A promotion to Principal represents more than a new title; it’s the culmination of years of experience, leadership, and meaningful contributions to a firm’s growth and success.

For Laura Evans, AIA, RA, that journey has spanned more than a decade with Abel Design Group. Since joining the company more than 13 years ago as an Associate/Project Manager in our Houston office. Laura has played a key role in its growth and evolution. Today, as the leader of our Austin office, she continues to help expand our presence in Central Texas while contributing to firmwide initiatives, mentoring emerging leaders, and strengthening the collaborative culture that defines Abel Design Group.

Six months into her new role, Laura reflects on the experiences that have shaped her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the opportunities she sees ahead for Abel Design Group.

This year marked another important milestone in your career as you stepped into the role of Principal. Looking back on the first half of 2026, how has the experience shaped your perspective on leadership? What has surprised you the most so far, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

Laura: Honestly, one of the biggest lessons is that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Markets shift, project types evolve, teams grow and change, industries change, but at the core, the work is still about people, relationships, problem-solving, and creating thoughtful design. Stepping into this role has reinforced that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about consistency, perspective, and helping people navigate change well.

I’ve learned that staying grounded in what you enjoy most about the work is important, especially through busy seasons or periods of growth.

What has surprised me most is probably how much leadership happens in small meetings, listening, creating clarity, helping people feel supported, and maintaining momentum over time.

My perspective hasn’t drastically changed as much as deepened. I’ve gained a greater appreciation for the long-term cycle of our industry and the importance of building teams and relationships that can weather those cycles well.

You’ve been part of Abel Design Group for more than a decade of your career. As you reflect on that journey today, what experiences have had the greatest influence on the leader you’ve become?

Laura: A huge influence has been being trusted early on with opportunities that stretched me, whether that was taking on larger clients, leading projects, or helping establish and grow the Austin office.

Jeffrey Abel has always said he hires great people and gives them room to do what they do best, and that philosophy has stuck with me.

Having that level of trust and agency allowed me to grow, and it’s something I try to extend to the people I work with now.

I’ve learned the importance of listening carefully, not just to what people are saying directly, but also understanding team dynamics, personalities, and how people are feeling or integrating.

Leadership is often less about directing and more about paying attention. Over time, I’ve realized that creating an environment where people feel ownership and support tends to produce the best work.

Abel Design Group has continued to evolve throughout your tenure. What changes have been most exciting to witness, and what opportunities do you see ahead for the firm?

Laura: One of the most exciting things has been seeing the growth of mentorship and leadership development throughout the firm.

We have formal mentorship initiatives, but there’s also a strong culture of senior team members genuinely wanting to invest in younger designers. That growth goes beyond project work; people are getting involved in shaping the firm itself, contributing to design initiatives, business development, and industry relationships. It’s been exciting to see work and opportunities generated from all levels of the company, not just from leadership at the top.

I think there’s a real opportunity ahead to continue empowering emerging leaders and creating space for different voices and perspectives within the firm.

The collaborative culture here continues to be one of the firm’s greatest strengths.

Austin has become an increasingly important part of Abel Design Group’s story. What has it been like helping build and grow the firm’s presence in that market, and where do you see the greatest opportunities moving forward?

Laura: Austin has a very different energy and identity compared to some of our other markets.

It’s heavily influenced by tech, entrepreneurship, and a large population of people relocating from other parts of the country, which creates a unique mix of expectations and opportunities.

It’s been rewarding to bring Abel Design Group’s design philosophy and values into a new market while also adapting to different industries, project types, and client needs.

At the same time, Austin has influenced the broader firm as well; some of the ways we approach workplace experience, hospitality-driven environments, and creative culture have fed back into projects across other offices.

I see a continued opportunity in hospitality, restaurant, retail, and experience-driven spaces as Austin’s food and cultural scene continues to grow.

I also think Austin is well-positioned for continued growth tied to the tech and AI sectors as companies expand beyond traditional coastal hubs.

One of the hallmarks of your career has been your commitment to both design excellence and team development. How do you balance delivering exceptional work for clients while helping others grow in their careers, and the office flourish?

Laura: I stay involved in every project in some capacity, although the level of involvement varies depending on the project and team. Some projects I lead very directly, while others I intentionally step back and allow emerging leaders more room to grow.

I try to identify opportunities where younger designers or project managers can take ownership while still having support and guidance behind the scenes. A big part of leadership is knowing when to step in and when to step back.

Maintaining design quality and client trust is important, but so is creating opportunities for people to stretch themselves and gain confidence. Long-term success comes from building strong teams, not just delivering individual projects.

I’ve found that people tend to do their best work when they feel trusted, supported, and connected to the bigger picture.

As you look forward to the future, what are you most excited about contributing to Abel Design Group’s continued growth and success?

Laura: I’m excited about continuing to help develop people across the firm and creating pathways for emerging leaders.

I strive to stay connected to the day-to-day experiences of designers and project teams, and help create a conduit between those experiences and firm leadership.

I think there’s a real opportunity to continue fostering micro-leadership roles, giving people ownership over initiatives, ideas, and areas they care deeply about.

As the industry becomes increasingly connected, more opportunities connect back to the work we’re already doing well.

More than anything, I’m excited about helping shape a firm culture where talented people can continue to grow and do meaningful work together.

What impact do you hope to have as a Principal – on the firm, on your colleagues, and on the clients you serve?

Laura: I think a lot about the opportunities that were given to me throughout my career and how much they influenced where I am today.

I hope I can do the same for others. Some of the most rewarding parts of leadership aren’t tied to the projects; they’re seeing someone gain confidence, take on a new challenge, or step into a role they may not have imagined for themselves.

If I can help contribute to a firm where talented people continue to grow, collaborate, and do meaningful work together, I would consider that a success.