Celebrating 25 Years with Randy Regier
An interview with Randy Regier, Principal | President
How did you first get involved with Taylor Design?
I was working for a small firm at the time and had decided it was time for me to move on. I had a project at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital and spoke with the on-site Inspector of Record about my plans and asked for his input on firms to talk to. Coincidentally, Taylor & Associates was also looking for people, so we were connected, and the rest is history.
Why did you choose to stay at Taylor Design?
Short and simple: opportunity. It was evident when I first joined that the culture was entrepreneurial and open to ideas/different experiences. Everyone worked hard but had a good time along the way. That made it an easy fit for me.
Early on, I felt like I had a lot to contribute and had an immediate impact which was gratifying. It’s a great company, great culture, and great people to work with. The people here always keep me energized.
Every day is a new day and you always learn something. The opportunities continue to present themselves as we grow as a firm, so every day is a learning day as long as you pay attention.
What inspires you in the work you do?
What has been your greatest accomplishment during your time here?
With the transition to Kevin Hinrichs as President, I have been doing more reflecting of late. At least today, I can narrow it down to three things:
1. Hiring both Kevin and Eric Peabody at a make-or-break moment in the San Francisco office’s future. I think the outcome is pretty obvious and I couldn’t be happier with Kevin leading the firm to the next destination.
2. Growing the firm from a single location in Newport Beach to now five offices across the major metropolitan areas of California. It couldn’t have happened without an ambitious leadership team!
3. Introducing design strategy as part of our design process. After the recession we wanted to differentiate ourselves and avoid a race to the bottom of low fee providers. No one said the job would be easy.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects?
Be patient. It’s a career that can be incredibly long, but you have to exercise some patience. Give yourself a minute to learn through your experiences.
Name one word that describes what Taylor Design means to you.
Heart and soul. I don’t know if you can describe the firm in one word. Because one of the things that I’ve always appreciated about the firm is the company philosophy that we work with our clients to help them achieve their goals, not ours. We’re not a firm that’s centered on creating an icon for ourselves. It’s doing what is right for the client.
