02: Origin of the Depression-Proof Firm

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 peopleProvide full time marketingDiversify project building type, geography, and servicesLeadership of the firm needs to be specialized 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 find out more information and links to buy the book at macleamy.com Mentioned in this episode:SpacesCoDesign

Om Podcasten

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.