Raising Expectations by Harper Harrison

Harper Harrison
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Welcome to Raising Expectations by Harper Harrison, the podcast where recruitment meets innovation in the built environment. Hosted by our expert consultants, each episode brings together industry-leading clients to dive into the trends, emerging technologies, and shifts in the hiring landscape that shape our sector. From sustainable building solutions to talent acquisition strategies, we explore how today's expectations are transforming the built environment of tomorrow. Join us for insightful conversations that elevate your understanding of this ever-evolving industry.

  1. 07/15/2025

    How do we turn data centers into the industry of choice with Kaitlin Schaberg

    We're excited to share the third episode of the Harper Harrison Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by Kaitlin Schaberg, Director of Hyperscale Programs at DC Blox and one of Data Center Magazine’s Top 100 Women in the Industry, as we explore how to position the data center sector as a top career destination for future talent. Kaitlin shares her journey into the data center space, the story behind her recent recognition as a top industry leader, and how her passion for cross-functional innovation is helping shape the future of digital infrastructure. From implementing AI-powered tools to navigating complex project and change management challenges, Kaitlin highlights what makes this industry so unique, and why increasing visibility and career pathways is key to overcoming the skills gap. GET TO KNOW KAITLIN:  Kaitlin holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University. She currently serves as the Director of Hyperscale Programs at DC Blox and has been part of the data center industry for nearly 8 years, having previously worked at QTS.In the past six months, Kaitlin was recognised as one of Data Center Magazine’s Top 100 Women in the Industry, a well-deserved accolade that reflects the impact she has made within both her organisation and the wider sector. She is particularly passionate about integrating cross-functional project management and change management within high-tech environments. During her time at QTS, she implemented the company’s first AI-based tool for analysing data center contracts. To get in touch with Del Connolly, email: d.connolly@harperharrison.com

    43 min

  2. 04/16/2025

    Exploring the evolution of the Data Center Industry with Aaron Wangenheim

    Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment. In this episode, Aaron discusses the evolution of the data center industry over the past 25 years. We explore how, while some challenges remain the same in theory, they have become more complex in practice. We also look at how local communities’ perceptions of data centers have evolved, and how understanding of the industry has changed over the years. As the industry continues to grow, we highlight the importance of making it an industry of choice—particularly in addressing ongoing and significant labour shortages. GET TO KNOW AARON: Aaron is a data center industry veteran with over 25 years of experience. He is the Founder and President of Base Partners—an advisory firm supporting investors, developers, and data center service companies across areas including platform investment, capital raising, and market strategy. Previously, Aaron served as COO and Chief Marketing Officer of T5 Data Centers, and before that held significant real estate experience at The Staubach Company, where he first entered the data center sector in the late 1990s. To get in touch with Del Connolly, email: d.connolly@harperharrison.com

    40 min

  3. 03/26/2025

    Taking the plunge and setting up a Data Center Development business with Ernest Popescu

    Welcome to the Harper Harrison podcast, where we explore the latest insights, trends, and innovations shaping the future of the built environment. In this episode, we dive into the world of Data Centers as we explore the career journey of Ernest Popescu and find out why he decided to move away from the corporate Data Center world and take the plunge and set up his own business. Now, CEO and Founder of Metrobloks, we look at when that vision formed, explore the challenges of leading a start-up and get an insight in to how we was able to secure funding for the venture. It’s a really inspiring story and an extremely honest and frank conversation. A great episode offering real insight in to the first year of becoming an entrepreneur! To get in touch with Del Connolly, reach out at d.connolly@harperharrison.com.

    46 min

  4. 11/11/2024

    COllaborative. COordinated. CO Architects.

    In the last episode of the series, host Jake Bentwood is joined by Jenna Knudsen and Alex Korter of CO Architects. Jake had the opportunity to speak with two firmwide leaders, one of whom oversees recruitment efforts, to discuss the intersection of healthcare design and hiring/attrition. This episode is a must-listen for any design professional interested in the fields of healthcare, health sciences, and S&T! ABOUT JENNA & ALEX: Jenna Knudsen is a brilliant example of a boomerang. Something we see often in this market. Jenna spent 3 years with CO as a project Designer before moving to NYC to spend some time with Rafael Vinoly. In 2004, she returned to CO and has since risen to the heights of Managing Principal. Jenna leads award winning, large scale academic, lab and healthcare projects on university and healthcare campuses across the country. Alex Korter joined CO shortly after Jennas return to the firm, in 2005. With experience across the globe, he now leads the firms building facades group as well as their recruitment efforts. Alex spent 3 years in Manchester, the center of the world, studying and gaining his BArch. Leads recruitment, experienced in Healthcare Architecture, loves Manchester – Alex and I have A LOT to talk about. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

    55 min

  5. 11/11/2024

    From Doctor to Architect with Kimberly Montague, CEO at Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.

    In episode 9, host, Jakey Bentwood starts off by discussing Kim's initial interest in Biology and her steps to becoming an architect. We get into her career and discuss the sweet spot in her career and trajectory she has taken since the days of Architecture 101. KIMBERLY MONTAGUE: Kim is the ultimate boomerang! Having spent 12 years with Albert Kahn around the turn of 2000, she then left Albert Kahn Associates and she spent time with HKS, Herman Miller and Planetree before now returning to Albert Kahn as President in March of 2023. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

    57 min

  6. 11/11/2024

    Design is in the family with Guy Geier, Managing Partner at FXCollaborative

    In this episode, Jakey Bentwood discusses how Guy got his start in architecture and where his passion comes from. They discuss his education, his career trajectory, and the milestones and challenges he has faced throughout his career. MORE ABOUT GUY: Guy Geier is the Host of Architecture 5 10 20 – a place where a diverse range of views about where architecture is headed are shared and to explore exciting future opportunities in the industry. From walking through houses in his neighbourhood to working with his father in retail furniture to his interest in aeronautical engineering, Guy now, with 40 years of experience, sits as Managing Partner of FX Collaborative. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

    40 min

  7. 11/11/2024

    From Set Design To CEO with Angela Watson, President/CEO at Shepley Bulfinch

    In this episode, Jakey Bentwood sits down with Angela Watson, CEO and President of Shepley Bulfinch. Having spent 22 years with Shepley Bulfinch we touch on her career until this point and go as far back to the days in Germany when modern architecture first caught her eye. A teacher, a leader, a designer and now a President/CEO – this one is a MUST LISTEN! Specifically the “Virtual Studio” – “What does that mean?” I hear you ask! ABOUT ANGELA: FAIA, Angela Watson is Shepley Bulfinch CEO and President. She grew up in Germany where her love for architecture first showed its face. She often felt that iconic buildings were too often torn down to make way for modern architecture. Her passion for design came from finding a way to reimagine and save the modern designs from her youth. Angela, later studied at MIT where she got her MArch. She spent time with HDS, Cambridge Seven and then joined Shepley Bulfinch in 2002. She spent time with the Boston Society of Architects before taking on the role of lecturer at MIT for 4 years alongside her role at Shepley Bulfinch. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

    39 min

  8. 11/11/2024

    How to be a part of the solution with James Miner, CEO at Sasaki

    In this episode, host, Jakey Bentwood jumps right into it with James Miner, CEO of Sasaki. Challenges through his career, the importance of culture in leadership and advice for anyone looking to develop in this market. They discuss the idea that you don’t need to know you want to be an architect in your early years to still become a leader in this space. Side note – James is a genuine and kind leader. For those that listened to the episode and have the years of experienced mentioned, you know what to do. My LinkedIn inbox is open. MORE ABOUT JAMES MINER: James Miner is CEO of Sasaki. James has spent almost 20 years with Sasaki having moved into the CEO position over 6 years ago. Over this time, he has guided the strategic evolution of the firm including rebranding the firm to elevate their collaborative and inclusive approach to design, adding new expertise in technology, fabrication, and digital design as well as establishing a firm-wide research grant program, amongst much more. To get in touch with Jakey Bentwood, reach out at j.bentwood@harperharrison.com.

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Raising Expectations by Harper Harrison, the podcast where recruitment meets innovation in the built environment. Hosted by our expert consultants, each episode brings together industry-leading clients to dive into the trends, emerging technologies, and shifts in the hiring landscape that shape our sector. From sustainable building solutions to talent acquisition strategies, we explore how today's expectations are transforming the built environment of tomorrow. Join us for insightful conversations that elevate your understanding of this ever-evolving industry.

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