TZL 1394 (web)

If so, how is it working for your firm? If not, why not? JE: Yes. We’ve used it for the past six years and it’s worked well. It makes us think about what we’re doing and has shaped our practice. We’re data driven and work to synthesize design into solution. “We see the future of the office taking on a role that serves to preserve and maintain the company’s culture as opposed to a place to work.” enlightening client experience that results in making visions reality.” Can you provide a recent, real-life example that illustrates this? JE: We had a project with a large water development plant for a community in Midland. The project was taken on during a big drought and there was a great sense of urgency. A project that cost several hundred million was completed in 14 months so the community would have a reliable water source. There were so many facets and moving parts and the way the community pulled together made it all possible. TZL: It is often said that people leave managers, not companies. What are you doing to ensure that your line leadership are great people managers? JE: This is very true and we try to hire good people who care. It’s important that people are genuine and leadership really understands that. We’ve had a Leadership TZL: Parkhill’s vision states, “Transforming community by facilitating an extraordinary, Academy for more than 13 years. It’s a year-long program and leaders look forward to attending. It comes with a certain amount of prestige. We work to ensure that they’re not just good leaders, but good people. In the beginning, leaders are paired with mentor(s) and there are eight distinct events. There’s also a two-day session that involves some type of training on a specific training topic. There’s a graduation ceremony at the end of the fiscal year. To date, about 200 people have graduated from the Academy. TZL: Is change management a topic regularly addressed by the leadership at your firm? If so, elaborate.

We see the future of the office taking on a role that serves to preserve and maintain the company’s culture as opposed to a place to work. It will be more of a cultural and social hub, so we don’t see a cultural erosion. TZL: How much time do you spend working “in the business” rather than “on the business?” JE: I’ve always worked on projects and enjoyed developing relationships. I still maintain a percentage of “in” – probably about 15 percent to 20 percent. I like staying plugged in. It keeps me grounded. I had a mentor who told me that I should approach the firm like it’s my project. That made a lot of sense to me. TZL: Trust is essential. How do you earn the trust of your clients? JE: Trust plays into our overall mission statement: “Building community by creating inventive, relevant built environments together.” It’s nine words all together, but when you take it apart, it’s meant literally. It hits that sweet spot as we find the words balance to create trust. “We try to hire good people who care. It’s important that people are genuine and leadership really understands that ... We work to ensure that they’re not just good leaders, but good people.” TZL: Diversity and inclusion are lacking. What steps are you taking to address the issue? JE: This is a very applicable topic right now. We began focusing on this over the past summer. There’s a blog post on our website called “Standing Against Racism.” It includes a presentation and video we put together about our commitment to diversity and inclusion given to employees and small groups. We’re working to be more proactive about issues having to do with bigotry, racism, and prejudices. Biases are subtle and more difficult to identify. We’re bringing attention to that. It’s important for us to truly embrace building community and working for the common good. I’ve also joined the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Pledge. TZL: Are you using the R&D tax credit?

HEADQUARTERS: Lubbock, TX NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 456 YEAR FOUNDED: 1945 NUMBER OF OFFICE LOCATIONS: ❚ ❚ Abilene, TX ❚ ❚ Albuquerque, NM

❚ ❚ Amarillo, TX ❚ ❚ Arlington, TX ❚ ❚ Austin, TX ❚ ❚ El Paso, TX ❚ ❚ Frisco, TX ❚ ❚ Lubbock, TX ❚ ❚ Midland, TX

❚ ❚ Norman Cardinal, OK ❚ ❚ Norman Lemke, OK ❚ ❚ Oklahoma City, OK ❚ ❚ Tulsa, OK ❚ ❚ Woodward, OK

REBRANDING: “We’ve set the table and are now looking forward. We rebranded the firm to Parkhill to better define the firm as we grow.” VISION: Transforming community by facilitating an extraordinary, enlightening client experience that results in making visions reality.

COLLECTIVE VALUES: ❚ ❚ Real innovation ❚ ❚ Engaging collaboration ❚ ❚ Life balance ❚ ❚ Enduring relationships

See BUILDING COMMUNITY, page 8

AY 31, 2021, ISSUE 1394

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