Leadership in practice: How 40 Under 40 alumni foster collaboration and culture
What does leadership look like inside today’s AEC firms? For BD+C’s 40 Under 40 alumni, it means fostering cultures rooted in trust, communication, and shared purpose. Through a series of focused conversations, these rising leaders pulled back the curtain on how they approach collaboration—and why strengthening team culture is becoming a competitive advantage for firms of every size.
The Secret to Great Teamwork in AEC
Across disciplines and firm types, the 40 Under 40 alumni agree that great teamwork starts with trust, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. Several noted that in-person interaction remains irreplaceable.
Garrett Herbst, AIA, Project Manager, Architect, and Emerging Tech CoLab Leader at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, emphasized that "the simple act of exchanging ideas in-person, whether during a meeting or a casual conversation at the coffee machine, often sparks the awareness and collaboration that drive our success as both a team and a firm."
For others, clarity and humility are foundational. Ryan Woods, Assoc. AIA, Design Director, The Beck Group, shared that the key is to "check your ego at the door and focus on the mission."
And as Ana Paredes, AIA, Principal and Architect, SmithGroup, put it simply: "Great teamwork starts with making sure people feel seen, heard, and valued. When that happens, trust grows and teams thrive."
Christopher Somma, Associate Principal, ZGF Architects, and Mara Sabatini, Vice President and Senior Project Manager, Hoefer Welker, both pointed to communication as the heart of effective teamwork—whether it’s documenting decisions clearly or building trust through consistent follow-through.
How These 40 Under 40 Leaders Foster Collaboration and Creativity
Creating space for ideas—and the people behind them—is central to how these alumni lead.
For Herbst, tools like Jira, Confluence, and GitHub keep projects transparent and aligned (he credits team member Sharare Norouzi for introducing the team to these tools). But creativity thrives when people have the freedom to experiment: "Innovation is often the only way forward."
Ryan Woods cultivates creativity by removing barriers and bringing people together: hosting pin-ups, charrettes, and even Process Improvement Teams ("PIT") that "empower designers at all levels."
Somma emphasized breaking down hierarchy and recognizing different communication styles, noting that varied modes of collaboration "lead to more innovative and well-rounded design outcomes."
Sabatini ties collaboration directly to trust and cross-disciplinary respect, ensuring every voice is heard and that teams "talk to each other rather than work in silos."
What Their Teams Do Differently
Adaptability and transparency emerged as standout differentiators.
Herbst admired how his team bridges the gap between architecture and technology, embracing new skills and stepping in seamlessly when needed.
Woods highlighted his team’s integrated design–construction approach, where "we don’t just pass ideas around—we collaborate to build them."
Somma praised the fluidity of team structure at his firm, which allows people to pursue diverse project types and unlock cross-pollination of ideas.
For Sabatini, transparent communication across offices is what elevates her team, creating an environment where everyone is informed, accountable, and engaged.
Lessons From Collaborating Across Disciplines
Curiosity, clarity, and empathy surfaced as common themes.
Herbst noted that workflows designed for one discipline often solve challenges in another—proof that open dialogue uncovers hidden overlaps.
Woods described the power of interdisciplinary intersections, where "the best ideas rarely care where they come from."
Paredes reminded us that communication styles vary, and that being face-to-face still creates momentum that digital tools can’t fully replace.
Somma echoed the need for clarity and empathy, adapting communication styles to ensure team members feel respected and aligned.
Sabatini added that early, consistent communication prevents conflicts and leads to more innovative solutions.
The Most Valuable Lessons They’ve Learned as Leaders
Leadership, they say, is grounded in listening, vulnerability, and intentional communication.
Herbst warned that "steady progress can mask underlying frustrations or burnout if communication is not intentional," urging leaders to check in before issues surface.
For Woods, mentorship is the true legacy: "Create designers, not just designs."
Paredes learned that trust begins with vulnerability, enabling constructive feedback rooted in understanding.
Somma spoke to embracing different communication styles, shaped by culture and personality, rather than expecting uniformity: "It’s unrealistic—and even inappropriate—to expect people to change who they are just to fit a narrow communication expectation."
Sabatini emphasized listening as much as directing—creating space for others’ strengths to shape the work. "I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t just about providing answers—it’s about asking the right questions."
The Leaders Who Shaped Them
Across the board, these alumni credit role models who encouraged curiosity, trust, and growth.
Herbst highlighted Nick Ault, who championed his transition into computational design and emerging technologies. "His mentorship and vision have been instrumental in shaping my career."
Sabatini pointed to designer Amanda Pirlot, whose balance of empathy, precision, and calm leadership "left a lasting impression."
About the Author
BD+C Staff
The Building Design+Construction editors bring you all things related to the AEC market, from the latest design tools to green building trends.
BD+C editors include David Barista, Editorial Director; John Caulfield, Senior Editor; and Quinn Purcell, Managing Editor.