Danielle Simpson

Arcadis
Principal

19 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I come from a lineage of artists and engineers. While it wasn’t obvious to me at the time—when I was considering universities and dabbling first in business, psychology, and sociology—a career in architecture was a natural fit. I like to say I applied to architecture school on a whim. It sounded cool, I had enjoyed a drafting class in high school, and, more than anything, I just wanted to see if I could get in. Turns out, I could. Not only was I accepted into a prestigious architecture program, but my portfolio landed me in an advanced year, giving me the springboard I needed to make changing my major viable. It was there—thanks largely to professors who saw talent in me that I didn’t recognize in myself—that I began to understand how my background and varied interests had led me into the field.

Upon graduating, I was recruited into an international firm that presented a range of opportunities. Not knowing exactly where I wanted to focus, I began my career in a studio dedicated to healthcare architecture. I later gained experience in other specialties, such as commercial and hospitality, but I always came back to healthcare, drawn to its complexity, technical rigor, and the intrinsic sense of meaning in the work.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

I've always been fascinated by the emotive and physiological impact of the built environment—the idea that form, space, light, and material can evoke emotions and even influence well-being. It’s powerful to think that what we create as architects has the potential to shape lives in such a meaningful way. This awareness has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and drives my approach: architecture must put the human experience first. It should be functional and thoughtful, designed to serve and support the people it’s built for.

As a woman in the field, I bring a perspective shaped by empathy. My experiences have taught me to listen first, consider diverse needs, and create environments that are not just functional but are positively impactful.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

I have had mentors throughout my career who helped me hone my skills as an architect, but the most impactful role models were those who taught me how, rather than just what—those who modeled servant leadership, humility, trust, and teamwork.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with an inspirational leader who remains a core mentor to this day. At a time when the AEC industry still fostered an adversarial relationship between contractors and architects, he promoted a vision of transforming the industry by focusing on high-trust relationships to build high-performing teams. His philosophy was simple: prioritize trust first, and exceptional performance will follow. He was right. His leadership and vision were foundational in shaping my career.

Fast forward 15 years, and I was fortunate to have another influential mentor—a female leader who profoundly impacted me as a woman in the industry. Though our time working together was short, her influence was monumental. She retired a few years ago, and I’ve spent time reflecting on why her leadership was so transformative. The answer is simple: she empowered me. In a field where I was often the only woman, and usually the youngest at the table, I had grown accustomed to constantly proving myself. But for the first time in my career, with her, I didn’t have to. She trusted me to lead, believed in my expertise, and empowered me without question. That trust allowed me to thrive and reinforced the importance of empowering other women. Her example remains one of the most valuable lessons in my journey.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Can architecture help address social issues? Absolutely. We have both the ability and the responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of the resources we are entrusted with—whether land, materials, funding, or people. This means we must design with with resilience, adaptability, and inclusivity in mind.

In my field, this is especially important. Medicine and technology evolve so rapidly that we must anticipate change and plan for flexibility from day one. Resilient design ensures that buildings remain relevant and effective over time. Healthcare facilities must also be accessible, serving everyone equally, regardless of language, physical ability, or mental health. They should be designed to meet varied needs with dignity and compassion.

These same principles can guide the design of our communities. Imagine how many social challenges could be addressed if we designed for the most under-resourced or marginalized community members. Shifting our mindset in this way could create spaces that are truly inclusive and equitable.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

I’ve observed a shift in the industry from a focus on sustainability to a broader consideration of resilience. While the principles of “reduce, reuse, recycle” remain, many clients are now thinking more about how to plan for the future and ensure their investments can withstand time and a myriad of unknowns. There is a growing desire to develop smart buildings that run efficiently and cost-effectively over the long term, are made from durable, resilient materials, and are designed with future flexibility and adaptation in mind.

I also hear the term “responsible design” more often—emphasizing design solutions that use resources wisely across the board, from materials and energy to land and capital. Decarbonization and electrification are also hot topics, as the industry works to reduce carbon footprints and transition to cleaner energy sources. All of these efforts reflect a deeper understanding that sustainability isn’t just about minimizing impact today but about ensuring the built environment is prepared for tomorrow’s challenges—and that those challenges aren’t worsened by the decisions we make today.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most fulfilling moment of my career? That’s a tough one! I've found the greatest fulfillment in moments of shared success—those times when I could step back, take in the team around me, and feel a deep sense of pride in what we had accomplished together. That’s the best kind of feeling.

These moments have shaped my professional journey, especially as a leader. They’ve reinforced the power of teamwork and the adage, If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. I've worked hard throughout my career, but it’s working with others that has led to the most meaningful success.

Now, I have the privilege of mentoring others and building teams. Those shared successes have instilled in me a deep appreciation for what makes a team thrive and have shaped my approach to creating environments where others can grow, contribute, and experience that same fulfillment through shared success.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

I really enjoy working in the healthcare field—I thrive on the complexity and technical rigor, but there’s also a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing how many lives will be impacted by the spaces and facilities I help create. There is meaning in the work.

Two of my favorite projects have been for the same healthcare client, and what made them special wasn’t just the work itself—though both were exceptional—but the project teams’ commitment to a highly collaborative, integrated approach, with the architect, builder, and owner working together as one. For the first project, we coined the term “Inspired Project Delivery”; for the second, we embraced a shared mission of “One Team.” Each project reinforced lessons far beyond architecture—illustrating that we can achieve far more together than we ever could alone.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Not just for women, but for anyone entering the AEC industry, I would say: You bring a unique and valuable perspective. Don’t be afraid to speak up and contribute—exceptional projects are built on diverse ideas, and your voice strengthens that foundation.

The more diversity we embrace on our teams, in our firms, and on our projects, the greater our ability to innovate and achieve new levels of success. There is still work to do in advancing equity and inclusion across the industry, but that shouldn't be discouraging. Advocate for yourself, seek out mentors, and focus on the value you bring to the table.