnett says. “We’re often responsible for the civil and site elements, which means we’re coordinating with a wide range of trades throughout the process. There are constant changes, so flexibility and keeping everyone aligned around the shared goal of delivering a functional, client-driven facility is critical.”
For Basnett, the impact of these projects extends beyond the construction site. Industrial developments frequently bring long-term employment opportunities to communities across the state, reinforcing the broader purpose behind the work. By helping deliver projects that support job creation and regional investment, Hussey Gay Bell plays a role in strengthening the economic future of the Midlands.
LOOKING BEYOND TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
While manufacturing and large-scale industrial projects often anchor economic development efforts, Basnett emphasizes that the broader impact of these investments creates opportunities across multiple sectors. As new industries move into the Midlands, the surrounding communities must also grow to support an expanding workforce.
“Economic development creates a ripple effect,” Basnett says. “When new industries come in, they bring people with them — and those people need places to live, eat, and go to school. That opens the door for opportunities in housing, hospitality, education, and the infrastructure that supports those communities.”
Basnett believes there is also significant potential for deeper engagement at the local level. By building relationships with counties and smaller communities — in addition to working alongside regional organizations like South Carolina Economic Developers’ Association — Hussey Gay Bell can better understand the unique needs of emerging growth areas. This holistic approach allows the firm to support not only major industrial projects but also the broader community development that helps regions thrive long after the initial investment.
STRENGTHENING HUSSEY GAY BELL’S REGIONAL PRESENCE
As industrial development continues to expand across the Midlands, Basnett believes firms like Hussey Gay Bell have an opportunity to play a larger role in shaping the region’s growth. Doing so, he says, requires not only technical expertise but also a deeper connection to the communities and stakeholders driving economic development.
“Visibility is key — you have to be present to be considered,” Basnett says. “It starts with showing up, following up consistently, and making sure more of our team is in the room building relationships. When people know who you are and what you bring to the table, opportunities naturally follow.”
Basnett also sees value in empowering team members across the firm to represent Hussey Gay Bell within their own professional networks. By encouraging collaboration, making introductions, and strengthening relationships throughout the region, the firm can expand its influence while continuing to support the communities and industries shaping the Midlands’ future.
THE POWER OF COLLABORATION IN COMPLEX PROJECTS
For Basnett, collaboration is a defining factor in the success of large infrastructure and industrial projects. These efforts often require coordination among a wide range of stakeholders, including city officials, developers, engineers, and community representatives — all working toward a shared goal.
“The William Street Extension project is a great example of how collaboration really drives success,” Basnett says. “We meet weekly with everyone from the executive team to city engineers and the assistant city manager. Being proactive is critical — reaching out early, asking about the vision for the project, and making sure the right stakeholders and utility providers are involved from the start.”
Basnett notes that understanding the full life cycle of a project — and the people impacted by it — can uncover critical details that might otherwise be missed. Early coordination, community engagement, and open communication help ensure projects move forward smoothly while delivering meaningful outcomes for both the client and the surrounding community. Internally, taking a broader view beyond the immediate technical scope allows Hussey Gay Bell teams to bring even greater value to complex infrastructure initiatives.
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION SHAPING FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
As industrial projects become more complex, technology is beginning to play a larger role in how engineers and project teams plan, design, and deliver infrastructure. Basnett believes emerging digital tools — particularly artificial intelligence — have the potential to significantly improve efficiency and decision-making throughout the development process.
“AI is poised to transform much of what we do,” Basnett says. “It has the potential to act as a powerful assistant that boosts productivity and helps teams solve problems faster. We’re already seeing early applications, from modeling stormwater systems with resilience in mind to identifying potential utility conflicts before construction begins.”
For Basnett, staying informed and adaptable will be essential as these technologies continue to evolve. By exploring new tools and approaches, Hussey Gay Bell can enhance project efficiency, improve constructability, and deliver even greater value to clients while remaining competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
TRANSFORMING THE CONGAREE RIVERFRONT
One of the most visible projects Basnett and his team are currently involved in is the Williams Street Extension in Columbia — an initiative designed to improve public access to the river while helping unlock new economic development opportunities along the Congaree waterfront. The project aims to better connect existing park space, the canal, and surrounding properties while shaping how the community engages with this area for years to come.
“The Williams Street Extension is a unique project and one we’re proud to have been involved with since the early design phase,” Basnett says. “It started through a direct relationship with the property owner, Charlie Thompson, who recognized the potential in this underutilized land and saw an opportunity to connect the park to the canal and improve access to the Congaree River.”
Because of the project’s visibility and long-term impact, Basnett says the work requires a thoughtful and holistic approach. In addition to designing the necessary infrastructure, the team is working closely with stakeholders to address environmental considerations, coordinate with community partners, and ensure the development aligns with the character of the surrounding area. As a firm rooted in the region, Hussey Gay Bell brings both technical expertise and local insight to help guide projects like this from concept to reality.
A PROJECT WITH LASTING COMMUNITY IMPACT
For Basnett, the Williams Street Extension represents more than just another infrastructure project — it’s an opportunity to help shape the future of Columbia’s riverfront and contribute to the long-term vitality of the city. Because of its location in the heart of downtown and its potential to unlock new development, the project has become a meaningful example of how thoughtful infrastructure planning can influence both economic growth and community experience.
“The most rewarding part of this project is seeing how collaborative it has been, especially working closely with the City of Columbia,” Basnett says. “It’s not just a typical assignment — we’re personally invested in its success. Having lived in Columbia since college, it’s exciting to contribute to something that will have a lasting impact on a city I care about.”
As the project continues to move forward, Basnett sees the Williams Street Extension as a catalyst for broader development opportunities along the riverfront. Improved connectivity and access to the Congaree River could pave the way for higher-density uses such as hotels, restaurants, and mixed-use development, further strengthening Columbia’s urban core. By helping bring this vision to life, Hussey Gay Bell is contributing to a project that supports economic momentum while enhancing how residents and visitors experience the city.
As the Midlands continues to experience rapid industrial and economic growth, leaders like Basnett are helping ensure that development is thoughtful, collaborative, and built for the long term. From infrastructure planning and sustainability to emerging technologies and regional partnerships, his perspective reflects the broader role Hussey Gay Bell plays in shaping the communities it serves. By staying engaged at both the project and community level, the firm continues to support growth that not only strengthens the region’s economy but also enhances the quality of life for those who call it home.
