Workplace Design for the Next Generation
In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, young workers are having an increasingly large influence on workplace design and how it fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity for new workstyles; and the future of remote work versus time spent in the office. Our expert panelists will discuss key strategies for creating an intentional workplace, concepts for office buildings designed for long-term adaptation, and how the next generation entering the workforce is already shaping workplace design. Our panelists from PDR, McCoy, Kirksey, HOK and Gensler will also share workplace projects that put these ideas into practice.
Laura Beth Mertz
Design Director
PDR
Laura Beth Mertz is a passionate leader who sees the potential for the extraordinary in every project she touches. Her approach to design stays true to her core belief that spaces should be designed based on human needs. This “inside out” approach allows her to encapsulate what a project needs and how its individual parts work together to support a space’s mission.
Brian Malarkey, FAIA, LEEP AP
Partner, Director of Interior Architechture
Kirksey
Brian began his career at Kirksey in 1991 and founded the EcoServices department, establishing the firm's regional leadership in sustainable design. Now leading the Interior Architechture department, his unique expertise in workplace trends, branding, and change management has positioned Kirksey as a leader in corporate office design.
Vince Flickinger, RID, LEED AP BD+C
Energy Leader, Design Director, Principle, Design Director
Gensler
Vince is a global leader in Gensler’s Energy practice who brings over 20 years of experience in a broad range of project types and roles. His involvement in all phases of projects — from design to construction administration — gives him a unique perspective that allows him to add value in a multitude of ways. His depth of knowledge in corporate workplace design has helped deliver successful projects for clients like BP, Andrews Kurth, Deloitte, Norton Rose Fulbright, and Hess. Outside of work, Vince is an active member in a number of AEC organizations including the Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). He is based in Houston.
Kim Bishop
Vice President of Business Development
Steelcase/McCoy Rockford
Kim Bishop has over 30 years of work experience. Kim began their career in 1988 at McCoy as a Vice President of Business Development/Strategic Accounts. In 2000, they joined the Houston Chapter of IFMA as a Director of Programs, where they stayed until 2012. During the same year, they also worked at Knoll International as Major Account Sales until 2004. In their early years at McCoy, they held the position of VP Sales - Major Accounts from 1988 to 2000.
Kim Bishop attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1980 to 1984, where they earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a major in Organizational Communications and a minor in Business. Additionally, they participated in the Rice Program for Executive Management at Rice Business - Jones Graduate School of Business, although no specific start or end year is provided for this program.
Dean Strombom, FAIA, LEED BD&C
Retired, Former Principal and Strategy Leader
Steelcase/McCoy Rockford
With a Gensler career spanning more than four decades and a portfolio of more than 50 million square feet, Dean led the planning and design of corporate campuses, commercial office buildings, workplace interiors and mixed-use developments before retiring in September, 2023. A highly regarded workplace performance specialist and frequent speaker at industry events across the U.S., Dean leverages his unique blend of education and experience in psychology, sociology and architecture to offer strategic real estate and design insight. He is a well-regarded speaker at industry events and is co-author of The Commercial Real Estate Revolution. Dean graduated from the University of Houston College of Architecture MArch program in 1980 and was inducted into the AIA College of Fellows in 2018.
Retired since September, 2023, Dean spends a significant portion of his personal time on challenging, inspiring, and community impactful projects.