Year Ten at Republic kicked off with our largest Republic Off-Site to date, bringing together 35 team members for thoughtful conversations and fresh perspectives. These gatherings have become a cornerstone of our culture, and this one was no exception. Stepping outside the studio gave the #PeopleOfRepublic space to connect in new ways and contribute to strategic planning with openness and honesty. Every voice mattered, and together we helped shape the path forward for Republic.

Our team continued to grow, welcoming Sandra Schmidtke as Proposal Writer to strengthen our Marketing and Communications efforts. Claire Spearman and César Cruz Cázares added their architectural talents, while Tom Langrell brought his design expertise—and a few signature vernacularisms—to our Interiors team. Each new addition brought unique energy and skill, further enriching the fabric of our studio.

True to Republic tradition, we also made space for inspiration. Retreat #10 took us to Miami, FLA, where design, culture, and beachside conversations sparked lasting memories. For many, it was one of the most unforgettable retreats to date. What we didn’t know then: it would also mark the end of an era—our last retreat in its traditional form before the world changed.

Then came COVID-19.

Like everyone, we had to pivot, sometimes daily, as we navigated the uncertainty of a global pandemic. What began as a temporary shift to working from home quickly became something more. Those early days of laptops at kitchen tables and video calls sparked a deeper evolution in how we work: reaffirming our belief that people should work where they’re most productive.

That mindset had always been part of our Activity-Based Workplace (ABW) at RAINO—but the pandemic pushed us further. It gave us the chance to embrace agility and flexibility in new ways, whether we were in the studio or working remotely.

Through it all, the team showed up. Projects moved forward. Connections endured—even at a safe distance. By the end of Year Ten, we had reached 497 projects in our portfolio, standing at the edge of another milestone.

Year Ten reminded us that while we can’t always predict what’s ahead, we can adapt, grow, and move forward—together.