In the world of architecture, where men have traditionally dominated the field, Emsick Architects stands out as a beacon of change. Founded 12 years ago, the Omaha-based firm reshaped the architectural landscape with its innovative designs while redefining workplace culture by being a predominantly female-led team. Spearheading this transformation was Janyne Emsick, Ph.D., who, alongside her husband, Mike, built a company that excelled in design while championing flexibility, diversity, and resilience.
Emsick’s approach to building Emsick Architects was grounded in a philosophy that placed people at the center of the business model. This vision emerged from her earlier experience with her own coaching and consulting business. “When I started my coaching and consulting business 32 years ago, I was intentional in hiring smart, talented women who wanted meaningful work that could flex around their responsibilities with children,” Emsick recalled. “At one point, I had a team member who had six children under the age of 5, and she worked evenings after they went to bed—and she absolutely hit it out of the ballpark.”
This model continued at Emsick Architects, where flexibility was embedded into the firm’s DNA. From the beginning, the company aimed to create an inclusive culture that supported women’s career growth while accommodating the different stages of their lives.
“Our two primary architects, Amy and Meghan, had their first children within a month of each other. We collaborated to plan for continuity during their maternity leaves and reached out to Women in Architecture (WIA) for resources,” Emsick shared. “Through WIA, we attracted women architects from across the country, not just Omaha.” This effort to reach out to professional organizations and bring in women with diverse backgrounds proved pivotal in shaping a team that was strong in numbers, as well as experience and resilience.
Janyne and Mike’s leadership journey was not without its hurdles. Over the years, the couple faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and natural disasters. Emsick spoke candidly about their experiences: “Both Mike and I faced cancer in the last two-and-a-half years, and now we’re dealing with our second hurricane in 10 days,” she said in reference to their Flordia home. These events tested their resolve, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to their clients and their team. Emsick’s approach to overcoming these challenges involved clear communication, prioritization, and a determination to keep the business moving forward.
“In 2022, when Mike was in the hospital after his femur snapped, I remember having a conference call from the hospital saying, ‘What do we need to do to keep delivering great design for our customers? What are our priorities?’ Our team stepped up in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” Emsick recounted. During times of crisis, Emsick Architects demonstrated its resilience as a team, with each member stepping up to ensure the firm continued to deliver outstanding architectural designs.
A key aspect of Emsick Architects’ success was its adaptive leadership style, which focused on understanding the unique needs of each team member. Mike, the firm’s principal architect, played a crucial role in maintaining this culture of adaptability. He took a hands-on approach to leading the team, fostering a supportive and flexible work environment. “Mike was adaptable with the team, understanding what each person needed—whether it was doing the work they loved and excelled at or balancing work with their family,” Emsick explained. “Together, we were clear about expectations and what needed to get done, and we focused on how to work around personal needs. For example, Mike might say, ‘We need to wrap this meeting because it’s lunchtime for Amy’s child.’”
This personalized approach allowed the firm to maintain a high standard of work while creating a supportive environment for employees. It was not uncommon for team members to adjust their schedules or work remotely to accommodate personal obligations, which was made possible by the firm’s commitment to clear communication and defined expectations. “Mike adapted his leadership to get work done through others, which was key,” Emsick added. “We both adapted as we learned from our team what they needed.” This strategy not only empowered individual team members to perform at their best, but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility throughout the firm.
The architecture industry, known for its rigorous demands and long hours, posed challenges for women who often juggled multiple roles in their personal and professional lives. By emphasizing flexibility and understanding the complexities of work-life balance, the firm not only attracted top female talent but also retained it. For Emsick, the ability to adapt to each employee’s circumstances was crucial for cultivating a supportive workplace where women could succeed in their careers without having to sacrifice their personal lives.
“When we started Emsick Architects, our first team member was a woman between her first and second year of grad school at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She stayed with us for five years, and we were just at her wedding,” Emsick said. This supportive culture extended to navigating significant life events, such as maternity leaves, career transitions, and even crises like hurricanes or health issues. The firm’s commitment to supporting its team members through various stages of their lives helped create a close-knit, loyal group of professionals who were dedicated to the company’s success.
“As a leader, she treats staff members like family seeking to develop all our own unique talents,” said Colee Meyer, senior associate at Holland Basham who used to work at Emsick. “She encouraged and embraced my natural tendency to lead. As a new graduate, she taught me the basics and best practices of running an efficient firm.”
The firm’s partnership with Women in Architecture (WIA) played an instrumental role in attracting talent from across the country, creating a diverse and dynamic team. “Several female candidates expressed reaching out specifically because they wanted to help out women during their maternity leaves,” Emsick explained. This proactive approach to hiring helped Emsick Architects stand out as a firm where women’s careers were supported at all stages. The firm’s inclusive hiring practices not only strengthened its workforce, but also enriched its culture, making it a place where diverse ideas and perspectives flourished.
For Emsick, legacy was a vital component of her vision for Emsick Architects. She viewed the firm not just as a business, but as a platform for leaving a lasting impact through design and culture. “I’m a legacy thinker. I’ve thought about how our small but mighty design studio would leave behind a legacy of design that brings our clients’ visions to life,” she shared. “We attracted smart, talented women, and this business has been a place where they could thrive through the multitude of stages women experience as professionals, partners, and mothers.”
Emsick Architects’ projects reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity—principles that guided the team through both smooth and challenging times. The firm takes on diverse architectural projects, from residential developments to commercial spaces, all while prioritizing design excellence. Each project undertaken by the firm is an opportunity to not only deliver great design, but also foster a culture of collaboration and growth. The legacy of Emsick Architects extends beyond its physical projects; it is also evident in the lives and careers of the women who work there and have grown professionally.
Emsick often emphasized the importance of cultural fit when considering a career move, a principle that guided her own hiring practices. She believed that finding the right workplace culture was crucial for long-term career satisfaction and growth. “I always told people, ‘It’s as important for you to interview the company as it is for them to interview you. You need to know if the company aligns with your personal and professional goals,’” she advised. “Be clear about what you want and find a culture that matches how you work and that brings out the best in you.” This advice was not only applicable for prospective employees, but also served as a guiding principle for Emsick Architects as a whole.
For Emsick, the challenges the firm has faced only strengthen its resolve to create a legacy. “Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it,” she opined. “The challenges made us better and stronger as a business. It’s all about finding ways that make sense both for business and for the team.” This resilience and commitment to growth became defining characteristics of Emsick Architects, setting the firm apart in a rapidly changing industry.
To learn more, visit emsickarchitects.com.
This article originally appeared in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of B2B Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
