Mentorship, Community, and Creativity: WATG’s Blueprint for the Next 80 Years
With contributions by:
-
Bryan Algeo /
Managing Principal, Architecture -
Sandra Whipp /
Chief Talent Officer
[0:14] — Culture and Talent
Bryan Algeo, Managing Principal, Architecture — WATG
Our company culture is unique in that it has stood the test of time. From a talent standpoint, it is everything to our business. We value talent — we’re a design firm, and we need to grow young talent, recruit talent, and retain talent. The way we retain talent is by giving everybody a voice in the process of design.
[0:37]
Sandra Whipp, Chief Talent Officer — WATG
We recently launched a mentoring program that has taken really good hold. The company is not huge, but it is complex — we are a global firm in many locations around the world. So how do we connect the dots? How do we make sure that our people in Singapore feel the same sense of belonging as our people in the US, without necessarily changing the way they do things, but simply keeping them connected across the world?
[1:06] — The Power of Mentoring
Bryan Algeo, Managing Principal, Architecture — WATG
The importance of mentoring is enormous. I was mentored by a gentleman, Ron Van Pelt — a warm spirit, a great designer, and a gregarious personality, which were a few things I needed to mature in. I used to watch him and learn everything: how to talk to clients, how to sketch in front of your clients, how to move a meeting forward, how to close a deal, how to work with the team. He had a great deal of respect for all of us. I feel I am definitely a product of mentoring, and our mentoring program at WATG and Wimberly Interiors is very strong.
[1:44] — Two-Way Mentoring
Sandra Whipp, Chief Talent Officer — WATG
The world is rapidly changing, and our firm currently has about 70% of our people who are millennials and Gen Z. What is so special about mentoring at WATG is that it is not one-way — it is not just top-down. We learn from one another. With technology and AI, there is so much that younger staff can offer as leaders. We have been around for 80 years, and it feels like we are setting ourselves up for the next 80. It is our generation now. I was raised by several partners in my own architectural journey, and now it is our role to raise the next generation.
[2:31] — The WATG Way
Bryan Algeo, Managing Principal, Architecture — WATG
The WATG Way is something we are in the process of creating right now — and it is going to be our North Star. It is the way we do our work, the way we practice design internationally. We want to protect our brand, always do the best work, and be global leaders in design. The WATG Way is setting the standards for how we engage with projects and how we design. But it needs to live in the background, because at WATG we still maintain that entrepreneurial spirit — that drive for innovation and creativity. We do not want systems that limit our ability to innovate, create, and design these extraordinary destinations.
[3:16] — Ohana
Sandra Whipp, Chief Talent Officer — WATG
The spirit of Ohana is not just family. It is the community around the families — it is about how we take care of each other and how we trust each other. It is a place where people celebrate one another, where there is collaboration and no judgement. The connection between our employees and leadership, and leadership and our employees, across our entire global footprint, is honest, caring, and truly authentic.
At a glance
Mentorship, Community, and Creativity: WATG’s Blueprint for the Next 80 Years features a conversation between Bryan Algeo, Managing Principal of Architecture, and Sandra Whipp, Chief Talent Officer, examining how the firm sustains its culture of mentorship and collaboration across a global workforce in which Millennials and Gen Z account for 70% of employees. The piece introduces “The Way,” WATG’s internal framework for design standards and brand consistency, and describes the firm’s multi-directional mentoring program and Ohana community values as the foundations for its next generation of design leadership.
At WATG, our company culture is a cornerstone of our legacy, thriving and evolving over the past 80 years. In a conversation, Bryan Algeo, Managing Principal, Architecture, and Sandra Whipp, Chief Talent Officer, explored the essence of what makes WATG unique and how the firm is fostering a culture of mentorship, innovation, and collaboration to pave the way for future generations.
A Thriving Company Culture
Our people are the heart of our business, and our commitment to recruiting and retaining talent is grounded in our philosophy of inclusivity and collaboration. By giving everyone a voice in the design process, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered.
As a global firm with teams in diverse locations, we prioritize building meaningful connections across regions. Whether in Singapore, the United States, or anywhere in between, our shared purpose unites us. This connectivity allows us to maintain consistency in our company culture while celebrating the unique perspectives each region brings to the table.
Mentorship: A Cornerstone of Growth
Mentorship is deeply embedded in WATG’s DNA. Many of our leaders attribute their growth to the guidance of exceptional mentors. Bryan recalls the profound influence of Ron Van Pelt, former Senior Vice President at WATG, whose mentorship shaped his approach to client communication, team collaboration, and project leadership.
This commitment to mentorship continues to thrive through our robust multi-directional mentoring program, emphasizing shared learning. Our experienced leaders provide guidance while learning from the fresh perspectives and technological expertise of younger team members. This collaborative exchange of knowledge ensures that WATG remains innovative and adaptable in an ever-changing industry.
With Millennials and Gen Z making up 70% of our workforce, we recognize the importance of fostering intergenerational learning. By bridging the gap between seasoned professionals and emerging talent, we cultivate an environment where creativity and growth flourish.
The WATG Way
For 80 years, WATG has been a global leader in design. As we look to the future, we are committed to building on this legacy through “The Way,” our guiding framework for design excellence. “The Way” establishes standards for how we engage with projects and practice design across our international footprint. This ensures that we maintain our brand integrity and guides us in the delivery of exceptional results. At the same time, “The Way” upholds our entrepreneurial spirit and creative freedom, allowing us to innovate while staying true to our core values and sharing our design knowledge across the generations.
A Culture of Collaboration and Care
Central to WATG’s company culture is the concept of “Ohana,” which embodies our commitment to fostering a sense of community. We take pride in nurturing a supportive environment where mutual care, collaboration, and trust are paramount. By celebrating achievements and encouraging open communication, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
This spirit of collaboration extends across our global footprint, connecting employees and leadership in meaningful and authentic ways. By staying true to our values, we ensure that WATG is not only a leader in design but also a place where our people feel inspired and supported.
Looking Ahead
We understand that our greatest strength lies in our people. Through mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation, we are shaping the future of design while honoring the legacy of our past. By investing in our culture and our talent, WATG is building a brighter future for our clients, our team, and the communities we work in.
At WATG, the future isn’t just about the spaces we create—it’s about the people who make them possible. Explore the opportunities here.
WATG80
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it’s time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where our pencils and passports will take us next.
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