Conventional Wisdom: A Modest Proposal

Though there are recent signs of a thaw, the effects of the recession on the A/E/C industry as a whole have been severe and will be long-lasting. Construction spending is way off, there have been widespread layoffs, and financing for new projects is still very difficult to come by. Recovery, when it comes, is likely to be slow and incremental. In response, firms have cut expenses and are looking for ways to use technology and new processes, such as IPD, to create a much leaner, more efficient business model.

At the same time, there are significant leadership roles that need to be filled: Both the AIA and NCARB are currently in search mode for new CEOs. This is an ideal time to take a close look in the mirror and decide how to shape the future of the A/E/C industry as whole.

It’s time for some fresh thinking, and we won’t get there by replicating the paradigms of the past. Here’s a thought: create a “super convention” that will gather together the combined membership of the entire industry, including AIA, NCARB, NAAB, IIDA, AGC, the USGBC, etc. If all of these organizations would agree to hold their annual conventions at the same time in the same city, the assembled brainpower would be enormous and would provide a unique platform for cross-fertilizing the best ideas from across the country and around the world.

Such a gathering would be huge and would demonstrate just how influential the combined resources of the A/E/C industry could be when working in concert. This would provide the springboard for a host of new ideas, energy, and optimism, all of which are desperately needed. A better future tomorrow depends on great thinking today.

Think Differently About Change

Climate change comes bearing gifts. While not welcomed offerings, these changes demand a vastly different approach in the way architects and designers think about their professional practices. Something big is happening.

Moreover, architectural careers have quit working like they used to. Climate change will affect the economy and the underlying tenets of roles and responsibilities in the making of buildings – and urban environments. The challenges brought about by climate change create new puzzles to solve. We can meet these challenges. There are many approaches.

The Design Futures Council will be hosting our 9th Leadership Summit on Sustainable Design Oct. 5-7 in Atlanta. Again this year we will bring together 100 delegates to share case studies, present deep understandings and practical experiences, and chart the future. Invitations were mailed last week to members and fellows of the Design Futures Council.

To be considered for one of the delegate positions, e-mail me at jcramer@di.net or Mary Pereboom at mpereboom@di.net. We are seeking thought leadership and a diversity of talents.

All of us need to catch on to what’s happening. We need to seize the opportunities brought about by change.

Design: A Multiplier of Opportunities

Here’s the real deal: While the economy for architects and designers will be down about $7 billion over the next 12 months, there will still be nearly $30 billion spent on professional services in 2009, with an expected uptick in 2010.

You don’t need to be one of this year’s victims. You can lead and participate in the shift from private to publically funded projects, and you can lead the shift to relevancy in a changing market context. You can lead success.

Yes, there is plenty of strategic optimism if you want to find it.

5th annual Leadership Conference on Design Strategy, Innovation, and Change

For instance, I’ve just completed the Design Futures Council’s 5th annual Leadership Conference on Design Strategy, Innovation, and Change held in La Jolla, Calif., at La Valencia Hotel. This was a small and powerful conference. We had a full veranda room of 45 leaders perfectly fitted at round tables overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Participating firms constituted a real Who’s Who of successful leaders in our industry. And they are gearing up for even more success this year. Leaders came from HKS, Autodesk, OWP/P, DLR Group, Cannon Design, NBBJ, Mortenson Construction, Staffelbach, MulvannyG2, Chamberlain of Canada, CEDIM of Mexico, Hanbury Evans, Rice University Facilities, Carnegie Mellon, HMC, HDR, Sasaki, Devenney Group, Hettema, and 25 more. What a great diversity of leadership angles this group possesses and is willing to share!

In fact, it was one of the most dynamic, high-energy, and passion-filled rooms of people I’ve been inside in a long time. Each session provided a candid and comprehensive look at how to succeed in architecture and design – ranging from small creative firms to large institutions. Speakers were not only solid but scored an average evaluation of 9 out of 10 as they presented step-by-step real-life examples and tell-it-like-it-is information in context with today’s challenges.

Renee Cheng

I would especially like to thank psychologist Richard Farson, educators Laura Lee and Renée Cheng, architects Markku Allison, Phil Bernstein, and Scott Simpson. Our intern and associate Jonathan Bahe along with author Scott Simpson co-presented a session on growing practices (even in today’s economy) and establishing goals and turning ideas to actions. Their research is fresh and compelling. We also had a wonderful case study by architect Randy Peterson, the CEO from HMC.

I’ve learned that networks really do work to the degree that you’re in a strong one. At the risk of sounding promotional, the network of leaders at the conference proved to be exceptional. I was encouraged by their voices. Theirs was a sober – yet never dark – story.

Now, we’ll be looking at the markets through a changed economic lens. Moreover, we’ll be appreciating the reasons why design will win in the future. It’s not just an asset but will also be a multiplier of opportunities.