While Atlanta’s industrial market remains flush with tenant demand, the Federal Reserve’s aggressive interest rate hikes are poised to finally cool off rampant new warehouse development in the region.

Read more with Bisnow here. 

The boundaries between being physically in or out of the office are collapsing and lessons from this global work-from-home experiment will have a lasting effect on the role of the office. Now more than ever, workplaces must evolve like a living ecosystem. More than a real estate asset, these spaces are a physical manifestation of a company’s brand, vision, mission, and values. Inspiring collaboration and brand advocacy, increasing productivity, and unifying teams around a common purpose. The future workplace will support a different lifestyle, where employee well-being and technology are interconnected, and amenities and service offerings will no longer be perks, and instead necessities.

As designers, architects, and innovators, we put our heads together to create a vibrant, intuitive, and versatile collaboration space called The Nexus. This office oasis will provide a variety of ways for employees to work away from their desks and offices and collaborate together. We invite you to The Nexus, the future of collaboration.

The Nexus provides a space for everyone: an intuitive and diverse food and beverage offering, a buzzing collaborative space, in addition to quiet spots for solo work and concentration.

LIFESTYLE

The Nexus works for everyone. Seating varies from comfortable, soft lounge furniture, to ergonomic desk chairs, for varied forms of work. Furniture is modular so those wanting to collaborate can push chairs together or pull them apart to work alone without feeling lonely. The solution is to empower users to control their surroundings or experience based on personal preferences.

An elevated food and beverage concept resides within The Nexus, allowing employees to access healthy snacks, drinks, and meals without having to leave the office. A food window allows easy and safe access to food delivery orders, ensuring a no-contact transfer from the delivery person to the employee, additionally food never has to leave the collaboration space and can stay contained to one area.

Key features:

• Personal lounge chairs for privacy
• Furniture pieces that are flexible and allow individual work or working together
• Elevated food and beverage concept with access to healthy breakfast and lunch options

WELLNESS

WELL building standards are incorporated throughout including, access to light and views, healthy food options, and variety and choice in how you work though the day as demonstrated with a plethora of work settings. Germ mitigation has been addressed by reducing touch points at cabinets by using only open shelving, selecting easily cleanable, wipeable surfaces made of anti-microbial and bleach cleanable materials.

Key features:

• Open shelving to reduce touchpoints
• Easily cleanable, wipeable surfaces made of anti-microbial and bleach cleanable materials
• Enclosed, hot and cold food storage windows for third party deliveries

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is embedded throughout to offer various solutions: to enhance the “phygital” experience, minimize touchpoints, mitigate the spread of germs, and to monitor the amount of people using the space at one time. The most innovative technology within the space is the centrally located Zoom Wall. It can be used as a looping live stream of employees working from home, or it can be used to display recent company news, highlight teammate hobbies, or be the backdrop during an all hands meeting. Telepresence cubbies are set up with seamless technology so someone working from the office can easily meet virtually with someone working remotely.

An IWMS is installed and used for tracking, reserving, monitoring seating areas. Employees can book a spot on-demand through an app on their mobile device, or view availability from their desk before even entering the collaboration area. High touch surfaces like faucets, appliances, and light switches are powered by motion-sensor controls to mitigate the spread of germs.

Key features:

• Double sided technology wall to engage office culture while not all teammates are in the office
• Built-in millwork booth with personal video conferencing

The Nexus is the reinvigorated hub all future workplaces need. It embodies collaboration, innovation, and wellness, while offering a home-like retreat to match each employee’s unique journey and lifestyle.

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail banking, it has become abundantly clear that one size no longer fits all. The dynamics of customer priorities have shifted dramatically in recent years, necessitating a profound transformation in the way financial institutions approach their services. To build and maintain loyal customer relationships in this new era, banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions must wholeheartedly cater to the unique needs of each generation, align with cultural nuances, commit to a sustainable tomorrow, embrace, and advocate for all, and elevate the concept of future-proof financial stability.

Check out the meta trends from our design and experience experts as we delve into these pivotal aspects of modern retail banking, highlighting the strategies and innovations that are shaping the industry and setting the stage for a prosperous and human-centric future.

Micro-Entrepreneurs

Today’s younger generation is all-in on entrepreneurship. Banks can be role models. Gen Z is leaning into their entrepreneurial side, driven by a desire for autonomy and fueled by digital innovation. Instead of the traditional 9-to-5, they’re paving their own paths, offering banks the opportunity to step up, not just as financiers, but as genuine partners and advisors, helping them navigate their unique challenges and aspirations.

Cultural Experience

Aligning with the cultural nuances of our country will help bring authentic experiences to your bank. One size does not fit all and fitting in with different U.S. regions will help show localization as well as aligning with the community. Ultimately, this will cement your investment in your customers.

Genuinely Sustainable

Sustainability shouldn’t feel like a chore or look forced. Consumers expect their favorite brands to make serious eco commitments, but they also want them to be fun. Cultivate a community around climate action, encourage customer participation, and make space for creativity, imagination, and humor. These optimistic approaches are good for both people and planet, and help green behaviors stick.

For the People

Fact. Gen Z requires reasons to believe in big business. Answer their call. Millennials are vocal about holding companies accountable for their actions. They are more likely to support advocacy campaigns, and social movements aimed at promoting responsible corporate behavior.

Financially Sound

Millennials and Gen Z are looking for some financial security. Help guide them. Let’s be proactive in guiding our customers through the complexity of the financial landscape. This relationship-building will give them both empowerment and optimism. We believe that financial wellness will contribute to better mental wellness.

Future Proof

Anticipating change is the first step in designing for it. Anticipating – and solving for – change has become a foundational principle of design. By recognizing shifts in landscape or behavior, designers can proactively create solutions that adapt to future needs, ensuring longevity and relevance, but also effectively future proofing against unforeseen challenges in a world that is evolving faster than ever.

ALPHARETTA, GA – January 6, 2022 — Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is excited to announce the addition of Brad Ewing as Regional Practice Leader of the Civic & Justice practice. Brad will provide oversight and expertise in building upon the practice’s success, working collaboratively with national and regional leadership to create opportunities for continued growth.

“Brad brings both versatile design expertise and keen business acumen to NELSON and the Civic & Justice practice,” notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “Through his leadership and direction, the practice will continue to see success and exciting growth within and outside of the region.”

Brad is an experienced senior architect and project manager with extensive knowledge in building design and space planning. He attributes his passion for architecture and design to his upbringing and love for creating environments that evoke emotion and improve lives. Throughout his career, he has managed and designed a diverse range of projects, including retail spaces, courthouses, correctional facilities, federal buildings, healthcare facilities, aerospace and manufacturing facilities, among others. Brad has demonstrated success in building and growing practices, particularly in Civic & Justice, and brings abundant knowledge to the Southeast and the firm as a whole.

“I am excited to join a design firm known for its creativity and expertise nationwide and partner with a talented and dedicated team who share my interest in designing to empower communities,” remarks Brad. “My goal is to guide and lead our practice while having fun doing what we love, which is to create and be creative.”

As Regional Practice Leader, Brad will leverage his diverse experience and NELSON’s nationwide expertise to build and lead teams to complete thoughtfully designed Civic & Justice projects and further develop the firm as a reputable partner in the industry.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

Meet Robert Cohoon, Technical Leader – Workplace at NELSON Worldwide. Robert will work alongside workplace project teams in the Central Region in a technical leadership role to coordinate drawing/document production and implement firmwide drawing standards. Robert will also provide oversight of matters related to code compliance and guide consultants through the design process while coordinating aspects of the construction process.

Q: What inspired you to get into architecture/design/engineering/the work that you do?

I have always tended to enjoy both the creative/artistic as well as the analytic/problem-solving aspects of things. Architecture is a profession that allows me to exercise both the right-brain and left-brain sides of my personality.

Q: Are you an early riser or a night owl?

I am more of a night owl. I think that this is because once I start something I want to see it through to completion, so I will often stay up late to finish something that I have started earlier in the evening.

Q: Have you ever been disappointed by something that happened at the time, but ended up being really good for you?

In college I tried out for an activity for which I was not accepted. I was very disappointed at the time, but looking back, I now realize that by not participating in that activity I was able to devote more time to my thesis which ultimately led to me getting my first job and launching my career.

Q: When people come over, what’s the one piece of art or furniture that’s an immediate conversation piece?

I have an assortment of relief pieces hanging on the walls of my living room. Most have been collected from my travels. Some are originals and some are casts of salvaged architectural pieces. The one piece that gets the most comments is a cast of a keystone with a silly grotesque face.

Generally, when we work with clients on developing their brand purpose and brand personality, we talk about creating a purpose that resonates with the core of who they are and what they do. We tell them it should be something that lasts for the lifetime of the brand, not something that should change based on shifts in the market. However, during unprecedented times such as these, brands will need to acknowledge how the crisis affects them and react in a way that supports their loyal consumer base. As humans, we elevate different parts of our personality to match the situations we’re in. If brands are a reflection of ourselves shouldn’t they do the same?

Here, we explore a few brands that have adapted successfully, and share a few tips for other brands to follow:

1. Be Human – act with sensitivity and compassion, like a real human, not just a brand
2. Lead Purposefully – authentically and consistently lean into your brand values
3. Act with Intention – back up your adapted tone of voice with actions

Skyscanner

Skyscanner, a travel company based in the United Kingdom, transformed their normally humorous tone of voice (TOV) to be more compassionate and sensitive. They leaned into a sense of positivity even though they are significantly impacted by non-essential travel disappearing.

Instead of lamenting the fact that travel isn’t a possibility at the moment, Skyscanner leaned into their brand ethos of being “the travel company who puts you first” and posted fun ways to engage with consumers during their time at home. Their efforts include creating curated playlists on Spotify with travel-inspired songs, a blog that shares travel guide videos of places around the world, and travel-themed “play packs” for kids to do indoors, They even crowdsourced content from their employees.

YouTube

YouTube has long touted their platform as a “community.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, they are taking that a step further by encouraging their community to“Stay Home with Me.” They are sharing channels and videos from creators who are developing content ranging from crafts to exercise.

One of their other brand values revolves round the “freedom of information.” They previously used this to highlight how-to videos and news channels, but recently partnered with Khan Academy to help students “Learn @ Home.”

YouTube is staying committed to their efforts by changing all their social media accounts to say, “YouTube at …” and regularly posting new videos every few days. They are taking this time to focus more on the content that creates community, provides support, and enhances education rather than elevating some of the more lighthearted entertainment content previously hitting the trending pages.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’, known for their joyful and pun-filled TOV, pivoted to honoring all essential workers and making sure employees and consumers are staying safe.

Dunkin’ understands times are tough, so they are shining a light of positivity by donating from their Dunkin’ Joy in childhood foundation to organizations working on the frontlines during this crisis. They are donating coffee and donuts to hospitals, encouraging franchisees to support their communities, and posting the precautions they are taking to keep employees safe.

Instead of only offering discounts and deals, they are showing appreciation for people who are working right during this crisis. A simple cup of coffee and a donut could be just what a first responder or cashier needs right now.

Where do we go from here?

Brands will continue to adjust their response in an effort to react in a way that will draw consumer loyalty. They will also continue to measure consumers’ attitudes during this time. Right now, people are trying to pass the time, so brands will continue getting creative to keep everyone occupied and maintain share of mind.

Here are a few brands staying creative during COVID-19:

1. Madison Reed’s videos on how to dye your hair at home.
2. Headspace’s live Instagram videos called #TakeTen featuring the CEO and a special guest doing guided meditations.
3. P&G sponsored #DistanceDance TikTok videos to encourage younger people to stay at home. For the first three million videos posted, P&G is donating to Feeding America and Matthew 25.

Takeaways for Brands

Brands need to be strategic about what messages they want to communicate during this time because what they say and do now will impact how people will remember them when this crisis is over. Brands that make the right decisions could emerge stronger and have a more dedicated customer base, those that don’t might struggle “winning” back consumers.

As brands evaluate their next steps, there are a few questions they can ask to help find the right path forward:

1. Is your current voice enhancing your brand values and brand purpose?
2. Does your messaging and tone of voice reflect what your consumers need?
3. Are you providing levity where it’s needed and support/empathy when called for?
4. Will this message encourage safe reactions or endanger lives?
5. Have your actions supported your words?

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors exhibit made its last touring stop in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art. The day tickets were released to the general public, people across the city waited in queues of up to 14,000 people in an attempt to grab a ticket to the acclaimed show.

Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, is a self-described “obsessional artist,” known for her extensive use of polka dots and infinity installations. Starting at the age of ten, Kusama painted dot and net motifs as a way of dealing with mental health issues she faced. Inspired by abstract impressionism, she moved to New York City in 1958 and joined the avant-garde art scene of the 1960s that sparked the pop-art movement.

When entering the exhibit, you are greeted with some of Kusama’s oldest and newest work including sculptures, paintings, and more. Her sculpture, Life (Repetitive Vision), which highlights her signature polka dot motif, was featured prominently in the exhibit.

As you move through the exhibit, you are prompted to enter smaller “Infinity” rooms. Each room of the exhibit creates a unique and interesting play of space, from vast fields of polka dots to the inside of a lava lamp, to weightless floating expanses of glowing lanterns. Most fascinating is how compact and mysterious the Infinity rooms are. From the outside you see a very minimal white 10×12 box, offering no indication of what’s inside. There was one exception to this, however, Dots Obsession – Love Transformed into Dots, is a large open space showcasing giant pink dotted spheres from floor to ceiling. Within this space, the actual Infinity room is built into one of the pink spheres.

The final room, called Obliteration Room, takes guests from viewer, to participant. Upon entering, you receive a sticker sheet of dots and are directed to place them anywhere you choose throughout the room. It’s fun to see what was once a sterile room completely filled with dots of other participants, all looking for interesting places to leave their mark. To play off the name, the stickers really had the desired effect and in some cases completely obliterated the forms of objects placed around the room, like an optical illusion, only showing up as you moved around (or almost stumble on them).

Each room features plenty of Instagram-able moments and it was exciting to enter, camera ready, and experience the Infinite.

As graphic designers, we found it interesting how Kusama has made a such a strong visual identity for herself. Transitioning from pop art to pop culture, her unique style has created a personal brand. Kusama’s visual identity was represented all over the museum, making a statement of her creative presence. The entrance and front of the museum were covered with giant bright red dots and the gift shop was also full of dotted merchandise. In addition, fun and quirky polka dot signage helped guide us through the exhibit and or learn more about each individual art piece.

All in all, Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors was a really fun and exciting exhibit, we’re so glad it made its way down to Atlanta!

CHICAGO — July 14, 2022 — On the heels of elevating brand and creative to a c-level position with the promotion of Bevan Bloemendaal, Chief Brand and Creative Officer, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide welcomes Amanda M. Smith as Senior Director of Brand Marketing. Based in Chicago, Amanda will develop and execute a holistic marketing strategy that builds awareness for the NELSON Worldwide brand.

“As we explore the next phase of growth at NELSON, Amanda will be a critical asset in the development of a tailored brand strategy,” notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team and excited to see how she will infuse our culture of creativity with her philosophy, recognizing our wins and adjusting as challenges arise.”

In her new role, Amanda will lead the brand marketing team to develop strategies highlighting NELSON’s service offerings, value propositions, and differentiators across all regional markets and industries. In addition, she will work to guide the expression of the NELSON brand, keeping the company’s name top of mind through a mix of thought leadership, direct marketing, and practice-focused initiatives.

“What drew me to NELSON was its reputation for high-quality projects, desire for continued growth, and culture of creativity. As senior director of brand marketing, I look forward to further developing and sharing the NELSON story, engaging potential and existing clients, and collaborating to move the business forward,” says Amanda. “I’m excited to work with each practice to leverage their expertise and highlight the value of partnering with industry-leading talent.”

Amanda spent the last 18 years providing design-led consultation and marketing strategy for national brands, retailers, and commercial and residential design firms. As a modern marketer and creative leader, Amanda is driven by design and fueled by a love for storytelling. She offers a multidisciplinary approach that leverages creativity as a profit multiplier while striving to deliver impactful and memorable brand stories across all touchpoints.

Actively involved with several industry associations, Amanda serves on the board of the Chicago Great Lakes Chapter of the Retail Design Institute and the College of DuPage Interior Design Advisory Board. She is passionate about mentoring and fostering student talent while gaining insight from the future generation of designers.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. With more than 800 teammates spread across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

For Women’s History Month, NELSON would like to celebrate some of our female powerhouses. These women have proven that hard work and determination can take you beyond your wildest dreams. Read below to learn from their valuable insight and feel inspired. 

Ramya Shivkumar

Director of Energy & Sustainability, Windward

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If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be?

Be the architect of your own career. Be curious, have an abundance mindset, and define what success means to you.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

Michelle Obama, Wangari Maathai, JK Rowling, and the fourth lady would be my mom, whom I admire for her tenacity and ability to help many less privileged people.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered as someone who could bring people together, empower and inspire them to make the world a better place for future generations.

Chen Hui Spicer

Regional Design Leader, Director

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When did you first become interested in design/architecture?

There are many reasons why I decided to pursue interior design at a young age. One of the most important was my passion for creativity and self-expression. Interior design allows me to combine my love of art and design with my desire to create functional and beautiful spaces. Whether I’m designing a home, office, or retail space, I get to use my creativity to make a real impact on people’s lives.

Another reason was my interest in architecture and construction. I’ve always been fascinated by how buildings are constructed and how they can be designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. As an interior designer, I get to work closely with architects and contractors to ensure that the spaces I design are not only beautiful but also structurally sound.

Additionally, I believe that interior design can have a profound impact on people’s well-being. Studies have shown that well-designed spaces can improve productivity, reduce stress, and even promote healing. As an interior designer, I have the opportunity to create spaces that not only look good but also make people feel good.

Finally, I believe that it’s a field that is constantly evolving and changing. With new technologies, materials, and design trends emerging all the time, there is always something new to learn and explore. This keeps me engaged, motivated, and ensures that my work is always fresh and innovative.

I am excited to see where my career in interior design will take me, and I look forward to creating beautiful and functional spaces for many years to come.

If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be?

My advice is to prioritize communication and collaboration with their team and clients, actively listen to others, establish a clear workflow and process for feedback, and stay up to date with industry trends and best practices. By following these strategies, they can produce high-quality designs and build positive working relationships with their team and clients.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

I would choose Zaha Hadid, Kazuyo Sejima, and Neri Oxman.

Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect and designer who became one of the most important architects of the 21st century. She was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and her designs have been featured in numerous prestigious museums and galleries around the world. Her innovative approach to architecture and design, blending fluid forms and cutting-edge technology, would make for a fascinating conversation.

Kazuyo Sejima is a Japanese architect and co-founder of the Tokyo-based firm SANAA. She has designed a range of projects, from small-scale residential homes to large-scale public buildings, and has received numerous awards for her work. Her minimalist approach to design and use of natural light and open spaces would be an inspiring topic of discussion.

Neri Oxman is an Israeli-American architect, designer, and professor at MIT’s Media Lab. She is known for her pioneering work in the field of “material ecology,” a concept that combines biology, technology, and design to create new forms of architecture and design. Her innovative approach to sustainable design and use of new materials would make for a thought-provoking conversation.

Together, these three women represent the forefront of innovation and creativity in the field of architecture and design. Their contributions to the field have helped to shape the built environment in new and exciting ways, and their perspectives on the future of design would be a fascinating topic of discussion. I would be honored to host them for a dinner party.

What do you want to be remembered for?

What each designer wants to be remembered for is a deeply personal and individual decision that is informed by values, goals, and aspirations. Some common themes that many designers strive for in their work include innovation, creativity, and making a positive impact on society. Another aspect that could set me apart as a designer is my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This could involve experimenting with new materials, technologies, and techniques to create designs that are truly groundbreaking. By embracing innovation and pushing the limits of what is possible, I can inspire future generations of designers to continue to explore new frontiers in design.

Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a designer that is striving to create designs that make a positive impact, that push the boundaries of what is possible, and that reflect my unique creative vision and values, which I can leave a lasting legacy that will inspire and empower future generations of designers.

Jennifer Acevedo

Principal, Marketing & Brand Strategy

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When did you first become interested in design/architecture?

I’ve been interested in design/architecture and the arts for as long as I can remember. My mom is a retired ASID interior designer and my sister is a fine artist, photographer, and painter. Our love of design and the built environment as well as a love of travel was nurtured in us from the time we could pick up a crayon, and while my talents lie elsewhere (can’t draw to save my life), I have enjoyed a lifetime appreciation of and education about design in its many forms.

If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be? 

This would be the same advice I’d offer any young professional…find your passion and pursue it and commit to a lifetime of learning and new experiences. I strongly believe that learning is growing and that there is power in answering a question, “I don’t know, but let me find out.” Not only does this keep us humble, no matter what stage of our career we are in, but it reminds us that no one has all of the answers and also nurtures the natural curiosity we are all born with but that only some carry with them into adulthood.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, painter Frida Kahlo, and Poet and Activist Maya Angelou. All three are sources of major inspiration for me, and not coincidentally, all three have made an indelible mark on me by speaking their minds, standing up for what they believe in, and advancing the causes of human rights, regardless of popular opinion.

Sara Steinbauer

Principal, Business Infrastructure

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When did you first become interested in design/architecture?

I am not actually a designer or architect. My training and background are in Information Services…all because my 5th grade teacher (a very long time ago) declared that computers would give us the 4-day work week and I wanted in on making that happen. However, I did intentionally seek out working design/architecture firm after working for Project H.O.M.E. I was part of a leadership team responsible for building a 39K SF Community Technology Center in lower North Philadelphia. I fell in love with the process and people.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Learn to harness your own personal agency; Perfection is overrated; Learn to embrace failure for what it is — taking risks, learning, feeling good about at least having tried and trying again; Continuously learn, grow and be open-minded to new perspectives, ideas, and ways of doing things; Don’t hesitate to ask questions and for help when needed…and be there to give answers and help when asked.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

Most difficult question of all! Let’s go with Indra Nooyi, Amanda Gorman, and Tina Fey…can you imagine that night?!

Holly Williamson

Regional Design Leader

If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be?

Be a good mentor. At any stage of your career, you can mentor. As a young designer starting out you can mentor students. As a mid-level designer, you can mentor interns. As a Senior Designer, you can mentor intermediate designers. You should always be developing teammates so they can take your position one day and grow, which, in turn allows you to grow. Working to lift each other up is key to working with a great team.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Over the last two years I have realized more than ever the importance of a worklife balance. Being a working mom is hard work and prioritizing some time for me each day benefits both my teammates and my family. Likewise, recognizing when you need to take a day to recharge is especially important. Another lesson I have been sharing lately is what I call “make new mistakes”. Do not be afraid to try something new, share an idea, take a different approach. If it doesn’t work, you will know for next time. Never make the same mistake twice; keep learning, stretching, and most importantly have fun.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

So hard to pick just three: My college roommate Jackie, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and my aunt Helen, whom I was named after but never met.

Anne Gibson

Regional Design Leader

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When did you first become interested in design/architecture?

I come from a family of creatives, with my mom as my primary inspiration as a child. As an artist, a weaver and a graphic designer, my mom has always radiated design. Our home was full of iconic furniture I had no clue was significant until I was an adult. This profession was never a question for me – I have always loved art and it was a natural progression for me to follow this path.

If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be?

Find your pack. Being a woman in this industry can be unfair at times and it’s very lonely (and hard!) to try to go it solo. It takes tremendous strength to stand up for what is right and we must support each other. And know that while what you are fighting for today may not be realized in your career, but it could for all the women who will come after you. I highly suggest reading Abby Wambach’s Wolfpack – it’s a quick read and has so many lessons about how important it is to find those people who you can trust.

What lessons and experiences can you share as a female leader?

Be your authentic self. Use your voice. You are smart. Wear matching shoes. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Listen and ask questions. Have fun.

Past or present, name three women that you would invite over for a dinner party?

This is impossible to limit to three… there are so many women I’d love to spend time with. If I had to choose today, I would invite Beyonce, Twyla Tharp, and Leslie Jones.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I hope people think of me as a caring and curious person. I love to create stories in space to enable connections and I love helping other people do what they love – I suppose that’s how I’d like to be remembered.

MaryVictoria Barr 

Market Leader

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When did you first become interested in design/architecture?

My father is an architect, so I pretty much learned what design and architecture was before I could even walk. I grew up in a house that my dad designed, and my first apartment was in a building that my father’s firm converted from office to residential. I didn’t know it at the time, but he was really paving the way for me to follow in his footsteps.

If you could give one piece of advice to young female professionals, what would it be?

Never be afraid of making mistakes. As a client-facing business development professional, I had to get used to talking to strangers and introducing myself confidently, and usually in a room full of much older male professionals. Although it was scary and intimidating at first, I can’t even count the number of great relationships that I still have because of that initial “Hi, I am MaryVictoria, it’s nice to meet you.”

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for being a confident, capable, and genuine professional. Although my job is rooted in sales, I want to be remembered for my ability to build lasting and authentic relationships.