“Today’s facilities must do more than support production though; there is a greater focus on talent retention, employee wellness, sustainability, and adaptability,” Shearer continued.

With nearly 15 years of experience, Hughes is a recognized voice in industrial and commercial design. His industrial and logistics design portfolio includes Avondale Tech Center in Avondale, Arizona; 635 Exchange in Dallas; and Nexus Commerce Center in Tempe, Arizona.

As design leader at DLR Group, Hughes’ work focuses on creating cohesive, human-centered spaces where materiality, scale, and detail support a unified experience. His process blends early visualization with careful attention to constructability, grounding ideas in both atmosphere and feasibility. He brings a strong combination of visual storytelling and technical coordination, ensuring projects move from concept to execution with clarity and intent.

“Great design is about creating environments that inspire, engage, comfort, and connect. At DLR Group, our work helps shape how people feel, experience, and interact with the spaces around them, creating thoughtful, functional environments that support everyday life,” said Associate and Workplace Design Leader Ryan Hughes.

DLR Group applies this philosophy to transform industrial and manufacturing facilities, including Avondale Commerce Park and the Sub-Zero manufacturing facility in Arizona, into thoughtfully designed workspaces that balance efficiency, comfort, and functionality while fostering a positive, productive environment.