Design Development

Dan Ryan is the VP of Real Estate and Facilities at Pegasystems, a leading enterprise software company. He has over 13 years of experience in the industry and has played a key role in the company's growth and development. Dan is known for his leadership style, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and giving people opportunities to grow within the organization.

Summary:
In this conversation, Rens Hayes interviews Dan Ryan, the VP of Real Estate and Facilities at Pegasystems. They discuss the unique approach Pegasystems takes in the real estate industry, focusing on enterprise software and integrating AI and automation. Dan shares the demands and needs of the company from a real estate perspective, including the challenges of adapting to changing work environments. They also explore some of the notable real estate developments at Pegasystems, including the move to Waltham and the design of the new office space. In this part of the conversation, Dan Ryan discusses the creation of an ideal workspace, managing office space during relocation, leadership lessons from his time in the Boy Scouts, transitioning to real estate and facilities, moving from startups to large corporations, lessons in real estate and leadership, and his recommended podcast on climate change and sustainability. In this conversation, Dan Ryan discusses the importance of fact-checking and being cautious of disinformation on climate change. He emphasizes the need to verify information from reliable sources and not rely solely on biased media. Additionally, the conversation highlights the leadership style of Dan Ryan, focusing on transparency, accountability, and investing in people.

Key Takeaways:

• Pegasystems focuses on solving complex problems for Fortune 500 companies through their enterprise software.
• The company has experienced significant growth and has had to adapt to changing demands and workspace needs.
• The Waltham office project was a major undertaking that involved reimagining the office space and creating a more collaborative and flexible environment.
• Dan Ryan believes in giving people opportunities to grow and develop within the company, which has contributed to high employee retention.
• Building strong relationships and fostering a culture of accountability are key to success in real estate and facilities management.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Keith Monahan is the Director of Operations at Shawnlee Construction, a prominent open shop framing company in the greater Boston area. With over 130 employees, Shawnlee Construction specializes in large-scale multifamily projects and has a revenue of $40 to $50 million per year.

Summary:
Keith Monahan, the Director of Operations at Shawnlee Construction, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the wood framing industry. He shares insights on the impact of site logistics, the importance of understanding project schedules, and the value of field experience in estimating and project management. Keith also highlights the career opportunities in the trades and the need for continuous learning and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Site logistics and access can be a major challenge in wood framing projects, especially in urban infill sites.
• Cost per square foot is not a one-size-fits-all metric for wood construction, as it varies based on project complexity and architectural details.
• Field experience is invaluable in estimating and project management, as it provides a deeper understanding of construction processes and challenges.
• The labor shortage in the trades presents opportunities for career growth and development.
• Continuous learning and investing in personal growth are essential for success in the construction industry.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Mike Quigley is the Chief Operating Officer of WB Engineers and Consultants. He has been with the company since 2001 and has played a key role in its growth and success. With a background in electrical engineering, Mike has risen through the ranks at WB and now oversees the company's operations and strategic initiatives.

Mike Quigley, COO of WB Engineers and Consultants, shares his career journey from electrical engineer to principal and then to his current role. He discusses the company's focus on providing value to clients and the importance of being engaged and present in projects. Mike also talks about the expansion of WB's offices and the shift towards a more geographically diverse team. He emphasizes the importance of hiring and developing the right people and creating opportunities for upward mobility within the organization. Mike highlights the company's transition to an ESOP and the positive impact it has had on the team and culture. He also discusses the future of the industry, including the potential of automation and AI, and the importance of energy and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• WB Engineers and Consultants is all about providing value to clients and actively engaging in projects.
• The company has been expanding its offices and is aiming for a more diverse team across different locations.
• Hiring and developing the right people is a top priority for WB, and they're focused on creating opportunities for career advancement.
• The shift to an ESOP has made a positive impact on the team and culture.
• Looking ahead, the industry might see more automation and AI, along with a focus on energy and sustainability.

Mike Quigley also delves into the impact of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at WB Engineers and Consultants. He explains how the ESOP has aligned employees with the company's success and created a sense of ownership. The valuation of ESOP accounts has grown over time, showcasing the benefits of the program. Mike also emphasizes the importance of transparency and education in helping employees understand the valuation and how it can be increased.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of energy and sustainability. Mike highlights the importance of electrification, the challenges of increasing grid capacity, and the implementation of energy storage. He also explains the concept of retro-commissioning and its benefits in optimizing building performance. Mike mentions the role of WB in strategic decarbonization assessments for companies like Verizon, where they identify opportunities for energy savings and create master plans for transitioning to electric systems.

The discussion wraps up with a mention of the stretch energy code and the need for building owners to be aware of its requirements. Mike also touches on the role of incentives and rebates in promoting energy efficiency and how WB partners with utility companies to offset the cost of energy audits.

Overall, Mike Quigley provides valuable insights into WB's focus on client value, the importance of hiring and developing the right people, the positive impact of the ESOP, and the company's involvement in energy and sustainability initiatives.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Lu Borges is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications Director at Dancker, a  nearly 200-year-old company specializing in integrated interior solutions for commercial real estate. With a background in marketing and branding, Lu joined Dancker eight years ago and has been instrumental in repositioning the company and driving its growth through acquisitions.

Summary:
Lu Borges, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Director at Dancker, shares insights into the company's 200-year history and its focus on providing integrated interior solutions for commercial real estate. She discusses the challenges of rebranding a long-standing company and the importance of balancing legacy with innovation. Lu also highlights Dancker's growth through acquisitions and the need for a unified brand strategy and communication. She emphasizes the company's commitment to being in service of others and creating spaces that foster engagement and productivity. Lu also discusses the impact of technology on the workplace and the importance of modular solutions in adapting to changing needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Danker focuses on providing integrated interior solutions for commercial real estate, including corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.
• The company has a 200-year history and has grown through acquisitions in recent years.
• Dancker's approach is centered around being in service of others and creating spaces that foster engagement and productivity.
• The company offers modular solutions that allow for flexibility and adaptability in the built environment.
• Dancker's leadership plays a crucial role in driving the company's growth and supporting its marketing and branding efforts.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Maren Reepmeyer is an architect with over 25 years of experience. She is currently the Vice President at SGA, a leading architecture firm based in Boston. Maren specializes in complex, large-scale projects and has a passion for adaptive reuse. As vice president, Maren oversees strategic development for SGA as the firm continues to expand its customer base and geographical footprint. Over the course of her career as an architect and industry leader, she has developed a reputation for versatility, business acumen, and an ability to forge strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

With 20+ years in the industry, Maren has worked on a wide range of building types, but she has a special fondness for adaptive-reuse projects. This is one reason she enjoys working in cities rich in history and culture like New York and Boston: Their many historic buildings lend themselves to both revitalization and transformation. There is also a strong narrative that speaks to sustainability inherent in this typology.  Maren believes that responsible design helps to address climate change as well, and she has incorporated resiliency at multiple scales.

Summary:
Maren Reepmeyer, an architect and Vice President at SGA, discusses her career journey and the complex projects she has worked on. She shares insights into the challenges and considerations of office-to-residential conversions in downtown Boston. Maren emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and problem-solving in her career. She also highlights the need for public policy changes to incentivize developers and make these conversions financially feasible. Marin recommends the book “Ask For It” as a valuable resource on negotiation and confidence-building.

Key Takeaways:

• Maren has a passion for solving big, complex problems and enjoys working on large-scale projects.
• SGA is known for its thought leadership and staying relevant in the architecture community.
• The life sciences sector has been a major focus for SGA, and they have become a market leader in that space.
• SGA has two offices in Boston and Manhattan, with plans to expand into other markets.
• Maren's role at SGA involves strategic thinking, diversification, and building a strong base for the firm.
• She is focused on researching new markets and finding opportunities to bring SGA's expertise to emerging areas.
• Maren has a background in adaptive reuse and enjoys working on projects that have a positive impact on urban environments and communities.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Christian Davies, Principal at Bergmeyer, discusses the importance of connecting brand and design in the retail and architecture industry. He emphasizes the need for spaces to reflect the personality and purpose of a brand, and how this can create a strong emotional connection with consumers. Christian also shares his experience working with major retailers and the challenges and opportunities in driving innovation within large organizations. He highlights the importance of sustainability in the retail industry and introduces Bergmeyer+, a new consultancy focused on helping retailers achieve their sustainability goals. Christian emphasizes the role of Gen Z in driving change and the urgency for brands to take action on sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Design should reflect the personality and purpose of a brand to create a strong emotional connection with consumers.
• The retail and architecture industry is going through a period of change, and it is important for brands to adapt and innovate.
• Sustainability is a critical focus in the retail industry, and brands need to have a clear plan and roadmap to achieve their sustainability goals.
• Gen Z is highly climate aware and expects brands to take action on sustainability.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

About The Guest(s):
Rob Zirkle is the founder and CEO of Brick, an architecture and design firm based in Oakland, California and he is Practice Group Leader and Vice President at HGA after the recent acquisition of Brick by HGA. With over 13 years of experience, Rob has grown Brick into a successful company with a team of 33 employees. He is passionate about creating quality careers for architects and designers and is dedicated to delivering value to his clients.

Summary:
Rob Zirkle, founder and CEO of Brick, shares his journey of building a successful architecture and design firm. He discusses the impact of the current economic climate on the real estate market in the Bay Area and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Rob also announces the recent acquisition of Brick by HGA, a national architecture firm, and highlights the benefits and synergies of the merger. He emphasizes the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of partnerships in driving innovation and growth in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The current economic climate has created challenges for real estate development projects, but there are still opportunities for market-ready deliveries and projects with long-term horizons.
• Multitenant buildings and flexible design are becoming increasingly important in the commercial real estate market.
• Being open to new opportunities and partnerships can lead to unexpected and beneficial outcomes.
• The value of a career in architecture lies in creating value for clients and delivering high-quality work.
• AI and technology can enhance the design process and improve efficiency, but human creativity and decision-making are still essential.

Quotes:

• "We take the work very seriously, but maybe not ourselves super seriously, which I think is a good balance." - Rob Zirkle
• "Being open to opportunities that present themselves is a classic trait that entrepreneurial people have." - Rob Zirkle
• "Change is risk, but if you're looking for new ways to learn and grow, you have to be open to new conversations and opportunities." - Rob Zirkle
• "The future of the industry lies in creating value for clients and focusing on sustainability and equity." - Rob Zirkle
• "Partnerships work when there is synergy and a balance of strengths and perspectives." - Rob Zirkle

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

David Chalinski is the founding partner and managing principal at PCA Architects, a Cambridge-based architecture firm. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, David has led PCA to become a highly respected and successful firm known for its creative design work. He is known for his willingness to be vulnerable and humble as a leader, and for his commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration within the organization.

Summary:
David Chalinski, the founding partner of PCA Architects, shares his insights on the importance of ownership transition and the decision to become an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). He emphasizes the significance of building strong relationships with clients and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration within the organization. David also discusses the challenges and benefits of an ESOP and the impact it has had on PCA's culture and financial performance. He highlights the power of collective problem-solving and the need for leaders to be open to new ideas and perspectives. David's journey and experiences serve as valuable lessons in leadership and organizational growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Building strong relationships with clients is crucial for long-term success in the architecture industry.
• Transparency and collaboration are key elements of a strong organizational culture.
• An ESOP can be an effective way to transition ownership and maintain the company's culture and values.
• Leaders need to be willing to be vulnerable and humble, and to listen to and learn from their team members.
• The value of an ESOP lies in the tax advantages and the alignment of employee and company interests.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Rob Harbeson is the co-founder and managing partner of Market Square Architects. With over 25 years of experience in architecture and engineering, Rob has a diverse background in various market sectors. He is passionate about design and has a strong focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Summary:
Rob Harbeson, co-founder of Market Square Architects, shares his journey in the architecture and engineering industry. He discusses the importance of having a diverse skill set and the influence of his engineering background on his architectural work. Rob also delves into the housing crisis and the need for removing barriers to create more affordable housing. He emphasizes the importance of seeking opportunities and taking on additional responsibilities to grow in your career. Rob also highlights the value of partnerships and the benefits of having a complementary business partner. In addition, he talks about the significance of understanding development economics in architecture and the importance of making projects economically viable. Rob shares his ideal client and the rewarding aspects of working on projects that value his input. He concludes by discussing the future of Market Square Architects and the focus on growth through serving clients exceptionally well.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a diverse skill set, such as a background in engineering, can be valuable in the architecture industry.
• Removing barriers and simplifying the approval process is crucial for solving the housing crisis.
• Seek opportunities and take on additional responsibilities to grow in your career.
• Partnerships can be beneficial in business, as they provide support and complementary skills.
• Understanding development economics is essential for making projects economically viable.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.

Steve Huntzinger is the co-founder of Dunham Lane Capital Partners and Banyan Real Estate Group. He has extensive experience in the investment industry and has a passion for finding value in both public and private markets.

Summary:
In the part II of this episode, Steve Huntzinger discusses his side business, Banyan Real Estate Group, which focuses on distressed real estate. He shares how the opportunity came about and the process of raising capital and acquiring properties. He also talks about the scalability of the real estate business compared to the investment management business. Steve emphasizes the importance of shared vision and temperament in a successful partnership. He also discusses the impact of rising interest rates on the future value of commercial real estate. Steve provides insights into the growth potential of Floor & Decor, a company he has invested in, and explains their financial opportunity and strategic growth plan. He highlights the advantages of owning publicly traded companies and the potential for share buybacks. Steve concludes by discussing the long-term vision for Dunham Lane Capital and the importance of balancing financial success with a high quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Banyan Real Estate Group focuses on distressed real estate and raised capital from friends and family.
• The scalability of the real estate business is limited compared to the investment management business.
• Shared vision and temperament are crucial for a successful partnership.
• Rising interest rates may have a negative impact on the future value of commercial real estate.
• Floor & Decor has a strong growth potential with their strategic growth plan and ability to compound earnings.
• Opening a new Floor & Decor store costs around $9-10 million and generates a 33% return on capital in the first year.
• Floor & Decor's store unit growth and excess cash flow could lead to share buybacks, increasing shareholder value.
• Dunham Lane Capital's ten-year vision is focused on generating strong returns and learning more about businesses.
• Balancing financial success with a high quality of life is important for long-term well-being.

Thanks for being part of the Design Development community.

New episodes drop every Wednesday, featuring leaders across real estate, design, and construction.

The goal is simple: learn from how great people think, lead, make decisions, navigate setbacks, and create opportunity.

There is no single path to success.
Careers are not linear.
The lessons are in the story.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & YouTube

Find out more at https://h-o.engineering/podcasts/

Let’s go.