Power, Purpose, and People: Takeaways from the IAMC Fall Forum

The IAMC Fall Forum brought together the people shaping the future of industrial real estate, and the conversations this year were a clear reflection of where the market is headed. Power constraints, data-driven decision-making, and human-centered leadership were recurring themes that align closely with how BHDP approaches design and strategy for our clients.

Words, Mindset, and Leadership

Dr. Alan Zimmerman reminded us that our words create our culture. The way leaders communicate, both internally and externally, can significantly shape client relationships, team performance, and even the outcomes of a project. At BHDP, that idea resonates deeply with our “Design for People” philosophy. Every space we design begins with human interaction, how people think, work, and connect, and that same intentionality applies to how we collaborate, present ideas, and earn trust.
James Lawrence, a world-renowned speaker, endurance athlete, built on that foundation, challenging us to navigate adversity with focus and intention. His question, “Are you looking for solutions or options to quit?” was a timely reminder that the industrial market continues to test resilience. Rising costs, shifts in the supply chain, and power availability require proactive and creative thinking. The most effective teams aren’t defined by circumstances but by how they respond. 

The Power Problem—and the Opportunity

During the C-Suite Spotlight, Meaghan Elwell, Global Division President of JLL's Industrials business, noted that only 2% of new industrial sites have the necessary power to meet modern manufacturing demand, a statistic that drew attention throughout the conference. As designers, we see this daily: energy availability now defines site readiness as much as geography or incentives. Clients are not only asking where to build but also where power will be available in the next five years.
It’s also changing how decisions are made. Integrated data, from lease and market analytics to utilization and maintenance, is becoming the new foundation of strategic capital planning. For us, that means connecting design with the data ecosystem that drives performance. Buildings aren’t static assets; they’re tools for operational advantage.

Relationships and the 5th Industrial Revolution

The Info Exchange on “Site Selection in the 5th Industrial Revolution” reinforced that relationships are still at the center of every successful project. As location strategy becomes increasingly hyper-local and dependent on scarce assets like energy, water, and workforce, credibility matters. We’re seeing this firsthand as clients need not only design solutions but guidance on site feasibility, phasing, and long-term flexibility.

Designing for the Customer’s Customer

Hamish Taylor, Former CEO, Eurostar and Sainsbury’s Bank,  hosted an informative session that hit close to home: “It’s not about you.” He encouraged everyone to look beyond the immediate client and understand the customer’s customer—the end user, employee, or community the project ultimately serves. This is the essence of BHDP’s approach to industrial and workplace design. The real measure of success isn’t just a building that performs well, it’s an environment that enhances experience and creates measurable business value.

Joy as a Strategic Advantage

Shabnam Mogharabi, co-founder of SoulPancake, founder and CEO of The Joy Brigade, closed the Forum with an uplifting reminder that joy and connection are critical leadership tools. In a world of distrust and disruption, optimism and gratitude drive engagement and innovation. At BHDP, fostering that same sense of purpose,within our teams and for our clients,helps us deliver design outcomes that truly resonate.

The takeaways from IAMC are clear: data, power, and technology will continue to reshape industrial real estate, but human-centered thinking remains the differentiator. The best solutions, whether in site selection, facility design, or long-term portfolio planning,come from teams who balance performance with purpose.