Insights for what's next

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

510 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
water treatment plant
Big Questions

How can community-rooted leadership shape the future of water reliability?

Since 2023, Jacobs has provided operations and maintenance services to Jackson, Mississippi’s O.B. Curtis and J.H. Fewell water treatment plants (WTPs) with one clear mission — deliver safe, clean and reliable drinking water to a community that has endured years of chronic failures. By improving operations and automation and employing skilled talent, Project Manager Amy McLeod and her team enabled the WTPs to achieve full compliance for the first time in a decade. For Amy, her work is more than just a job; it’s a responsibility and commitment to her operators and the community she has come to call home. Answering Jackson’s call Originally from Kentucky, Amy planted her roots in Mississippi more than 20 years ago. After earning her degree in geological engineering from the University of Mississippi, she spent nearly two decades with the Mississippi State Department of Health, overseeing 100 water systems across the central region. While Amy was with the Department of Health, an emergency was declared in Jackson, and she immediately stepped in to help stabilize operations at the WTPs. What she saw during that response — the dedication of the operators and the need for long-term support — made a lasting impact. In 2023, she joined Jacobs to focus her efforts fully on Jackson, first as an assistant project manager, and later as project manager. A team built from the community it serves For Amy and her team, their work at the WTP is personal. Several team members were born and raised in Jackson

Amy McLeod
water droplet
Thought Leadership

Redefining risk for a more complex water future

Australia’s water industry faces rising cost pressures and climate uncertainty as well as aging infrastructure. As complexity grows, utilities must rethink how risk is assessed, governed and shared to support more adaptive and resilient outcomes. Jacobs Director of Operations, Water, Australia and New Zealand, Kate Simmonds outlines why evolving governance frameworks will be critical to improving performance and decision-making.

Kate Simmonds
What will drive the next phase of energy growth?
Big Questions

What will drive the next phase of energy growth?

Mike Klooster accelerates growth for Jacobs’ energy and power clients at a pivotal moment for the industry. With decades of experience, he works with clients to navigate evolving energy demands, strengthen partnerships and scale solutions that deliver reliable, sustainable outcomes.

Mike Klooster
Airport Lounge
Thought Leadership

From seamless to intelligent airport orchestration

Airports need more than faster checkpoints, they need connected, intelligent operations.  From digital travel credentials and biometrics to AI-powered orchestration, performance will be defined by how systems work together in real time to deliver seamless, adaptive passenger journeys.

Burak Come
Coast
Big Questions

How can coastal cities strengthen marine infrastructure while adapting to rising seas?

Technical Director for Ports and Maritime Alan Cowley works with clients to optimize port and terminal operations by planning and designing infrastructure that improves safety, efficiency and reliability. As climate risks intensify, he works with clients to strengthen resilience while safeguarding trade, productivity and long-term asset value.

Alan Cowley
Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Big Questions

How can island nations build resilient water futures?

Climate change is reshaping how water moves, putting pressure on Singapore’s coasts, reservoirs and stormwater systems. Working at the intersection of water and environment, Michael designs climate resilient solutions that strengthen coastal and water infrastructure.

Michael Gillen
Sellafield site
Big Questions

How do you manage the complexity of nuclear programs?

Matt Gaunt works with civil nuclear and defense clients to reduce risk by breaking complex challenges into data-led decisions. He enables clients’ success by combining deep technical capability with integrated program delivery and strong partnerships across nations and regulators.

Matt Gaunt
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
WindPort Development_hero
Report

Harboring change: 8 global lessons in wind port development

As offshore wind scales globally, ports are becoming a critical factor in project delivery. This article explores eight lessons from projects across the United States, Europe and Australia on how port operators are planning, funding and designing infrastructure to support long-term offshore wind growth.

  • 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. 

    Visit Future Foundations
    Future-Foundations