Perkins&Will Appoints New Practice Leadership in the Chicago Studio

“As I embark on this new leadership role within our studio, I intend to hold true to my philosophy of inclusion, organization, renewed energy, and maximizing opportunities for our people and teams to allow them to focus their talents on design and execution for our clients.  I want to foster a collegial environment that allows people to thrive in every way and have some fun along the way.” 

Mike Reinhart, who takes on the role of Practice Leader for Corporate Interiors of Perkins&Will’s Chicago studio, joined the firm in 1997, and is an expert at managing teams, developing strong client relationship management, and leading some of the most technologically complex projects. Reinhart has been especially involved in some of the firm’s largest corporate headquarters and trading firm projects, including Constellation Brands, KPMG Ignition, Aspen Dental, Sterling Bay, Skender, and IMC. 

Reinhart received his BS in Civil Engineering and his BS in Architecture from the University of Michigan, and is active in the Executives’ Club of Chicago. 

“Mike and I have worked together for 25 years, and I’ve seen him lead teams on incredibly complex projects, always delivering on client goals,” says Fred Schmidt, Global Practice Leader for Corporate Interiors and a longtime mentor to Reinhart. “He’s a problem solver who is open to new inputs and encourages diversity of opinion.  He’s hard driving, but fair and kind, and always focused on delivering the best outcomes for clients.” 

“Our background as a firm lies in client service – listening, being there, taking care, and demonstrating thought leadership around performance and well-being. As our practice continues to evolve, I’m determined to keep us at the forefront of issues around human performance, occupant health, and community well-being.  Perkins&Will’s vision of Living Design is the perfect environment to push myself, our teams, and our profession forward.“

Collaborating with Lindsey Peckinpaugh for years, Brent Ross, who takes on the role of Practice Leader, Sports, Recreation & Entertainment (SRE) of Perkins&Will’s Chicago Studio, has played a central role in building the practice. Ross joined the firm in 2017 through the merger with Sink Combs Dethlefs and has built a reputation for designing innovative projects that apply sustainability and well–being holistically, incorporating elements of biophilic design, daylighting, and material health that impact the operations and occupant health of buildings. His project work includes the Community Recreation Center for the Park District of Oak Park, Rolfs Athletics Hall and Track & Field Stadium for the University of Notre Dame, and the West Lafayette Wellness Center for the City of West Lafayette, IN.  

Ross received his BA in Architecture from Illinois Institute of Technology and is active within Perkins&Will’s Social Purpose program.   

“Brent is a strong mentor and strategic thinker, who will align the practice with the type of work we are passionate about, while remaining committed to our mission to bring excellent design to all,” says Peckinpaugh. “His thought-leadership around the inclusive, environmental, and cultural sustainability framework of Living Design will continue to elevate our work.”