SmithGroup has promoted office design and interiors expert Mark Adams to lead strategy and operations for its firmwide Workplace Practice. Adams succeeds Lise Newman, who will be retiring from practice in the Spring of 2022.
In his new role, Adams leads the firm’s practice devoted to the design of corporate and commercial facilities, including corporate headquarters and campuses, office interiors, commercial office buildings, public and civic development, hospitality, mixed-use and multi-family residential buildings for both public and private sector clients. Adams will focus on expanding the practice’s portfolio of major headquarters, mixed-use/urban development and workplace-centered strategy and design projects. Adams was elevated from Workplace Studio Leader at the firm’s Phoenix office.
“Real estate strategies and the design of office environments are evolving in response to recent world events,” says Mike Medici, SmithGroup’s president and managing partner. “Mark’s understanding of this rapidly changing landscape and his forward-thinking nature will serve SmithGroup well as we chart our new course to design a better future.”
Adams joined SmithGroup in 2008 and brings 33 years of experience to this position. He has been instrumental in the growth of the firm’s portfolio of notable clients, leading large-scale projects throughout the southwest and across the nation. As a recognized thought leader and author, Adams has been called upon to share his expertise as a presenter at conferences for CoreNet, the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors, NeoCon and Tradeline. He is also a regular contributor to Work Design Magazine.
SmithGroup’s Workplace Practice, ranked 7th in the nation according to Building Design + Construction magazine, provides comprehensive services that help premier companies create buildings and work environments that enhance engagement and improve their organizations’ financial performance. Notable clients include Microsoft, Google, GoDaddy, Advisory Board Company, General Motors, Ally Financial, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and Chamberlain Corporation, among others.
“We’re at a unique point in time where discussions regarding equity, engagement, sustainability, wellbeing and human performance are reshaping the concept of work and the environments that we design to support it,” states Lise Newman. “Mark will be instrumental in solving these issues for top-tier clients while creating both beauty and value.”
Adams graduated from Harrington College of Design, earning a bachelor’s degree in interior design with a minor in fine arts. He also attended Iowa State University, focusing on architectural studies. A registered interior designer, he is a member of the International Interior Design Association.
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Apr 6, 2015
Berkeley’s West Branch Library generates more energy than it uses
The 9,400-sf facility is California's first Net Zero Energy-certified building.
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2015
Industry groups petition for change order reform on federal projects
Nine design and construction associations ask for assurance that funds available for additional work.
High-rise Construction | Apr 6, 2015
Melbourne tower will light up depending on weather
The tower will be illuminated by 164-foot-tall beams of LED light based on weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 3, 2015
French startup develops drone camera that overlays video with 3D images
The new drones can capture video and overlay the shot results with 3D images and augmented reality remotely.
Libraries | Apr 2, 2015
6 award-winning libraries showcase next-gen design strategies
The new Cedar Rapids Public Library and the restored Slover Library in Norfolk, Va., are among six breakthrough projects honored with 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.
Contractors | Apr 1, 2015
ABC: Nonresidential construction spending flat in February
The Associated Builders and Contractors forecasts a robust nonresidential construction spending recovery in 2015, despite an underwhelming start.
Office Buildings | Apr 1, 2015
IBM's supercomputer Watson finds new home in Manhattan's Silicon Alley
The new headquarters for the former Jeopardy champ was conceived as a showcase for Watson’s capabilities, and as an inspirational workspace for Millennials and idea generators of all ages.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Apr 1, 2015
Radiant Heat: The Invisible Killer
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s fire, there’s the deadly threat of radiant heat.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2015
Phoenix apartment complex will be made from recycled shipping containers
The eight-unit complex, called Containers on Grand, was inspired by the need for affordable and sustainable housing near the city's core.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 31, 2015
Pratt Institute to offer first-ever degree in placemaking
As part of its new Urban Placemaking and Management degree, Pratt will offer courses on topics such as "the history and theory of public space" and the "economics of place."
