Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
An outstanding alumnus of Texas A&M's College of Architecture told construction science students how to become leaders in the industry during a February visit.
Harold Adams, who earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1961, spoke to students at the Wright Gallery as part of a series of construction science capstone course lectures.
In 2003, Adams retired as chairman of RTKL associates, a global design practice, where he served for 34 years. A Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, he also won the AIA's Kemper Award for leadership in the profession, and also holds a first class Kenchikushi license, awarded by Japan’s Ministry of Construction.
"Mr. Adams said students need to be more aware of things going on in the global construction industry and he talked about becoming president of RTKL in his early thirties, and changes he instituted there," said Julian Kang, associate professor of construction science.
Adams joined RTKL in 1967, becoming its president in 1969 and CEO in 1971. Under his leadership, the firm became an international practice with a reputation for design and management expertise.
Adams' global experience was an important message to students, said Kang.
"We want our students to be more globalized. There's a lot in construction going on in other countries," said Kang.
"If you happen to go to any project overseas, you'll have, for instance, a general contractor from the United States, a designer from France, vendors from Asia, and laborers, or subcontractors, coming from all over the world: Southeast Asian countries, or India," said Kang.
Adams talked about doing business in Japan, noting how greetings are exchanged and pointing to the hierarchical rules that determine who sits where in a business meeting. Understanding customs overseas, he said, is critical to doing business.
Adams' talk made an impression on the students in attendance.
"He emphasized the need for teamwork in architecture, engineering and construction,” said construction science student Elco Chavez, noting that Adams “pioneered teamwork by becoming the first architect to be the chairman of the Design-Build Institute of America."
“With new delivery methods such as Integrated Project Delivery, he has the right idea and the construction industry seems to agree,” Chavez continued.
Adam’s message also resounded with student Jacob Balkey, especially his tips on “how to build yourself up professionally, the importance of teamwork, why you should take chances, and his sound management approach to business."
Adams has endowed three interdisciplinary professorships in the departments of architecture, construction science, and landscape architecture and urban planning. He has also established an endowed scholarship in architecture.
- Posted: March 29, 2010 -
