From Architect to CEO: Building a Global Design Firm: DLR Group CEO Steve McKay

From Architect to CEO: Building a Global Design Firm: DLR Group CEO Steve McKay

In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey, Mark Goodale, and Katharine Van Leer sit down with Steve McKay, CEO of DLR Group, to explore what it takes to lead one of the most respected employee-owned design firms in the industry. Steve shares his journey from growing up in Scotland and playing competitive rugby to building a 30-year career at DLR Group—culminating in his role as CEO. Along the way, he breaks down how teamwork, resilience, and leadership lessons from rugby shaped his approach to business, culture, and growth. The conversation dives into how DLR Group has successfully scaled while staying true to its employee-owned model, why global thinking is essential for modern design firms, and how leadership can create alignment across a distributed organization. Steve also offers thoughtful insights on the evolving role of AI in design, the importance of storytelling in architecture, and why human judgment and creativity will remain the ultimate differentiators. Whether you’re an industry leader or early in your career, this episode delivers practical perspective on building a meaningful, long-term career—not just a job. 0:00 Opening + guest introduction 1:30 Rugby, teamwork, and early lessons in leadership 4:20 From Scotland to the U.S. — a global journey 8:30 Joining DLR Group and early career growth 11:00 Understanding employee ownership 14:00 Becoming CEO and shaping firm-wide aspiration 18:20 The “rock band” leadership model 21:00 Scaling without losing culture 24:00 What employee ownership really looks like in practice 28:30 ESOP vs private equity — industry shifts 33:00 Talent, compensation, and changing workforce expectations 37:30 Global expansion and building a truly global firm 41:30 Why design still matters (more than ever) 45:00 AI in design — hype vs reality 49:30 The future of architecture firms and technology 53:00 Career advice: visibility and participation 56:00 Final thoughts and closing

From Endurance Sports to Engineering Leadership: Verdantas CEO Jesse Kropelnicki

What does it take to scale an engineering firm from a few hundred to nearly 2,000 people—without losing culture, performance, or purpose? In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, we’re joined by Jesse Kropelnicki, CEO of Verdantas (ENR #73), one of the fastest‑growing environmental and infrastructure consulting firms in the U.S. Jesse shares his unique journey from structural engineer to elite endurance sports coach—and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. This wide‑ranging conversation explores how lessons from elite athletics apply directly to engineering leadership, including managing growth, building trust, giving effective feedback, navigating private equity, and preparing firms for AI and data transformation. Jesse also dives deep into culture, emotional intelligence, and why human skills—not technical knowledge alone—will define the future of AEC firms. Whether you’re leading a growing firm, managing teams, or thinking about the future of engineering work, this episode is packed with insight you can apply immediately.

Morrissey Goodale's Katharine Van Leer Joins The WOTS Podcast Team: M&A Trends, AI, & Leadership

In this episode of the Word on the Street Podcast, Mick Morrissey and Mark Goodale are joined by Katharine Van Leer, Senior Consultant at Morrissey Goodale, as she makes her debut as the newest member of the podcast team. Together, they discuss the forces shaping the AE industry today—from M&A activity and valuation trends to the growing influence of AI and private equity. The conversation explores market uncertainty, leadership transition, and why CEO‑only forums and peer connections are more important than ever as firms navigate rapid change.

Word on the Street Podcast: 2026 Kickoff

The podcast version of real-time market and industry intelligence from Morrissey Goodale firm leaders.

OHM Advisors President Jon Kramer

Mark and Mick welcome Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors. The discussion covers a range of topics including OHM's growth trajectory, Kramer's personal journey from intern to CEO, the importance of culture, innovation, and AI in the architecture, engineering, and planning field. Kramer highlights OHM's recent acquisitions, strategies for managing hybrid work environments, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. The episode concludes with insights into Kramer's leadership philosophy and his vision for OHM Advisors' future.   Topics 01:04 Guest Introduction: Jon Kramer, CEO of OHM Advisors 02:35 Jon's Early Career and Intern Program 05:23 OHM's Growth and Culture 09:22 Challenges and Strategies in AE Industry 16:21 Acquisitions and Strategic Growth 21:59 Engineering vs. Architecture: A Complex Integration 22:13 Challenges of Leading a Multi-Disciplinary Firm 23:25 Personal Journey: From Engineer to CEO 24:12 Balancing Diverse Teams and Cultures 24:39 Learning from Peers and External Advisors 26:37 Daily Operations and Team Dynamics 29:15 Strategic Growth and Future Plans 30:58 Artificial Intelligence and Innovation 40:21 Leadership Advice and Reflections 43:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts