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191: A. Brooks Fischer, AIA, President and CEO of Newman Architects
A. Brooks Fischer unlocks the key to managing a team of architects – and gives sound advice for future leaders in the field.
For more than 60 years, Newman Architects has built a respected practice, a strong portfolio, and lasting client relationships.
As the firm entered its third generation of leadership, President and CEO A. Brooks Fischer saw an opportunity to build on that foundation by creating a clearer structure for decision-making, leadership development, and long-term growth.
This week on Design Development, Brooks joins Rens to share how Newman evolved from a founder-led practice into an organization shaped by defined responsibilities, delegated authority, and shared strategic direction.
That evolution includes quarterly leadership accountability, proactive staffing, and financial metrics designed to balance profitability, workload, and team well-being. Brooks explains why Newman gives emerging leaders meaningful responsibility early and rewards initiative, ambition, and results rather than relying solely on tenure.
Looking ahead, Newman is creating opportunities for its next generation of leaders while pursuing selective acquisitions to expand its expertise, strengthen its market position, and support continued growth. Both efforts reflect a firm building thoughtfully on more than six decades of success—honoring the foundation behind its reputation while developing the structure, leadership, and capabilities required for what comes next.
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