Jason Dale Pierce

Designer dedicated to grooming next generation of professionals
38, Project Architect
HOK
St. Louis

Jason Dale Pierce is passionate about educating future generations of design professionals. As co-chair for HOK's emerging professional program, he develops annual curricula for the firm's St. Louis office. Among other activities, the program provides presentations and workshops to assist young designers in fulfilling requirements for licensure, accreditation and growth. Pierce also spearheaded a weekly lunch series to advance best practices. As an editor with aecKnowledge, an online educational forum, he promotes discourse among architects, engineers, contractors, urban planners and others. In 2001, Pierce formed the St. Louis Young Architects Forum, which is committed to the continual education and community awareness of young architects. In 2012, he joined the American Institute of Architects National Practice Management Knowledge Community.

Benjamin Rubach

He brings greater focus to business development, project management
32, Principal
dbHMS
Chicago

After joining M/E/P engineer dbHMS as senior engineer in 2009, Benjamin Rubach recognized untapped potential among firm ranks and resolved to bring greater focus to business development and project delivery systems. Though the 25 employee firm was known for creative thinking, Rubach introduced more structured and rigorous processes, quickly ascending to project manager, group manager, operations manager and principal. Under his leadership, dbHMS increased staff by 120% to 55 in the period from 2009 to 2012, difficult recession years. In addition to focusing on health care, including projects for University of Chicago Medical Center, Rubach oversees office management and business development. He has worked actively to recruit interns and young graduates throughout the Midwest and has demonstrated consistent dedication to training and mentoring.