Discover how Studio 151 uses technology and collaboration to solve complex A&E challenges, streamline operations, and drive long-term success.
Success in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry requires more than technical expertise. It demands strategic leadership, collaboration, a strong culture, and the right technology to streamline operations. Studio 151 has built a reputation for solving complex challenges for their clients in rapidly evolving industries like aviation, data centers, and infrastructure by combining deep technical knowledge with a commitment to efficiency, innovation, and building a strong team.
In this Customer Spotlight, we explore Studio 151’s journey, from its origins in bridging communication gaps in construction to its role as a trusted partner delivering tailored, technology-driven solutions for clients of all sizes. We’ll look at how the firm has adapted to industry shifts, the values that drive its work, and the tools that enable its team to operate at peak efficiency.
In 2003, Studio 151 was founded to tackle a critical inefficiency in the construction industry: the persistent communication gap between corporate real estate leaders and the ever-evolving world of emerging technology. Too often, projects suffered from misalignment, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities simply because key stakeholders weren’t speaking the same language. Our founders set out to bridge that gap, building a company dedicated to seamless collaboration, smarter integration, and solving the problems others overlooked.
That mission only accelerated in 2013 with the addition of Eric Wennstrom, whose expertise fueled our growth, vision, and bottom line. His leadership reinforced our core belief that problems aren’t roadblocks but opportunities to create real value.
Through every challenge, from industry shifts to global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, Studio 151 has stayed true to our purpose: helping our clients navigate complexity with precision, adaptability, and forward-thinking solutions. This led to rapid company growth, even in unstable business environments. Today, we continue to push boundaries, delivering tailored, technology-driven strategies that don’t just provide answers but build lasting success.
At Studio 151, our mission is simple: help has to be helpful. We go beyond providing solutions. We transform our clients’ goals into measurable, real-world success with lasting value.
Our work is built on the core values of trust, adaptability, and long-term partnerships. Whether in times of growth or uncertainty, we stand by our clients, delivering tailored, technology-driven strategies that evolve with their needs and enhance their operations and success. At every stage, in every project, we are driven by a single focus: helping our clients achieve their goals. Working on high-impact projects where our expertise delivers the greatest value is what drives us.
We thrive on tackling complex challenges and approaching every problem with curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. No question is too small, and no obstacle is too big. We believe that the right questions drive innovation, and we are relentless in finding answers that add value, enhance efficiency, and create lasting impact. There are questions not yet asked, but never dumb questions in our open-minded philosophy.
Our clients are industry leaders across aviation, mission-critical data centers, transportation, public works, biopharmaceuticals and labs, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing. These sectors demand precision, innovation, and adaptability and have an outsized impact on our communities. The expertise of our team allows us to deliver tailored technical solutions that meet our clients' evolving challenges head-on.
From Fortune 1 companies to emerging startups, we take a collaborative, results-driven approach that enhances project outcomes and maximizes efficiency for our clients. For our clients and our firm, success isn’t just measured in completed projects. It’s defined by maintaining long-term relationships, building trust, and having a relentless commitment to service. We become an extension of our clients’ teams, ensuring they have the right strategies, technology, and support to thrive.
Our comprehensive services cover every project phase, from program and construction management to detailed engineering and due diligence studies. We oversee A/E selection, bid management, cost estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and construction quality control, ensuring that each project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
Whether we're helping our clients navigate regulatory approvals, optimize technical infrastructure, or integrate next-generation network solutions, we approach every project with strategic foresight and technical expertise. From large-scale airport expansions to cutting-edge biopharma facilities, our clientele requires innovative solutions, precise functionality, and long-term resiliency. For all of our clients, we don’t just manage their projects, we drive outcomes that matter.
The clients we collaborate with and the projects we take on have impacts that extend far beyond the work we manage. The projects we tackle in aviation, infrastructure, and mission-critical facilities strengthen the communities where we operate, improving efficiency, safety, and connectivity. By delivering innovative solutions that support public services, healthcare, and high-tech industries, we contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the built environment. But building stronger communities is not just about the structures we create. It is about the people who live and work within them.
Our firm is deeply committed to giving back by investing in the next generation. Through active involvement in youth sports, we sponsor a local rugby team and have team members who dedicate their time as coaches in rugby, soccer, baseball, and water polo. By mentoring young athletes, we help instill the values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that shape strong individuals both on and off the field. These efforts are more than just philanthropy. They are an investment in future leaders who will carry forward the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence that define our work.
One of the most transformative projects we have undertaken is the Courtyard 3 Connector at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This large-scale redevelopment between Terminals 2 and 3 required the construction of a new post-security connector, a six-story office building, emergency systems integration, and critical infrastructure upgrades. The challenge was executing these improvements without disrupting airport operations, ensuring seamless transitions while maintaining the highest levels of security and efficiency.
As the Special Systems Manager, Studio 151 provided Project Management Support Services (PMSS), overseeing the design-build team and coordinating with airport stakeholders. Our primary focus was on airport security and special systems, ensuring every aspect of the design, construction, provisioning, and activation aligned with operational needs. A key achievement was the flawless transition of the Communication and Security Operations Centers, including system migrations that modernized Next Gen911, AT&T Vesta, Motorola Call Log/Radio headend, PSAP, and 48 emergency responder systems. One major e911 vendor called it the smoothest cutover they had ever experienced, underscoring Studio 151’s ability to manage complex, mission-critical infrastructure with precision, coordination, and expertise.
This project stands out as a favorite because it exemplifies everything Studio 151 strives for: technical excellence, seamless collaboration, and high-stakes problem-solving. The complexity of working in an active airport environment required precision, adaptability, and coordination across multiple stakeholders. Successfully executing system migrations without operational disruptions was a testament to our team's ability to deliver under pressure. Seeing the direct impact of our work, which enhanced security, communication, and efficiency in a world-class airport, reinforced our passion for tackling challenging infrastructure projects that make a lasting difference in our communities.
What do you like most about your job, your firm, and the clients you serve?
It is the people. Whether helping a teammate grow, watching the team overcome a challenge, or collaborating with clients to solve a unique problem, working with great people drives our passion for the work and makes us all love working in this industry.
Every day brings new challenges, opportunities for innovation, and the chance to solve complex problems, which makes our jobs fun. Our team's diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It allows us to collaborate and deliver exceptional solutions that help our clients navigate their toughest obstacles. The trust our clients place in us is inspiring and rewarding, making each project a truly fulfilling experience.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is built on mentorship, teamwork, and continuous growth, ensuring that every team member is supported in becoming the best version of themselves. Leadership invests in developing talent, sharing knowledge, and fostering an environment where creative problem-solving thrives. This commitment to excellence drives us to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in every project.
The greatest operational challenge we faced was the disruption brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. As shelter-in-place orders stalled project momentum, our diverse portfolio introduced new risks and uncertainties. To navigate these challenges, we quickly pivoted to remote work, prioritized team safety, and implemented strategies to maintain project continuity. Through resilience, adaptability, and innovation, we not only sustained operations but emerged stronger, more agile, and better equipped to manage unforeseen obstacles in an ever-changing business landscape.
What have you done to build a strong team culture at your firm?
A thriving company culture is built on empowerment, collaboration, and opportunity. We strive to achieve all three. Our team consists of high-agency professionals who are driven to solve complex challenges, and our leadership is fully committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming, challenging, fulfilling, and fun. We support every team member in becoming the best version of themselves, providing mentorship and resources that help them grow, lead, and pursue their aspirations within the industry.
Recruiting top talent is just the beginning. We prioritize collaboration, open communication, and celebrating achievements, ensuring that every individual feels valued and that their individual success contributes to the success of the team. No idea is ever dismissed, and when feasible, we embrace and implement solutions driven by our people.
Our commitment to diversity extends beyond words. Studio 151 actively supports global talent, sponsoring immigration cases for Executive Managers, Management Consultants, and refugees seeking asylum. One of our electrical engineers, forced to flee Afghanistan, endured separation from her husband until her immigration process was approved. Today, they are reunited, raising their daughter Emily as a proud U.S. citizen. Stories like these reinforce our belief that talent knows no borders, and our team is stronger when it reflects a global perspective and shared dedication to excellence.
How has CORE helped you improve your firm's operations?
Our priority is solving complex challenges for our clients. To do that effectively, we need our team focused on problem-solving, innovation, and project execution and not be bogged down by administrative tasks. CORE has enabled us to streamline our back-office operations, giving our staff the tools needed to manage essential firm functions with minimal effort, less time dedicated to administration, and maximum efficiency. We are at our best when we are on the front line of the client’s issue resolution and not stuck adding coversheets to the TPS reports.
CORE has significantly improved our firm's management by streamlining our business processes from time entry to accounting. This has enhanced efficiency, reduced errors, and allowed us to focus more on delivering value to our clients while maintaining strong internal controls and financial accuracy.
By eliminating the need for manual spreadsheets, disconnected software, and repetitive administrative work, CORE allows us to operate smarter, faster, and more effectively. It ensures that our time is spent where it matters most: on the front lines, solving problems for our clients and delivering exceptional project outcomes.
Leadership is about knowing when to step up and take ownership. At Studio 151, we embrace the philosophy of "take the pebble from my palm", a daily reminder that once you are ready to own a responsibility and action item, please do so. When someone is ready to lead, they should take that responsibility with confidence and commitment. But growth does not happen in isolation. Growth requires trust. That is why we follow a "make before break" approach, ensuring that no one takes on more than they are prepared to handle. Excellence comes from mastering the fundamentals first, building expertise step by step, and taking on greater challenges with precision and purpose. Continued learning is where it all starts.
Accountability is at the heart of a strong firm culture. We've implemented an "accountability buddy" system, where every team member owns their role while supporting and holding one another to high standards. Leadership is not just about driving your own success but about elevating those around you. A strong team is built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and the understanding that the best results come from working together toward a common goal.
For the next generation of firm leaders, the key to long-term success is staying humble, continuously learning, and valuing relationships. There are no dumb questions, only the ones left unasked. Assumptions create risk, but curiosity fosters growth. The most effective leaders remain adaptable, ask for clarity when needed, and invest in the people around them—whether that is their colleagues, clients, or the next wave of emerging talent in the industry. A&E firms thrive not just on technical expertise but on the strength of their teams and the trust they build along the way.
I am energized by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and its transformative potential impact on construction and real estate. AI is reshaping how we design, manage, and operate buildings, unlocking new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. The ability to analyze vast amounts of data, optimize workflows, and automate decision-making is revolutionizing the way projects are delivered, creating smarter, more adaptive environments.
The demand for Hyperscaler projects (large data centers) is growing at an unprecedented rate, far outpacing the number of construction professionals available to manage this expansion. Studio 151 is at the forefront of this movement, overseeing more than 1.4GW of critical data center infrastructure across North America while continuously expanding into new markets. This trend is set to continue as AI and other data demands surge around the world.
As you can see, a common theme at our business is connecting people. Beyond managing cloud infrastructure, Studio 151 has a legacy in aviation development, making us uniquely positioned to deliver both digital and physical connectivity. This is one of the niches we are most excited about in our work and a growing section of the industry that is a foundation of our future growth goals. Whether optimizing the traveler experience in airports or integrating next-generation cloud environments, our approach is built on empathy, precision, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. We do not just build infrastructure; we create seamless, high-performance experiences in both the Cloud and the clouds.
Our people are what make Studio 151 exceptional. Their talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit drive our success, turning every project into an opportunity for growth, innovation, and impact. A strong team is the foundation of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where individuals thrive, push boundaries, and build firm-wide excitement.
Building a strong team culture includes fostering connections, camaraderie, and shared experiences that bring our people closer together. Every year, we hold an all-hands team-building event around April Fool’s Day, where bonding and a bit of playful pranking help break down barriers and bring out the best in each other. Our holiday parties grow bigger and better each year—last year’s gathering in Santa Cruz even came with a typhoon-level blast of weather that turned the morning ride home into an unforgettable adventure.
The firm leadership team doesn't just guide the firm but also invests in the growth of our people. We prioritize ongoing training, mentorship, and access to the best technology and tools to support each team member’s success. Whether through professional development or personal growth, we are committed to ensuring that every individual has the resources they need to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact in the industry. Seeing our people thrive is as exciting as seeing one of our projects take shape.
Over the next five years, we are committed to expanding our impact while ensuring our team members evolve into the next generation of business leaders. By fostering a culture centered on continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and forward-thinking solutions, we will position both our firm and our people for long-term success in an ever-evolving industry.
We have 151 priorities driving us forward, and we are excited about how CORE has helped streamline our operations, enabling us to manage our goals more effectively. Our focus remains on maturing our services in the data center and hyperscaler development market, refining our expertise to meet growing industry demands. Growing our strong, high-performing engineering team capable of consistently delivering detailed, high-quality production drawings is a key part of this evolution.
Investment in technology and efficiency will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives. We aim to integrate 3D camera captures into Revit/BIM models, significantly reducing inefficient design efforts. Additionally, advancing our Revit/BIM capabilities to Level of Development (LOD 500) will allow our clients to generate precise bills of materials directly from design drawings, expediting project delivery timelines by three to six months. By combining technical excellence with operational efficiency, we are shaping a future-ready firm that continues to lead and innovate in the industry.
Outside of work, our team stays active and engaged. Whether it is coaching, surfing, swimming, or golfing. We believe in the importance of balance, connection, and celebrating life’s moments, both big and small. We all cherish spending time with family, whether it is gathering for holiday celebrations or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Work moves fast. Projects start, deadlines stack up, and suddenly, time has slipped away. That is why we emphasize being present and making every moment meaningful. Life is more than a timecard. It is about choosing how we spend each day, valuing the time we have, and making it great for ourselves and the people around us.
The San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal has been a defining inspiration in my career. In 1995, I had the privilege of being part of the team that built it, an experience that shaped my understanding of large-scale, high-stakes projects. The terminal’s bold design, immense scale, and the level of collaboration required to bring it to life reinforced the importance of precision, teamwork, and problem-solving in complex construction environments. The experience instilled in me a deep respect for projects that demand both technical expertise and seamless coordination. These values continue to drive my approach and our company values today.
Construction is inherently risky, and I learned that firsthand. I found myself walking steel beams, harnessed 60 feet above the ground in high winds, welding Nelson studs, much like the classic New York City skyline poster. That moment forced me to reflect on my path. I had a strong education, I was a certified welding inspector, and I had the skills to lead and innovate rather than simply execute. That realization became a turning point. Instead of just building structures, I wanted to build solutions, create impact, and drive the industry forward. That pivot led to the creation of Studio 151, where I could bring together expertise, strategy, and problem-solving to shape the future of complex infrastructure.
People are the most fascinating part of the human experience. Some are defined, some remain elusive, and all bring unique perspectives. Those who dedicate themselves to creative expression, storytelling, and visual communication have always inspired me. My mother was a painter, creating art every day as a natural extension of who she was. Watching her commit to her craft left a lasting impression on me. That dedication led me to pursue an Art Studio minor and maintain an active art studio in San Francisco and now in my backyard shed. My work in oil painting and charcoal drawing leans toward a minimalist style, capturing landscapes and the quiet beauty of nature. I have exhibited my work in shows, but I choose not to sell it. For me, art is about the process, expression, and personal connection rather than commerce.
Art and creativity are themes that inspire many on our team. The creativity, expression, and attention to detail found in art fuels our passion for design and innovation, often influencing the way we approach both professional and personal projects. The blend of artistic creativity and technical expertise often leads to the most innovative solutions.
Beyond art, we're inspired by the power of community. Leadership is not just about managing projects; it is about shaping society through thoughtful organization and meaningful collaboration. Philanthropy plays a key role in this, and I believe in consistently giving back through volunteering, coaching, and supporting those in need.
The work we do at Studio 151 is rooted in the same principles that drive our artistic and community efforts: commitment, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to build extraordinary projects that exceed expectations and our clients' desired outcomes, leaving a lasting impact not only on our clients but also on the communities we serve.
Listening with empathy is the foundation of every successful partnership. Truly understanding our clients’ needs, concerns, and goals allows us to build stronger relationships and deliver more effective solutions. By prioritizing open communication and trust, we create a collaborative environment where challenges are met with clarity, confidence, and shared purpose.
The projects we take on are complex and demanding. But success is not just about solving problems. It is about making the experience meaningful for our clients and our team. We approach our work with passion and purpose because we believe that when you love what you do, even the toughest challenges become opportunities to create something lasting.
Learn more about Studio 151 and their work here: https://www.studio151corp.com/
Lucas Gray is a recognized expert in business strategy and firm operations for architecture and engineering firms. As the Director of Content & Community at BQE, he researches, writes, and speaks on best practices that help A&E firms improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term growth. His work bridges the gap between design and business, providing firm leaders with actionable insights to build thriving practices.
With a diverse background in architecture, firm leadership, and business consulting, Lucas brings firsthand experience to his thought leadership. He co-founded Propel Studio Architecture in Portland, Oregon, in 2013, where he led business development, marketing, team management, financial planning, and design direction. Specializing in solving housing challenges, he has designed over 50 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), infill housing developments, and custom homes.
Lucas’s career spans international experience in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Berlin, where he worked on large-scale design projects and community engagement initiatives. After two decades in architecture, he transitioned into business consulting for A&E firms, guiding small and growing practices toward operational excellence and financial success.
Beyond his work at BQE, Lucas is deeply passionate about the built environment, urban planning, transit, and public art. He shares insights on these topics through writing and public speaking and explores his creativity through abstract art and taking on small design projects.
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