BUILD SMART with Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA: Recent Episodes
Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA // Gābl Media
BUILD SMART is a narrative podcast that features Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, architect, and former CEO of global firm HOK. With host Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB, MacLeamy shares stories and lessons from his 50-year career, rising from an HOK junior designer to the company CEO, a tenure that parallels HOK’s growth from 150 employees in St. Louis to a staff of more than 1,900 in 27 offices on three continents. MacLeamy highlights innovative solutions and tough decisions that sustained HOK through multiple economic swings, culminating in it becoming one of the world’s Top 10 architecture and engineering firms. HOK was structured for long-term success — BUILD SMART will share these lessons to help architects and creative-services firms build for long-term success as they design a world-class firm.
Special Presentation: Gābl Media MixerJoin us for a special episode recorded live at the first-ever Gābl Media Mixer, held during the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture in Washington, DC! With over 100 attendees, including members of the EntreArchitect community and loyal Gābl Media podcast listeners, this event was a vibrant celebration of architecture and community.
Hosts from popular podcasts like Spaces, She Builds, Context and Clarity, and EntreArchitect came together to record live episodes, sharing insights and experiences from the conference. This episode delves into a variety of topics, including highlights from the expo floor, the conference atmosphere, and even the weather. They also share personal anecdotes and discuss the significance of the supportive EntreArchitect community. Plus, they give a sneak peek into the upcoming EntreArchitect Community Annual Meeting in Nashville, encouraging small firm architects to join this inspiring and connected group.
Don't miss this engaging and informative episode, filled with great conversations and a strong sense of community!
This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Special Presentation: Gābl Media Mixer.
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Thank you for joining us for this season of Build Smart! In this bonus wrap-up episode, Mark and Patrick have a candid conversation discussing this season, additional insights that we weren’t able to get to, and so much more!
Make sure you stay subscribed to be the first to hear about season three of Build Smart!
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Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
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In this season, Patrick has, in great detail, analyzed each aspect of the building industry – design, construction, operation, maintenance, and collaboration – discussing the challenges that we face, illuminating how those challenges arose, and ultimately outlining how adoption and investment in technology can help us overcome them.
Patrick has also shared the story of buildingSMART International, from its start as a private consortium in 1994 – supported by Autodesk - to becoming an independent full-fledged international organization.
In this episode, Patrick pulls together everything we’ve learned and highlights how design can take center stage!
This episode also features conversations with several individuals developing software to improve the design process:
- Kyle Bernhardt, Chief Revenue Officer at TestFit, a Real Estate Feasibility software with real-time insights to design, constructability, and cost for developers, architects, and general contractors.
- Paul O’Carroll, CEO and Founder of Arcol, a company that is developing a web-based BIM tool intended to simplify the use of BIM technology and collaboration through the design process.
- Patrick Chopson, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder of Cove.Tool, a tech firm that aims to fight climate change by using automation to help architects, engineers, contractors and developers leverage data-driven design.
Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode:
- BIM software begins to manage the complexity of coordination,
- BIM software becomes the architect's assistant, providing feedback during design,
- The contractor supports the architect during design,
- Design becomes the central to the work of the architect again--as it should be,
- Design done well reestablishes the architect to an honorable place in society.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com
Richard Petrie 1959-2022 | CEO, buildingSMART International
Richard’s substantial career focused on performance improvement challenges for clients or contractors involved in the procurement and operation of high value physical assets.
Richard’s industry sector experience was grounded in main stream engineering & construction contracting and as a construction client. He had broad experience across a range of capital intensive sectors including; oil & gas equipment and services, marine charter services and ship construction, airport infrastructure, building services, civil engineering and most recently the provision of independent assurance and expert advice to companies operating high-risk, capital intensive assets.
He was an international businessman who respected and enjoyed working across cultures. Richard worked in Algeria, China, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Norway, Singapore, UK, Ukraine and USA.
Richard was a Chartered Engineer and had an MBA from INSEAD, France.
Previous RolesChief Operating Officer, Lloyds Register
Chief Executive roles in Marine and Oil Service companies
Technical Director, BAA plc
He is remembered by his family - his wife, Jane, and their three children, Michael, Charlotte, and Madelaine - friends, and colleagues for his honesty, generosity, and love of life. His laugh was unique and will be missed by all.
At this point in the story of buildingSMART International, the group that started as a private consortium in 1994 – behind the support of Autodesk – has become an independent international team, making solid contributions to the technological evolution of the building industry. However, something was lacking. In today’s episode, Patrick shares the moment that changed the entire trajectory of the organization!
Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode:
- Take advantage of challenges,
- Aim high: Don't be afraid to DREAM,
- Be bold about asking for support for BIG ideas,
- The UK Challenge spurred buildingSMART to greater accomplishment,
- The UK Challenge positioned buildingSMART to help the infrastructure industry.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com
If you’ve been following along with Patrick, you know his Effort Curve presentation, which came to be known as the “MacLeamy Curve.” But, have you heard of his BIM BAM BOOM talk? In today’s episode, Patrick shares his concept of “BIM BAM BOOM” to highlight the true value of design. He breaks down the total cost of a building - design, construction, and operations - and explains how early effort and commitment actually reduces the total cost of the building.
Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode:
- Construction savings pay for design,
- Operation savings pay for construction,
- Architects are best positioned to create real future value for owners through thoughtful design, open BIM tools, and working with the contractor as a partner
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com
In this episode, Patrick discusses today's processes and typical use of BIM. He highlights the limitations of these processes, proposes a new way to think about BIM, and explores some advantages in store for the industry if it shifts its approach.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com
In this episode, Patrick highlights the addition of Kajima Corporation, one of the oldest and largest construction companies in Japan, to buildingSMART's chapters, their increased participation, and contributions to the organization as a contractor. He also explores the relationship of designers and builders - their separation, the need to collaborate, and benefits of sharing risk. This episode also features conversations with key contributors to the early development of bSI:
Kazumi Yajima, Building Management Division, General Manager and BIM Director at Kajima Corporation, Director and Vice President at Global BIM Inc., Board member at buildingSMART and International Council Vice Chair of buildingSMART Japan.
Ken Endo, Information Technology Project Manager at Kajima Corporation and Chairman of buildingSMART's Construction Room, an open group of specialists who work together to improve the built environment through the development of open solutions and standards.
Thank you to our Sponsors:
Monograph
Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit Monograph now.
buildingSMART International
buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit buildingsmart.org
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit gablmedia.com
In this episode, Patrick details the nuances of their coordination solution and its development. But first, if you recall, after making the critical decision to separate from Autodesk, the 12-company consortium was left with audacious goals, but far less influence and very little funding. It was time to sell the concept globally, and find ways to expand. This episode also features conversations with several key contributors to the early development of bSI: Ian Howell is an Australian architect, and principal consultant at Built Environment Strategies. He is engaged as the US Representative for buildingSMART International, tasked with re-establishing the US Chapter. At the time of this recording, Ian has stepped in as Interim CEO, at the request of the bSI Board, to manage operations until appointment of a replacement full-time CEO. Ken Harold is Co-Founder of the Startup Within, a company that focuses on bringing the tactics used in the lean startup methods to corporations, universities, and new entrepreneurs. At the time, Ken was the Chief Knowledge Officer at HOK. Alain Maury, a retired architect and senior consultant for buildingSMART, France. At the time, he oversaw computer systems for a large engineering company, GTM Group. Rasso Steinmann, a professor, consultant for building informatics and BIM, and Chairman of buildingSMART Germany. Rasso received a degree in Civil Engineering at TU-Munich in 1985. After graduating, he worked for The Nemetschek Group, one of the leading software companies driving digital transformation in the AEC/O industry. He was a software developer and development manager for Nemetschek. Viktor Várkonyi, Chief Division Officer, Planning & Design Division of the Nemetschek Group. In this role, he is responsible for the division’s global strategic alignment as well as for positioning the Nemetschek Group as an BIM market leader for connected end-to-end AEC/O workflows. Bjorn Stangeland, who at the time was CEO of Data Design System (DDS), a company that developed innovative software solutions under the brand of their Open BIM product family DDS-CAD for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering professionals. Today, Bjorn is Head of Strategic Partnerships, Planning & Design Division at Nemetschek Group. Thank you to our Sponsors: https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) now. buildingSMART International buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit https://www.buildingsmart.org/ (buildingsmart.org) If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit https://gablmedia.com/ (gablmedia.com)
So far this season, Patrick has outlined the challenges that we are facing in the building industry. In this episode, the conversation turns to solutions, and Patrick shares insight into the early days of buildingSMART International's inception. This episode also features conversations with Ian Howell and Ken Harold, two key contributors the the launch and early development of bSI. Ian Howell is an Australian architect, and principal consultant at Built Environment Strategies. He is engaged as the US Representative for buildingSMART International, tasked with re-establishing the US Chapter. At the time of this recording, Ian has stepped in as Interim CEO, at the request of the bSI Board, to manage operations until appointment of a replacement full-time CEO. Ken Harold is Co-Founder of the Startup Within, a company that focuses on bringing the tactics used in the lean startup methods to corporations, universities, and new entrepreneurs. At the time, Ken was the Chief Knowledge Officer at HOK. Thank you to our Sponsors: https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) now. buildingSMART International buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit https://www.buildingsmart.org/ (buildingsmart.org) If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit https://gablmedia.com/ (gablmedia.com)
One key revelation from the previous episode is that complexity and conflict have overwhelmed communication in the building industry. In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, dives a bit deeper to break down how our communication techniques have evolved, why, and for who. However, even with the technological advancements, the industry issues have yet to be solved, and Patrick explains why. Thank you to our Sponsors: https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) now. buildingSMART International buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit https://www.buildingsmart.org/ (buildingsmart.org)
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit https://gablmedia.com/ (gablmedia.com)
In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, shares the three major issues - complexity, conflict, and communication - that he sees plague the building industry. He provides context on how we got here, which sheds light on why buildingSMART International would eventually come into existence. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Ever increasing complexity makes it even more important for the designers and builders to address conflict and communication issues, Conflict between designers and builders has to be resolved and turned into collaboration, Communication between all teams members needs to evolve.
Thank you to our Sponsors: https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) Monograph is the cloud-based practice operations solution built for architects by architects. It is easy to use, beautifully designed, and helped firms streamline operations by empowering them to see project-based and firm-wide financial health in a single tool. Plan your projects with schedules, budgets, roles, and team members. Track a project’s financial health with their unique MoneyGantt which takes timesheet data and makes it simple to see whether you are on track or not. Use firm-wide revenue forecasts to make strategic decisions. With Monograph, you never have to make a decision in the dark again. Visit https://monograph.com/ (Monograph) now. buildingSMART International buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit https://www.buildingsmart.org/ (buildingsmart.org)
If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit https://gablmedia.com/ (gablmedia.com)
Hosts, Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB and Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, return for season two of BUILD SMART! Patrick, former CEO of the International architecture firm, HOK, has been repurposed. Now as the Chairman of buildingSMART International, Patrick will outline a new strategy for the building industry. In this episode, Mark and Patrick discuss what season two will be about, Patrick's goals for the season, who will benefit from listening, and what listeners will learn. About buildingSMART International: buildingSMART is the worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the built asset industry. buildingSMART is committed to delivering improvement by the creation and adoption of open, international standards and solutions for infrastructure and buildings. buildingSMART is the community for visionaries working to transform the design, construction, operation and maintenance of built assets. buildingSMART is an open, neutral and international not-for-profit organization. For additional information visit https://www.buildingsmart.org/ (buildingsmart.org) If you enjoy this show and want more content like this, visit https://gablmedia.com/ (gablmedia.com)
BUILD SMART is a narrative podcast that features Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, architect, and former CEO of global firm HOK. With host Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB, MacLeamy shares stories and lessons from his time in the building industry. In season one, Patrick shared insights from his 50-year career, rising from an HOK junior designer to the company CEO, a tenure that parallels HOK’s growth from 150 employees in St. Louis to a staff of more than 1,900 in 27 offices on three continents. In season two, MacLeamy highlights his transition from HOK to Chairman of buildingSMART International, a worldwide industry body driving the digital transformation of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of built assets. Patrick shares the story of the founding and development of buildingSMART International, and along the way outlines a new strategy for the building industry that you don't want to miss!
This is it!...the culmination of season one of Build Smart, where Patrick has shared his story and the lessons he has learned over his 50-year career with HOK, from junior designer to CEO! Overcoming financial struggles, HOK has climbed each level of Patrick’s pyramid strategy – strong board of directors, great operations, and true collaboration – now reaching the peak, and the right to dream. In this episode, Patrick highlights some of the dreams that HOK pursued, including sustainability, product design, and the return of HOK's sports architecture. Lastly, Patrick identifies his successor and steps aside for the next generation of HOK leaders to the helm. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Firms can reinvent themselves with determined leadership, Firms earn the right to dream TOGETHER, Sustainable design is an example of a dream made real, Step down from leadership when your successor is established. To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com) Thank you to our sponsor Twinmotion! Twinmotion is a real-time rendering solution used by architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to create high-quality imagery, client presentations, and interactive experiences that help communicate your BIM data and design ideas, fast. Visit twinmotion.link/buildsmart and try Twinmotion for free.
Under Patrick’s leadership, HOK is the process of turning around the business of the firm. In today’s episode, HOK is now in a position to buy back their freedom. Patrick details the steps he took to finally address each of the three crises that threatened the firms existence. Carl Galioto, President of HOK, managing principal of the New York and Philadelphia studios, explains the concept of "shortening your lines" to improve the function of the firm. Susan Williams, managing principal of HOK’s Washington, D.C. shares her perspective of Patrick's contributions and how she has continued and built upon his work. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Cash is King, As a strategic resource, and as freedom Negotiating tips, Negotiate the big picture first, then work out the details, Conduct sensitive negotiations on neutral turf Find and groom new leaders from inside your firm. To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
After revitalizing upper management and improving operations, Patrick set his sights on reclaiming the company culture that HOK once had. In this episode, he discusses improving communication, company stock as a unifier, leadership groups, team building experiences, and leadership bonus programs. Riccardo Mascia, Managing Principal in HOK’s Chicago studio, shares his perspective of coordinating a seminal company retreat that helped leadership refocus on the soul of HOK. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Company culture is established by the leaders, Company culture must be reinforced every day, If culture is lost it can be reestablished with hard work over time. To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In the midst of executing his strategy for recovery, Patrick is summoned away to answer a critical question about the profession, which leads him to a great discovery about how to improve it. In this episode, Patrick explains the origin of and philosophy behind “the Effort Curve,” later known as “the MacLeamy Curve,” which grew to have a significant impact on HOK and the profession at large. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Shift efforts earlier in time to solve problems early, Coordinate early with engineers for best results later, Coordinate early with the contractor for best results later, Measure twice, cut once. To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
We are now on the heels of what was probably the pinnacle of danger for HOK as a business. Patrick was able to buy some time to develop a strategy to solve the problem, but quickly found himself thrusted further into the storm… now into the role of CEO! In today’s episode, Patrick, with the full responsibility of leading the firm out of a Triple crisis, has to turn his strategy into reality. Step one was to rejuvenate upper management. Riccardo Mascia AIA, OAA, LEED AP BD+C, Managing Principal of HOK’s Chicago studio, details his story of joining HOK and his role as, "the fixer" for Patrick. Carl Galioto FAIA, President of HOK, shares how he was recruited to join HOK as the technical leader of the firm, and discusses his perspective on the technical aspect of the architecture profession. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Share financial reports openly with your board; ask for their help Use positive peer pressure to motivate firm leadership Don't just talk about problems. Agree on solutions. Then assign to a leader to solve by a deadline Replace key leaders if they do not fit your strategy or culture When recruiting leaders ask yourself: Can they do the job? Do they have integrity? Will they work well as part of a team? To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
After taking on a firmwide role, Patrick begins to shoulder more and more of the leadership load. In this episode, earlier seeds of trouble have blossomed into a full crisis, in fact, triple crises for HOK… Bill Valentine, former President of HOK, and Bob Pratzel, former CFO of HOK, share their perspectives on this period of crisis. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Approach to manage crises: Ask for more time to solve the problem Solve one crisis at a time Conveying a strategic plan to your firm: Don't count on formal strategic plans - no one reads them Use simple graphics like a pyramid Use few words so people will remember your strategy Convey successive goals toward a BIG prize like dreams To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In this episode, we pick up with Patrick’s story as he is promoted to a firmwide role, he shares his simple financial metrics, and discusses the adoption of new technologies. Bob Pratzel, former CFO of HOK, also provides additional insight into the implementation of Patrick's simple financial metrics and rules. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Technology is here to stay. Adopt it. Innovate with it. Invest in emerging leaders Build simple financial metrics to measure your progress Never neglect good operations To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
With a big pot of money from their investor, HOK goes on a shopping spree. In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA highlights examples of HOK’s expansion, he expands on his thoughts and examples of growth strategies for a firm, and shares how things began to unravel for the firm. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Grow to serve clients, but…NEVER neglect quality Nurture your company culture or you will lose it! To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA discusses the introduction of investors into HOK, and he touches on the right and wrong ways to grow your firm. Patrick is also joined by Bob Pratzel, former CFO of HOK, who shares some of his financial concepts and his perspective as the CFO of the firm during this period of rapid growth and transition. Bill Valentine, former CEO of HOK, returns to provide insight into HOK steeping forward as a leader in sustainability. Patrick tells the story of one last important hire that Gyo made just before he retired. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: There are three ways to raise capital There are Right and wrong ways to grow Shift leaders to consulting roles if they're not ready to retire To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA highlights a period of rapid growth and transition at HOK. He discusses the challenges, growing pains, and decisions that planted seeds of trouble. Patrick also explains how the founders prepared for succession, the unexpected loss of a founder, evolution of HOK office structure, and the international expansion of the firm. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Plan ahead for leadership succession Diverse work leads to project specialists It is possible to buy a specialty practice Great design leads to new opportunities To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In this episode, firm leaders and young people in the profession will particularly want to listen in as Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA shares stories of the early career experiences that led to his growth and shaped him as a leader at HOK. Bill Valentine, FAIA and former CEO of HOK, joins Patrick to chat about their time together in the firm and Bill shares his perspective on Patrick's career advancements. Patrick also speaks to a past client, John Igoe, Director of Design & Construction, NorCal at Google. John was previously the assistant to the San Francisco Chief Administrative Officer and helped oversee the development of the original Mascone Center, in San Francisco, a project by HOK that was pivotal in Patrick's growth. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Design a firm where employees can grow Lead, don't manage Run towards trouble To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at https://my.captivate.fm/gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ (gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/) and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
In this episode, Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA tells the story of the founding of HOK and highlights founders, Gyo Obata and George Kassabaum. Kiku Obata, daughter of Gyo Obata, and President of Kiku Obata & Company, joins Patrick to share stories of her family and additional insight into her father. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Build a strong internal, cooperative culture Make a commitment to innovation Have a strong commitment to growth, even if it takes decades To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm. You can buy the book at gablmedia.com/buildsmartbook/ and find out more information at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA and former CEO of HOK is joined by the current Chairman and CEO of HOK, Bill Hellmuth, to highlight Bill's uncle and founder of HOK, George Hellmuth. Patrick shares George's origin story, his approach to the architecture profession, and his principles for a depression-proof firm. Bill provides additional insight on George's principles and how they apply today. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Attract and keep talented people Provide full time marketing Diversify project building type, geography, and services Leadership of the firm needs to be specialized To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, https://www.amazon.com/Designing-World-Class-Architecture-Firm-Strategies/dp/1119685303/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=MacLeamy&qid=1585239031&sr=8-1 (Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm). You can find out more information and links to buy the book at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
Hosted by Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB, former CEO Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, introduces BUILD SMART as they explore Patrick's inspirations for his book, https://www.amazon.com/Designing-World-Class-Architecture-Firm-Strategies/dp/1119685303/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=MacLeamy&qid=1585239031&sr=8-1 (Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm), and the creation of this podcast series. This episode highlights Patrick's introduction to architecture, how he found his way to HOK, and what was unique about the firm. Patrick shares his lessons for listeners to take away from this episode: Design a firm with a vision and goals Design a firm that innovates Design a firm that works as a team Design a firm that is successful To read along and see illustrations and personal photos that accompany this series, get Patrick’s book, https://www.amazon.com/Designing-World-Class-Architecture-Firm-Strategies/dp/1119685303/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=MacLeamy&qid=1585239031&sr=8-1 (Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm). You can find out more information and links to buy the book at https://macleamy.com/ (macleamy.com)
BUILD SMART is a narrative podcast that features Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, architect, and former CEO of global firm HOK. With host Mark R. LePage, AIA, NCARB, MacLeamy shares stories and lessons from his 50-year career, rising from an HOK junior designer to the company CEO, a tenure that parallels HOK’s growth from 150 employees in St. Louis to a staff of more than 1,900 in 27 offices on three continents. MacLeamy highlights innovative solutions and tough decisions that sustained HOK through multiple economic swings, culminating in it becoming one of the world’s Top 10 architecture and engineering firms. HOK was structured for long-term success — BUILD SMART will share these lessons to help architects and creative-services firms build for long-term success as they design a world-class firm.