Beth Cass

Henricksen
Regional Manager for Central and Southern Illinois

25+ Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I began my journey in the AEC industry with a strong background in contract furniture, focusing on the government, education, and corporate sectors. Over 25 years ago, I started at Boise Cascade Office Supplies in inside sales. Although I didn’t attend college, I sought a mentor who helped me build the skills to transition to outside sales in Kansas City, MO, at just 20 years old.

I sold to government clients for many years and worked with DOD Base Supply Stores, promoting products from National Industries for the Blind and Severely Handicapped (formerly Skillcraft or AbilityOne). Recognizing the importance of these products, I committed to their success, which led me to uncover my niche in the AEC industry. My efforts earned me the title “Supplier of the Year” multiple times at Fort Leavenworth and Whiteman Air Force Base. I later secured the first National Seating BPA for the Air Force, resulting in my promotion to National Federal Furniture Manager at OfficeMax.

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?

My inspiration starts with remembering the basics: design is “the art of creating something out of an idea with a specific purpose.” This focus has guided my passion for sustainability, workplace well-being, and large-scale impact, which extends beyond the product's users to the manufacturers and its impact on the environment and health. We must also consider the product’s effect on diversity, equity, and inclusion in that space.

Throughout my career in contract furniture, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful design can transform workplaces, especially in government and education settings where efficiency and comfort must go hand in hand. As a woman in the industry, my maternal instinct helps break down barriers and drive the design process. We must ensure our children are in schools that prioritize healthy environments. We can achieve this goal by investing in products free from harmful VOCs and creating efficient STEM labs and collaborative learning spaces. My approach is rooted in problem-solving and a passion for bridging innovation with practical, purposeful, impactful design solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of our children and young adults.

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

I've been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career, but those who also served as role models left the most significant impact. Jane Abernathy, in particular, reshaped my understanding of sustainability, introducing me to concepts like Health Product Declarations and the Living Product Challenge. Her ability to see the broader environmental impact of everyday decisions influenced how I approach responsible design and consumption. A memorable conversation with her during a snowstorm in Springfield, IL, reinforced the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of materials—an insight that continues to guide my professional choices.

On the other hand, Lynda Dehn taught me the power of confidence and finding my voice in male-dominated spaces. As a young National Program Director at OfficeMax, I witnessed her command attention in a room filled mostly with men, showing me that knowledge and preparation foster confidence. Years later, I had the chance to share how she unknowingly became my mentor—an experience that came full circle when she hired me at Humanscale. These mentors and others like Matt Baer and Jill Stuart have shaped my journey, instilling expertise and self-assurance in my career.

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

Architecture and design are crucial in addressing social issues by fostering accessibility, inclusivity, and well-being. Beyond traditional diversity considerations, emerging challenges—such as the social impact of COVID-19 on adolescents—demand attention as these individuals enter colleges and workplaces. Having witnessed firsthand how my own child, now 17, still struggles socially after experiencing isolation during formative years, I believe we must rethink learning environments.

Just as we scrutinize the ingredients in our food, we should consider the materials and design of classrooms to support neurodiversity and different learning styles. I struggled with traditional schooling, but finding a career where I could learn by doing unlocked my strengths—an approach designers should reflect in shaping future learning and workspaces. Women have been at the forefront of this movement, driving human-centered design and advocating for policies prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and flexible spaces that create lasting, meaningful change.

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

Sustainability is no longer just a consideration—it’s a core expectation in our industry. The conversation has evolved from reducing waste to creating regenerative and circular design solutions. Clients and designers are looking at the entire lifecycle of materials, prioritizing carbon reduction, and integrating wellness-focused strategies into spaces. I’ve seen firsthand how sustainability drives innovation, from ergonomic, eco-friendly workplace solutions to large-scale procurement initiatives emphasizing responsible sourcing. As we progress, I believe the emphasis will be on balancing environmental responsibility with functionality and long-term value.

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

One of my most fulfilling career moments was securing a first-of-its-kind sustainable and ergonomic sole-source contract across 13 Illinois universities while at Humanscale. This initiative perfectly aligned with my passion for sustainability, workplace well-being, and large-scale impact, reinforcing my belief that strategic, purpose-driven work can drive meaningful change. It also shaped my leadership approach, highlighting the importance of collaboration, persistence, and innovative problem-solving in achieving long-term success. This experience deepened my commitment to creating functional, sustainable spaces that meet immediate needs and support the evolving demands of organizations and communities. By looking closely at partnerships and contracts, I’ve learned how intentional decision-making can lead to built environments prioritizing people and the planet.

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

One of my favorite projects, though not without its challenges, was a LEED-certified building for Bradley University in Illinois. When a defect required replacing over 300 seat backs, I couldn’t justify sending them to a landfill. Instead, I loaded them into my truck, removed the mesh, and found a local recycler to process the plastic frames. Some mesh fabric went into my son’s playhouse while we donated the rest to a fabric company. This experience, though seemingly small, reinforced my commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness—principles that continue to shape my career.

I’ve also been privileged to work on projects that push design innovation and directly impact health and well-being. Musculoskeletal disorders remain a pressing issue, and creating spaces that support both body and mind is essential. While at Humanscale, I found deep fulfillment in integrating ergonomic and environmentally responsible solutions into workplace designs, reinforcing my passion for creating high-performing environments that balance function, sustainability, and long-term impact.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Be confident in your expertise, stay curious, and build strong relationships. The AEC industry is evolving, and there’s an incredible opportunity for women to lead the way in shaping more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative spaces. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, advocate for your ideas, and seek out mentors who can help guide you. The most successful careers are built on adaptability and persistence—embrace challenges as learning experiences and trust that your voice and perspective bring valuable insight.