The Beck Group, the integrated architecture and construction firm, promoted Ben Bard to Chief Operating Officer. Bard previously served as Regional Director of the firm’s Atlanta office.

As COO, he will oversee Beck’s operational performance and its regional leadership group. Bard is transitioning into the role under the guidance of Paul Higgins, who has been COO for the last eight years. He retires in 2021, after 39 years with the firm.

“Ben exemplifies The Beck Group’s core values. He is a capable leader who succeeds in all he does. During his time as Regional Director in Atlanta, he constantly evolved and grew our business by earning our clients’ trust and spending time in the trenches with his people. He is strategic and has vision,” said Paul Higgins, “and I look forward to assisting Ben transition into his role and to Dallas.”

Bard started at Beck 15 years ago when he joined as an assistant project manager. He worked his way up the ranks as operations manager of the firm’s Florida division before becoming Regional Director of Atlanta. His success is due to forging strong relationships, a robust work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to deliver challenging projects on time and under budget.

While in Atlanta, Bard used a multi-disciplinary approach to complete complex jobs while simultaneously growing his team. Doing this led to successful projects, expanding the office’s client list, and earning recognition for Beck’s people and projects from multiple AEC organizations.

Recent project recognition includes DBIA awards for projects at Duke University and The Hub at Peachtree Center. Beck was also named Associate Firm of 2019 by NAIOP Georgiaunder his leadership.

As Bard transitions into his corporate role, Ben Watkins is taking over as Regional Director of Atlanta. Watkins, who recently joined Beck, is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience.