Osaka is a city where nature and technology live alongside the past and present in perfect harmony, which is why I’m very impressed with the designs for the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan! Trahan Architects unveiled the design for the USA Pavilion – and it did not disappoint.
481,358 square feet of innovation – that is what PALMTower has been designed to add to Phoenix’s urban skyline. The American Southwest continues to become an increasingly popular region for travel and residential ventures, and the integrated services of Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Ventana are proud to be a part of Arizona’s up-and-coming development.
When our Clayco team finds a company that mirrors our mission and determination, we fortify that partnership by pooling resources on as many projects as possible. Vision Electric & Systems is one of Clayco’s excellent subcontractors that we have had the pleasure of working on several developments with. Subcontractors play a pivotal role by bringing multifaceted advantages and expertise across construction efforts.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and for good reason. Artwork has the ability to tell powerful stories. It demonstrates value in human society, transcending cultural and historical boundaries to become an integral part of the human experience. Roberto Lugo is an artist, ceramicist, social activist, poet, and educator who uses ceramics to tell stories about different cultures.
This exciting Arizona project isn't just about putting up buildings – it's about giving knowledge and potential a serious boost! Step into the dynamic world of education innovation with Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative as we embark on a journey at Chamberlain University's vibrant campus in Phoenix. Education extends beyond books and classrooms. It involves creating a foundation for societies to thrive. Clayco and LJC’s collaboration continues to turn dreams into reality with the renovation of a two-story office building to create another state-of-the-art higher education nursing program for Adtalem Global Education in the Phoenix region. The new 45,000 square feet of space will include lecture classrooms, science classrooms, simulation exam rooms, nursing skills workshops, breakout study spaces, and a cafe and market.
As quoted from the great movie Network, "We're mad as hell, and we're not gonna take it anymore!" St. Louis doesn’t have the leadership it needs, and residents are rightfully fed up with the way it has been run for a long time. I joined nationally recognized Midwest radio talk show host McGraw Milhaven on KTRS 550am to discuss the challenges Clayco has experienced while trying to build in the area.
This past summer, I read the sad tale “Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing” by Peter Robison. I’ve always admired Boeing, just as my father did, so I was reluctant to recommend the book. People should read it now. Robison provides a gripping account of the 737 MAX crisis, unraveling the series of events leading to tragic consequences and Boeing's subsequent downfall. By including exclusive interviews with current and former employees, industry executives, and family members of the victims, it highlights the technical and managerial failures that contributed to the fatal crashes while analyzing the company’s flawed decision-making and lack of transparency.
I love when Co-Founder Larry Page was asked how he learned to run Google. He said, “I read a lot of books.” He then jokes: “[When renaming Alphabet] I read like three books on naming—which is more than anyone else had read. So I decided I was the expert… and actually that was useful. I recommend reading things.” I dropped out of college after just 5 weeks, but I read a lot. Everything. I’ve compiled a list of some “oldies but goodies” (and a few modern) reading options that I found difficult but useful, helpful, or even disagreeable – and that’s okay, too!
"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." This powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Junior’s 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech is as relevant today as it was then. The current global landscape is plagued with turmoil, conflict, and divisive challenges – but there is still positivity and hope on the horizon. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is as perfect of a time as any to not only commemorate the life and work of the American civil rights leader but to re-dedicate ourselves to creating an equitable world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive free from fear and discrimination. The need for strong leadership and advocacy for the oppressed has never been more critical for paving a path to true peace. I remember watching a documentary that featured Dr. King when I was in elementary school. I was fascinated by his eloquent way of speaking and connecting with people, and he inspired me to push my boundaries continuously. Achieving progress in the push for diversity and inclusion requires advancements in education and understanding. This means we have to talk to people we never have, research topics we’ve never known, and ultimately allow ourselves to be uncomfortable to gain greater knowledge.
Another pivotal collaboration in the books! In partnership with Shapack Partners, our Clayco team looks forward to working with CRG, Ventana, SOM as the architect-of-record, and Bill Williams, founder and principal of KMW Communities, on the residential project at 220 N. Ada in Chicago. We are channeling our integrated approach into creating the 29-story, mixed-use tower, which will offer 308 apartments (with 62 affordable units) and 12,000+ square feet of ground-floor retail. This collaboration with affordable housing developer Bill Williams is also an extension of CRG’s PILLAR program and our overall goals to address the lack of diversity in the real estate community.
Artificial Intelligence is sweeping the world in every aspect of life. But who are the big faces behind the technology? According to a list produced by the New York Times, the “who’s who” in AI was shockingly lacking in diversity – they didn’t name one single woman. Whether inside the walls of Clayco or beyond, I am committed to helping foster inclusive communities and uplift the voices of underrepresented demographics to the best of my ability. The exclusion of women in high-ranking positions, public media, and authoritative roles is unacceptable, and we must work to ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve. For my January Inspiration of the Month, I am highlighting 12 incredible women who are the driving forces behind AI and the wave of tech that is evolving global societies. Anima Anandkumar
Doubling down on St. Louis means bringing the best and brightest to the table, and our Clayco team is getting a great addition! Elizabeth Zucker will be President of Clayco’s St. Louis Region – which is both of our hometowns! Elizabeth knows what it means to embody the Art & Science of Building, which is why she will thrive in this new role and take our Clayco team along with her. She is a proven leader in driving growth and will utilize her expertise to oversee all aspects of local operations, including business development, marketing, and sales.
America just got more delicious! Willy Wonka might be jealous because we have something irresistibly sweet to share from Chicago - Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) designed Ferrero’s first United States Innovation Center!
Clayco is working to lighten the debt load for student loan borrowers! This past year, I asked our team what was on their minds. I learned that many people have crushing student debt, much of it from predatory lenders, that is impacting their credit, ability to get ahead, and also their focus on work. Student loans are an incredible burden for millions of Americans, both financially and emotionally.
2023 was filled with incredible ideas and innovative achievements. The value and impact of the Art & Science of Building were stronger than ever and reflect the importance of human connection and building while continuously moving our society in a positive direction. I have never been more confident in the great work we do at Clayco and the positive effect we have on lives across the nation. The best part of this job is helping others along their journey and watching our team members achieve their goals. Our team accomplishes so much together in business, for our families, and neighborhoods. Next year will be even more remarkable! Evolving Communities
Check out the magic of meaningful mentorship! What a terrific holiday celebration and commemoration of reaching 540 members of the International Mentoring Program | St. Louis! Creating the world that we want to live in is our responsibility – and this goes far beyond constructing buildings. This program is a shining example of all the great work that can be done when dedicated people channel resources into underserved communities.
Flip through the pages of Clayco’s “A Day in the Life” photobook – one of my favorite annual traditions! Some may say that there are no constants in life, but one of the most essential parts of our society rings true year after year: community is everything. The vibrant pages of our latest photobook highlight moments from 2023 sent to us by some of the 3,000+ members of our Clayco family. It is an incredible symbol of our diversity, our dedication, and our innovative developments across the nation.
We’re sparking an electric revolution in more ways than one! I am super excited that Clayco will be Rivian’s building partner for their new 1,800-acre plant in Stanton Springs, Georgia. Rivian is an innovative American automaker at the forefront of the EV industry. The company will use the eco-conscious site to develop its next-gen R2 electric vehicles and implement sustainable manufacturing methods to promote a healthier planet.
This year it’s December 18, 2023.My belief is the single greatest act of kindness I can accomplish is to have an incredibly detailed written process ready to go in the event of my untimely death.Yes, it’s kind of morbid, and difficult to think through, yet I’ve been doing it for 15 years ― every single year in either November or December ― after which it’s randomly announced to my team close to the day of my supposed demise.My death would be unusually complicated in comparison with most people’s. I’m the Executive Chairman at one of the largest construction companies in the United States, and we also operate a real estate development business with fund management, multiple special purpose entities and hundreds of partners. There are also multiple foundations and charitable commitments to consider, as well as an extended family with four married children, nine grandchildren and one on the way. Friends and legacy partners and my late wife Ellen’s family and Jane’s family are high on the list of my responsibilities. I’m still engaged in multiple outside organizations as well, although I’ve stepped back from a good number of outside interests to focus on my personal foundation for a while. Ellen may no longer be with us physically, but she remains with us in spirit. We met in junior high school and a lot of people know that the first time I saw her I decided I was going to marry her. It wasn’t as simple as that, but we did in fact get married when we were 25 years old and were married for 25 years before she passed to the heavens from a genetic disease. She was an amazing human being, and is still remembered very fondly by everyone who knew her. The idea of a mock death first occurred to me a couple of years after Ellen was diagnosed with a terminal genetic disease. Two years after that I concluded that we already had a pretty complicated estate, and we didn’t have a very good plan. We decided to create a scenario where I died, just to see where all the chips would fall. I didn’t like what I learned and where I saw the chips rolling and sliding off the table. Since then, I’ve completed this exercise every year and sleep better and feel like a kinder human being as a result. At the same time, I’ve had many friends who, sadly, have passed away during that time frame. My CFO was hit and killed by a car while training for a marathon before the Great Recession, and it turned out he had an unsigned estate plan sitting toward the back of his desk. Another of my partners, a CPA by training, also died without a plan and with his family unaware of the complexity of his estate. I have many friends whose spouses don’t know where the important papers are, are in the dark about where the money comes from or how it goes out, and don’t even know how to pay their own bills at home.
There is no better way to close out the year than with a great group of people dedicated to making the world a better place. Clayco had an amazing board of advisors meeting in St. Louis at Delmar DivINe – a centerpiece for advancement that houses nonprofit organizations, sponsors innovative programs, and provides affordable housing for young professionals and social leaders. I always enjoy catching up with Maxine Clark, who is the mastermind behind the Delmar DivINe project and a fantastic friend. Seeing Maxine’s vision come to life is truly remarkable. Clayco is so proud to have been a partner in this pivotal endeavor that is turning the tide of history by reimagining life for St. Louis residents and beyond.
It’s time to build structures that rival the fortitude of Roman architecture while playing a vital role in the sustainability of our planet. The Art and Science of Building will be a large part of the solution in the war on climate change – we are excited that so many large owners are searching for innovations to address this across construction materials. As at least 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the creation of cement and concrete, finding new and future-focused technologies in construction is especially critical. Global warming is one of the biggest threats to our Earth. Since the building industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, leaders are focusing attention on advanced chemical engineering, bio-science, and the implementation of greener methodologies. Our team at Clayco is committed to sustainable development across our national operations. We are collaborating with visionary organizations to design a healthier planet via innovative tech and building approaches.
Talk about an innovative meeting of the minds! The DealBook Summit in New York showcased leaders in politics, business, tech, sports, and entertainment to examine some of the world’s most crucial concepts. I watched every single discussion led by Founder and Editor of DealBook, Ross Sorkin, and I feel inspired and more educated because of it.
The magic of art is on full display in Miami! Some of the world’s greatest artists and collectors have come together for one of my and Jane’s favorite occasions - Art Basel in Miami Beach! From December 6th to 10th, this amazing, top-notch event assembles more than 250 galleries from 35 countries with works from 4,000+ renowned art masters and up-and-coming creators. As an avid lover and collector of art, Art Basel has been one of the highlights of the year.
Out of all of the structures and concepts I have helped bring to life throughout my decades-long construction career, what has always mattered the most to me is how the work affects the people living in those communities. I am profoundly humbled and overjoyed to be the recipient of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce 2023 Pillars in the Community award. I had an excellent time connecting with attendees at the luncheon yesterday, which was presented by Midwest Regional Bank at the Ritz Carlton in St. Louis. This honor could not have been earned alone and represents the outpouring of love and dedication that our Clayco team and partner companies have infused into every project we develop.
Working in the design-build industry isn’t just about constructing spaces, it’s about laying the foundation for human connection and advancement. Our Clayco brand family understands that by carefully considering the layout, materials, and purpose of a space, we can create an environment that fosters positive experiences and supports the needs of the people who use it.
Cheers to the creativity and innovation sparked by Clayco and our partners! Clayco, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, and Concrete Strategies are happy to announce that our project, Mark Anthony Brewing in Columbia, South Carolina, won the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Industrial Process Merit Award! DBIA's Merit Award winners will compete for a National Award of Excellence, “Best of” category, and Project of the Year.
Leading to serve others is something that Clayco and Wies Drywall have in common. That is why our partnership has been so successful across an array of national projects! Wies Drywall is an experienced construction specialist and commercial drywall contractor that has been serving its clients since 1971. Its main priority is to build walls and take care of people – just like Clayco! We work well together to solve problems creatively and turn ideas into innovation.
Construction has started on a new facility for America's premier window and door manufacturer – Renewal by Andersen! The company selected Clayco, CRG, and Lamar Johnson Collaborative to channel our integrated approach into a new 638,000-square-foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Locust Grove, Georgia. Renewal by Andersen is the full-service window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, which manufactures, sells, and installs exclusive replacement solutions to customers throughout North America.
I was sad to learn that Radcliffe Bailey, a game-changing American contemporary visual artist, passed away recently. I was truly inspired by the time I spent with him. Radcliffe’s unique artistic approach, mixing media, paint, and sculpture, explored African-American history and the intersection of ancestry, race, and cultural memory in the everyday. Bailey was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on November 25, 1968, but moved to Atlanta, Georgia, by the age of four. Curator of modern and contemporary art Michael Rooks once said that Bailey was “probably the most prominent living artist here in Atlanta.” The city’s High Museum of Art was a source of inspiration for Bailey, leading him to attend the Atlanta College of Art, where the city’s history with civil rights and the Civil War served as some of his greatest artistic muses.
Wow, what a reunion! This week I was fortunate enough to have a few slices of pizza with some amazing Clayco alumni and current team members. We shared memories and reflected on how we got to where we are today.I couldn’t help but think about all the challenges overcome, the opportunities won and lost, the risks that paid off, the risks that didn’t pay off, the setbacks, the hard work turning into something bigger than myself, and of course, the friendships I made along the way. I was so happy to see Clayco’s very first employee, Allen Conner, who started on the first day we opened for business on July 23, 1984. Joining us was also my longtime partner Jeff Cannedy, as well as John Gebel who started at Clayco in 1985 and made a huge difference to the company back when we were still finding our footing.
Our Clayco team started our first-ever project with WestRock! We were selected with our partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, as the design-build team for WestRock’s 409,550-square-foot packaging plant in Longview, Washington. Developed by JB2 Partners and owned by an investment fund managed by ElmTree Funds, the facility will host WestRock’s corrugated manufacturing operation. This development will enable WestRock’s regional team to better serve customers with various new capabilities and efficiencies. It will also create 40 jobs.
Last night’s 32nd anniversary of the Burnham Award Dinner was a massive success! The award honors Chicago leaders for making the city a better place to work and live – and I am humbled to be among them. I made Chicago my home back in 2010 and moved Clayco’s Headquarters to this great city because of its amazing business community, which the Chicago Chamber of Commerce helps support.
There are smiles all around at Lamar Johnson Collaborative – and deservedly so. Clayco’s partner company received two awards for our outstanding project work at the 2023 AIA St. Louis Design Awards night! LJC is a dedicated and talented team of creative professionals who understand what it means to inspire and connect communities. Earning the MERIT Award in the Architecture Category for the St. Louis County Library – Lynn Beckwith Jr Administrative Building, “The Beck,” and the HONOR Award in the Unbuilt & Master Plan Category for Brickline MP are testaments to the organization’s impact.
Societal advancements are often sparked by powerful conversations between peers. The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) hosted a panel discussion for the U.S. launch of Thomas Heatherwick’s book, “Humanize: A Maker’s Guide to Designing Cities,” a prime example of how constructive partnerships can lead to some of our world’s greatest innovations. It was a packed house with 300 guests attending this engaging event. I thoroughly enjoyed my involvement in the panel alongside Thomas, Shapack Partners founder Jeff Shapack, and CAC President & CEO Eleanor Esser Gorski. We explored the book's themes and discussed Chicago's architectural landscape while scrutinizing the impact of design and development processes on public health.
Libraries aren't just quiet spots to read; they are vibrant places for people to gather and connect. I had the chance to tour the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County library system with Jane. The two-story, 74,000-square-foot development is coming along amazingly well! St. Louis County Library’s original headquarters needed greater efficiencies and infrastructure to support the evolution of its patrons – so we decided to do something about it. The Clark family was humbled to donate $6 million to the new HQ and towards educational programming to further the library’s mission. Clayco’s partner company, Lamar Johnson Collaborative, is designing the modern and spacious building into a powerhouse destination for employees, students, families, and authors.
Missouri has played a fundamental role in Clayco’s history and my own. I grew up and started Clayco in the St. Louis region, and it is a heartfelt focus of mine to help the area regain its past glory. As the next step toward this mission, I am thrilled to announce the relocation and expansion of our St. Louis offices and operations center! Our St. Louis regional offices will come together in Berkeley, Missouri, in a newly recycled and renovated Clayco hub. What’s truly serendipitous about this is that Clayco designed and built the office for another company 11 years ago – and soon, it will be our new home. The 230,000-square-foot facility in NorthPark Development will accommodate over 1,000 team members committed to engaging the local community with their time and hands.