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.”
Associate Principals and Partners Tim Bailey and Nate Turner were recently featured in New England Real Estate Journal’s Ones to Watch! Each year, the NEREJ recognizes the “Stand Out” professionals from New England’s commercial real estate industry. Below are Nate and Tim’s sections from this year’s spotlight.
3 skills that you use every day in your position: Critical thinking, active listening, and communication.
Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: Harvard Business Review (HBR) – What Makes an “Authentic” Leader? Episode 22 from HBR on Leadership series.
Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: Understand the importance of accountability
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? Working with the city of Quincy to support its downtown development guidelines and, more recently, to review the City’s energy code and sustainability initiatives. Quincy has a mix of commercial and residential properties which provides an opportunity to make a difference with energy-efficient development by joining a group of communities that utilize the latest energy stretch codes for new projects.
What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? “Nate understands the importance of creating design that supports our clients’ business objectives and maintaining high-quality standards throughout the design process. Through his project work and his efforts to mentor staff, Nate will continue to play an important role in the growth and success of our firm.” – Daniel Perruzzi AIA LEED AP, Principal | Partner at Margulies Perruzzi
3 skills that you use every day in your position: Communication, problem solving, creativity.
Best book, podcast, or app for aspiring leaders: “How I built this”- NPR
Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: Stay agile and open-minded.
What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? My growth into a leadership role on both a personal and professional level. I became an associate principal/partner and realized it was time to make an impact on the community outside of the office. I am an adjunct professor of architecture at my alma mater, Roger Williams, where I teach a graduate level course. I joined my local Planning Board where I provide my expert knowledge on responsibly building and shaping the community around me.
What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? “The quality of an architecture firm is defined by the talents of its people, and we are extremely fortunate to have the broad and deep design talents of people like Tim. With his design acumen and commitment to client service, Tim will lead MP as it continues to grow.” – Janet Morra, AIA, LEED AP, Principal | Partner at Margulies Perruzzi.
Interior Designers Marissa Meads and Grace Santos were featured in New England Real Estate Journal’s 2023 Women in Commercial Real Estate Spotlight:
1. What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?
We recently had a challenging project where we had to overcome several obstacles in order to complete the project. Although it was a stressful experience, it taught me that communication between clients, engineers, and contractors is essential, and patience is key. It also taught me to always confirm and triple-check all project details.
2. What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with?
Consider the opportunities to develop your leadership skills and to be mentored. Take advantage of networking opportunities and foster relationships with people who will be able to provide you with helpful advice.
3. Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you?
I have been inspired by a good friend and former coworker who has taught me how to navigate through obstacles in design. Her advice also taught me the value of asking questions and continuing to learn. You will always have someone with more experience than you to learn from.
1. What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I recently completed a 30,000 s/f office fit-out for an investment management company. The project team I worked with was incredible. Sustainability was very important to the client. Our team designed the space to be welcoming and comfortable for employees and visitors, but at the same time, made sure that each material selected was thoroughly researched for environmental impact. I love seeing and hearing employees’ reactions to the space.
2. What are the most important factors women in your industry should consider when choosing a firm to build their career with?
It is important to choose a firm that allows you to feel comfortable and pushes you to give your best. When leadership at the firm is approachable and listens to your needs and concerns, it allows for a more positive work environment. Other important factors include project diversity and training.
3. Who inspires you most? What qualities do they possess that inspire you?
My mother and female colleagues at my firm inspire me most. These women have drive, leadership, creativity, passion, intelligence, and humility and push me every day to give my best, get out of my comfort zone, try new things, and think outside of the box.
BOSTON – June 13, 2023 – Margulies Perruzzi (MP), one of New England’s most innovative architectural and interior design firms, is proud to welcome Jane Kepros, LEED GA as Director of Lab Programming. Reporting to Dan Perruzzi, AIA, LEED AP, principal and senior partner, Jane will be responsible for programming and planning laboratories, specialty suites, manufacturing facilities, and support spaces for projects, establishing strong relationships with clients and industry partners, and managing, mentoring, and training staff.
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 initially studying architecture at the Boston Architectural College (BAC), Jane transitioned to a new career as a lab planner. For the past twelve years she has worked for a variety of design firms in the role of Lab Planner, Director of Programming and Planning, and, most recently, Associate Director of Lab Planning. Since 2011 she has been involved with 130+ projects with 70+ clients, including Biogen, Blueprint Medicines, and Takeda.
“Jane’s insider knowledge of labs and how they operate gives her the ability to develop detailed and innovative lab design plans. Drawing upon her strong scientific and technical background, Jane can talk the same language as our clients and help them navigate challenging laboratory design and construction projects,’ said Dan. “Like MP, she strives to stay current with new scientific equipment and lab design trends to provide fresh and innovative design plans to meet the needs of our clients.”
Her work was twice honored with an ISPE Facility of the Year Award (FOYA). ElevateBio’s BaseCamp won for Operational Excellence in 2021, and Moderna’s cGMP Manufacturing Facility won Facility of the Future in 2019. Her team won a design award for the Best Research Lab from IIDA New England for the Blueprint Medicines HQ Relocation in 2018. Jane was recognized in 2016 as one of Building Design + Construction’s 40 Under 40.
Jane has been invited to speak at multiple industry conferences and events. Her recent speaking engagements include “Lab Design Optimization Using LCA and Energy Modeling” with Mitra Sajjadi at the 2020 I2SL Annual Conference and as a panelist for “Learn the Lab Design and Building Essentials for New and Renovated Labs: A Case Study” for the Boston Chapter of Women in Bio in 2017.
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- The Boston Real Estate Times released its annual ranking of largest architectural firms of 2023 in Massachusetts.
The ranking is based on gross revenue in Massachusetts for the year ending Dec. 31, 2022.
Margulies is an award-winning architect, community leader, real estate industry mentor, and philanthropist who has made a difference in the communities where he lives and works. After serving as Fidelity Investments’ manager of real estate design, Margulies founded Margulies & Associates in 1988. Now known as Margulies Perruzzi (MP), Margulies has grown the firm to one of New England’s top architectural and interior design firms, focusing on workplace, health, science & technology, and real estate development projects. Margulies strongly believes that people are deeply affected both by their workplace and by where they live, and that architects can contribute enormously to making businesses more successful and their employees happier. His clients recognize the value of this expertise, resulting in commissions to design and strategize on many exciting and provocative headquarters projects. Margulies is also involved in a number of volunteer efforts, most notably working on behalf of Boston’s Wharf District Council to develop waterfront resilience to rising sea levels, and on designing and building cost-effective modular micro-units for the homeless.
The well-deserving 2023 winners will be honored at the in-person Awards of Excellence Gala on April 27, 2023 at the Westin Boston Seaport District.
Congratulations to our own Julia Donahue, IIDA, NCIDQ who has earned her WELL Accredited Professional (AP) accreditation. Developed by Green Building Certification Inc. (GBCI) in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL AP signifies advanced knowledge in human health and wellness in the built environment, and specialization in the WELL Building Standard.
WELL APs have successfully passed the WELL AP exam, an assessment based on the expertise of leading practitioners in the field of design, health, and wellness in the built environment. Developed using GBCI’s rigorous test development best practices, the WELL AP exam is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency in building wellness and the principles, practices and applications of the WELL Building Standard.
What was your most important professional accomplishment or most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2022?
Joining Margulies Perruzzi, a firm I’ve admired for many years, as Director of Science Strategy. In this role, I am responsible for lending my expertise to projects, managing and recruiting staff, and developing new client relationships. With an extensive science portfolio, Margulies Perruzzi specializes in life sciences, medical devices, research and development (R&D), and manufacturing projects. Margulies Perruzzi has worked with a wide range of industry leaders, including IQHQ, Strand Therapeutics, Azenta, Avencell, Boston Scientific, and many others. The culture is collaborative, engaging, and fun. I feel very supported by leadership and look forward to 2023.
What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2023?
The Greater Boston life science and science/technology real estate markets plateaued this year from previous years; however, it’s still an exciting time. Several new lab buildings will be coming online in the next few years, and we are seeing an increased demand for manufacturing and cGMP facilities. Mergers and acquisitions will be prevalent in 2023 as some smaller companies may see the need to join forces with larger established companies.
My focus was on corporate interiors and workplace design before getting involved with our Science & Technology studio. I get to keep the workplace strategy while adding in technical aspects associated with labs. I recently worked on a 50,000 SF space with a 60/40 lab/office split. I had the opportunity to play with lighting and coloring to facilitate wayfinding through the open labs.
It was fun to push the design by creating a connection between lab and office supported by glass walls, allowing a clear visual into the lab from the office, and vice versa.
