Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

153 items
sustainable architecture
Big Questions

How can architecture help mitigate risks related to climate change and ensure long-term building resilience?

With more than two decades of experience delivering complex, high-performance developments, Brian Cook is a seasoned architectural leader in civic, life science and commercial mixed-use design. As technical principal of architecture, laboratory planning and interiors based out of Boston, Massachusetts (MA), Brian drives design excellence and technical innovation for large-scale, multi-phased projects across the U.S. and internationally. In addition to his technical leadership, Brian plays a pivotal role in business development locally for the Jacobs team in Boston, helping strengthen long-term client relationships and expand the company’s presence in the life science, advanced technology/manufacturing industries. Brian is widely recognized for his experience in custom building enclosures and complex façades. His leadership spans all phases of project delivery — from early visioning through construction — ensuring precision, quality and alignment with client goals. Driving innovation in life sciences and workplace design Brian’s impact is visible in the life sciences industry, where he leads projects with highly technical workplace and laboratory environments designed to advance research, collaboration and employee wellbeing. CRISPR Therapeutics – Research & Development Headquarters, South Boston, MA Brian was the principal-in-charge for the CRISPR Therapeutics new research and development headquarters. This new 263,500-square-foot, seven-story research and development facility redefines how people interact at work and how science is supported through design. The project recently received the New England International Interior Design Association Award in the Science & Research category. 400 Guest Street, Allston Yards – Boston, MA Brian oversaw the creation of a 630,000-square-foot life sciences campus targeting LEED

Brian Cook
Hospitality
Thought Leadership

Designing for hospitality: Beyond arrival to long‑term guest experience

Many hospitality projects still center on arrival moments rather than everyday living. As the Middle East region matures as a destination, success is increasingly defined by how spaces perform over time, not how they appear on opening day. This article explores where current architectural approaches fall short and how hospitality design can evolve to support long-term experience, wellbeing and cultural connection.

Manjra Yadav
Walking crowd and mesh communication network concept. Internet of Things. Smart city. Information Communication Technology.
Big Questions

How do you design a city that learns from people?

Katie Adnams, associate director for smart places at Jacobs, supports clients in embedding digital, data and artificial intelligence (AI) into city masterplanning. By translating complex technology into practical, problem-solving strategies, she's creating responsive cities that are more efficient and inclusive.

Katie Adnams
Geodesign
Big Questions

How can you use geodesign to build better cities?

Mary-Jane Wood combines design expertise with geospatial analytics to solve complex spatial challenges through evidence-based decision-making. She has worked on regeneration master plans and large-scale transformation strategies across Europe and the Middle East. Today, she uses geodesign, digital twins and KPI-driven dashboards to reduce risk and speed up approvals, keeping projects aligned to the right outcomes.

Mary-Jane Wood
Stadium
Thought Leadership

Creating major events that leave lasting experiences

Authenticity and disciplined customer experience turn major events into experiences that cut through choice overload and win attention. Nowhere is this more evident — and important — than in the Middle East, where scale alone is no longer the differentiator.

Tom Day
  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

    Future-Foundations