It’s tough seeing young students struggle after high school. Technical colleges can provide the training and pathways they need to succeed - especially when they don’t fit the traditional mold.

Today Joe sits down with Brendan Bowen - Senior Executive Director for Capital Planning at Technical College System of Georgia. His organization has impacted over half a million lives by creating alternative career opportunities. Brendan’s personal story that took him from woodworking enthusiast to facilities manager is truly inspiring.

TCSG is not just changing workforce development - they’re building entire educational ecosystems that help people reach their potential. This one’s a must-listen!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• technical colleges
• education
• career development
• economic development
• innovation
• facilities management
• agile
• strategic mindset
• strategic planning
• growing education
• rehabilitating buildings
• alternative education

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Building a strong, cohesive environment starts with defining core values and making sure they're part of every decision.

Today, Joe and co-host Julie Mitchell are talking to Arelis Soto, Workplace Experience Manager for Johnson & Johnson. Arelis talks about how Johnson & Johnson’s design decisions are guided by their mission to create environments that inspire employees and enhance patient care. By concentrating on the real needs of the workplace, the company encourages innovation and teamwork, leading to more meaningful and impactful results for both the team and the people they serve.

Tune in to hear how this powerful approach can reshape your organization and set you up for long-term success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

workplace innovation

• architects
• lifecycle of products
• being agile
• branding tips
• core values
• collaboration
• innovation
• workforce
• workplace design
• workplace environment

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Cancer treatment has come a long way over the past decade.

In this edition of Design For An Agile World, Joe is joined by Dr. Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, renowned for his groundbreaking research in brain cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Mitchell provides insight into his revolutionary work using the immune system to target malignant brain tumors- a field that's offering new hope for treating cancers that previously had limited options.

Tune into this uplifting conversation that offers hope and support for those facing or caring for someone with a challenging cancer diagnosis.

**Key Takeaway 1: AI and Machine Learning in Medical Research: Dwayne Mitchell highlights the transformative impact of AI and machine learning in medical research, particularly in the fields of cancer and brain-related diseases. These technologies help identify patterns in large data sets, improving patient management, therapy evaluation, and accelerating drug discovery. They also play a crucial role in designing personalized immunotherapies like vaccines and T cell therapies.

**Key Takeaway 2: Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Work: Mitchell stresses the importance of a collaborative work environment and interdisciplinary collaboration in medical research. Different disciplines, including biochemistry, immunology, engineering, and computer science, contribute unique perspectives and methods. Overcoming communication barriers among these fields is essential to tailoring treatments that account for each patient's unique immune response and cancer characteristics.

**Key Takeaway 3: Innovative Approaches and Challenges in Brain Cancer: Mitchell discusses cutting-edge technologies, such as the use of focused ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, enhancing drug delivery to treat brain cancer. He also speaks about the historical development and recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy. Despite the progress, treating brain tumors remains challenging, necessitating collaborative efforts and support from the community to advance research and improve patient outcomes.

Follow Duane A. Mitchell MD, PhD, Director, UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute & Co-Director, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy

Duane A. Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D. is the Phyllis Kottler Friedman Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. He serves as UF Assistant Vice President for Research, Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Sciences at the UF College of Medicine, and Director of the UF Clinical Translational Science Institute (CTSI). Dr. Mitchell also serves as the Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy at UF Health.

Website: https://neurosurgery.ufl.edu/faculty-staff/research-faculty/mitchell/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-a-mitchell-md-phd-45b89229/

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

What separates thriving AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms from those that struggle? In this episode of *Design for an Agile World*, host Joe Walker uncovers the answer with Greg C. Hart, President of PSMJ Resources. Greg reveals how a combination of data-driven insights, AI, and strategic planning can set firms on the path to lasting success. With decades of industry experience, Greg shares how PSMJ helps businesses elevate their performance through tailored advisory services, education, and resources.

Data plays a critical role in identifying a firm’s strengths and challenges, and Greg is here to explain how to adapt to technological advances like AI to stay ahead of the competition. He and Joe dive into the balance between financial health and the cultural dynamics of leadership, tackling issues like baby boomer retirements and the need for consistent marketing to withstand economic shifts. Greg drives home the point that firms succeed when they communicate their unique value and advocate for themselves. Don’t forget to check out the PMSJ’s website for free resources.

**Key Takeaway 1: Strategic and Operational Planning**: You need to balance operational efficiency with forward-thinking strategic planning. The need is for solid KPIs and innovative use of technology, especially AI. Successful firms focus on customer needs and aim for purposeful growth, rather than copying competitors.

**Key Takeaway 2: Data-Driven Decision Making**: Data is crucial in the driving smart business decisions. Key metrics like labor multiplier, utilization rate, and profit margin help firms assess their market position and financial health. They noted the importance of comparing this data within peer groups for accurate insights and better decision-making.

**Key Takeaway 3: Leadership and Cultural Development**: Strong leadership and a positive culture are key to keeping teams motivated and business running smoothly. Greg and Joe discussed how leadership impacts junior staff retention and the importance of passing knowledge from older to younger professionals. They also emphasized aligning a firm’s culture with its core values for long-term success, especially in creative industries like architecture.

Follow Greg C. Hart, President, PSMJ | Resources, Inc.:

Greg Hart, President and Consultant for PSMJ | Resources is passionate about helping A/E/C firm leaders strengthen their businesses. In his career, Greg has completed hundreds of business valuations (the ultimate indicator of business performance and value creation) and advised on various mergers and acquisitions and succession plans. He is a valuable AEC consultant not only because he came out of the industry himself but because he can draw from the financial and analytical side of his background as well as the creative and “just go for it” side.

Website: https://www.psmj.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/psmj-resources-inc-/

ghart@pmsj.com

Pitch a Podcast Idea to Joe: jwalker@walker-arch.com

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

Unlock the secrets to optimizing design projects with early integration of cost information. Joe Walker and Rens Hayes reveal how data-driven decision-making and advanced technology can revolutionize the construction and design industries. Through examples from fitness technology and other sectors, they illustrate the transformative potential of AI, machine learning, and software analytics. Emphasizing the future of the industry, Joe and Rens discuss the importance of buildable models, centralized construction processes, and evolving risk allocation in response to technological advancements.

Rens shares his journey of growing H + O Structural Engineering, highlighting the importance of continual learning and strategic alignment with core values. Discover how professional design services and a well-documented quality management process can optimize project outcomes. Learn about the H + O cost index, a tool developed from their project data, enhancing transparency and alignment in construction cost estimation. Joe and Rens advocate for an agile approach to design, driven by core values, strategic planning, and a commitment to innovation and growth.

Key Takeaway 1: Early Integration of Cost Data Optimizes Project Outcomes: Joe and Rens highlight the critical importance of integrating cost information early in design and development. This proactive approach prevents costly rework and scope creep, ensuring projects stay on budget while maintaining visual appeal and usability.

Key Takeaway 2: Leveraging Technology and AI for Efficiency Gains: Joe and Rens chat how AI and technological advancements can transform construction and design, from machine learning in site design and underwriting to software analytics for better decision-making and buildable models for streamlined processes.

Key Takeaway 3: Balancing Values and Operational Models for Business Success: Rens and Joe emphasize aligning mission, vision, core values, and quality management to drive business success. They advocate for strong business acumen, understanding market needs, and fostering a growth-oriented culture to deliver high-value solutions for stakeholders, clients, and employees.

Follow Rens F. Hayes IV, P.E.:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renshayes/

Podcast: The Design Development

As always, we want to hear from you! Share your own experiences and insights on environments that have positively or negatively impacted your work. Remember, we're all on this agile journey together, and together we can make the world a more agile place, one conversation and design solution at a time.

Tune in now to the Design for An Agile World podcast and join the conversation! Don't forget to subscribe and leave your feedback. Let's make the world a more agile place!

What moves the needle for you? Joe Walker welcomes Iris Meeker LEED AP, WELL AP, Senior Interior Designer and Director of Sustainability for Walker Architects, and Dustin Stephany LEED AP, WELL AP, CEM, Sustainable Building Coordinator for the University of Florida. They review how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed interior space design, focusing on student health and well-being. Given the substantial time spent indoors, they discuss the crucial role building professionals play in influencing people's health and highlight the importance of incorporating environmental responsibility, social equity, and health into architectural designs. The WELL certification process has sparked conversations about various aspects like sound, materials, light, and nourishment, enriching the student and staff experience.

Collaboration was key during the design process's challenges. The team succeeded by educating and supporting each other, gathering valuable feedback from user groups, and engaging everyone involved. The University of Florida's dedication to wellness and sustainable design aims to attract students worldwide, focusing on creating healthy and happy environments beyond financial returns.

Key Takeaway 1: WELL Certification Impact: The University of Florida's Student Healthcare Center achieved WELL Platinum Certification, emphasizing a commitment to healthy and sustainable spaces. This certification prioritizes human health and well-being, incorporating biophilic design, adjustable workstations, and personalized spaces for occupant comfort.

Key Takeaway 2: Collaboration and Education: Successful project implementation relied on extensive team collaboration and education. Monthly WELL coordination meetings, regular communication, and mutual coaching fostered teamwork, integrating sustainable practices and promoting continuous learning among design and operational teams.

Key Takeaway 3: Creating Community and Collaboration: The design process emphasized community and thoughtful discussions, with environmental graphics and signage reflecting the Gainesville community. Incorporating nature elements and biophilic design fostered a sense of community and ownership among staff and students.

Connect with Dustin Stephany LEED AP, WELL AP, CEM - Sustainable Building Coordinator in Planning, Design, and Construction at the University of Florida:

Dustin has a B.A. in Architectural Engineering and a B.A. in Construction Management. After graduating, Dustin traveled to Europe on a fellowship to learn simple building design techniques for minimizing construction and demolition waste.

He followed that with a Master’s in Building Construction with a Sustainability focus at UF. Dustin’s early career work included building hospitals. He also worked as an engineer in downtown Chicago designing military buildings and providing sustainability design concepts to international clients.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinstephany/

Connect with Iris Meeker LEED, AP, WELL AP - Director of Sustainability, Senior Interior Designer at Walker Architects:

Iris brings 20 years of blended project management experience in Interior Design and Sustainability. Her project experience includes higher education, healthcare, corporate, religious, and municipal projects. She has worked to achieve LEED certification for many projects and brings a strategic focus on embedding sustainable initiatives within the design process.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irismeeker/

Connect with Joe Walker:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walker-arch

The world of higher education architecture is changing. Joe sits down with Kevin Lackey, Principal and Office Leader at Walker Architects in Atlanta. Kevin shares his personal journey into architecture, revealing how the firm's commitment to a people-centric approach—tailoring designs to meet the unique needs of each client—was a decisive factor in his career. This client-focused philosophy not only bolstered relationships but also improved the functionality and adaptability of their architectural solutions. A prime example of this approach in action is their collaborative project with the FFA facility at Camp John Hope, in Fort Valley, Georgia, effectively transforming the space to support current requirements and anticipate future needs effectively.

Kevin and Joe explore the broader implications for the future of educational spaces, emphasizing the necessity for active learning environments and the ability to adapt to changing educational and technological needs. They discuss the significant impacts of the pandemic on learning environments and strategies for meeting diverse educational needs, such as creating versatile workspaces and focusing on acoustics and comfort, and why it’s important to align architectural practices with the dynamic demands of educational systems, ensuring that thoughtful design plays a pivotal role in preparing future generations for success.

Key Takeaway 1: People-Centric Design Philosophy: Kevin emphasizes the importance of a people-focused approach in architecture, highlighting how understanding and prioritizing the fundamental needs of users leads to more successful, functional, and inclusive spaces.

Key Takeaway 2: Importance of Flexibility in Higher Education Spaces: The conversation sheds light on how flexibility in design, particularly in educational settings, is crucial for accommodating different teaching methods and learning experiences.

Key Takeaway 3: Collaborative and Cross-Disciplinary Approaches: Joe and Kevin discuss the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration within institutions and with industry partners. This approach not only fosters innovation and problem-solving but also ensures that higher education programs are aligned with industry demands and workforce development.

Follow Kevin Lackey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-lackey/

Follow Joe Walker:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-walker-335b0914/

Website: https://walker-arch.com/

Ever wonder what happens when you mix innovative design with a pinch of architectural genius?

Joe Walker's conversation with Amy Donohue on Design for an Agile World offers a refreshing glimpse into the future of spaces where everyone belongs. Amy isn't just any architect; she's a trailblazer who has crafted concepts with Richard Meyer and Partners and sparked innovation at Nike, and now, she's infusing creativity into spaces at Bora Architecture and Interiors.

They shine a spotlight on the 717-seat Van Cliburn Concert Hall at Texas Christian University’s School of Music and how a shift in design philosophy elevated the level of student performance and led to a significant increase in admissions.

Amy's on a mission to change how we experience opera and symphony, making these arts not just accessible but irresistible to a variety of audiences. She's all about dialing down the distractions and opening the doors wide, especially for those with disabilities. Joe and Amy also peek into the future at the next wave of performance spaces, where justice in design isn't just a nice-to-have but a must-do.

Key Takeaway 1: Inclusive Spaces for Performing Arts: Discover how Amy advocates for traditional performing arts spaces to attract and include diverse audiences – a shift towards more open, accessible, and engaging experiences.


Key Takeaway 2: People-Centric Design: Amy shares insights on how an agile design methodology that focuses on understanding the unique needs of users can create spaces that significantly improve engagement and learning outcomes.


Key Takeaway 3: Accessibility and Technology: Learn about the seamless integration of design strategies in educational settings that address the needs of individuals with physical disabilities, bringing equity to the learning experience with the aid of technology and thoughtful spatial planning.


Follow Amy Donohue, AIA, LFA, NOMA, Principal, Bora Architecture & Interiors:

Amy is a respected design principal with the ability to create dynamic, engaging spaces for higher education, collaborative workplaces, and performing arts venues. Her expertise is informed by a deep understanding of interdisciplinary and synergistic 21st-century environments, resulting in a sophisticated body of work enabling people to learn and thrive together. Adept at working closely with clients to establish a design vision, she is a highly sought-after national presenter of innovative design for today’s academic spaces.

Amy’s design leadership has been influential to projects such as the University of Washington/Tsinghua University Global Innovation Exchange, the Oregon State University Learning Innovation Center, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Levy Hall, and a new campus for De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland. She has also led numerous workplace projects for Google, Microsoft and Nike. Amy passionately champions equity in the industry and has been a tireless national advocate for paid family leave policy.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amydonohuepdx