Interview with Mike Seyle, the new President of our US business

Mike Seyle recently joined BuroHappold as President and Managing Director for the United States region. He comes to BuroHappold from global design firm WATG, where, as president and CEO, he guided the firm from the depths of the 2009 economic downturn to a period of remarkable growth. Originally from the US, Seyle holds a Doctorate in Business from Georgia State University, a Master in Business Administration from San Diego State University, and a J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. We sat down with Mike to learn more about his vision for BuroHappold both here in the US and globally.

Q.    You began your career in law and management. What drew you to architecture and then into engineering?

A.    Architecture and engineering is much more collaborative and creative, and is much more focused on the human condition and the ability to solve human problems. I saw an opportunity to branch out into this industry where we are building something together rather than tearing things down. Engineering is about possibilities, creation and the future – and that’s where I wanted to be. 

Q.    The practice of architecture and engineering continues to evolve at a rapid pace as technology in particular spurs advances in so many areas. How will you help guide the American arm of BuroHappold in the face of so many technological developments?

 A.    I see myself providing support and a foundation. Innovation requires us to consider many unique perspectives, and create new ideas, and that’s no different at BuroHappold. I like to challenge the status quo and pose new questions. When someone comes up with a new idea, to keep the flow going I like to ask, ‘and then…?’ When you approach a challenge with ‘and’ rather than ‘but,' you shift the focus to new possibilities. I want people to know it’s OK to explore new technologies and ideas that aren’t the norm, and that requires giving people license to create.

Q.    STEM recently became STEAM, adding art to the core academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and maths. Why is this significant for BuroHappold?

 A.    Adding the arts to STEM is a really important next step in the evolution of technology. As technology moves from just computing power to artificial intelligence and augmented or virtual reality, we’re creating new experiences rather than just replicating the brain’s processing capabilities. BuroHappold is ahead of this curve because we’ve always had people who think like artists while delivering like engineers, combining often unrelated ideas to create never-seen-before solutions. This way of thinking ultimately attracts like-minded talent. People want to work at a place where they can collaborate with others and forge fresh thinking that makes a difference in the world.

Q.    You are currently completing a master’s degree in city design at the London School of Economics. Why was this important to your work?

 A.    Through my work with architects, I saw first hand the impact large cities have on people’s lives—socially, economically and environmentally. More than 50% of people live in cities now, which means a majority of people live in one type of environment. Architects, engineers and planners will play an important role in guiding the growth of cities with strong communities and growing economies as well as addressing pollution and other environmental challenges. To lead a practice focused on cities, I felt it was important to deepen my understanding of these complex entities. The LSE program gave me that opportunity.

Q.    What most excites you about your new role?

A.    I’m most excited about the challenge of working with really creative people to make a positive impact in the world, particularly in the United States, and seeing how our engineers deliver these great ideas. When I think about the types of projects BuroHappold is involved in, such as the High Line and Cornell Tech’s new passive house- designed residential tower in New York, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, or The Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh—all truly transformative projects that relate to people and connect to a larger vision for a district or city—I think how fortunate I am to be part of this caring and dynamic organization.

Want to know more about Mike and his appointment to our dynamic engineering practice in the US? Click here.