How can architecture firms successfully transition to a hybrid work model that balances flexibility, connection, and structure?

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, we explore hybrid work models in architecture firms, using the firm Shepley Bulfinch as an example. We’re joined by three leaders from Shepley Bulfinch: Jenn Zagarella, Vice President of Administration; Jim Martin, Vice President and CIO; and Jim Chambers, Vice President of Practice Management. Together, they discuss how architecture firms can navigate the challenges of staying connected in today’s evolving workplace through hybrid models.

First, the panel provides an overview of Shepley’s pre-pandemic work environment, focusing on the strong foundations the firm established and how these prepared them for a smooth transition to hybrid work. Jenn, Jim, and Jim share the strategies, tools, and technologies Shepley uses to build a cohesive, flexible work environment.

Then, we explore how Shepley’s hybrid model supports effective communication, continuous learning, location-based needs, and a sense of community. They also discuss the tech required to support their model and highlight the importance of defining what hybrid work means for your specific firm.

Our hybrid model has helped to really reinforce, and in some ways, formally articulate the flexibility and the trust that we place into our people. It's helped us to be able to hire people that don't happen to be close to one of our studios. It's actually, in a few cases, allowed us to bring people back that we were sad to lose. Now that we're capable and comfortable working in a different manner, we can, we can bring them back. - Jim Chamber

To wrap up the conversation, the group reflects on the impact of hybrid work on Shepley’s culture, trust, and connections. They also address common questions and concerns leaders may have when implementing a hybrid model in their practice.

Tune in next week for a conversation with an architect turned UX Strategist.

Guests:

Jenn Zagarella, Vice President, Administration

Leads a diverse administrative team focused on efficiency, innovation, and inclusion. She facilitates collaboration and empowers creativity across departments. Since 2014, Jenn has contributed to continuous improvement efforts, process mapping, and building empathy and consensus firmwide

Jim Martin, Vice President, CIO

Drawing on over 30 years of Information Technology experience, Jim leads the development of strategies for technology tools that support and advance design, delivery, and collaboration at Shepley Bulfinch. He focuses on new technologies and how they affect the design process. Jim is a Six Sigma Green Belt and holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University.

Jim Chambers, Vice President, Practice Management

As the Vice President of Practice Management, Jim provides leadership for the overall performance of the design organization. In partnership with the business operations, Jim develops and directs processes and standards that improve all aspects of the design practice with a focus on the management and delivery of our product. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University.

📍 Show Links:

Connect with Jenn on LinkedIn

Connect with Jim Martin on LinkedIn

Connect with Jim Chambers on LinkedIn

Learn more about Shepley...

How can architects maximize their impact on communities through the built environment by leveraging valuable relationships, evolving technology, and sustainability?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we sit down with Joshua A. Foster, an award-winning community builder, designer, educator, and speaker. As the Founder and CEO of JAF Creative Solutions – a consulting firm dedicated to maximizing community impact in the AEC and real estate industries – Joshua shares his insights on aligning with architecture firms to integrate community impact into the built environment and practice.

First, Joshua explains what motivated him to create JAF Creative Solutions. He also discusses how he nurtures strong relationships with clients, industry connections, and community leaders, working together to create meaningful and lasting change.

Then, Joshua dives into his approach to defining success and value for his firm with a look at his development strategies. We also explore the challenges of building community engagement services, and Joshua explains how JAF incorporates community feedback into projects while maintaining a sustainable business model.

Architecture, for me, has always been surprisingly so traditional, even though all of the people that I've met in it are really innovative... I think that, as a whole for the world, we're in a good place. As for the profession and people that are running architecture practices, I think we're pretty behind because we're not figuring out how to maximize on all these amazing talents, thoughts, and ideas. People in the industry feel like they have to completely leave it to be able to be innovative. As a profession, it's important for us to figure out – how do we capture these ideas and innovations into the traditional practice so that we don’t necessarily have to start a whole new company? – Joshua A. Foster

To wrap up the conversation, Joshua shares his thoughts on how technology is reshaping community engagement and highlights his vision for the future of architecture along with his personal goals.

Tune in next week for an episode about designing a successful hybrid practice.

Guest:

Joshua A. Foster

Joshua A. Foster is an award-winning community builder, architectural designer, educator, and speaker. He is the Founder and CEO of JAF — a community-impact-focused consulting firm empowering the AEC and real estate industry with the tools to maximize impact in the built environment. Joshua also serves on multiple local and national non-profit boards including, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the Long Beach Community Design Center, Architecture + Advocacy, and the USC Architectural Guild. A native of the Philadelphia area, Joshua is a graduate of both Columbia University and the University of Southern California.

📍 Show Links:

Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn

Check out JAF Creative Solutions

Follow JAF Creative Solutions on Instagram

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How can architects utilize their diverse skill sets outside of the practice to create meaningful, lasting social impact within communities and the built environment?

On this episode of Practice Disrupted, we welcome Wayne Mortensen, a leader whose career spans architecture, urban design, and social work. As Vice President of Excel Development Group and founder of Public Square Development Services, Wayne brings an interdisciplinary perspective to community development. In our conversation, we discuss Wayne’s passion for affordable housing and his commitment to creating lasting social impact through design.

First, he shares his journey, beginning with his academic pursuits in architecture, urban design, and social work. We touch on his transition from traditional consulting to social work to address the intersection between design and community needs.

Then, Wayne highlights his time as a Rose Fellow in Cleveland and the importance of trust-based relationships in community development. He talks about founding Public Square Development Services, his leadership role at Excel Development Group, his position at the University of Nebraska, and why working in multiple roles can increase social impact.

There's all sorts of ways that skills can be utilized in both conventional architectural practice and non-traditional practice. I want architecture school to be a lot more like my social work experience, where we are an accelerator and not a gatekeeper. Because if there's somebody that is an architecture school, it's because they have a passion and a fundamental belief in the built environment and its importance, and there's absolutely no reason that we can't find a role for them. - Wayne Mortensen

To wrap up the conversation, Wayne offers advice to emerging professionals, encouraging them to view architecture education as a tool for diverse career paths. He advocates for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to education as a means to drive meaningful change.

Tune in next week for an episode about community-impact consulting

Guest:

Wayne Mortensen, AIA, NASW

Wayne Mortensen is a developer, planner, and architect in Lincoln, Nebraska where he serves as Vice President of Excel Development Group and runs a nonprofit affordable housing consultancy, Public Square Development Services. After preparing for a traditional career in architecture at the University of Nebraska, his academic interests shifted to the emerging field of public interest design–a journey that took him to DC, St Louis, and Cleveland before returning home in 2020 to explore affordable housing solutions that transcend the urban/rural divide.

In DC, Wayne oversaw the launch of a national service initiative called Freedom by Design while serving as the 2003 President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. In 2010, he was awarded an Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship, which took him to Cleveland, Ohio. For nearly a decade, he helped facilitate citywide planning, housing, and redevelopment strategies as a pro bono consultant within Cleveland’s expansive community development ecosystem. This work culminated in 2020, the same year that Wayne was the recipient of an AIA Young Architect Award.

📍 Show Links:

Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn

Check out Excel Development Group