Jan Taylor is a leader in the architectural community, known for her thoughtful leadership style that engages ARC’s staff and clients in the continual pursuit of design excellence.
Before shifting her focus to architecture, she worked as a research scientist, an experience that instilled in her a meticulous approach to problem-solving. This exploration, along with her deep commitment to sustainability, led to award-winning projects including Bentley University’s Multipurpose Arena, the first LEED Platinum ice arena in the country and the new Lower Middle School at Greenwich Country Day School, honored with design awards by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Jan’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to unite diverse teams, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity thrives, and innovative solutions emerge. Starting as a project designer at ARC in 2000 and working her way up through the ranks, she applies a 360-degree view to the everyday needs of both her colleagues and clients.
Today, as a firm principal and president, Jan’s influence extends beyond her design projects. She is shaping the culture at ARC and the broader design community through her dedication to mentorship and the advancement of inclusive, thoughtful design practices. She is an advocate for women in design and an influential mentor to emerging professionals.
Q: Jan, how would you describe ARC’s culture, and what sets it apart from other firms?
Taylor: While most architecture firms pride themselves on being collaborative, ARC is truly a people-first organization. Employee engagement surveys repeatedly indicate the number one reason our staff choose to work here is simply that – ARC’s people. We share a collective belief that great ideas come from tapping into the knowledge and creativity of everyone involved, not just the most senior voices – and that we all deserve to work somewhere that feels engaging, empowering, and safe. We focus on nurturing talent at all levels, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Beyond the way we work and how we engage young designers, we focus on giving back to society through our community outreach and DEI initiatives. Diversity and inclusivity in architecture is something ARC and our clients care about, and we see it strengthening our creative process while helping reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities where we work. Taking action is a sound business decision for ARC.
Q: How would you describe the experience of working at ARC?
Taylor: For us, it’s about creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to do their best work. This commitment is reflected in our participation in initiatives like the JUST Label, which holds us accountable to outside review for how we treat our employees and engage with our community. Ultimately, holding ourselves to a higher standard and seeking third-party input and benchmarking helps us produce exceptional work for our clients and provide career and professional growth for our employees.
ARC 2024 summer outing
Q: What drives ARC’s approach to the work, and to your client relationships?
Taylor: Our primary motivation is to help our clients succeed. We are more than just designers—we’re partners who invest in our clients’ missions. Our work speaks to the belief that thoughtful, intentional placemaking cultivates connections between people.
Designing well involves creating healthy and supportive environments. Whether we’re designing a new laboratory building, a performing arts space, or a multipurpose athletic facility, these fundamental values allow a shared focus that leads to exceptional design outcomes. We love it when design fills lives with moments of inspiration and potential.
Q: Measuring the success of design can be challenging. How do you evaluate the impact of ARC’s work?
Taylor: Success in architecture is seen in the tangible results—like the awards our projects receive from peers, such as the AIA—but it’s also about the lasting impact of our designs on the people who use them. We regularly revisit our projects to assess the performance and user satisfaction of our design.
Sustainability is a key metric for us, especially as more clients prioritize carbon reduction and healthier buildings. For example, we’ve recently completed two 350,000 SF+ lab buildings—one for UMass Chan Medical School and another as part of a $1.8 million square foot urban innovation campus—that are among the most energy-efficient labs in the region. These projects demonstrate our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design while delivering on our clients’ needs.
Getting the details right: interior finishes
Q: I read about the pro bono design work on your website. What role does pro-bono work play at ARC?
Taylor: Pro-bono work is integral to ARC’s mission. We always have at least one pro-bono project in the works, which provides our team, especially those earlier in their careers, with invaluable experience. These projects offer a chance to step into leadership roles and gain perspectives that might not be available on more traditional projects. Working on pro-bono initiatives like our ongoing collaboration with Roca, Inc.—which focuses on disrupting the cycles of incarceration and poverty—gives our staff a sense of purpose and allows them to see the tangible impact of their work on communities that need it most. It’s a powerful reminder that architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about improving lives.
Lower Middle School at Greenwich Country Day School, Greenwich, CT
Q: What are some of ARC’s recent success stories, and what do they signal for the future of the firm? Taylor: Our recent projects, like the American Repertory Theater’s new home on Harvard University’s Allston Campus, New England BioLab’s Garden Site Facility Expansion, and UMass Chan’s New Education and Research Building exemplify the direction ARC is heading. These high-performance facilities set new standards for sustainability and community-centered design. Looking forward, we’re excited to continue expanding our work in education, wellness, and life sciences. The future for ARC is about deepening our expertise, exploring new ways to integrate sustainable practices, and most importantly, continuing to build spaces that empower and inspire the people who use them.
