Reflections

Joe Brevard, CEO and Ed Shoucair, President

Now, over three decades ago, we visited the Massachusetts Department of Corporations to apply for corporate status for a 4-person startup. This simple signing of papers launched the adventure of a lifetime. Not a day goes by without us realizing how privileged we have been to lead this firm. Along the way, our association with you—our co-workers and clients—has enriched our lives in countless ways. You challenge us. Inspire us. Make us laugh. And along the way, you’ve helped us do some remarkable things.

Since 1990, the firm has worked to turn contaminated brownfields into parks enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. Once depressed areas of cities and towns are now home to new residents and businesses. Forgotten downtowns are destinations for communities to gather and celebrate. Pedestrians and cyclists travel on paths along abandoned railroad tracks. Individuals in wheelchairs navigate subway and train stations more easily. Rivers and coastal waters are cleaner. Students in classrooms across the country use scores of exciting educational tools developed by the firm to explore science, technology, engineering, math, art, and design.

In 2020, we launched the first Collaborative Summer Institute. Working virtually, 12 university undergraduates and graduates worked as interns researching and developing ways to address many challenges facing our world. Funded by the Collaborative, these projects ranged from developing model zoning guidelines to helping restaurants expand outdoor seating during the pandemic to developing software tools to help facilities managers ensure their buildings fulfill ADA regulations.

One thing we have learned over the years is that every year is a good time to look back and celebrate. Each year holds something new and exciting for the Collaborative. And because there remains so much to do, it is also a time to look ahead.

Today, even though more than 30 years have passed, we still see ourselves as forever in startup mode.

Thank you for adding so much to our company and our lives.

Joe and Ed