uetothepaceofthespreadofinformationonthe
Dinternet,clientsareawareoftherapidlychanging marketsineveryindustryandsettlefornoless. Thecaseisnodifferentfortheconstructionindustry,where therehavebeenrevolutionarychangesinthepastfewyears. Thegrowingexpectationsofclientshaveledtoinnovative, tailoredproductsforhomes,worksites,commercial buildings,andmore.Womenhavebeenatthehelmof fulfillingtheseexpectationsbybringingstructureswith modularized,specific,andoptimizedparameterswith securityandhealthobjectives.2022promisestobeayear thatbelongstothetrailblazingconstructionindustrywomen whovowtodeliverresultsbetterthantherest.
Newpossibilitieshavesprungupintheconstruction industrywiththeadoptionofmodernhardwareand softwaretechnologiestorampupdesigns.The advancementofaugmentedrealityandvirtualreality (AR/VR),drones,robotics,andadditiveprinting,haspaved thewayformodernizedconstructiontechniques. Professionalsmaximizetechnologytomakeworkprecise, intricate,andefficient.Havingtoolsattheirdisposalmakes workeasytodo,andthemarginoferroriscomparatively less.AR/VRhasenableddesignersandengineersto imagineandworkonmodelsbeforetheycometolife,and thatiswhytheyhaveagreaterunderstandingofwhatthey areworkingon.Clientsalsohavetheoptiontoviewtheir homesorofficesvirtuallyandtakeatourtoknowthebest featuresanddisadvantagesaccordingtoneeds.Thisisa win-winsituationforeveryone,andtimelyupgrades promisetomakeitevenbetter
Theemergenceofstart-upshasincreasedtheratioofvalue deliveringcompaniesandfirms.Newmarketopportunities inducedbytechtrendsforcethecompetitiontolevelupand introducesomethingnewtostayrelevant.Itisknownthat start-upsarethecenterofinnovationandfast implementationintherealestateindustry Whenacompany
triesdoingsomethingnew,othersareforcedto followsuitbecauseclientschoosethebestservice, lowestprice,andbestvalue.Onethousandtwo hundredstart-upshavebeenfoundedinrealestate andconstructionworkingsince2010andhave receivedoverUS$19.4billioninfunding.Thehuge influxofmoneyandtalenthasfamiliarizedthe industrywithcreativeandefficientwork.
Digitalizationhasmadeitpossibletolessenthe impactofconstructionprojectsandalignwith governmentsincreasingtheirC02andenergy efficiencyregulations.Architectsandengineerstoday areenvironmentallyconsciousandwork,keepingin mindthephilosophyofminimalization.Concept homeslikeminimalcottagesandnet-zerocarbon impactofficesareincreasinglygainingpopularity.
Withthehugedemandforenvironmentallyfriendly homes,companiesareforcedtobuildmoreonthese concepts.Anindustrythatcaresfortheenvironment asmuchasitcaresforprofitisontherouteto successandgrowthandtheconstructionindustryhas shownthisbeliefrepeatedly
Thiseditionof “Trailblazing Women of the Construction Industry to Follow in 2022” hasstories ofimpactfulwomenwhodaredtobelieve.
Doreadtheamazingprofilesputtogetherbyourinhouseeditorialteam.
AntoniettaRoy Founder
CarleyHill
PresidentandCEO
DebbieFlevotomou
CEO/Founder
JaimineJohnson
DirectorofCommercial Operations,Leasing, andSalesRealtor
JennyHaag
FounderandPresident
OlfaHamdi
FounderandCEO
PaeNatwilai
FounderandCEO
SimonedeGale
FounderandCEO
DonnaSultan
PresidentandCEO
ConstructionAdvocacy Professionals capyourbudget.com
CAHillTECH,Inc cahilltech.com
DebbieFlevotomou Architects debbieflevotomou.com
DRKandCompanyRealty drk-realty.com
ConcordProject Technologies tconglobal.com
Designingoutofthebox,basedonadeepunderstandingof eachproject’sbudgetandkeyobjectives,Construction AdvocacyProfessionalsbringeachprojecttolifeefficiently andeffectively.
CAHillTECHisaleaderinheavyconstructionskill-sharing, usingmodern&provenmethods.
Designingprojectsatanyscale,fromasea-frontmasterplanin Tripoli,toasinglehouseextensionwithinteriordesignin CentralLondon,myphilosophyisthatdesignshouldbe innovative,inspiringandvalueformoney
DonaldR.Kenney&CompanyRealtyisafull-service commercialrealestatecompany
Riseisafull-servicemanagementcompany
TheTeamConcord™platformisthefirstcloud-basedplatform purpose-builtforcapitalprojectteams.
Trikisanautomatedsoftwareplatformthatdigitisessiteasset recordsinthreedimensions. Trik gettrik.com
SimoneDeGaleArchitects simonedegale.com
SimoneDeGaleArchitectssignaturestylecreatestimeless architectureandcelebratesclassicalformsinterlacedwith innovativestructures
Genslerisaglobalarchitecture,design,andplanningfirmwith 50locationsacrossAsia,Europe,Australia,theMiddleEast, andtheAmericas.
KEOisacreativeenterprise,whereinnovationisawayoflife.
Tailored training designed to empower your people. From Predictability Thinking™ and Advanced Work Packaging to digital project delivery and project management, our in-person and virtual programs lay the foundation for change.
Embarkingonaprofessionaljourneyasaresearcher andauditoroflargeconstructionprojectsto foundingConcord®ProjectTechnologiesInc, realizingtheloopholesintheconstructionindustryto achievepredictabledelivery,OlfaHamdibroughtacrucial changetothecapitalprojectsindustry
Understandingvariousfactorsthatimpactpredictabilityto helpcompaniesattaintheirprojectgoalsontimeandonbudgetdelivery,Olfaimplementsherexpertisebyputting togetheraproprietarysupportsystemwithaplatformthat driveshervision.Aftersheco-inventedAdvancedWork Packaging(AWP),themethodbecameanindustryBest Practiceacrossindustrialconstruction.AstheCEO,Olfa envisionsConcord®asthepremiercompanythatsupports clientswiththeknowledgeandtoolstheyneedtodeliveron timeandbudget,ensuringpredictableoutcomes.
Thequotegoes, "A smooth sea never makes a skilled sailor." Olfaknewthatitwouldn'tbeaneasypath,whichis whyshefacedeverychallengewithasmilethatspreadeye toeye.Shebegantheentrepreneurialrideinthemarket filledwithrenownedcompaniesofferingnumerous services.WhatmadeOlfa'sparticularapproachstandoutin theindustrywastheAdvancedWorkPackaging methodologysheinventedattheUniversityofTexas,
Austin.ThismethodologyresultedinConcord®having ExxonMobilandShellastheirclientfromdayone, expandingitsclienteleworldwidegradually,becomingthe mostvaluableconsultingbusinessinthecapitalprojects.
Olfaexpressedthatstartingthecompanywithaglobal purpose;shecameacrossoneoftheprimarychallengesof travelingtointernationalmarkets.WhentheCOVIDhitthe surface,travelrestrictionswereimposedglobally,giving OlfathechancetoinvestinConcord'scertification,training, andconsultingservices,usingonlinelearningmanagement systemsandcloudplatforms.
Concord®continuedgrowingexponentially,reaching thousandsofprofessionalsthroughouttheindustry leveragingtechnology,andtoOlfa'ssurprise,theindustry waswaymoreopentousingtechnologyanddelivering projectsvirtually.
Talkingaboutthecrucialobstaclesofconstructionandits relatedindustries,Olfaasserts, "Any type of construction project has an excess amount of waste. There is so much unpredictability that our industry has gotten used to and started accepting the fact that projects can be finished late. We got used to having a lot of change orders having many claims. Everybody accepts that.”
“"With Concord, I came to the market and said, 'Enough with this waste.' We want to believe that we could achieve on-time and on-budget delivery systematically, avoiding late and over-budget projects," clarifies Olfa.”
Olfacontinues, "This is applicable to infrastructure projects, which are funded by the taxpayers; and equally applicable to private projects, for which the shareholders pay. We're saying predictability is good for business, and we need to know and make that happen. So, initially, the was a little bit of resistance. However, with awareness, as Concord® produces its publication called Velocity, which drives our industry's thinking and debate, conveying thought leadership and innovation articles, every week. So, that we can move the market, empowering professionals to deliver on-time and on-budget systematically.”
Olfaaccumulatedextensiveexperienceinherearlycareer asanauditorofmulti-billiondollarcapitalprojectand researcherthatledhertofoundAdvancedWorkPackaging
Concord® is a global market innovator in capital project predictability services, technology and training.Trailblazing Women of the construc on industry to follow
Instituteasanonprofitresearch organization,exploringthemarket aroundtheindustrygettingitreadyfor change.Shenoticedthatseveral renownedconsultingbusinessesdidn't haveaccountabilityfortheoutcomeas serviceproviders.
Shestatesthatlikeeveryother stakeholderinaproject,theseservice providerschargehourlyratesand largecontractsformassive constructionprojects.
Olfaexpresses, "What they deliver doesn't necessarily correlate with an outcome of on time and on budget delivery. I realized that there is a niche in our industry if we can create a consulting company and a training and certification company that provides: one, it provides the education and certification on predictability and works packaging and good planning, basically, and project management.”
Olfabroughttransformativeshiftsbringingasetofservices drivenbypredictabilityandoutcomes,providinganew intellectualproperty.ItwasessentialforherwithConcord® todriveinnovation,anewIP,providinghigh-quality services.Sheshares, "When we work with an owner or a construction company, we're saying, 'I am your partner in helping you achieve that goal. I'm not going to let you go until we achieve that goal.' That drives me. I realized
nobody's doing that in the industry. My vision for the company is to create the most valuable construction services consultant services company in the industry.”
Concord®isonamissiontobecomethe premierpartnertotheenergyandindustrial constructionprojectcompaniestodeliver predictability,withavisionthateveryclient getstheirprojectdeliveredontimeandbudget. OlfadescribesthatConcord®isdrivenby threekeyaspectsandisthecoreofitsculture: predictability, knowledge, and empowerment
Predictability:Concord®believesthefuturebelongsto capitalprojectorganizationsthatmasterpredictableproject deliveryandpredictableoutcomes.
Knowledge:Valuingdata-driven,fact-baseddecisionmakingpracticessupportedbythoughtful,deliberate knowledgeacquisitionandmanagement.
Empowerment:Itbelievesthatacapitalproject organization'sstrongestassetisitspeople,anditinvestsin people.
Concord®isutilizingthebesttechnologyavailablein learningmanagementsystems,enablingprofessionalsinthe
constructionindustryaroundtheglobe, provideaccesstoitstrainingwithvideos andtestinteractingwithinstructorsatany time.WithConcordAcademyandthe certificationprogramonAWP,individuals receivethesamequalityknowledgeand careuniversally
Concord®makesthemostoutofthe availablesolutionstobuildastrongnetwork foritsconsultants,makingitmoreflexible fortheprofessionalsupdatingwith technologicaladvancement.
Olfamentionsthattheconstructionindustry missesfewmarksanddoesnothavespace forintelligence,projectmanagement,and decision-making.Shenotes, "A lot of our data is manual, and it's not collected automatically. Our industry doesn't leverage technology very well, especially collaboration and non-engineering information. Concord® is working on solving that issue as a part of our most innovative projects that we're looking to change with the industry in the next few years.”
Elaboratingonthedesiredchangesintheconstruction industry,Olfashares, "If I had a magic wand, I would get
the capital project stakeholders to operate collaboratively in a flat, technology-driven transparent environment.
Eliminate all of these layers of transactions and contracts and lack of interoperability that creates a lot of miscommunications, which ends up hindering predictability. Ultimately, that's the vision. What we do through advanced work packaging and through predictability thinking™, what Concord® does is that we empower and help shape the stage-gate system and the project delivery system of these large projects, large construction companies as well, small and large so that they can streamline and monitor the risk and control the risk in a way that drives predictability.”
"Concord® believes that predictability is notjust a goal; it's a behavior. The same way when you say, "We are a safe company, and safety is our goal." But we are a safe company. We are safe in the way we execute our construction projects. We need to become predictable companies and predictable construction projects. So, it has to become a behavior. The behavior starts from the fact that everybody within the project team communicates transparently, in an integrated way, and then issues, when
they arise, they're not hidden. They are brought to the surface so that everybody including leadership resolves them on time. So, if I had a magic wand, I would have all projects operate in a common digital environment that flattens the collaboration makes it transparent and powered through artificial intelligence to help support decision making and close the knowledge and experience gap we struggle with in our industry. We could start developing intelligent project management and project decisionmaking," explainsOlfa.
Concord®istryingtochangetheindustry,producing knowledge,communicating,anddemocratizingtheprojects amongindustryprofessionals.Olfawantsahierarchyofa significantconstructionprojectcompanyoraconstruction company,needingthemtoaccessknowledgeeasily,ina fastway,inarenewableway,andinasustainableway
Concord®isavailingitsprojectmanagementcertifications andAWPcertifications,widelyusedbythemajormultibillion-dollarorganizations,makingiteasytoadapt.
Olfawantstocertify25,000professionalsby2025in advancedworkpackaging,herpredictabilityprogram.She envisionsthatby2025,Concord®wouldhaveasubstantial impactworth25$billionworthofcapitalprojectsby providingtheservices.
OlfaaimstoleadConcord®withquality,knowledge, innovation,integrity,high-qualityservices,predictable results,andempowermentasatrustedbrand.Sheenvisions ConcordeKSAinSaudiArabia.Shenotes, "We're looking at Concord France, Concord KSA, Concord Netherlands, Concord South Korea, Concord South Africa. We're working on transforming Concord into a global brand that can impact local construction markets in these major hubs of construction worldwide, of course. That's my goal and vision for where I want the company to be. And maybe one of those days, we'll see Concord go IPO.”
Concord®isonasolidpathtobecomingthemostvaluable capitalprojectconsultingandtrainingbrandintheworld.
OlfawishestoseetheindustrybornwiththefiberandDNA ofthecapitalmarket.Sheadvisesaspiringentrepreneursto goforit. "Take a chance. Our industry needs it. And we have a great large industry, and the market is big, so we need more of those companies," Olfaconcludes.
Concord® is dedicated to helping capital project organizations deliver predictable, profitable projects and programs.
.
ntrepreneursleadfromthefront,makingthe
Emostofeveryopportunity Withrising sanctionsontheconstructionindustry,itis interestingtowatchbusinessleaderspaving thewayforsustainablearchitecturewith THINKNATUREdesignconcepts.Meet DebbieFlevotomou,FounderandCEOofDebbie FlevotomouArchitects(DFA),amulti-award-winning architect,celebratedspeaker,prolificartist,founderof LondonBerkeleyDevelopmentsandLondonBallet Theatre.KrugerCrownerepresentsherasapublicspeaker
Asaresoluteleaderwhoisresilientandpassionateabout theTHINKNATUREinitiative,Debbieleftnostone unturned,winning66nationalandinternationalawardsin thelastfiveyears.
AtDFA,DebbieincorporatesTHINKNATUREdesign conceptsintoplace-makingandarchitecture.DFAdesigns originalandboldbuildingswhichareinspiringandiconic, peopleandnature-centric,withsustainabilityintheircore, creatinglandmarksofallschemes
DebbieFlevotomou,aGreekfemalearchitect,founded DFAin2012withnofinancialbacking,onenon-British employeewithnoindustryconnections,andzeroclients. Twoyearslater,thecompanyemployedateamof20, workingonlarge-scaleinternationalprojects,thebiggestof whichwasa5kmlongmixed-useseafrontdevelopmentin Tripoli,Libya.
StartingfromDebbie'sflatinBattersea,thecompany movedtoWestminsterandMayfair,withsatelliteofficesin theUSandGreece,totalingsixofficesworldwidethrough itspartnerships.DFAhasbeenoperatinginternationally withdiverseprojectsinEurope,theUS,theMiddleEast, andNorthAfrica.IncooperationwithDavidMorley ArchitectsandParkerLloydGroup,thepartnershipboasts over80staff,93%award-winningprojects,andan impressiveportfolioofschemesinallsectors. WalkingtheRoadNotTaken
Startingasasolepractitioner,Debbiequicklybroke throughintothelargecommercialsegment,andevenmore impressively,enteredtheinternationalbusinessstage-a GreekfemalearchitectsucceedingintheMiddleEastand NorthAfrica,where,againstallodds,shewon5large-scale projectsinLibya,withherboundary-pushing,bold, authenticdesigns.InspiredbyvisionarieslikeZahaHadid andFrankO'Gehry,THINKNATUREarchitecturehas earnedDebbietheendearingnickname“theblondZaha.”
Debbie'spassionfornature-centricarchitecturedroveherto leavebehindapromisingcareeratFoster+Partners,and startherownpracticetochangetheworldstageof architecture.
Sheisonamissiontoinspireamoveawayfrom modernismdesigntoiconic,natureandpeople-centric designsthatbringpeopleclosetonatureandimprovetheir wholewellbeing.ThisledDebbietostarttheTHINK
Trailblazing Women of the Construction Industry to Follow in 2022.
DebbieFlevotomou FounderandCEO DebbieFlevotomouArchitects
NATUREmovement,whichshetalkspassionatelyabout whentravelingworldwidetospeaktoaudiencesabout architecture.THINKNATUREdesignissodistinctivethat itisrecognizedasoneofDebbie'screationsandsetsthe companyapartfromcompetition,providinganauthentic USP,evenagainstbigestablishednames.
Debbiementions, "The biggest challenge in changing the world of architecture is affecting the client's decision to go for the extraordinary, the authentic, the unique, the novel. “ ShefoundedDFAfromherflat.Thebusinessreached successwithinacoupleofyears(ateamof20workedon fivelargeprojectsinLibya).
WhenpoliticalunreststartedinLibya,withthe assassinationoftheUSambassadorinTripoli,akeyclient wastakenhostage,andallprojectsstopped.Thismeantthat theteamhadtobereleasedatveryshortnotice.However, everyonechosetoremainoncallonacontractbasis becauseoftheirloyaltytotheTHINKNATUREvision. Mostcompanyownerswouldhavegivenupatthatpoint, butDebbieremainedfirminhervisionofsuccess.
Movingaheadwithresilience,DFArecovered(withno financialbacking),producinghealthyprofitsoutofprojects intheUKandabroad.However,whenthepandemichit,all projectswereabruptlyhalted.Despitetherepeated challenges,thecoreteamcontinuedtoworkonbids resultinginahealthycadenceofnewprojectsofever increasingscale.
Throughoutthepandemicwhenallprojectsstopped, Debbietooktimetofocusonpersonaldevelopmentthrough aBritishLibraryBusinessStrategycourse.Shere-mapped thefuturetrajectoryofDFA,lettinggooflow-yieldwork andfocusingonschemesthatwouldhaveoptimumimpact onshowcasingandpromotingTHINKNATURE.
Acceptingthehurdles,Debbienotonlycontinuedtonurture existingbusinessrelationshipsbutalsoformedalliances andnewpartnershipswithDavidMorleyArchitectsand ParkerLloydsGroup.Theneworganizationalstructurehas putDFAandtheteamakeyplayeramongstarchitectural practicesintheUK.
InadditiontoherroleastheleadarchitectatDFA,Debbie isalsotheArtisticDirectorofLondonBalletTheatre,Chair ofLBD,andaveryactiveartist.Shehasbeenrecognized with66internationalawards,andherworkhasbeen featuredinTheTimes,BBC,LondonEveningStandard, London&NewYorkBuild.Shehaslentherexpertiseto manyprojectsandhasjudgedanartcompetitiononthe BBC.
Asaninspirationalpublicspeaker,shetalkspassionately aboutarchitecturewithadifference.Shehasenthralled audiencesfromNewYorktoCasablanca,communicating herpassionforTHINKNATUREdesignbringingher uniqueperspectivetostudentsandprofessionals.
Debbie'slatestawardsincludetheWomeninArchitecture AwardsforBestFemaleArchitectoftheYear2021, BusinessElite's40Under40,2020,MostInfluentialWoman inArchitecture2019,andMostInnovativeArchitectofthe Year2018.With66internationalinfluentialconference appearances,Debbie'suniquestyleofengagingaudiences andachievingeveryone'sparticipationhasearnedhermany repeatedspeakinginvitations,fromCancuntoMonteCarlo.
AmongstDebbie'smanyprofessionalachievements,she waselectedastheChairpersonandCounselloroftheRoyal InstituteofBritishArchitecture.DuringherRIBAtenure, Debbiepromotedarchitectureandgooddesigntolocal communities,supportedarchitectsintheirwork,and successfullylobbiedlocalcouncilsonarchitecturalissues (e.g.,BatterseaPowerStation).
hisseason,America'sJobmarketisinfullbloom,
Taimingforhighergroundsasthepandemicsubsides andemployeesreturntotheireverydayjobs.Many companiesareofferingperksforemployeestoreturntothe officewhiletheWorkfromHome(WFH)segment continuesgainingtraction.ThetraditionalAmerican employeegaveanaverageof8yearstoonesingle corporation.Thesentimentbackthenwastobeloyaltoa singlecompanywhileworkinghardandgivingtheirbest.
Thisformofworkinghadbeenhelpingemployeesforyears toscaleuptheircareerswhilegainingprofitsfortheir parentorganization.
Enterthemillennialswhoarenewbiesinthejobmarket, andthesituationchangeddrastically.Theconceptofcareer loyaltyisslowlytakingformintoanewtermcalledjobhopping.Changingjobsisbecominganewnormintoday's world,wheremostpeoplebelievethatemployeeswhohave workedatacompanyformorethanfiveyearsmaynotbe compatibletoworkanywhereelse.
Mostemployees,particularlymillennials,believethat stayingwithabusinessformorethantwotothreeyearsis careerrestricting.Althoughjob-hoppingisnowpopularin mostindustries,somepeople,suchasengineers,tendto
focusonshiftingpositionsonlywhentheyhaveacquired thenecessaryabilitiestoadvance.Lessthanhalfofbaby boomersplantostaywiththeircompaniesformorethan threeyears.
Millennialsareknownfortheirprofessionaldedication, needforconstantchange,andchallengingsituations;they arehighlyeducated,outgoing,andvaried,andmanyaspire tobefamous.Mostarecareer-orientedandarewillingto changejobsatregularintervalsformoregrowth,better opportunities,andbetterappraisals.Incontrast,thisgives risetothequestionofwhyemployeesarefindingitdifficult tostaygluedtotheircompanychairsforaparticularlylong time.Oneofthemainreasonsisthelackofemployee engagement.
ThelackofemployeeengagementinUSofficeshasbeenin thespotlightforanextendedtime.Estimatesshowthat about87%ofemployeesareinactivelyengagedatwork. Thisgivestheimpressionthatonly13%ofemployeesare activelywillingtodotheirjobsandperformthemtothe bestoftheirabilities.
Employeeengagementisanarduous,expensive,andtimeconsumingprocessthatdemandsactiveparticipationfrom
managementinmostfirms.Therearenumerousprograms andideasforincreasingemployeeengagement.However,it maybetimeforbusinessestoaskemployeeswhatthey wantfromtheiremployersandwhatitwouldtaketoretain themandboosttheirproductivityandperformancetonew heights.Employerscanalsourgeemployeestogladlyshare theirthoughtsandideasonhowtoimprovetheirworkplace. Thiswillhelpinemployeeengagementandenhancethe workplace'sculture.Theinputfromeveryonemakesthe environmentanengagingandsportyone.
Therearewaystoretainemployeesandmakethe workplaceahubforideasharingandbrainstorming.
Variousconsultantsandthoughtleadershaveproduced extensiveworkaroundemployeeretentionandgladlyshare theirdata.Seekinghelpfromthesecompaniestohave flexibleworkplacesandclearlydefinedopportunitiesto developemployeecareersisconsideredagreatsteptostart retainingemployees.Thenewgenerationofemployees wantsbetterauthenticandhyper-relevantcommunications toemployees.
Itisfarmoreeffectivewhenthiscommunicationis presentedacrossseveralchannelsthatbestreachtheir employees.Mostsuggestionsforimprovingemployee
engagement,retention,productivity,andperformanceare respectedanddeveloped.Nevertheless,talkingaboutitwith noorlittleactioncontinuestosendastrongmessageto employeesthattheirbosshasmoreimportantthingstodo thanlistenandtakeactionontheirsuggestionsfor improvedretention.
Thetopelementsthatincreaseworkloyaltyinclude spendingtimecreatingconnectionsandestablishinggoalorientedinitiativesforteammemberstoparticipatein. Acquiringtoptalentthatstickswiththeorganizationis criticaltotheprofitmarginandkeepsrevenueinthe companygoingupwards.Alltheseeffortsreapbenefitsfor employeesandcompaniestogetherinthelongrun.The shiftintheworkingwaysofemployeeshaschangedthejob marketintheUnitedStatesandwillcontinuetodoso.Itis crucialthatthetransitionissmoothforcorporationsand employeesbothastheindustryentersaneweraofJob Hopping.
Adapting to New NormsWithauniqueperspectiveacrossmultipleplatforms, JennyHaagspentalmost20yearsinthe constructionandsportsindustryacrossvarious sectors,bringingbrandstolifeanddevelopingherknowledge andexpertisewithherventure,RISEDesignBuild Integration.
AstheFounderandthePresident,Jennyisknowntoaddress clients'issuesandelevatebrandsthroughbuiltenvironments andexperiences.Withabackgroundinmanyaspectsofcustom fabricationandconstructionprojects,RISEbringsan unmatchedbackgroundandskillsettoitsclientsandprojects.
WhileworkingfortheMinnesotaVikings,Jennywas responsibleforseveraldesignandconstructionprojectsforUS BankStadiumandtheteams'headquartersandtrainingfacility, TwinCitiesOrthopedicsPerformanceCenter.Shemanaged everythingfrombranding,artwork,signage,sponsor integration,FF&Etowayfinding.
Afterworkinginaconstructiontrailerintheirfieldofficefor theheadquartersandtrainingfacility,Jennythenrealizedthere wasanicheinthesportsconstructionworld.Theywereoften touringteams,teamowners,andexecutivesthroughtheir facilities,lookingtolearnanythingandeverythingtheycould. Jennysays, "When a team finds themselves building a new venue or renovating a current one, it can be overwhelming. Often teams do not have the internal resources to manage all that comes with these types of projects. With my knowledge and expertise in these types of projects, I decided to launch RISE and help fill that gap for teams and even contractors."
Inthelastfewyears,ithasbeenincrediblyrewardingforJenny toworkwiththeLasVegasRaiders,TorontoBlueJays,Texas Rangers,andMinnesotaVikings,bringingtheiriconicbrands tolifeintheirnewandexistingvenues.
JennystartedRISEin2018toexpandherworkintosports, events,realestate,andconstructionindustries.Shehas unparalleledexperienceintheworldofsportsvenuesand properties,workingacrossawiderangeofdisciplines.
Jenny'sincredibleknowledge,workethic,andrelationship buildingarewhatseparatesRISEfromtherest.Herability andinsighttoworkacrossmultipleplatformsgivehera uniqueknowledgeofallthingsinthedesign,build,and integrationprocess.
Jennyandherteams'missionatRISE istoprovide confidenceandatrusted partnershipfortheirclients.They bringadifferentperspectiveandexpertisebybeingonthe teamsideandknowingtheirclients'challenges.Theirgoal istoserveasaco-pilotfortheirclientsandhelpmaketheir visionsareality
Havingworkedwithseveraldifferentteamsanddifferent contractors,Jennyhasfoundthathernicheresonateswith manypeople.Sheisoftenreferredtoasanowner'srepfor design.Therecanoftenbeadisconnectbetweencontractors anddifferentscopesofwork.Jenny'sroleistomakesureall partiesareonthesamepageandareallatthetable collaboratingtoensureclients'brandpresenceisweaved throughoutavenue.
ThebiggestthingeveryoneatRISEhaslearnedinthelast fewyearsishowinterconnectedtheworldcanbethrough theuseoftechnology.Theyhavefoundwaystoreviewsite conditions,meetwithvendors,reviewmaterials,etc., virtuallyinconstruction.Jennysays, "The world has shifted to think outside the box of how to access each other and information. We travel all over the country for many projects, but it has helped tremendously having virtual options to connect with clients, contractors, and partners."
Jennywouldliketoseetheindustrycontinuetopushthe envelopeworkingwithmorediversecontractors,vendors, andartistsandfindinglocalin-marketresources.Almostall
RISEclientsarelookingforwaystoincorporatetheirlocal communityintotheirprojects.Itisawayforownersto buildasenseofcommunitywiththeirrealestateand constructionprojectswhichcansometimesbechallenging duetotaxincreasesforlocaltaxpayers.Jennysays, "When you have local community members walk through a new facility and feel a part of it, it's a win for everyone."
Jennysaysthatonecurrentchallengeinthefabricationand constructionindustryisthesupplychainandsourcingof materials.ShethinksRISEneedstogetmorecreativein howitdesignsandspecificmaterialsforitsprojects.There areseveralgreatdomesticresourcesforproductsthatit shouldbelookingtouse.Itoftenusesthesamemanufacturersandvendors,andJennythinksRISEneedstobe proactiveinlookingforalternativeresources.
Jennysays, "We feel lucky to have started this journey four years ago not knowing exactly where the path would take us, and we continue to live that mantra today. We are blessed to work with some of the best in the sports and construction industries and feel humbled daily. We plan to continue to do great work and build lifelong partnerships with those we work with and forge new relationships producing the best work we can."
Jennyadvisesaspiringentrepreneursintheconstruction sectortobelieveinthemselvesfirstandforemost.Sheasks themtosurroundthemselveswithpeoplewhobelievein themandsupportthem.Jennyoftenhaspeopleaskherhow sheknewshewantedtostartabusinessandhowshemade theleap.Shesays, "There isn't a magic answer other than I believed in myself and had a very supportive network that encouraged me, was willing to help me, and continues to support me."
Jennyconcludesbysaying, life is short so take the leap… It's worth it!"
FromthebrilliantmindofSimonedeGale,an architecturecompanyisredefiningtherulesof modernarchitecturebystayingtruetoitsrootsnature.Shestartedherventure,Simonede GaleArchitects,tofulfilhervisionof providingtop-qualityarchitecturebackedbysustainable andcost-effectivedesigns.Thecompanyisbuilttodeliver best-in-classdesignserviceswhilecaringaboutthe environment.
AstheChiefExecutive,Simoneissculptingthecompany ininnovativemethodsofbuildingstructuresbyintroducing newtechniquestokeepthedesignsqualitative.Sheisona missiontotakehercompanytothenextlevel,creating massiveemploymentopportunitiesformanypeopleand empoweringthemtonurturethemselves.
WeatInsightsSuccesshadtheopportunitytogettoknow SimonedeGale,herpassion,organization,andviewsabout thearchitecturalworld.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatSimonedeGale. Whatchallengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Istartedmycompanyattheendof2009whenIcompleted mypart2studiesinarchitecture.Thejourneyhasbeenvery simple,nurtureandgrowandcreatesomefantasticwork.
Eachprojectwegainispartofourpathtobecomingan organizationthatdeliversworld-classdesignservicesat differentscales,followingacompanyethostodeveloprules ofdesignthatfollowtheprincipleofrhythm,pattern,and repetitionintheformandfunctionofadesignproposition.
Thisembodiesnewconstructiontechniquessuchas modularconstruction,sustainability,andtop-quality constructioninformedbycost-effectivepropositions.
TellussomethingmoreaboutSGA,itsmission andvision.
Weworkfromasetoftheoreticalandmathematical principles,developingourprojectsintoanexplorationof rhythm,pattern,andrepetitionofformandmaterial.
OurinnovativeuseoftheseclassicalrulesofArchitecture informsdirection,distance,anduseofspace.Weembody anethosconnectingdirectlytotheoriginalarchitect,nature.
Ourstylehasdevelopedoveranumberofyears,withour mostprominentprojectstranslatingintoamasterplanin Tbilisi,Georgia,whichweareworkingwithGeorgian politiciansandtheirlargestdistributionfirm,theOmega Group.OurSphericalArtGalleryevolvedintoanext-gen
PatentedMaterialsProcessingTechnique,strengthening construction,andmanufacturingmaterials,workingwith theMinistryofDefenceUKandtopuniversities.
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Architectnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.
Wehavebeenabletomakesuchagreatimpactwithour businessasitisa100%black Caribbeanandwoman-led organization.Manywomenandpersonsfromdifferent ethnicbackgroundsareinspiredbyourportfolioandability
tosecureinteresting,profitableprojects.Wehavebeen awardednumerousawardsforourdesignskillsandalsofor ourbusinessacumen.Ourstyleisreallyfocusedonthenew emergingtechnologiesandpracticeswhichallowconstructionprojectstoimproveembodiedcarbonandthe sustainabilitylifecycleoftheproject.Wehaveprojectsin CentralLondonandInternationally,andwehaveexcellent communicationtoolswhichallowustoworkwithclient teamseffectivelyandefficientlyallacrosstheworld.We havetheambitiontogrowtoalargecorporation,andthis ambitiondrivesourmotivationandprojectacquisition,as wellasourbusinessmodel.Theorganizationisvery focused.
Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveragingtechnologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutionsresourceful?
Weareworkingonrefiningourtechnologypolicyeachyear astechnologydevelops.Wehaveexcellentcommunication toolsandwaysofsharingdesigninformationanddocumentswithclienteleandwithinthedesignteam.This meansthattechnologyadvancementsareveryimportantto us,andacknowledgingnewdevelopmentsiskeyto continuingtoimproveandprovidebettersolutionstoour clientele.Thereisatechnologythatrunsourpracticeand technologywhichcanbeembeddedintoourprojects.We arealwaysworkingtoinformourclienteleofthelatest developmentsandproviderecommendations,design insight,andspecificationsforourclientele.
Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring intheInteriorindustry?
Theinteriorindustryisonewhichisveryimportanttoour work.Wehaveaninteriordesigndepartment,andisita strongarmintermsofrevenueincomestream,andin addition,itisanextensionofourdesignstylewithin architectureprojects.Veryoften,wewillstartanarchitectureprojectwithaclientandthenbecommissionedto completefit-outinteriordesignprojectsasanextensionof theoriginalcommission.Iwouldliketobringmoreholistic andsustainablepracticestointeriors.Weprocuresustainableandlocallyresourcedmaterialsasmuchaswecan, whichimprovesqualityandreducestransportationemissions.Italsofeedsintothenarrativeofinvestinginthe localeconomybypurchasingfromlocalsuppliers.Iwould liketoseethesepractisesmoreofteninInteriordesign projects.
What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theMasterplanindustry?HowisSGApreparingtobea partofthatchange?
Thenextbigchangeinmasterplandesigninthepublic realm–moreandmoreinterestingpublicspacesarebeing designedandbroughtintokeypartsofmasterplanprojects. Itisintegraltocontinuetounderstandhowandwhypeople usespaceandhowthiscaninformamasterplandesign. Perhapsthepublicrealmwillbecomethecentreorcoreofa successfulmasterplan,inhowpeopleinhabitspacethat belongstonooneandissharedbyeveryone.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSGA?
Myfuturegoalistocontinuetogrowthebusinessuntilwe haveseveralhundredemployees.Ilovedesigning,Ilove business,butthebestpartofthislifestyleisprovidingjobs forpeople.Formetobeempoweredtonurturedesigntalent andwatchpeoplegrowwithinmyorganizationisextremely satisfying.Atthetimeofstartingmyorganization,Ididnot reallythinkaboutthisaspect,butthemomentImademy firsthire,Ihavecherishedtheexperiencetoanextentithas becomethebestpartofthejob.
Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheInnovationsector?
Myadviceforbuddingentrepreneursistojustdoit.There isnevertheperfecttimetostartabusinessortohavea perfectproductorservice,butthemomentyoustart,you willlearn,grow,challenge,andbecomebetter,andthe journeywillopenupmanyinterestingandwelcome surprisesonjustwhatitistobeaninnovator
iththeemergenceofindustry4.0,technological
Wtrendsareadvancingatlightningspeed.Despite thecompany'ssizeorindustry,tech advancementsarerapidlyshapingablueprintofhowwe willdobusinessinthefuture.AccordingtoMckinsey, technologicalprogresswillexceedtheprecedingyears,and that'swheredata-drivenbrandingwillshapethefuturein thecomingyears.Herethequestionariseswhat technologicaltrendsdoexecutivesandcompaniesneedto beawareof?Theanswertothisquestionisbelowinthis article.
Brandingthesedaysisprimarilydonethroughdata,where thedataissorted,managed,andorganized.Youthinkof someproductandsearchforitontheinternet;itfollows youeverywhere.Thisisbasicallyduetotheincreasing numberofInternet-connecteddevices,whichwillreach21 billionby2025.Everysecond,127devicesgetconnectedto theinternetforthefirsttime.Theinternetisadvancing rapidlywithincreasednetworkagilityandtheabilityto deploy,automate,andsecureusecases.Thepotentialliesin leveragingbrandingtoautomatevariousbusiness processes.
AIallowscomputerstoharnesshugeamountsofdataand cognitiveartifactstofillthegapbetweenthedigitaland physicalworlds.Inthiscompetitiveworld,thekeyto successfulbrandingliesinhowwecanstayafloatand navigateourorganizationthroughamassivepoolof unstructureddata.
Eachcompanyisadatacompany;itisonlyunstructured datathatneedstobeusedtocreatevalueinthemarket.In 2020,amassiveamountofdatawascreatedandreplicated; morepeopleworkedandlearnedfromhome,sotherewasa higherdatagrowthratethanpredicted.
Managingdatamightbeaproblemhere,buttheIT departmentcananalyzeitquicklyandeffectively
Companiesnowrealizethepowerofbrandingwithdata andhavegrowntheirsignificanceacrossthemarkets.The mosteffectivemanagementofstructuringdatarelies primarilyontheabilitytoimplementthesebuildingblocks: Therightdataforbranding,attherighttime,totheright location,intherightformat.
Inestablishinganefficientbrandingdatabasefromadata managementstrategy,thefirststepistoidentifytheright databecause“all branding data is not created equal.” By askingthefollowingquestions,youcandemonstratethe importanceofbrandingwithdatatomanageitefficiently andeffectively:
1. Isitacriticalassetthatthecompanycanprofitfrom databyprocessingitpromptlytoincreaserevenue, reducecosts,andimprovecustomersatisfaction?
2. Isitcriticalfromaregulatoryperspective?
3. IsitcriticalfromanIPperspective?
Findingtherightdataforbrandingisonlyapartofthe solution;therearemanyothertoolstodeterminetheright data.Youhavetofindaholisticunstructureddata managementplatformtodeliverallthebuildingblocks. Dynamicdatabrandingcanhelpyoutostayaboveandcan dramaticallyimpactyourcompany'sabilityto:
• Beagiletomeetthecompetition
• Makedata-drivendecisionsfortherightbranding
• Maximizethereturnsonyourbranding
• Fine-tuneyourbrandingtoensuretheefficient processingofdata
• Properlyalignbrandingcostswithefficientdata processingrequirements
• Ensurethatyouaremeetingbrandingregulatory requirements
Theanswertoallthisistokeepbuildingcuriosityforthe customerswiththedata-driventools;thatiswherepeople willfeelconnectedwiththebrand.Thegrowinginfluence oftechnologicaltoolscanbeusedtoreachpeopleglobally Throughouttheforeseeablefuture,thetechnologyand digitalizationofserviceswillcontinuetoactasaprimary driverofmarketing,branding,andpromotingtheproducts andservices.Therewillbesomegapstillremaining betweenthephysicalanddigitalworldforleaders.Andthat iswheretheywillpitchtoworktogetheramongteams, management,andtheclients.
Trailblazing Women of the construction industry to follow in 2022
Cexcellencecanhelppeoplecreateabetterworld.WhenValeria Segoviafeltanenormoussenseofresponsibilitytoseta precedent,shefeltaneedtoshowotheryoungerwomenthatanythingis possible,fuelingherthoughtstothinkthatwhateversheachievesisfor them.
onfrontingthechallengesintheworldbyutilizingdesign
OneofValeria'scorevaluesasanarchitectandpersonistheimportance ofhappinessandjoy,anditallcomestogetherwhenherpartners,teams, clientshaveagoodtimeintheprocessandatheendofaproject.
AsaDesignDirectorandPrincipalatGensler,Valerialeveragesher 17yearsofexperiencetoleadprojectteamstodeliverdesignexcellence forclientsbyadoptingaforward-thinkingandholisticapproach.
ValeriawasborninahighlyurbancontextwithinapolarizedsocioeconomiclandscapeofincrediblycolorfulMexico;filledwithrich culture,strongheritage,andastrongsenseofcommunity Thecity shapedthewayshenavigatedhercareer.However,sheleftMexicoto studyinItalyandLondon,embracingdifferentculturesandcelebrating diversity.
ChallengesstartedappearingasValeriaattainedleadershippositions. Numeroustimes,shewastheonlyonewithanaccentintheroomorthe lonefemalevoicewithprofessionaldevelopers,designers,andengineers.
Guided by determined optimism, we believe the power of design can spark positive change and create a future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing for everyone.
Inherexperience,themoreseniortheenvironment,theless diverseitbecame.AsaMexicanwoman,shehadtodouble upherconfidencetoreassureothersthatshecoulddothe task.
ValeriahadasolidsupportbaseatGensler.Shefeltlikeher voicewasheard,heropinioncounted,andherpointofview wascritical,makingherfeelaccountableandresponsibleto ensurethatothersfeelthesameway.
Gensler'sethosisincrediblyinspiring,anditprioritizes people,theGenslerfamily,itsclients,andcommunities. Genslerdeliversdesignstocreateabetterworldandhas publiclyexpresseditscommitmenttoClimateaction.There isnowayback;ithascreatedaroadmaptotransform Gensler’sportfoliotoachievecarbonneutralityby2030 andisimagininghowitcanbuildcitieswithoutsolely relyingonoffsettingforcarbonneutrality
Valeriabelieves, "We cannot be building the new problems of tomorrow; we must constantly evaluate what we are doing and the impact it has on the environment."
Sincedayone,Valeriahasfocusedhercareerondesign excellence;shehasthreeessentialwords:context,process, andpeople.Sheasserts,"Design is all around us; everywhere you look, there is design; what makes it count is its context and how context interacts with design. Context can be many things; geographical, historical, political, economic, and more." Valeriabelievesthatanessential aspectofgooddesignisitsrelevancewhichisdictatedby itsrelationshipwithitscontext.
Valeriathinksthatagooddesignisaproductofarigorous processthatisclinicalandmeasuredontheonehandbut visceralandintuitiveontheotherhand.Theprocessshould alwaysbereflectedinsomewayintheoutcome.Shesays, "It takes time to build buildings, and even more in London, so it is important to make sure that there is joy in the process and the outcome."
Valeriasaysthattechnologyissignificantforthedesignand constructionindustryatalllevelsandnotonlythroughout thedesignandconstructionbutforthelifeofthebuilding.
Genslerhasdevelopedplatformstohelpdesignersbridge workflowsanddisciplinesbetter.Technologyisanintegral partoftheprojectprocess.Itneedstostayonthecutting edgetoallowforself-learningandadaptationnotonlyfor efficiencybuttocreatedesigninnovation.Therearenow incrediblecomputationaltoolsthatenableGenslertotest environmentalconditionsandotheraspectsaspartofthe designprocessandnotasanafterthought.
Valeriasays, "There is much discussion about the Meta Verse; it is so impressive what can be designed in the virtual world and to see that there is a different way to create not only experiences but other aspects of a person's lifestyle."
Valeriasays, "We have seen the entire world change, adapt, and flex in such a drastic way in the last couple of years. We are starting to realize that this is an opportunity like no other to disrupt the way we live, work, design, and interact with people."
Genslerisfullycommittedtobringingdiversity,equity,and inclusiontoeverythingitdoesandmakingsureallvoices areatthetable,andaffectingmeaningfulchange.
Valeriaseesherselfinaworldwherethereisnoego,where everyone'svoicecounts,andeveryone'sneedsare addressed.Shesays, "As designers, we can resolve some issues by creating a design process that is inclusive and collaborative, where all projects are purpose-driven and where we prioritize the most critical issues of the world."
Valerialikestobesurroundedbyleaderswholeadwith compassionandco-workerswhocareforeachotherandthe world.Sheseesherselfinanindustrywhereresearchand dataaresharedbetweenpracticesanddisciplineswitha commongoalandnohiddenagendas.
Valeriaasksentrepreneurstoworkasanintegrateddesign teamwitharchitects,servicedesigners,andbranddesigners toshapeexperiencescollaboratively.Sheasksthemtoseek diversityoftheteamincraftingtheexperience-notonly diversityofexpertisebutthediversityoflivedexperiencesdifferentbackgrounds,ages,liferoles,histories.
Valeriacontinuesheradvice, "What's most important is to start with the needs/intent of the space NOT the medium by which those needs are addressed. Technology solutions don't have to be obviously "digital" in this day and ages. We should consider how data can be leveraged to drive value.
Valeriaasksentrepreneurstoseekanswerstointelligent questions.Itcanalsobecomeastimulusfordiscussion.It canprovidepersonalizedexperiencesandempowerservice people.Shethinksitisbesttoconsiderhumanneedsfirst andwhattechnologiesmightbestsupportthem.
