Principal and partner promoted to president in strategic leadership transition
BOSTON, MA – January 7, 2024 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most highly regarded architectural and interior design firms, is proud to announce the promotion of Nathan Turner, AIA, LEED AP to president. This appointment recognizes Turner’s over 25 years of dedication to the firm, leadership, and commitment to advancing MP’s mission of creating tailored built environments that promote client success and support their employees and the communities they serve.
In his new role, Turner will continue to work closely with the firm’s partners, Daniel Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, Janet Morra, AIA, LEED AP, Caitlin Greenwood, AIA, and Jenna Meyers, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP to manage the firm. Turner will oversee projects, manage staff and client relations, and drive the firm forward.
“Margulies Perruzzi has always been focused on designing with purpose for the human experience, and we are passionate about our staff, our clients, and our dedication to giving back to our local community,” said Daniel Perruzzi. “Nate exemplifies these values and will continue the firm’s growth to keep up with the ever-changing needs of our clients.”
“I am honored to lead Margulies Perruzzi and take this responsibility seriously,” said Nathan Turner. “Having been with the firm for the past 25 years, I have had the unique opportunity to witness its evolution through various challenges and successes. I look forward to continuing the important work of fostering innovation, empowering our team, and leading by example.”
Turner shared his vision, stating, “MP will remain true to the values on which we were built almost 37 years ago. I will continue to collaborate closely with our partners to ensure we provide thoughtful architecture and interior design, focusing on relationships we have built locally that have expanded our opportunities nationally. Together, we will support this step forward to ensure that MP is not only set up for success now but also in the future, remaining a trusted partner.”
About Margulies Perruzzi
Margulies Perruzzi (MP) is an award-winning architectural and interior design firm based in New England. The firm consists of a collaborative team specializing in workplace, science & technology, healthcare, new buildings & renovations, and mixed-use developments. Their team’s unique blend of creativity and technical expertise enables them to deliver enduring and functional designs tailored to any budget. MP creates spaces and places that benefit users and drive clients to achieve success. For more information, visit mparchitectsboston.com.
Lab Design spoke to Jane Kepros, LEED GA, the director of lab programming at Margulies Perruzzi about her career journey, professional advice, and hobbies.
Q: How did you get started in your career? Did you major in your field in college, get an internship, switch careers mid-stream, etc.?
A: I have had an interest in art and architecture since childhood. That interest evolved into engineering and science as I grew older. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and got a job at a small pharmaceutical start-up after college.
I worked there for eight years and during that time had the opportunity to wear many hats. My main role was working in our research biology labs, mostly doing molecular and cell biology studies. But my group also went through two lab moves and I helped with the equipment layouts and getting the labs set up and ready when we moved in. I was on the site safety committee, helping learn, share, and enforce safety measures in our labs. I was part of our celebrations team and got very involved in planning and participating in events and building our company culture.
While still working in the pharmaceutical industry, I started taking evening architecture classes at Boston Architectural Center (now named Boston Architectural College) for fun. When I decided it was time for something new in my career, I decided to check the job postings on the Boston Society of Architects website. By sheer luck, I stumbled upon an advertisement from a small, boutique architecture firm looking for a Lab Planner. In the advertisement, they indicated they were seeking either an experienced architect with ten plus years of lab planning experience or a scientist without architecture experience, willing to be trained in lab planning. I had never heard of lab planning, but I felt like it would be the perfect fit for me.
I ended up applying for and accepting that job. I had an amazing mentor, who was a former scientist turned architect, that I worked with for over seven years. She taught me so much.
Thirteen years after changing careers, working with over 80 clients, and being involved in over 160 projects, I still feel like I am learning new things every day.
Q: What is the best piece of professional advice you have received?
A: One piece of professional (and life) advice that resonates with me is to be empathetic. Our industry requires a huge amount of collaboration among team members. Sometimes, a team member might be having a bad day or be distracted by something else going on in their life, and not be as focused or engaged as usual. Sometimes, you may need to collaborate with someone new in their role or new to the process, and you must be patient with their questions. Sometimes, you may need to work with someone who may not be a native speaker of the same language as you, and you must listen (and potentially clarify) when they use terminology differently from how you might use it. Taking the time to listen and relate has only been helpful in my career.
Q: What is one important skill you think that all lab design experts should have?
A: A sense of perspective. At the end of the day, remember that you are designing a space for your client. You are not going to be working in that space, they will. You are not going to be maintaining that space, they are. Just because another client asked for something in their space, does not mean that all clients want that, even if their program seems very similar on the surface. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the space is functional, safe, and that the client is happy with the end result.
Q: What’s a common misconception about your job?
A: That lab programming and lab planning are the same thing. Lab programming is making sure you have all the necessary puzzle pieces ready to go, and lab planning is figuring out how to put the puzzle together. I do both and take pride in my ability to work through challenging programs in creative ways.
Q: What kinds of hobbies or interests do you have outside of work?
A: I love learning new skills and working on new projects. I especially enjoy crafting and sewing and have made many award-winning costumes for various events, as well as functional items, such as traditional leather mittens and mukluks for snowshoeing. I enjoy sporting events, volunteering, travel, theatre, music, hoppy beer, and good food. I spend many weekends each year camping or hiking around New England.
BOSTON – July 16, 2024 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most highly regarded architectural and interior design firms, is proud to welcome Edward Marcey, AIA as Healthcare Studio Leader. Edward will provide staff leadership as well as project management and quality assurance for the healthcare studio. He will also be responsible for maintaining and establishing new relationships with clients and industry partners.
Edward brings a well-rounded experience to the healthcare studio team,” said Daniel Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner at Margulies Perruzzi. “He is dedicated to client management and staff development, aligning with the values of Margulies Perruzzi. His thoughtful leadership will ensure the success of current and future projects.”
Edward has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare design industry. He has held roles ranging from senior project manager to director of operations to managing principal. Edward has worked with numerous healthcare clients throughout the New England area, including Steward Health Care, Tufts Medical Center, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and Southcoast Health. His project experience includes new construction and renovations for various project types, such as emergency departments, surgical suites, ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral health, medical offices, pharmacies, clinical labs, linear accelerator suites, exam rooms, pediatric care, and dental services.
Edward studied Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is a licensed architect in Arizona, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, and Virginia.
Edward currently serves in the officer line for the Philanthropic Masonic Lodge and is the 9th District Ambassador for the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts. He has participated in several fundraising events for the American Diabetes Association and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was recently appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in his hometown of Lynn, Mass.
With an inspirational healthcare portfolio, Margulies Perruzzi specializes in hospital renovations and additions, outpatient clinics and treatment centers as well as hospital master planning, healthcare programming, and feasibility studies. Margulies Perruzzi has worked with a wide range of industry leaders, including Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Beth Israel Lahey Health’s Winchester Hospital, MaineHealth, and many others.
“Nick consistently pursues ways to convey project intent to clients and their projects. He applies detailed forethought that helps project teams understand the multiple aspects of proposed design solutions. His ability to push design while considering technical coordination means all his projects benefit from his involvement.” – Nate Turner, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Associate Principal, Partner at Margulies Perruzzi.
In the last 12 months what accomplishment are you most proud of? The accomplishment I’m most proud of in the last year is becoming a licensed architect in Massachusetts. Receiving my license has provided me with the opportunity to be the lead architect on projects. The first project I was able to lead was for the JCC of Greater Boston, and I am very proud of it. I can’t wait to see it completed.
Who are the key people in your life that have contributed to your success? First and foremost are my parents. I would never be where I am today without their support and guidance. After them come numerous colleagues and professors who have all taken time throughout my education and career to field my questions and help me grow into the architect I am today.
Experienced strategic workplace designer joins workplace and science studios
BOSTON – April 30, 2024 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most highly regarded architectural and interior design firms, is proud to welcome Marilyn Shen, NCIDQ, LEED GA as Principal. Marilyn will work closely with the firm’s partners to provide design leadership and project management in the workplace and science studios. Marilyn will also be responsible for establishing strong relationships with clients and industry partners, as well as managing, mentoring, and training staff.
Marilyn brings over 20 years of experience building workplace environments that cultivate company culture and support staff connections. Her goal as a designer has been to align or re-align workplaces to fully embrace culture, diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, and the overall well-being of people. Her work has supported thousands of employees’ active contributions by facilitating their transitions to large-scale, flexible work environments, including activity-based neighborhood choice and agile mobile work. She has led and delivered workplace strategy and planning, project management, pre-and post-design solutions, culture facilitation, communications, and change management services for organizations looking to transform or define their workplace approach, office design, company culture and brand, and overall employee experience.
“Marilyn brings a depth of experience with workplace, science, and technology projects. She is client-focused, team-oriented, and delivers culture-centric design solutions for her projects, aligning with the values of Margulies Perruzzi,” said Daniel Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner at Margulies Perruzzi. “Marilyn’s leadership and vision will enable us to be even more innovative in designing custom spaces for our clients.”
For the past 20 years, Marilyn served in increasingly strategic roles. Most recently, she was the Managing Principal at TRIA where she provided oversight of all the firm’s organizational and operational activities. Prior to that, she was Principal and Workplace Strategy Lead at Visnick & Caulfield Associates where she focused on organizational culture, change management, and workplace strategy. Marilyn’s experience also includes over 10 years serving as a board member for the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation. Recently, Marilyn founded Kodo, Inc., a consultancy that focuses on education and advancement of inclusive and equitable design.
Marilyn received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Organizational Psychology with a minor in Art from Wellesley College and a Master of Arts in Interior Architecture from the New England School of Art and Design (NESAD) at Suffolk University. She is a Certified Professional Culture Facilitator, NCIDQ certified, a LEED Green Associate, and in the process of becoming a certified Fitwel Ambassador.
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
Last year, I had an opportunity to work on a once-in-a-lifetime project as a healthcare planner for a hospital of the future. I loved working for a client with tremendous aspirations for change and improvement, and I was thrilled to work with a very talented team of international partners.
But I have recently joined Margulies Perruzzi and am honestly looking forward to my greatest achievement in the coming year: helping to continue to build our healthcare practice within an acclaimed Boston firm. I know that we can make a positive impact on the local professional market.
What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry?
I credit two major drivers to my success. First, I am passionate about working with clients who are making history, saving lives, and dedicated to patient well-being. It is an honor to work with clients who embrace improving the clinical experience. Second, my work brings me in contact with so many wonderful partners, including engineers and consultants, for whom I have enormous respect. Healthcare architecture is particularly challenging to respond to the wide range of goals, including, best clinical practices, technical and IT integration, building codes, sustainability, and accessibility, and it takes a great team to create a great building.
What is your favorite / most beneficial part of Women in Construction week?
I love hearing colleagues’ stories about their paths to success. There are so many women in so many different fields that our network is growing exponentially. Architecture seemed to accept women earlier but engineering and construction is catching up and you never know who you will meet.
What are your goals for the future?
I would like to become more involved at a local level with projects that contribute to healthier communities. Health does not come from hospitals alone, we need to build up our entire network of healthcare support services, education and housing to grow strong communities. There is something special about projects in your own back yard that you know will interject a moment of beauty and hope.
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
My most notable project was converting a sports club into a cGMP facility for a life sciences company. I worked as a process architect on the master planning for 75,000 SF of manufacturing space with a very complex program including clean rooms and cold storage. The project team jokingly called it the “Rubik’s cube” project. I had to be very flexible to work around issues that arose during design and construction. It’s a cliché, but we had to think outside the box in order to meet the client’s important program needs.
What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry?
I listen more than I speak. That way, I can provide a thoughtful response. I teach this value of listening to my children. Every day, I share with them what’s happening on my projects and that sometimes I have to explain the reasons behind my design decisions to the project team or client. I always listen first and accept all the feedback, but I am not afraid to provide reasons for why I designed the program the way I did. I remind myself that I am a talented architect who brings value to the project.
As Director of Lab Programming at Margulies Perruzzi, one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, Jane Kepros, LEED GA, is responsible for programming and planning laboratories, specialty suites, manufacturing facilities, and support spaces for a variety of scientific and industrial clients.
After graduating from Boston University with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Jane spent eight years working as a biomedical engineer, molecular and cell biologist, and project coordinator at Synta Pharmaceuticals. After studying architecture at the Boston Architectural College (BAC), Jane transitioned to a new career as a lab planner. For over twelve years she has worked for a variety of design firms leading lab programming and planning efforts for dozens of clients.
Jane’s advice to women starting in science today would be to be open to new opportunities. There are a growing number of niche roles that are fulfilling unmet needs in the industry. Positions that did not exist 10-15 years ago. One should be creative with their career path and not be afraid to define their own role. Examine your work and team efforts and look for how you can improve efficiency, communication, or processes. Follow your passions and allow them to change. Find a mentor and be your own champion. Never let someone else’s dream overshadow your own dream for yourself.
In her spare time, Jane is involved with the Massachusetts Biotechnology Softball League (MSBL), ISPE Boston’s Women in Pharma, and Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.
BOSTON – February 6, 2024 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, announced today that it has expanded its healthcare studio with the addition of Milly Baker as Senior Medical Planner, and the promotions of John Fowler to Director of Healthcare and Julia Donahue to Job Captain.
MP’s scope of healthcare services includes programming and planning, site evaluation, clinical test fits, ground up construction, interior design, sustainable design, WELL Building, and LEAN process improvement. MP’s healthcare projects benefit from a collaborative approach to working with clients in order to expand capacity and achieve their institutional goals. Their healthcare experts balance leading and listening to deliver projects that improve workflow efficiencies, clinical outcomes, patient experiences and facility operations.
John has been designing and managing healthcare projects of increasing size and complexities for over 20 years. He is passionate about healthcare design and sees every challenge as an opportunity to improve the built environment for patients and the clinicians that care for them.
In his new role as Director of Healthcare, he will lead the healthcare studio at MP, including working with individual clients to understand their needs, directing design teams to achieve optimal results for those clients, and building on the growth of the studio through an approach emphasizing continual education and skill development.
John holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College (BAC), and he is a member of American Institute of Architects (AIA), Boston Society of Architects (BSA), National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), U.S. Green Building Council, and Center for Health Design.
“For the past six years, John has been an integral part of our Healthcare studio, leading project teams, managing client relations, participating in strategic planning, and being involved with business development,” said Dan Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner. “With his successful track record of managing complex projects, we are confident in his ability to expand MP’s business in the healthcare sector.”
Milly is an architect and medical planner with more than 30 years of experience designing complex new facilities for many of the major healthcare entities in the New England region. Her experience includes senior roles in the architecture industry, as well as in-house planning for a healthcare organization. Milly received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon.
“As Senior Medical Planner, Milly will bring extensive healthcare planning expertise to a variety of projects across the studio, providing thoughtful customized solutions that increase patient satisfaction and improve clinical processes,” said John.
Julia is a detail-oriented job captain and interior designer with a diverse range of experience. From creating test fits, floor plans, and finish selections to construction drawings, construction administration, and consultant coordination, her strong technical skills and critical eye create designs that respond to each client and project’s unique needs. Julia earned a Master of Interior Architecture from Boston Architectural College (BAC) and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture & Art History from Roger Williams University.
“Julia’s promotion is indicative of her dedication to our healthcare projects and clients,” said John. “In her new role, Julia will coordinate the design team efforts to meet deliverable milestones while continuing to work closely with end user clinicians and facility staff to ensure projects meet goals and standards our clients expect.”
