The Power of Partnership: How Perkins&Will Project Managers Build Trust, Balance, and Better Design with Koko Nomura and Nirmala Srinivasa

What makes a strong project management partnership—and how does it transform the way design projects unfold? In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Koko Nomura and Nirmala Srinivasa, senior project managers at Perkins&Will, about their unique collaborative dynamic.

From navigating cultural and generational differences to leading teams through conflict with grace, Koko and Nirmala unpack how their complementary strengths create a “work marriage” that benefits colleagues, clients, and the design process itself. They also explore the evolving role of project managers, common misconceptions about the profession, and the importance of modeling open communication for younger staff.

Listeners will come away with practical strategies for:

• Building trust and respect among diverse project teams
• Embracing “creative abrasion” as a driver of innovation
• Leading by example to foster collaboration across generations
• Navigating conflict with empathy and resilience

Whether you’re managing projects, leading teams, or simply curious about the human side of design leadership, this episode offers a candid look at how partnership can elevate both process and product.

Meet Our Guests

Key Moments in This Episode

• 00:00:05 – Setting the Stage
  Host Robert Nieminen introduces the episode’s theme: project management beyond budgets and schedules, highlighting collaboration, trust, and leadership.
• 00:01:33 – Meet the Guests
  Robert welcomes Koko Nomura and Nirmala Srinivasa, senior project managers at Perkins&Will, who describe their unique partnership as a “work marriage.”
• 00:02:52 – Koko’s Band Leader Approach
  Koko shares her philosophy of project management as conducting a symphony—keeping diverse teams harmonized to create “beautiful music” together.
• 00:03:36 – Nirmala’s Global Journey
  Nirmala reflects on her career path from India to Singapore to the U.S., explaining how her international experiences shaped her design management approach.
• 00:05:17 – Building Trust Through Shared Values
  The duo explains how cultural backgrounds, mutual respect, and aligned goals laid the foundation for their strong collaboration.
• 00:07:07 – Defining a “Work Marriage”
  Koko and Nirmala unpack the concept of a work marriage—open communication, honesty without judgment, and trust that elevates both people and projects.
• 00:09:32 – Misconceptions About Project Managers
  They challenge the stereotype that PMs only focus on paperwork, budgets, and schedules, instead describing their role as relationship builders, problem solvers, and design advocates.
• 00:12:45 – Calming the Chaos
  Nirmala explains how she and Koko align their roles in early project phases to prevent conflicts, provide clarity, and “calm the chaos” of large projects.
• 00:15:26 – Case Study: Dallas Studio Renovation
  They recall working together on Perkins&Will’s Dallas office renovation, showing how their complementary strengths solved a budget challenge without sacrificing design.
• 00:17:39 – Trust, Communication, and Leading by Example
  The guests stress the importance of listening, validating ideas, and modeling respect to foster open communication across teams.
• 00:20:32 – Embracing Creative Abrasion
  Koko introduces the idea of “creative abrasion”—healthy conflict that sparks innovation—and shares strategies for navigating tough conversations.
• 00:24:39 – Ripple Effects on Teams and Clients
  Strong PM partnerships ripple outward, creating trust within teams and elevating client outcomes through design excellence.
• 00:27:23 – Mentoring Younger Staff
  They emphasize investing time in younger colleagues, listening actively, and encouraging curiosity as key to fostering collaboration across generations.
• 00:31:24 – Advice for Building Trust Across Differences
  Both guests offer practical tips for PMs struggling to connect with colleagues of different styles—finding common ground, showing grace, and focusing on the work.
• 00:34:36 – The Future of Project Management
  Koko and Nirmala discuss how PMs must remain adaptable in the face of AI, modular construction, and shifting client demands, with resilience as their core strength.
• 00:37:54 – The Value of Trusted Partnerships
  They close with reflections on why project managers thrive when they have a trusted partner to share the workload, brainstorm solutions, and celebrate successes.
• 00:39:32 – Parting Thoughts
  Koko and Nirmala reaffirm their passion for supporting their teams and producing the best possible projects through trust and collaboration.