Rich Smith

“Science and technology facilities aren’t just buildings, they’re the technological homes and digital playing fields of tomorrow,” declares Rich. “Creating these future-ready spaces is a chance to shape a legacy of progress and impact the very foundation of society.” A couple of compelling personal events explain why Rich is especially fervent about Science & Technology work -- and why he's devoted his 30+ year career to advancing this industry. A transplant trial at an academic medical center added years to his mother’s life; Rich’s own life was undeniably altered when a pioneering surgical procedure reattached his arm—scheduled for amputation—after a playground accident at age 5. He went on to become a collegiate swimmer, lacrosse player and the Iowa State University mascot, Cy. So perhaps Rich’s time travel wish is no surprise: “I would travel to that ‘aha’ moment when a client-scientist unleashes infinite possibilities for mankind…ideally, in a building that I helped create,” he says. “It’s why I do this.”