Lawrence R. Armstrong, ’79, ’80, returned to his alma mater Thursday, Feb. 27, to share insights from his first book, “Layered Leadership.” Offered as both an in-person and virtual event, more than 100 individuals from the community attended to hear the author describe his holistic, humanist approach to leadership and how that has propelled his firm, , into a globally recognized architecture and design powerhouse.
“Layered Leadership,” published in early March 2025, a and recipient of a , explores the importance of a long-term strategic vision that offers flexibility to pivot and implement creative solutions when needed. The book challenges readers to take daring risks and develop self-awareness, empowering them to address gaps in their leadership skills and maximize growth opportunities. It also highlights the need for personal well-being and balance as critical tools to help leaders cultivate resilience and maintain focus.
Larry, who was CEO of Ware Malcomb for more than 25 years and now serves as chair of its Board of Directors, uses the concept of layering to illustrate how combining personal, professional and creative elements can lead to effective leadership.
“The inspiration for ‘Layered Leadership’ came from my experiences at Ware Malcomb and my passion for art and architecture,” said Larry. “I saw a unique opportunity to blend these disciplines with leadership principles to create a multidimensional approach to effective leadership. I want to help business leaders gain a different perspective and insight into leading and motivating people to build strong organizations.”
Along with being an accomplished executive and architect, Larry is a talented artist. He uses a layering technique for his artwork that often incorporates various materials to produce a multidimensional finished piece. His work has been featured throughout the U.S. in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York and California, and internationally in Madrid, Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome, Vienna and Toronto.
He and his wife Sandra, who also attended Kent State, are prolific supporters of architecture, fashion and global education. They served as co-chairs of the university’s last comprehensive fundraising campaign, and Larry is a member of the Foundation Board of Directors.
He was among one of the earliest classes to study abroad in Florence, Italy, in the 1970s, an experience that transformed his life and left a lasting impression to this day. In fact, in recognition of the Armstrongs’ generous support of global education, Kent State has named The Lawrence R. and Sandra C. Armstrong Architecture Study Abroad Program in Florence in their honor.