Crain's 2026 Notable Leader Jen Minotas on Building a Firm Where People Come First
Long before a space is built or a concept is born, a team of passionate people come together with a unified goal, to positively impact the environments we inhabit.
Over the past ten years, that goal has become a reality thanks to our Founding Partner, Jen Minotas and her vision to help others thrive.
Today, we're proud to celebrate Jen's recognition as one of Crain's 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction. While the recognition is well deserved, those who know Jen understand that her impact extends beyond any award.
Growing a Vision Into a Thriving Firm
In 2015, Jen launched +Detail as a solo venture with a vision of creating thoughtful, human-centered environments that positively impact the people who use them.
What started as one person with an entrepreneurial spirit has grown into a thriving interdisciplinary team of architects, interior designers, graphic designers, and creative problem-solvers serving healthcare, higher education, workplace, and behavioral health clients across the region.
Yet despite the firm's growth, one thing has never changed:
People have always come first.
So much so that the "+" in +Detail represents something larger than design services. It reflects connection, collaboration, curiosity, and the belief that the best outcomes happen when people are empowered to bring their full selves to the table.
Leadership Through Empowerment
One of Jen's greatest strengths as a leader is building people.
Throughout her career, she has consistently invested in helping team members discover and develop their unique talents. She sees potential in others before they see it themselves and creates opportunities for people to grow, contribute, and lead.
Her mentorship, passion for professional development, and creation of leadership opportunities, has created an office environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and people feel supported professionally and personally.
Innovation Begins With Listening
Jen's leadership philosophy also shapes how +Detail approaches innovation.
When clients encountered challenges with maintaining and managing design standards, Jen saw an opportunity to rethink the process entirely.
Instead of accepting industry inefficiencies, she asked a different question:
What if there was a better way?
That question led to the creation of Follio®, an innovative cloud-based platform designed to simplify how organizations develop, manage, and maintain design standards.
What began as a solution for a client challenge has evolved into a powerful tool that helps teams stay aligned, improve efficiency, and create more space for meaningful design work.
The story of Follio reflects Jen’s ability to listen deeply, identify opportunities, and create solutions that improve experiences for others.
Design + Live With Purpose
Over the years, Jen's work has earned recognition from both AIA and IIDA and has contributed to transformative projects across healthcare, behavioral health, workplace, and higher education environments.
Outside the office, Jen is equally committed to the people and experiences that matter most.
As a devoted mother, loving partner, mentor, community advocate, and avid golfer, she understands firsthand the importance of creating space for both personal fulfillment and professional achievement.
The firm embraces the idea that successful careers and meaningful lives should not compete with one another. Instead, they should support and strengthen each other.
It's a philosophy that allows team members to pursue excellence while remaining present for the moments that matter most.
Looking Ahead
As +Detail continues to grow, Jen remains focused on the same principles that guided the firm's earliest days:
- Lead with empathy.
- Invest in people.
- Challenge assumptions.
- Create meaningful connections.
- Design spaces that improve lives.
Her recognition as Crain's 2026 Notable Leader reflects these values in action, and perhaps more importantly, it reflects the impact she has had on the people around her.
The projects are impressive.
The innovation is remarkable.
The growth is undeniable.
But the legacy Jen is building is ultimately about people.
And that's what makes her leadership truly notable.
Congratulations, Jen, on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful for your vision, your courage, and the countless ways you continue to inspire our team, our clients, and our community.
Read more about Crain's 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction.
