Future Thinking vs. Woe Is Us: A Conversation Amongst Firm Leaders on Navigating the COVID-19 Economy

On Wednesday, April 22, Strogoff Consulting hosted a virtual panel discussion with Gould Evans’ Anthony Rohr along with industry leaders from Ross Barney, Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Gruen Associates, DLR Group, BNIM, HED, CO Architects, and SHoP Architects, regarding how firms across America are navigating the COVID-19 crisis. Moderated by architecture consultant Michael Strogoff, the discussion centered around simple and direct questions on the forefront of minds in the architecture, design, and planning industry; the answers to which painted a generally positive, forward-thinking perspective with a healthy dose of realism. While a microbe has upended our social, economic, and cultural norms, it’s also been a democratizing force — a reminder that we’re in this together. When asked about the biggest challenges facing each firm, a mixed response pointed to several assertions, but a central message reigned dominant: working from home..