Community Client Liaison/Associate Ben Simmons, AIA, LEED AP BD+C.

As the community client liaison, what are some of the things that keep you busy each day?

Being the community client liaison involves more than just delivering high-quality work; it’s about embodying the philosophy of “Community” within our firm and in the broader Louisville area and the Commonwealth. My daily responsibilities include ensuring our work meets the highest standards while also engaging actively with the local community. This often means connecting people and resources, meeting potential partners, and generating new business opportunities. My role extends beyond architecture—it’s about bringing people together to find solutions and common ground.

On the business development side, I stay closely connected with our local partners to understand market trends, identify opportunities, and address challenges facing our clients. I also focus on recruiting top talent, as the quality of our work is directly tied to the strength of our team. Additionally, I spend a significant amount of time with our project teams, ensuring that the work not only meets but exceeds client expectations. It’s essential that our clients feel excited about their projects, see the value in collaboration, and fully embrace the outcomes.

What is your favorite part about working for Schmidt Associates?

Two aspects stand out: transparency and empowerment. At Schmidt Associates, transparency is a core value, evident at all levels of the organization. Whether it’s leadership clearly communicating expectations or team members having candid discussions about what’s working and what isn’t, there’s a strong commitment to openness. This transparency also extends to our clients, where we’re willing to show them what doesn’t work to help them understand the reasoning behind our solutions.

Empowerment is another key aspect. Leadership is genuinely invested in our growth and development. Through career pathing, mentorship programs, and opportunities for learning outside the firm, there’s a consistent effort to help us excel. This support system creates an environment where we can thrive both professionally and personally.

How have you contributed to the growth and expansion efforts of the firm?

I’m particularly proud of the progress we’ve made in Kentucky. Although some are still getting to know our name, we’ve secured significant clients and projects throughout the Commonwealth, including TARC, Kentucky State University, JCPS, and the Kentucky Exposition Center. My role has been to introduce Schmidt Associates to colleagues and clients who value our approach—one that is relationship-driven rather than project-driven. I believe this focus on building strong relationships is reflected in our work and behavior.

What are some of your most meaningful projects and why?

One of the most meaningful projects I’m currently leading is the Kentucky Exposition Center Phase I Improvements. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will have a lasting impact on Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the region. Having grown up attending events at the expo center, I understand its importance to our community. This project is about more than just the size or scope; it’s about respecting the legacy and traditions associated with the facility. The architecture must embody those stories and serve as a beacon for both the families who have long cherished the space and those who will visit for the first time.

Another project close to my heart is the KPFF Midwest Headquarters in Louisville. A friend of mine, Greg Buccola, asked us to take on the project, and it was an honor to work with him and another talented architect, Rachel Worley. The goal was to create a “home away from home,” a workplace that felt welcoming and intentional. It’s not just about fitting out an office space but about creating a meaningful environment that resonates with the people who work there.

You have done a lot to further the practice of architecture. What have been some of your most important volunteer roles, and why do you do them?

I’m passionate about contributing to our community, and one way I do this is through my role as a board member for the Waterfront Botanical Gardens. This “urban oasis” in Louisville is vital to our community’s health, well-being, and education. It’s a place where people can thrive, learn, and find joy.

Another transformative experience was my participation in the Leadership Louisville Bingham Fellows Class of 2023. This intense 12-month program changed how I think, communicate, and collaborate with others. The relationships and personal growth that came from this experience will stay with me for a long time.

As a seasoned leader, what are some of the most critical skills you leverage each day?

Effective listening and availability are crucial. Trust is built when people feel heard, and it’s important for me to be accessible to my team and clients. Remaining calm under pressure is another essential skill. Deadlines and project challenges can create stress, so my role is to guide the team through these challenges without diminishing their enthusiasm or energy. Clear communication is also vital, particularly in setting achievable expectations and working through obstacles as they arise.

You are a strategic thinker. As you consider your process, how does strategy play into your overall goals of working with clients?

Strategy requires a tailored approach for each client and project. Some clients prefer a quick, no-nonsense approach, while others want to dive into the details. Understanding each client’s preferences and needs is key to ensuring they are satisfied with the process, not just the end result. We also have to choose the right medium for communication—whether it’s in-person meetings, virtual discussions, or visual presentations. It’s about understanding what makes the client excited, happy, or anxious and then crafting our strategy accordingly.

OUTSIDE OF WORK, YOU HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO MAKE A LOT OF UNIQUE THINGS. WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO MAKE?

I enjoy working on pen and ink drawings on canvas during my free time. These large-scale pieces help me relax and reflect on life. It’s a creative outlet that allows me to unwind, often with a cup of coffee and some music in the background. It’s a slow process, sometimes taking weeks or months to complete a piece, but it’s incredibly fulfilling.

Could you share more about your community involvement and hobbies?

I serve as the director of community outreach for AIA Central Kentucky Chapter, and I’m a board member for the Congress for New Urbanism Midwest Chapter. I’m also deeply involved with the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, where I’ll be vice chair starting in January 2025. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Heather, and our two dogs, Pippa and Luna.