DesignIntelligence Articles

by Amy Edmondson
Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School.
June 8, 2021 | 4 min read


Teaming is difficult. But it is essential for success in the future operating environment.

by Aaron Lapsley
VP of Engineering Services with Switch Automation
June 2, 2021 | 4 min read

What does “technology” mean for design over the next decade?

by Scott Simpson
Senior Fellow, Design Futures Council
May 26, 2021 | 5 min read

Every design firm suffers from the illusion that it is unique. While each one certainly has distinguishing characteristics, there are far more similarities than differences.

by Michael LeFevre
Managing Editor, DesignIntelligence
May 19, 2021 | 14 min read

DI Managing Editor Michael LeFevre suggests new skills for connecting teams

by Dr. Nora Wang
Senior Director for Research,  (ACEEE)
May 12, 2021 | 8 min read

In 2015, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) research facility, conducted a study...

by Karen L. Nelson & Bethany I. Lundell Garver
Deans and Faculty, Boston Architectural College School of Architecture
May 5, 2021 | 13 min read

The Boston Architectural College School of Architecture Dean Karen Nelson and Practice Dean Beth Lundell Garver share an integrated approach to professional interaction.

by Francisco Rodríguez-Suárez
FAIA, Director, University of Illinois School of Architecture
April 26, 2021 | 7 min read

University of Illinois School of Architecture Director Francisco Rodríguez-Suárez discusses international perspectives, synergy, bias, translation and regaining a place at the table.

by Scott Simpson
Senior Fellow, Design Futures Council
April 19, 2021 | 6 min read

Seeking Clarity Amidst Cacophony

by Roberta Kowalishin
Chief Information and Technology Officer, DIALOG
April 14, 2021 | 7 min read

Our clients hire us for creativity and ideas that improve the way people work, live, and interact. 

by Scott LaMont and Eric Propes
CEO and COO, EDSA
March 29, 2021 | 7 min read

Scott LaMont and Eric Propes discuss EDSA’s leadership transition, structure and next-generation aspirational strategies.

by Michael LeFevre
Managing Editor, DesignIntelligence
March 25, 2021 | 11 min read

DI’s Managing Editor, Michael LeFevre, examines the relationship of introspection and self-awareness to perspective and offers tools for plotting personal and professional journeys.

by Dave Gilmore
CEO, DesignIntelligence
March 18, 2021 | 4 min read

DI’s Dave Gilmore posits a new lingua franca for professionals in their quest for action, relevance, and reinvention.

by Steve Jones
Senior Director, Industry Insights Research Dodge Data
March 11, 2021 | 16 min read

Reflecting on successes and failures, Dodge Data’s Steve Jones recounts the re-tooling of an industry – for people.

by Paul Hyett
RIBA, Hon FAIA,
Vickery Hyett Architects, Founder-partner
March 2, 2021 | 9 min read

From the United Kingdom, Paul Hyett reflects on three challenges facing RIBA’s new president and Britain’s architectural profession: Brexit, The Grenfell Disaster’s Insurance ... 

by Stevi McCoy
Director of Organizational Development, HKS
February 25, 2021 | 15 min read

HKS’ Director of Organizational Development, Stevi McCoy, discusses control, emotional intelligence, acedia, punctuated equilibrium, segmenting, the human spirit, and hope

by Barbara Heller
Founder, Heller & Metzger PC | Founder, CEO, Design + Construction Strategies LLC
February 17, 2021 | 15 min read

In this candid conversation, Barbara Heller reflects on the profession and speaks the truth about risk, reward, and default behaviors

by Jason Schupbach
Dean, Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Feb 11, 2021 | 16 min read

In this candid conversation, Jason Schupbach, new Dean of Drexel’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, reflects on transcending disciplines and generations, and embracing...

by James Miner
CEO, Sasaki
Feb 5, 2021 | 19 min Read

Sasaki CEO James Miner reflects on a 100-year firm evolution, a 10-year transformation, understanding history, expanding disciplines, the quest for diversity, and next-generation leadership

by Kelly Farrell
Corporate and Commercial Practice Director, NBBJ
January 22, 2021 | 15 min read

NBBJ’s Kelly Farrell discusses bold moves, timing, inclusion, leadership, and priorities — during challenging times

by Dave Gilmore, Bob Fischer, & Michael LeFevre
December 30, 2020 | 16 min read

A discussion on the "5 Tiers of Change" and the principles of reinventing businesses.

by Paul Hyett
PPRIBA and Honorary Fellow of AIA
December 23, 2020 | 5 min read

Paul Hyett’s perspective on the pace of change gives pause for thought.

by Calvin Kam
FAIA, PhD, PE, LEED AP, Founder/CEO Strategic Building Innovation, bimSCORE, BIM Supporters Group, and PlanMeetDone.com
December 17, 2020 | 19 min read

Dr. Calvin Kam talks about his journey in technology evangelism: to reinvent and integrate the industry.

by Bob Hughes
Senior Economist at DesignIntelligence
December 15, 2020 | 9 min read

Historic. Unprecedented. Catastrophic. Disastrous.

by Dennis Shelden
Director, Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE) & Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
December 8, 2020 | 20 min read

In this wide-ranging discussion, RPI’s CASE Director Dennis Shelden shares his journey and vision...

by Hamish Caldwell
Partner, Wireless Insiders Network
November 25, 2020 | 17 min read

Hamish Caldwell discusses the evolution of wireless networks, careers, agility, and communications – and their implications on strategy and practice.

by Scott Simpson
FAIA & Senior Fellow in the Design Futures Council
November 17, 2020 | 6 min read

Scott Simpson posits “life cycle value” and service as new mindsets for design thinking in an industry ripe for change.

by Michael LeFevre
FAIA, Managing Editor DI Media Group Publications
November 3, 2020 | 15 min read

In changing contexts, we need new models and skills for an old role.

by Kirsten Lees
Managing Partner, Grimshaw
October 27, 2020 | 19 min read

Interrogating the Brief, Exploring, and Embracing Differences A Conversation with Grimshaw’s Managing Partner, Kirsten Lees

by Dan Noble
President, CEO, HKS
October 13, 2020 - 12 min read

Dan Noble reflects on HKS’s firm transformation using a values-based approach. An inside look.

by Dr. Dru Crawley
Ph.d., FASHRAE, BEMP, FIBPSA, AIA, Bentley Fellow & Director, Building Performance, Bentley Systems Inc.
19 min read

Data modeling can change behavior. In this discussion