This Is DesignIntelligence

Time and resolve are two essential factors for transformation. Leadership who determines to transform themselves as well as the organizations they lead will give it the time to form coupled with unwavering resolve to see it through.

Dr. Vini Nathan currently serves as Auburn University’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 2011, she joined Auburn University as Dean and McWhorter Chair in the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), and prior to that she held teaching positions at Virginia Tech, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, New York Institute of Technology, and Philadelphia University. On this edition of this is DesignIntelligence, she talks about her unique professional experience, how her design training helped equip her for academic leadership, and how building trust and goodwill early on kept her from losing the confidence of her faculty after one of the biggest mistakes of her career.

A board is a fiduciary responsibility. A board is placed by shareholders who are placing confidence and trust in the board to best represent their interests for sustainable, long term results. 

Mancini Duffy is a national design firm with a 100+ year old history and a tech forward approach. William Mandara Jr is the firm’s CEO & Co-owner, and Bolanle Williams Olley is the CFO & Co-owner. On this edition of This is DesignIntelligence, they talk about the history of the firm, the transition to the current generation of leadership and diversified work typologies, and why creating a culture of trust within the firm has been key in building the kind of place where people want to come to work.

When one ascends to leadership, the natural centricity of self will be challenged as responsible leadership decision-making replaces self as the center with the organization being led. Said another way, Me becomes We in responsible leadership decision-making.

Veronica Schreibeis Smith is the Founding Principal of Vera Iconica Architecture as well as the CEO of Vera Iconica Wellness Kitchen & B-Corp Vera Iconica Developments. She is a global pioneer in Wellness Architecture and has been featured world wide in  distinguished publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Forbes. On this edition of This Is DesignIntelligence, she talks about what drew her to architecture, how her love of travel and immersion in different cultures has shaped her design philosophy, and why she believes good building performance can nourish the soul of its occupants.

Trustworthiness is assembled and maintained through the consistency of what a leader “does next” after they fail or disappoint or disillusion those they’re leading.

Rico Quirindongo has been working for over 25 years to revitalize and reimagine some of Seattle’s most historic landmarks and neighborhoods and currently serves as Director of the Office of Planning and Community Development for the City of Seattle. On this edition of This Is DesignIntelligence, he talks about what led him to become an architect, why it’s important for architects to be involved in their community, and how design education can help focus on using design skill sets to pursue alternative career paths beyond traditional architecture.

The heart of effective leadership is a commitment to the others one is leading. It's this "others" mindset that sets the effective leader apart from the pack...

Andrew Kitchner is the Founder and CEO of New Wave Solutions, an extraordinary firm with an extraordinary leader, specializing in helping organizations retain top-tier talent. On this edition of This Is DesignIntelligence, he shares the workplace habits and expectations that have changed as a result of the pandemic, the three different types of employee commitment, and what firms should be focusing on to make sure they retain talent and foster a culture of commitment.