A Career Built on Relationships
How Andrew Moats built a 40-year career through growth, mentorship, and a passion for learning.
In an industry where career moves are increasingly common, Architect Andy Moats has a different story to tell.
Andy began his journey in 1985 as an intern with Design Organization in Valparaiso, Indiana. After completing five internships during college, he made the deliberate decision to join the firm full-time in 1988. More than three decades later, he’s still working in the same office, now serving as the Healthcare Buildings Market Leader at Shive-Hattery.
His career has spanned major projects, leadership opportunities, and even the transition of Design Organization becoming part of Shive-Hattery in 2012.
For Andy, that comes down to three things: people, growth, and culture.
A Career Built on Relationships
When asked what originally attracted him to the firm, Andy doesn’t talk about projects or titles. He talks about people.
“The culture and the people have always been the biggest factors,” he says. “We built something special at Design Organization, and when we became part of Shive-Hattery, I found that same commitment to people and culture continued to thrive.”
That consistency became especially important during the acquisition process.
Like many employees, Andy wasn’t sure what to expect when Design Organization joined Shive-Hattery.
Looking back, however, he sees the transition as one of the best things that could have happened.
“Shive-Hattery enhanced our culture, expanded our capabilities, and created opportunities that would have been difficult to achieve on our own.”
Growth That Requires Intention
A defining element of Andy’s career has been a willingness to step into new challenges. Certainly, there is a bit of luck required in anybody’s career to be in the right place at the right time, but Andy saw the opportunities where he saw them and made the most of them.
His first healthcare project in 1992 sparked an interest that would shape much of his career. Rather than staying in a single lane, he continued to pursue opportunities that stretched both his technical expertise and leadership responsibilities.
“I’ve always tried to lean into opportunities that push me, and rarely did I decline any task requested of me,” he says.
That growth was also reinforced by mentors who challenged him to think beyond design, encouraging him to engage in business development, leadership, and shaping team culture.
“Those experiences didn’t just happen,” Andy notes. “They came from people who were willing to invest time in me, and from being willing to step forward when those opportunities were there.”
Today, he continues that same approach by learning from colleagues across the firm and encouraging others to do the same.
A Culture That Supports Ownership
Ask Andy what makes Shive-Hattery different, and he points to the firm’s support for people who want to grow.
“The culture is centered around development and support. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, there’s a lot of opportunity here,” he says.
That support shows up not just in formal leadership development, but in day-to-day collaboration and shared knowledge.
It’s also reflected in how challenges are handled.
“When I made my early career mistakes, what stood out was the support I had in working through them. That built confidence and reinforced that growth comes from being willing to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.”
Why People Stay
After nearly four decades, Andy believes the reason people stay at Shive-Hattery is rooted in alignment.
“People stay because they feel connected to what they’re building, both in their work and with each other.”
There’s an underlying expectation that individuals will contribute, engage, and grow. But in return, they’re supported by a culture that values their input and development.
Advice for the Next Generation
If Andy could go back and talk to himself on his first day, his advice would be simple:
“Take ownership of your path.”
He emphasizes being open to new experiences, seeking mentors, and stepping into opportunities, even when they feel uncertain.
“There’s always something new to learn, and the more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it.”
That mindset has shaped a career defined not just by longevity but by continued growth and purpose.
Looking for a place where you can build more than a job?
At Shive-Hattery, we’re committed to creating fulfilling careers through mentorship, growth, meaningful work, and a culture that supports people at every stage of their journey.
Explore current opportunities and discover where your career could lead.
