At Shive-Hattery, our people aren’t just part of our business. They’re the reason it exists, and employee ownership keeps it that way.
The architecture and engineering industry is changing. Private equity investment is becoming more common, with institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals buying ownership stakes in design firms that were traditionally employee-owned. Those new owners often bring new approaches to growth, management and long-term strategy.
These investments can fuel expansion. However, they also shift priorities. Growth can become centered on investor returns and a future sale rather than on building an organization that lasts for generations.
At Shive-Hattery, we believe there’s another way.
For more than 130 years, Shive-Hattery has remained independently owned and operated by its employees. Employee ownership means we answer to no outside investors, so we’re free to make decisions that put our people, clients and communities first for the long term.
That philosophy extends beyond our projects and into how we support one another.
A People-First Approach to Business
Our corporate team isn’t an operational platform built to accelerate financial returns. It exists for a different purpose: People-First Support.
The team serves as a trusted, proactive partner to employees across the firm, removing barriers, strengthening connections, simplifying processes and protecting the culture that makes Shive-Hattery unique.
By investing in our employees’ experiences, professional growth and leadership development, we create an environment where people feel empowered to do their best work.
In turn, when employees thrive, clients benefit. Strong retention provides continuity, deepens relationships and builds trust, while an entrepreneurial culture encourages employees to take initiative, embrace innovation and make decisions in the best interests of clients and the firm.
It’s an approach that supports both individual success and the long-term health of our organization.
Seven Commitments that Put People First
To bring this philosophy to life, Shive-Hattery’s corporate team gathered for a day-and-a-half collaborative workshop, known internally as a swarm, to define its shared purpose.
Through team-building activities, educational sessions and thoughtful discussions, the team developed a Corporate Charter outlining seven commitments to the employees they support.
Today, these commitments guide how we communicate, collaborate and serve one another every day.
1. Provide Added, Unexpected Value
Anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and deliver creative solutions that go beyond expectations.
2. Offer Radical Transparency
Build trust through proactive, relevant and timely communication that keeps employees informed and connected.
3. Be Responsive, Enthusiastic and Make Work Easier
Respond to inquiries within 24 hours, remove unnecessary complexity and streamline processes so employees can focus on delivering exceptional work.
4. Understand the Business
Take time to understand employees’ needs, their working environments and the challenges they face to provide thoughtful, effective support.
5. Be Intentional with Communication
Approach every interaction with clarity, purpose and an understanding of the audience and desired outcome.
6. Deliver Compassionate Support
Build meaningful relationships through empathy, collaboration and a commitment to understanding the challenges behind each request.
7. Seek Employee Voices
Encourage open feedback and use employee perspectives to continually improve the workplace experience.
Together, these commitments reinforce a simple belief: supporting our people is essential to supporting our business.
Employee Ownership Builds a Generational Organization
Employee ownership shapes how we define success. Private equity-backed firms may prioritize growth within a set investment horizon. Shive-Hattery, on the other hand, focuses on creating lasting value for generations of employee owners.
That means investing in professional development, preserving our culture, encouraging innovation and pursuing strategic growth opportunities that align with our values.
It also means recognizing that architecture and engineering are people-centered professions. Our employees build relationships, solve complex challenges and create meaningful experiences for clients and communities, so supporting them is an investment in everything we do.
Our Promise: People First, Always
At Shive-Hattery, People-First Support isn’t simply a statement of values. It’s a commitment to how we operate.
By listening to employees, removing obstacles and creating opportunities for growth, our corporate team helps build a workplace where people feel supported, empowered and valued.
After all, the success of our firm isn’t measured by financial performance alone. It’s reflected in the experiences of our employees, the relationships we build with clients and the positive impact we make in our communities.
That’s how we’re building a stronger Shive-Hattery, today and for generations to come.
Take the Charter With You
Download all seven Corporate Charter cards as a printable PDF, including the In Practice guidance behind each commitment.
About the Contributor
As President/CEO of Shive-Hattery, a national full-service architecture, engineering and interior design firm, Jennifer Bennett, PE, SE, is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic planning, culture, vision and direction of current and future operations. Bennett joined the employee-owned design firm in 2003 and has 25+ years of experience in client service, talent development and market growth. She has a structural engineering background and previously served as the Vice President and Office Director of Shive-Hattery’s Quad Cities location.
