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Beyond the Ordinary

The world is full of extraordinary. Join me in exploring all that sparks creativity and change.

Successful Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion!

Societal advancements are often sparked by powerful conversations between peers. The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) hosted a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas Heatherwick’s book, “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities,” a prime example of how constructive partnerships can lead to some of our world’s greatest innovations. It was a packed house with 300 guests attending this engaging event. I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the panel alongside Thomas, Shapack Partners founder Jeff Shapack, and CAC President & CEO Eleanor Esser Gorski. We explored the book's themes and discussed Chicago's architectural landscape while scrutinizing the impact of design and development processes on public health.

November’s Inspiration of the Month: Keiko DeClerck

My inspiration of the month is Clayco Structural Engineer Keiko DeClerck! Every year, I have a fellow selected from our lead interns and first-year employees to attend mentoring sessions, Monday presentations, and client and employee meetings. Last year, Keiko was chosen to be mentored by me –and she also mentored me in return!

Ciere Boatright appointed as the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development

October has been filled with so many incredible moments and people to celebrate that I’ve doubled down on my Inspiration of the Month and added Ciere Boatright to the list! Ciere is the perfect example of how when you invest in your community, the rewards return to you tenfold. She is currently the Vice President of Real Estate and Community Development at CRG but takes on the role of the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development next month! Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Ciere’s appointment yesterday, and I could not support his decision more.

Thomas Heatherwick Book Launch & Discussion

World-renowned English architect, designer, and founder of Heatherwick studio, Thomas Heatherwick, is coming to Chicago! The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is hosting a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas’ book “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities” on November 8th. It will be an insightful conversation about contemporary building design and how the spaces we develop can spark inspiration or leave us devoid of it – which I am happy to be a part of!

Congratulations to Shawn and Crain’s 40u40 Winners!

If there is anything that we need more of across industries and communities, it is passionate people who are working to improve our world. Luckily, there is no shortage of these talented individuals, many of whom are featured on Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 under 40 list – including my son Shawn! Crain’s nominates 40 innovators who have made a mark on their industries and the city of Chicago with no end in sight. It is an amazing recognition demonstrating the importance of emphasizing evolution, diversity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Since Shawn and I started working together, I have watched him lead Clayco’s booming real estate development arm, CRG.

October’s Inspiration of the Month: Chuck Feeney, A Testament to the Power of Selflessness

Businessman and philanthropist Chuck Feeney passed away on October 9th. He was best known for co-founding Duty-Free Shoppers (DFS) with Robert Miller in 1960. DFS grew to be one of the world's largest luxury retailers, catering primarily to travelers and making Feeney a billionaire in the process. However, what made him particularly notable and admired was not his business success but his unique approach to philanthropy.

Inspiration

I have always had an insatiable curiosity

What causes me to get out of bed every morning is driven by inspiration. Ever since I was a little boy, I was inspired by my insatiable curiosity, which caused me to be a reader, a thinker, and a dreamer.

I can remember being inspired by seeing Bobby Kennedy on TV and watching videotapes of Martin Luther King Jr., and being deeply saddened by their assassination even though I was only 10 years old when I experienced all of this.

As a little boy, rocket flight was a big thing. I remember being fascinated by the moon and the stars and the astronauts exploring them.As humans we are achieving remarkable things that only a handful of years before were just in the imagination.