This March represents a major milestone for Gienapp Architects, as Imelda Barnhurst celebrates her one-year anniversary as Owner & Principal. Hear from Imelda as she reflects on her experiences, accomplishments, and other notable moments that have shaped her first year in this role.
What excites you about the future of the architecture industry, especially in Massachusetts and New England?
“I recently attended a panel discussion about how office space is starting to turn a corner, both locally and nationally. As people return to the office, companies are rethinking what their office space is going to be, and not only what their employees need but also what they want in these spaces. Historically, Gienapp has worked on many office space projects, so we’re excited to see this sector flourishing post-Covid.
It’s also exciting to see the ongoing impact of the MBTA Communities Act. Communities that passed it really quickly are already starting to see projects, so they’re setting the groundwork for
other cities and towns. Lexington was one of the first communities within the commuter ring that passed the new zoning requirements, so it’s great to see that they already have projects in construction. Beverly was in a unique situation because they already met the new zoning requirements, but I expect to see more developments in the North Shore area relatively soon. Gienapp does new construction as well as renovations and fit outs, so whether it’s to design the building itself or help with tenant fit outs for mixed-use developments, we’re excited for the opportunity to be part of these developments in high-speed transit and commuter rail areas.”
As a leader, how do you foster a strong, cohesive team that aligns with your goals for the firm’s future?
“Before taking ownership of the firm, I served as the Vice President for several years, so I’ve had the opportunity to hold a leadership position for quite some time. However, in my new role, I’ve been able to focus a lot more on employee culture. We’ve started offering flexible scheduling, limited hybrid options, and an increased benefits package. We’ve reached a size where we’re able to provide these offerings to staff, and we’ve brought in younger perspectives that have helped us understand what professionals today value in an office environment.
Another area I’m hoping to grow the firm is in our use of technology and AI. Over the years, we’ve really focused on embracing technology, and this past year we’ve started to look at how we want to integrate AI into our operations.”
What were some of your personal highlights, or highlights of the firm, over the last year?
“One highlight, both personal and for the firm, is our women and minority owned enterprise (WMBE) certification through the state of Massachusetts. It’s a long process to receive the certification, so it’s exciting that it happened within my first year of ownership. We are also seeking additional certifications from the federal government and the City of Boston, so I’m really glad that my leadership has enabled us to go for these. I hope that in the coming months and years, they will impact the work we’re able to do and the projects we’re able to be a part of.
On the project side, we completed several exciting developments, including a multifamily residential project on Cape Cod, where we finalized construction documents within the year and broke ground. Another one of these achievements was the completion of the American Legion building in Gloucester, which was a great restoration project. We also expanded our services by adding in-house engineering services, which has allowed us to take on new types of projects and continue to grow.”
Are there any areas you’re hoping to expand in year two of your leadership?
“About half of our work is public, or government work, and the other half is private work, or non-government work. In the coming year, we’re hoping to expand in both of these areas, both in the scale of our public work, and the quantity of private projects. On the private side, the multifamily residential and office space sectors are really popular within the market right now, so I’d love to see us even more involved in these spaces.”
What advice would you give to other women (or anyone) in architecture that aspire to hold similar positions?
“My journey has been shaped through the guidance and advice of people who were doing things I wanted to be doing. I think it’s really important to not be scared to ask for feedback, try to find people you admire, and have conversations with them.
From a business perspective, there are many subconscious habits that can impact how women navigate leadership roles. I’ve watched several TED Talks and have read books that discuss these dynamics and how to unlearn these habits. I highly advise any woman in business to seek out this information. A couple of books that have influenced my career are Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office and Lean In. While these are a bit on the older side and have some outdated information, the overall premise holds true, and I’ve integrated lessons from these into how I behave in business and my leadership approach. My next read is Dropping the Ball, and I’m looking forward to learning even more about how to continue evolving as a leader.”