Why Built Environment Strategies?

Built Environment Strategies provides easy access to a network of independent and experienced professionals who can bring relevant expertise to companies developing technologies and innovation that will change the way we design, build, operate and improve the quality of our built environment.

I have always been amazed at the “power of team”. First as a graduate architect leading a multi-disciplinary project team to design schools for the Public Works Department in my home town of Perth, Western Australia. Then later as managing partner of the Sydney office of a national architectural practice, juggling resources to achieve project deadlines and meet client expectations.

After joining Autodesk as Director of Industry Marketing, I saw how much more difficult it can be to prioritize and achieve a common deliverable inside of a large corporation. My subsequent ‘dot.com’ experience taught me that even highly experienced teams can be dysfunctional without focus, commitment and passion.

More recently as CEO of Newforma I had the privilege of leading a company from being a business plan on paper to becoming a successful global technology company. Our growth was managed by deploying cross-functional teams to tackle strategic initiatives and by promoting a culture of mutual support that created a positive work environment for our 250 employees.

Now I am seeing the power of team at work again in my role as mentor to several designX cohort teams from MIT’s School of Architecture + Planning and Sloan School of Management who are exploring new business models and opportunities to make a difference.

The idea behind Built Environment Strategies is to once again leverage the power of team. I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented professionals who for various reasons (myself included) have decided to offer their talents as freelance consultants.

I’ve worked with every member of the Built Environment Strategies network professionally and have gotten to know each of them personally. I can vouch for their special skills, strong work ethic and high integrity. I am proud to have them accept my invitation to join the Built Environment Strategies network as independent team members and I am looking forward to working with them again to help you in any way that we can.

Ian Howell, Founder