Raising Expectations by Harper Harrison

This is a special episode of Raising Expectations. Special because I recorded it with my son, Harrison Connolly. From 15 May to 15 June, we recognise Tourette's Awareness Month. Most of us have a basic understanding of Tourette syndrome and how it can impact people's lives. Often, people think of the most widely recognised forms, such as coprolalia, where someone may suddenly swear or shou...

We're excited to share the third episode of the Harper Harrison Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Kaitlin Schaberg, Director of Hyperscale Programs at DC Blox and one of Data Center Magazine’s Top 100 Women in the Industry, as we explore how to position the data center sector as a top career destination for future talent. Kaitlin shares her journey into the data center space, the s...

Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment. In this episode, Aaron discusses the evolution of the data center industry over the past 25 years. We explore how, while some challenges remain the same in theory, they have become more complex in practice. We also look at how local communities’ percept...

Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment. In this episode, we dive into the world of Data Centers as we explore the career journey of Ernest Popescu and find out why he decided to move away from the corporate Data Center world and take the plunge and set up his own business. Now, CEO and Founde...

In the last episode of the series, host Jake Bentwood is joined by Jenna Knudsen and Alex Korter of CO Architects. Jake had the opportunity to speak with two firmwide leaders, one of whom oversees recruitment efforts, to discuss the intersection of healthcare design and hiring/attrition. This episode is a must-listen for any design professional interested in the fields of healthcare, health scienc...

In episode 9, host, Jakey Bentwood starts off by discussing Kim's initial interest in Biology and her steps to becoming an architect. We get into her career and discuss the sweet spot in her career and trajectory she has taken since the days of Architecture 101. KIMBERLY MONTAGUE: Kim is the ultimate boomerang! Having spent 12 years with Albert Kahn around the turn of 2000, she then left Albert Ka...

In this episode, Jakey Bentwood discusses how Guy got his start in architecture and where his passion comes from. They discuss his education, his career trajectory, and the milestones and challenges he has faced throughout his career. MORE ABOUT GUY: Guy Geier is the Host of Architecture 5 10 20 – a place where a diverse range of views about where architecture is headed are shared and to explore e...

In this episode, Jakey Bentwood sits down with Angela Watson, CEO and President of Shepley Bulfinch. Having spent 22 years with Shepley Bulfinch we touch on her career until this point and go as far back to the days in Germany when modern architecture first caught her eye. A teacher, a leader, a designer and now a President/CEO – this one is a MUST LISTEN! Specifically the “Virtual Studio” – “What...

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood jumps right into it with James Miner, CEO of Sasaki. Challenges through his career, the importance of culture in leadership and advice for anyone looking to develop in this market. They discuss the idea that you don’t need to know you want to be an architect in your early years to still become a leader in this space. Side note – James is a genuine and kind lea...

Host, Jakey Bentwood from Harper Harrison is back with our 5th episode of the series. He is often asked about atypical routes for development within design. Enter Amy Jones! A journalism grad turned President of a full service AE firm. They discuss her more than 20 years with O’Connell Robertson and the principals she has lived and worked by en route to this position. ABOUT AMY JONES. As President...

In this episode, host; Jakey Bentwood speaks with Jinger about her career path, from the challenges she faced to her primary goals and aspirations. ABOUT JINGER: Jinger is VP of Design for Ware Malcomb. Jinger leads the overall design direction for Ware Malcomb and her vision helps to define the firm’s design standards of high quality and strong character. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reac...

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood speak with Sloan about his atypical career path. From high school through higher ed and then into the early years of his career, Sloan walks us through the trajectory taken to CEO, challenges he faced and the primary goals and aspirations for the firm moving forward. ABOUT SLOAN: Sloan is the CEO of VLK Architects. He has overseen the growth and expansion of t...

In this episode, host;Jakey Bentwood speaks with Bob about his career trajectory, some of the challenges faced throughout his career, and more. We touch on where his passion for the built environment came from; spoiler alert, it came from a crawl space! ABOUT BOB CLARK: Bob’s practicality blends seamlessly with his sharp sense of humor to create a successful hands-on approach to managing employees...

In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood speaks with Cathy about her career trajectory, challenges and lessons learned throughout her career and her principals in driving grim growth and culture. They even dive into her personal life and passions outside of work that help in her overall work/life balance and satisfaction. ABOUT CATHY: Cathy spent almost 13 years with CH2M working on various industria...

In this episode, I speak with Adana Johns, S&T Practice Leader and Principal of Perkins & Will in Chicago. We discuss her career trajectory, her upcoming plans for the practice, and her design philosophy alongside much more. For any professionals looking to grow in the world of S&T design and architecture, give this episode a listen! Having grown up in a design-minded household, Adana...

In this episode we sit and talk with Kelly W and Jackson M, regional leaders of the mission critical practice of the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler. We touch on their career trajectory and design preferences while understanding more about the vision of the practice and the future of mission critical design. Designing for the unbreakable: Unveiling the Mission Critical Architecture...

In this episode, I am joined by Eva Baker and Jinhee Lee; two rising stars of the lab planning and design world and Senior Associates of HERA Laboratory Planners. We discuss their backgrounds and career paths and dig into their approach to design and how it has changed throughout the years. If you have an interest in the design of lab and science-related facilities – this is a must-listen! MORE AB...

In the 6th episode of 'Adtech Design and Development Leaders' podcast brings Bernadette Muncy, Principal and Architecture Discipline Lead of SmithGroup – One of the oldest (1853) and industry-defining design firms in the world. In this episode, we dive into Bernadette's career, her design philosophy, and her upcoming goals for her career. We touch on her rescue pup Tickle for a moment or so. We to...

I knew Mike and I would see eye to eye when he told me the most constant relationship in his life has been his love for Soccer. In this episode, we touch on Mikes entry into architecture and the challenges he faced. We discuss his growth and development in this space before discussing his design approach and his upcoming goals for his career.   From a student with a passion for Soccer to VP of Arc...

Adtech Design and Development Leaders, hosted by our very own recruitment expert Jakey Bentwood, provides an excellent opportunity for professionals of all levels to learn from thought leaders in the industry. Discussions will be based around avenues for development, areas of focus, how to speak about project experience, and over time help guide other professionals in their longer-term goals and m...

In this episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠⁠ is joined by ⁠Tatiana Guimaraes⁠ to discuss her career trajectory and what took her to lead the Miami Healthcare practice of the largest architecture firm in the world, Gensler. We touch on her design approach, her upcoming goals, and her advice to other professionals in the industry. A must-watch for healthcare-focused d...

In the first episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠ is joined by ⁠Regal Leftwich⁠ ; industry leader and VP of ⁠CannonDesign⁠ . They discuss Regal's career and development, his design preferences, his future goals, and advice to other industry professionals. They even touch on his personal hobbies and passions – an S&T/Lab Designer AND an artist all in one. For those...

In the first episode of Adtech Design and Development Leaders, ⁠Jakey Bentwood⁠ is joined by ⁠Ken Mohr⁠ ; industry leader and ⁠HERA⁠ president. They delve into Ken's career and development journey, his design preferences, his future goals, and the advice he has for other industry professionals. Ken Mohr, President of HERA,  leads the firm’s forensic laboratory planning and design practice and has...

The purpose of the Data Center Exchange is to shine a positive light on the Data Center Industry. Often an industry misunderstood and often subject to great levels of scrutiny surrounding the environmental and social impact of the industry. But it’s an industry that takes this seriously. There are so many great initiatives across the industry relating to ESG which are hugely positive. And no bette...

In this podcast series, ⁠⁠Del Connolly⁠⁠ will be joined by industry leaders to discuss topics such as the culture of a fast-growing business within the sector, sustainability, engineering, construction challenges, diversity & inclusion, and much more. Mergers and Acquisitions are fairly common across the Data Center Industry. When they occur, the complex process of integrating businesses begin...