351 - Designing the Sky: The Art and Science of Aviation Architecture
Designing the Future of Flight: A Conversation with John Anthal of Mancini Duffy
In this episode of the Listening with Leaders Podcast, Doug Noll sits down with John Anthal, Principal and Aviation Section Leader at Mancini Duffy, to explore what it takes to design world-class airport experiences. With over a decade of expertise in aviation architecture, John shares how empathy, communication, and technology-driven innovation help create terminals that are as efficient as they are inspiring. His approach blends precision with creativity—demonstrating that great design begins not with blueprints, but with listening.
Designing for Complexity: The Art of Aviation Architecture
Airports, John explains, are living ecosystems—dynamic spaces where architecture, operations, and emotion intersect. Every design decision impacts thousands of travelers, dozens of stakeholders, and a network of moving parts that must work in perfect harmony. Drawing on his experience leading aviation projects at Mancini Duffy, John compares the process to “building a watch while it’s running”—requiring foresight, collaboration, and a deep understanding of human behavior.
One of the defining aspects of John’s leadership is his commitment to trust and transparency. From coordinating with airport authorities and contractors to managing airline clients and brand teams, he emphasizes that trust is earned by delivering on promises and making others’ jobs easier. His philosophy centers on empathy—seeing projects not just through a designer’s lens, but through the eyes of passengers, maintenance crews, and operations teams who live with the results every day.
John also highlights how technology is reshaping aviation design. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and BIM modeling now allow architects to visualize, iterate, and solve problems faster than ever. These tools don’t replace creativity—they enhance it, helping teams communicate ideas more clearly and avoid costly errors before construction begins. Yet, even with all the innovation, John underscores that the most powerful design tool remains the same: listening. By understanding the emotional, operational, and aesthetic needs of every stakeholder, architects can design spaces that not only function efficiently but also elevate the travel experience.
About John Anthal
John Anthal is the Principal and Aviation Section Leader at Mancini Duffy, a 100-year-old architecture and design firm known for its forward-thinking approach to aviation, commercial, and workplace projects. With a background spanning major airport terminal projects across the U.S., John specializes in integrating design innovation, technical expertise, and stakeholder collaboration to create exceptional aviation environments.
About Mancini Duffy
Mancini Duffy is a full-service architecture, planning, and interior design firm redefining the industry through its “Design Lab” innovation platform. Known for its modern approach to design and use of advanced technology, Mancini Duffy creates spaces that blend creativity with functionality—serving clients in aviation, commercial real estate, and urban development.
Links Mentioned in This Episode
Key Episode Highlights:
Why empathy and listening are essential skills for architects and leaders
How technology like AI, AR, and BIM is transforming aviation design
The role of trust and transparency in managing large-scale projects
Balancing detail orientation with big-picture vision in complex environments
Strategies for aligning multiple stakeholders toward a shared goal
Conclusion
My conversation with John Anthal revealed that great architecture, like great leadership, is built on empathy and precision. His work at Mancini Duffy showcases how collaboration, technology, and emotional intelligence come together to shape airports that serve both people and progress.
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