2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jen Shiminsky, Bergmeyer

“Leaders sometimes make their impact in bold strokes; others transform a firm through steadiness, intellect, and the quiet power of getting things right. Jen has done it all. Over two decades at Bergmeyer, Jen has built a reputation for clarity, rigor, and generosity. Her thoughtful guidance and mentorship have influenced countless designers and strengthened the culture of collaboration.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? I’m especially proud of the initiative I launched this year in collaboration with our director of education to formalize project kickoff and closeout processes. By creating more consistency and intentionality in how we collect and track project data, and encouraging open dialogue, we’re better able to strengthen support within our project teams. As chair of Bergmeyer’s Practice Committee, I used this effort to advance our broader practice goals by setting clearer standards and developing tools and training that help teams start and finish projects with greater clarity.

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization? I try to lead the way my mentors at Bergmeyer have led throughout my career and work closely alongside teams, stay engaged in the day-to-day work, and model the behaviors I hope to see. I’ve developed a reputation for being thoughtful and intentional, which helps create an environment where people feel supported, heard, and equipped to succeed. I also work to be a reliable, judgment-free resource—someone teammates can come to for honest support, clarity, and encouragement whenever they need it.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? Although my work focuses largely on academic institutions, I’ve learned that the same leadership principles apply across the real estate and design industry. Effective leaders focus on understanding the people that they work with, communicate clearly, and stay open to new ideas. For emerging professionals, I recommend focusing on thoughtful questions, strong relationships, and approaching each project with humility and curiosity to build a foundation for meaningful collaboration and better outcomes.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey? My Bergmeyer mentors shaped my leadership, pushing me to grow while staying true to myself.