Leading Into the Future

It all started with a vision. When Pat Pasterick, Ron Dick and Terry Wagner decided to open an architecture and engineering firm in Fort Wayne, they envisioned bringing together a diverse group of people with differing skillsets and strengths to help make their clients’ dreams come true. 

“We started with the idea that we wanted to create a client-focused company that out-lived us — something bigger than us. That’s why we landed on ‘Design Collaborative’ and didn’t name it after us,” explains Pasterick. “I’m a product of the ‘60s and the Space Age, so I’ve always looked at DC as a rocket. It takes an incredible amount of energy to get a rocket off the ground and into Earth’s orbit. We were looking to do more than just get it into orbit. We were shooting for the moon. Ron, Terry and I recognized that we were only the first stage. To get to the moon, you have to successfully discard the first stage, recalibrate, fire the new rockets and continue on. Our intent was that as DC grew into something great, we would fall away and the DC rocket would be positioned for the next stage.”

That journey began in 1992. More than 30 years later, Design Collaborative has grown exponentially, with offices in Fort Wayne and Charlotte, North Carolina, more than 85 employees and clients in 19 states. 

With Wagner retired and Dick still active at DC, Pasterick is leading the final stages of a six-year plan for transitioning the firm’s leadership. He has confidence the firm is prepared for handing over the reins to the next generation. At the beginning of 2025, Partner and Senior Architect Adam James will take over as CEO. 

“It’s been exciting to watch this develop over the last several years. We have some really talented people prepared to lead us to that next stage. It will be rewarding to watch them succeed. It’s kind of like sending your kids to college. At some point, you know that you have to let go and let them slay their own dragons. You have a period of time that you can help them develop and grow. You are there to provide insights and encouragement when things are difficult, and to celebrate their successes,” Pasterick says wistfully. “What’s incredible about this place is we’ve been able to attract amazing people at all levels and in all disciplines. Our associates are committed to doing their best job because they love what they do. Adam James represents all of that.” 

James has been with Design Collaborative for more than a decade, working his way up through the ranks. He’s spent several years working closely with Pasterick to better prepare for his new role. 

“It’s both exciting and a little nerve wracking,” James admits. “I have really come to appreciate what Pat has been planning for these past 10 years. I can just see the amount of effort and time that he’s put into making sure we’re set up for success, and I’m very thankful for this opportunity. We’ve been working strategically the last couple of years on slowly allowing me to see what the role can be and what the expectations are. Our goal this year was for me to be actively involved in all aspects of the business, including a lot of things behind the scenes so I can continue to learn from Pat.”

James hopes there are very few “ripples in the lake” once Pasterick steps away completely, which is a huge testament to Pasterick’s efforts. He says he’s been learning how to think more strategically and focusing on the firm’s long-term goals.

“As a project manager, you’re thinking about the next month or two with your projects. As CEO, it’s thinking ahead in years,” James stresses. “I’m thinking about where DC needs to be in three to five years to ensure we are there for our clients and prepare for future ones.”

“Plan is a verb around here, not just a noun,” adds Pasterick. “It’s not something that sits on a shelf. It’s something that we’re always thinking about.”

James and his leadership team, which includes 11 other partners, hope to carry on the legacy left by Pasterick, Dick and Wagner. James says they plan to focus on what they do best: serve clients, build relationships, and create exceptional buildings and spaces that improve people’s worlds. That could, someday, include an expansion into another city.

“We love Fort Wayne. It’s our home and many of our kids are growing up here. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the buildings and spaces we’ve designed directly impact the lives of so many, including our own. We love having the opportunity to see this community get better every day and we have, I believe, made a positive impact,” James proudly says. “But to think that there won’t be a third office in another city someday is shortsighted. We’d love that. If we see the opportunity for DC to continue to expand our reach, better serve our clients and have an opportunity to make a difference in another community, we will.”

Pasterick says he’s confident in James’ ability to lead the team into the future because besides being a talented architect and respected leader, James understands the importance of a “people-first” culture.

“We’ve been successful because of the way we’ve been structured from the beginning. We didn’t want DC to be about a few stars. We wanted to create a constellation of stars. As a result, we have a place where talented people want to work because we have great projects, opportunities to grow and a great culture. Not only do they want to work here, they also want to stay here. They want a stake in what we’re doing and a chance to advance to the next level. I think over our 

30+ year history, it’s really supercharged this place,” Pasterick says.

Pasterick says he views retirement from DC as a milepost as opposed to a destination, and plans to stay engaged in northeast Indiana community development efforts. He also plans to coach and consult with other businesses to assist the next generation of corporate leaders. 

James says he’s thankful for Pasterick’s mentorship and guidance and is looking forward to what’s ahead. “More than anything, I’m excited. I’m surrounded by an amazing team and our people are passionate about what we get to do as designers. Our ownership is a selfless group that’s focused on what’s best for the company, and I’m greatly appreciative of their support. We have a ton of experience in our offices that I feed off of to make sure we’re headed in the right direction. I’m a very collaborative person. It sounds cliché with our name, but it’s important every day,” he concludes. “I have a lot to learn myself, but I’m thankful to have good mentors who have been there for me, and I’m excited to play a role in continuing the DC vision that was started by Pat, Ron and Terry over 30 years ago.” 

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