Lawrence R. Armstrong
Artist
Artist Statement
Layered Vision
My work, both in Art and Architecture, is an ongoing exploration of the concept of Layers. I have always been aware of, and fascinated by Layers in the Natural and Built Environment. Layers in Space and Time. Layers in Intellect, in Emotion. Synthesis and Interpenetration of Form, of Solid and Void, of Chaos and Order, of Simplicity and Complexity.
Chairman
Chairman Statement
Lawrence is an accomplished architect and strong business leader. He is well known for his strategic, visionary approach to Ware Malcomb’s management and growth, as well as his commitment to fiscal discipline to ensure the overall health of the firm. His strong design ability and focus on creativity and innovation influenced all aspects of the organization. His philosophy of embracing change and rewarding achievement and innovation has resulted in a highly successful, dynamic firm.
“We worked together to form our vision for the company and see what we can do with it.”
Ware Malcomb has become one of Orange County’s largest architectural firms, with nearly 800 employees spanning 28 offices across the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
1
Design
Deliver creativity and commercial real estate expertise to help our clients succeed.
2
Growth
Continuous learning and providing opportunities for our team to maximize potential.
3
Strategies
Synthesizing and adapting inspirations to formulate strategies and execution for growth.
4
Mentor
Build a trusting relationship and provide support while imparting knowledge to advance leadership skills.
5
Fiscal Discipline
Fostering conservative business values for long-term company stability and growth.
6
Team
Cultivate a one team collaborative culture and growth. Activate effective succession plan.
Ware Malcomb is a dynamic, forward-thinking commercial real estate design firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for our clients.
Our diverse, multidisciplinary approach offers innovative design solutions, seamless project management and active community and industry engagement.
We offer a positive and collaborative culture where team members are encouraged to grow their careers, continually learn and innovate. We are highly integrated and team oriented, which benefits our team members, partners and clients.
Mr. Armstrong is Chairman of Ware Malcomb. Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a full-service design firm providing professional architecture, planning, interior design, civil engineering, branding and building measurement services to corporate, commercial / residential developer and public / institutional clients throughout the world. Ware Malcomb is recognized as an Inc. 5000 fastest- growing private company and a Hot Firm by Zweig Group.
Philanthropist
Philanthropist Statement
I believe very strongly in supporting the communities that have made us successful. This includes personal philanthropic causes as well as establishing a culture of giving back at Ware Malcomb. At Ware Malcomb our team members are encouraged to participate in pro bono projects, provide free and at-cost design services, and volunteer hours to numerous charitable organizations.
I am a proud sponsor and participant in the following organizations, among others:
- United Way
- Kent State University
- OC Sherrif’s Advisory Council
“We have established a track record at United to End Homelessness, to house a person with a voucher in 45 days, for only $26,000! Together we can, and we will end homelessness in Orange County.”
Kent State University
Kent State University is Northeast Ohio’s No. 1 choice among public universities. With state support of the university providing less than 20% of its budget, the university relies on private support to ensure student success, enhance academic excellence and innovation, expand breakthrough research, and provide contemporary, high-tech facilities for learning, study and research.
Orange County United Way
The United to End Homelessness℠ initiative, empowered by Orange County United Way, is a powerful collaboration between Orange County’s top business, philanthropic, governmental, faith-based and nonprofit leaders. It also depends on caring residents like you who agree that we must act now if we are to end our community’s housing crisis. United to End Homelessness is committed to ending homelessness in Orange County so that everyone has a place to call home.
CLA OC
CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County (CLAOC) is a coalition of CEOs working together to solve our county’s most urgent problems and build a thriving Orange County for all.
Orange County Community Foundation
In partnership with our donors and community, we combine giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention
to amplify the power of giving and its profound result.
Battleship Iowa Museum
Pacific Battleship Center is an
award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2008 to ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
OC Sheriff’s Advisory Council
The Sheriff’s Advisory Council (SAC) was formed in 1979 as a California non-profit corporation for the purpose of supporting local law enforcement. Public safety agencies must compete for scarce tax dollars with other public entities in government.
Orange County Community Foundation
In partnership with our donors and community, we combine giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result.
Battleship Iowa Museum
Pacific Battleship Center is an award-winning 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2008 to ignite curiosity, connect communities, and enhance understanding of America’s role in maritime peace and prosperity.
Waymakers
A nonprofit resource building safer communities by helping people find their way. Whether redirecting youth offenders, helping sheltered children get back on track, unifying troubled families or resolving community conflicts, Waymakers clears the path.
CHOC Corporate Partners
UCI Chancellors Club
The campaign for UC Irvine is about
a brilliant future for everyone.It’s a celebration of the perseverance, dedication and passion of UC Irvine people who will stop at nothing to transform healthcare and wellness,
to accelerate world-changing research.
Ballet Pacifica
Non-profit offering educational programs and field trips to performances in schools to enrich the arts and inspire our youth.
UCI Chancellors Club
The campaign for UC Irvine is about a brilliant future for everyone.It’s a celebration of the perseverance, dedication and passion of UC Irvine people who will stop at nothing to transform healthcare and wellness, to advance the American dream, to accelerate world-changing research.
CHOC Corporate Partners
At CHOC, Long Live Childhood is our mantra. It is our rallying cry. We live it. We breathe it. We practice it. Every day. In every way. That’s why we’ve assembled a mighty brigade dedicated to giving kids the best chance of growing into healthy, happy adults.
Reflection on United Way’s United to End Homelessness campaign:
“The idea was to try to understand all the work going on to combat the homeless situation; identify the gaps and what wasn’t being done; and what could be improved by involving the business community and others.”
This is just one example of Lawrence’s far-reaching philanthropy and what giving back means to him.
Author
Author Statement
Lawrence R. Armstrong embodies the Renaissance approach to life. His tenure as CEO of Ware Malcomb is hallmarked by an unprecedented 40x revenue growth, guiding Ware Malcomb to international prominence. Lawrence’s strategic, visionary approach to design and business have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant in business. Layered Leadership encapsulates Lawrence’s decades of leadership experience, offering actionable insights on building strong, dynamic teams and fostering innovation—principles that have driven Ware Malcomb’s success.