2025 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Ryan Lynch, Shawmut Design and Construction

“With 25 years at Shawmut, Ryan Lynch leads the firm’s New England education sector, partnering with K–12 clients – including MSBA, RIDE, and private schools – as well as top higher-ed institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Brown. He drives transformative projects, builds strong client partnerships, and inspires teams, earning recognition as a trusted and respected industry leader.”

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community? I’m so proud of the work we’re delivering across the education sector in New England, including two recently completed sustainable, future-focused public schools in Wellesley and Ashland. The response from the community, faculty, and students has been tremendous. We’re also continuing to partner with some of the world’s top higher education institutions on projects that will shape the region for generations. Across all of this work, our Shawmut project teams are consistently delivering exceptional, cutting-edge results.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate? There is an enormous amount of expertise across the real estate and construction industries, and no one person has all the answers. The most effective emerging leaders are those who actively seek out and learn from experts – structural and mechanical engineers, historic preservation specialists, and many others. This industry is truly a team sport. The ability to genuinely collaborate, listen, and leverage the diverse perspectives of every team member is critical to your growth and to the success of every project.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader? Reading The New York Times each morning keeps me informed, curious, and motivated.