#63 Lessons in Leadership with Lauren Schmidt, Principal at KPF

Lauren Schmidt is a Principal at KPF in New York City.  The
youngest woman in KPF’s history to be named Principal, Lauren is
invaluable to projects of all types, coordinating with multiple
stakeholders, consultants and design teams, and overseeing
projects through all phases.


 


Lauren has served as designer and manager for some of KPF’s most
notable and complex New York City projects. She collaborated to
develop the design for One Jackson Square, a national AIA
award-winning residential building situated over several active
subway lines. Lauren managed 55 Hudson Yards, a large-scale,
transit-oriented office building that features a unique,
finely-crafted wall system. The building’s irregular structure
incorporates a ventilation building for the subway station below,
requiring detailed coordination with the MTA and city
stakeholders.


 


Much of Lauren’s work focuses on maximizing the potential of
underutilized or outdated buildings through repositioning. She
has contributed management expertise to adaptive reuse projects
such as Hudson Commons, which adds 17 stories above a former
warehouse creating state-of-the-art office space; 175 Park, a
reimagining of a traditional suburban office building in New
Jersey; and 660 Fifth Avenue, for which a new, custom glass
curtain wall façade maximizes occupant comfort while reducing
energy consumption.


 


Lauren also plays an integral role in the operations of the firm
itself overseeing recruitment, staffing, and mentorship alongside
KPF’s senior leadership. She holds a board seat on the Design
Futures Council, and was named one of PWC’s 20 Under 40
Outstanding Women in Construction. Lauren helped launch KPF’s
Educational Program, actively participates in the ACE mentorship
program, and has taught Architect Registration Examination
courses at the New York Center for Architecture.


 


In this episode, Lauren talks about her experience of moving up
through the ranks at KPF, how architecture is a group effort, and
the importance of communication and collaboration. She shares
some great advice on what makes someone a good leader, how to
develop and hone their leadership skills, and how one can
differentiate themselves at a larger, international firm. Lauren
also talks about how being an athlete has informed who she is as
a person and the importance of having an outlet in your life that
isn’t architecture related.


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