Ed Feiner, the former chief architect of the General Services Administration, made a name for himself creating the agency’s well-regarded Design Excellence program, which raised the creative bar for government buildings. Today, he’s taking on a similar challenge at Perkins+Will (P+W), which he joined in 2009. As director of the firm’s design Leadership Forum, started in collaboration with chief executive Phil Harrison and design principal Ralph Johnson, Feiner coordinates several in-house award programs that aim to recognize and encourage better design aross the company’s 23 offices, totaling 1,600 employees. “A little competition is a good thing, particularly if it’s positive,” Feiner says.
P+W is not alone in offering internal design awards. In recent years, practices of all sizes have introduced similar initiatives, including RTKL, whose “Works in Progress” program began in 2005, and HOK, whose “BIM-ies” started in 2010. Organizers say the programs not only enable employees to stay apprised of each other’s work, but also serve as important recruiting tools. Most critically, they spark creativity and boost morale. “You’re not going to win a $600 million lottery prize,” Feiner says, “but you stand a good chance of being respected by your colleagues.”
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