Engineering Influence from ACEC: Recent Episodes
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In this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with Boris Martin, CEO of Engineers Without Borders USA, to talk about how purpose-driven engineering is reshaping careers and communities alike. Boris shares how EWB-USA partners with communities around the world and here at home to solve real infrastructure challenges. Volunteering on meaningful projects builds stronger, more fulfilled engineers. We discuss how firms can support purpose-driven work to boost retention and engagement, and what the next generation of community-focused engineering leadership looks like.
For more information or to connect, email CEO@ewb-usa.org.
On this episode of Engineering Influence, host Jeff sits down with Sean Young from NVIDIA to explore how artificial intelligence — particularly agentic AI and large language models — is reshaping the AEC industry.
Sean and Jeff discuss why firms should start treating project data as valuable IP, how AI agents can automate repetitive CAD and BIM tasks, and the ways AI is accelerating design iteration. They also dig into why engineering firms need to position themselves as technology- and AI-first organizations to stay competitive.
The conversation highlights findings from the ACEC Research Institute's Firm of the Future initiative, along with practical steps firms can take right now to scale expertise across their teams and free up engineers to focus on higher-value design decisions.
As demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, successful data center development depends on more than identifying available land. Developers and engineering teams must navigate permitting challenges, stakeholder concerns, community sentiment, and political dynamics that can significantly impact project outcomes.
In this episode of The Market Edge, Diana O'Lare sits down with Flypower CEO Navdeep Martin to discuss how AI-powered site selection and community risk intelligence are helping teams answer two critical questions: Should we build here? and What is our path to approval?
ACEC position statement on data center development: https://www.acec.org/resource/45007/
Strategic Communications for Mission Critical & Pubic Facing Projects: https://netforum.acec.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=ACECAOOE10&prdKey=CCBDE0C4-55A5-4128-988E-2AE51A97BC2F&pc=ee
Learn More about Flypower: https://flypower.io/
A big thank you to Autodesk, the sponsor of Engineering Influence at this year's convention. Autodesk partners with the AECO industry and its leaders to shape a more connected, data-driven future, empowering engineers to work more intelligently and to make confident decisions to drive meaningful impact. This enables firms to evolve, stay competitive, and deliver stronger business outcomes, all while designing a better world. So thank you again to Autodesk.
This episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast features Mark Van Elden of the Life Health Trust and Dr. Brian Hill of HIP Nation discussing the growing health care crisis affecting employers and employees. They explore the rapid rise in costs, the failures of fee-for-service primary care, prescription drug pricing, and the promising—but uncertain—impact of GLP-1 drugs.
The conversation covers solutions such as direct primary care subscription models, the role of incentives and consolidation in driving costs, and the medical concerns and long-term implications of weight-loss medications. Practical insights for employers on coverage, utilization, and improving workforce health are provided throughout.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with the CEO of FIDIC to explore the forces reshaping the engineering profession worldwide. We discuss how global standards help firms navigate cross-border projects, the growing role of artificial intelligence in engineering practice, and what it will take to build and retain a skilled workforce for the future. It's a conversation about where the industry is headed — and how firms can prepare for what's next.
Data is one of the most valuable assets an engineering firm has—but only if it's collected, connected, and put to work.
On this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with Deb Johnston of Tonic DM to discuss how engineering firms can transform the way they manage project data. Deb explains how Tonic DM helps firms streamline data collection, eliminate redundant processes, improve workflows, and ensure critical information is optimized rather than wasted.
From reducing inefficiencies to creating better decision-making across projects, this conversation explores why smarter data management is becoming essential for firms looking to improve productivity, collaboration, and long-term performance.
🎧 Listen now to discover how optimizing your data can unlock greater value across your entire organization.
This episode explains Progressive Design‑Build: a qualifications‑based, two‑phase delivery method that brings contractors and designers together early to develop preliminary designs, set firm prices, and use disciplined decision gates.
The ACEC Research Institute study shows increasing adoption, generally strong project outcomes, and uneven readiness across firms and owners. Success depends on rigorous collaboration, timely executive decision‑making, and building the skills needed for this more integrated approach—offering new opportunities for firms and clients.
View the key findings of the Progressive Design Build Study Findings: https://www.acec.org/resource/progressive-design-build-recommendations-for-owners-and-pdb-teams-on-effective-project-delivery/
View Full Progressive Design Build Study: https://netforum.acec.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=ACECAOPP20&prdKey=243AD001-D82A-4558-8C2B-965B41694AD4&pc=pp
View 2025 Progressive Design Build Study: https://www.acec.org/resource/progressive-design-build-practice-perceptions-and-potential/
Policy is moving fast — and markets are moving with it. In this episode of The Market Edge, Morgan Stanley’s Monica Guerra breaks down the biggest forces set to shape the U.S. economy in 2026. We cover midterms, industrial policy, labor supply, inflation, energy markets, construction financing, housing demand, and the rise of data‑center‑driven digital infrastructure. A must‑listen for leaders navigating the future of the built environment.
How can the engineering industry attract, develop, and retain the next generation of talent? On this episode of Engineering Influence, ACEC sits down with Tera Kaltsas, Designer Initiative Lead and Employee Experience Specialist at Kimley-Horn, to discuss innovative workforce development strategies that are helping shape the future of the profession.
Tera shares insights into Kimley-Horn’s and Autodesk's new initiative for talent development, employee engagement, and leadership cultivation, this groundbreaking partnership with two-year colleges to create new pathways into engineering and related careers.
Tune in to learn how these initiatives are expanding opportunities, strengthening the talent pipeline, and helping meet the workforce demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
Whether you're an engineering leader, HR professional, educator, or student, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on building a stronger, more inclusive workforce for the future.
In this episode, ACEC’s Jeff Urbanchuk sits down with Jack Hsueh of Autodesk to explore how engineering firms can deliver more with constrained resources through digital project delivery.
From connected data and collaborative workflows to automation and digital twins, they discuss how technology is transforming project execution across the industry. Jack shares insights from major initiatives like the LA28 Olympics and PennDOT, highlighting the importance of object-level data and interoperable systems to reduce rework, save time, and improve outcomes.
The conversation also dives into the evolving role of AI in AEC, including automation, augmentation, analysis, Autodesk’s AEC data model, the Model Context Protocol (MCP), and the Autodesk Assistant bringing context-aware AI directly into design tools.
The episode concludes with practical advice for firms looking to build capacity and resilience: treat digital delivery as a business strategy, invest in digital literacy, create repeatable processes, and pilot AI with clear governance.
🎧 Listen now and learn how firms can unlock greater efficiency, better decision-making, and stronger project outcomes through digital transformation.
On the latest episode of Engineering Influence, former House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee leaders Bill Shuster and Peter DeFazio come together for a candid discussion on the future of America's infrastructure. Drawing on years of bipartisan leadership, they reflect on major transportation investments, lessons learned in Congress, and the opportunities ahead to strengthen the nation's infrastructure and economy.
Tune in to hear their insights on policy, project delivery, and the vital role engineers play in building a more connected and resilient America.
What does it take to undo 100 years of harm to one of America's great rivers? In this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with the team winner of ACEC's 2026 Grand Conceptor Award, McMillen Engineering.
McMillen, Inc. earned ACEC's top honor for the Klamath River Renewal Project, the world's largest dam removal and river restoration effort. Once the third-largest salmon-producing river system on the West Coast, the Klamath had been blocked for over a century by four aging hydroelectric dams.
McMillen coordinated among six Tribal nations, more than 21 agencies, and dozens of public, private, and nonprofit partners.
They turned decades of division into a unified path forward. The results speak for themselves: within months of final dam removal, salmon and lamprey returned to upstream reaches not accessed for generations.
Hear how precision engineering, Indigenous-led collaboration, and a bold vision for restoration came together to set a new global standard.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we sit down with Joe Bates of the ACEC Research Institute to break down the findings from the Q2 Engineering Business Sentiment Report.
Joe dives into the latest data on how engineering firms are feeling about business conditions, workload, hiring, and the overall economic outlook. Whether you're a firm principal, project manager, or industry observer, this episode delivers the insights you need to understand where the engineering business landscape is headed.
About the ACEC Research Institute: The ACEC Research Institute is the research arm of the American Council of Engineering Companies, dedicated to advancing knowledge and providing data-driven insights for the engineering industry.
📢 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Engineering Influence!
Read the Full Report Here: https://www.acec.org/resource/engineering-business-sentiment-q2-2026/
A big thank you to Autodesk, the sponsor of Engineering Influence at this year's convention. Autodesk partners with the AECO industry and its leaders to shape a more connected, data-driven future, empowering engineers to work more intelligently and to make confident decisions to drive meaningful impact. This enables firms to evolve, stay competitive, and deliver stronger business outcomes, all while designing a better world. So thank you again to Autodesk.
Recording from the 2026 ACEC Convention, Politico's Jonathan Martin discusses congressional culture, the shift from centrist policymaking to polarized primaries, and the need to address gerrymandering. The episode highlights the rise of authenticity and the popularity of long-form media like Martin's "On the Road" podcast and discusses Martin's new book, "This Will Not Pass."
Communities across the country are facing a new era of water challenges — from shifting climate patterns and extreme rainfall to growing stormwater demands, groundwater stress, and pressure from water-intensive industries. In this episode, we sit down with water‑resources expert Camilla Correll to explore how watershed governance is evolving, what climate trends matter most for the next decade, and how innovative stormwater infiltration, capture, and reuse strategies are reshaping local infrastructure. We also dig into funding gaps, federal policy shifts, and the practical steps engineers and communities can take to build resilient, future‑ready water systems.
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies coming to you from our 2026 convention and legislative summit in Washington, D.C. Host interviews Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham about the state of American politics, the erosion of institutions, parallels between the 1920s and today, the rise of nationalized and atomized political discourse, and the question of whether 'Trump' or 'Trumpism' will define the coming years. Meacham discusses his new book, "American Struggle," and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the American experiment and the role of history in understanding and responding to current challenges.
A big thank you to Autodesk, the sponsor of Engineering Influence at this year's convention. Autodesk partners with the AECO industry and its leaders to shape a more connected, data-driven future, empowering engineers to work more intelligently and to make confident decisions to drive meaningful impact. This enables firms to evolve, stay competitive, and deliver stronger business outcomes, all while designing a better world. So thank you again to Autodesk.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, ACEC’s Thomas Grogan sits down with Dan Palo of Barr Engineering to unpack one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics shaping our future: critical minerals.
What exactly makes a mineral “critical”? Why are materials like lithium, rare earth elements, copper, and uranium suddenly at the center of conversations around energy, infrastructure, and national security?
Dan breaks it all down—exploring how these essential resources power everything from batteries and electrification to data centers and advanced technologies. The conversation also dives into the growing urgency around supply chain resilience and how the U.S. is responding through research investments, public–private partnerships, and renewed efforts to boost domestic production.
But it’s not without challenges. From complex permitting processes to workforce development gaps and the need for better recycling and reuse (circularity), the path forward requires coordination, innovation, and long-term thinking.
The episode wraps with a grounded, practical message: building durable, bipartisan support for domestic critical mineral development starts with better public understanding. Education, transparency, and collaboration will be key to securing the resources that underpin modern life.
Tune in for a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation on the materials powering our world—and what it will take to ensure a stable, sustainable supply for generations to come.
The residential market is shifting fast, and Diana O’ Lare and Mollie Carmichael of Zonda Homes break down what’s driving it—from rising rates and affordability pressures to the surge in build‑for‑rent, active adult, and multigenerational living—while highlighting the regions outperforming expectations, the looming boomer wealth transfer reshaping demand, and the policy ideas that could finally move the needle on affordability, giving engineering firms a clear view of what’s coming next.
In Part 2 of our conversation with Ardurra on Engineering Influence, host Jeff Urbanchuk picks back up with Ernesto Aguilar, President and CEO of Ardurra Group, diving deeper into the topics that matter most to engineering firm leaders right now.
After covering Ardurra's meteoric rise from a small regional firm to a national water and infrastructure leader, Jeff and Ernesto shift the focus to what sustains that growth over the long haul. Ernesto shares his perspective on one of the industry's most pressing challenges: workforce development.
Attracting the next generation of engineers, retaining top talent in a competitive market, and building a culture where people actually want to build their careers. The episode also explores the accelerating role of technology in engineering practice.
From AI to digital delivery tools, Ernesto reflects on how Ardura is approaching innovation. What does it mean to future-proof a firm? What tools are actually moving the needle? And then there's the question of value — perhaps the most important and most underrated conversation in the industry.
Ernesto makes a compelling case for why engineering firms need to start articulating the true impact of their work.
Missed Part 1? Go back and listen to hear how Ardurra grew from a regional firm to a national infrastructure powerhouse: https://youtu.be/BeB7U8SevRM
Greg Kelly, CEO of STV, and Vice Chair of the ACEC Research Institute appeared on WTBQ-AM in New York to discuss the Institute's new research on the national shortage of engineers. The shortage is being driven by a combination of retirements, visa limits for international graduates, and a shrinking recruitment pipeline. Greg explains how firms use internships, mentorship, and competitive salaries to attract new talent.
The conversation covers how AI will augment—not replace—engineers, the importance of human judgment in safe design, and the lasting legacy of infrastructure projects that connect communities.
Resources such as ACEC scholarships and outreach to schools are highlighted as practical steps to grow and diversify the next generation of engineers.
What happens when an industry faces a talent shortage serious enough to threaten its future? You stop waiting and start building the pipeline yourself.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, host Jeff Urbanchuk sits down with leaders from ACEC Missouri, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and SCI Engineering to tackle one of the profession's most pressing challenges: the growing engineering workforce shortage — and what the industry is actually doing about it.
At the center of the conversation is an innovative new Missouri initiative designed to reach students long before they ever set foot on a college campus.
The program takes a "teach the teacher" approach, equipping K–12 educators with hands-on, thematic learning modules they can bring directly into their classrooms — sparking curiosity about engineering careers at the earliest stages of a student's education.
Guests break down how the initiative works in practice, from the summer teacher camp experience to the role private firms play through sponsorships that make the program possible. The discussion digs into the power of industry-academia collaboration — and why partnerships between engineering firms and universities are essential to moving the needle on workforce development.
The episode also looks ahead: what does scaling this program look like, and how can it serve as a model for attracting and retaining the next generation of engineers across Missouri and beyond? Whether you're a firm principal thinking about talent strategy, an educator looking to bring real-world relevance to your classroom, or simply someone who cares about the future of the profession.
The health care and science+technology market is undergoing profound change — not just in how care is delivered, but in the physical environments where it happens. From AI-powered research labs to rural hospital closures, the forces reshaping this $70 billion sector are creating both urgent challenges and significant opportunities for engineering and design firms. ACEC's Winter/Spring 2026 Market Intelligence Brief identifies five trends that will define the market in the years ahead.
Download the Market Intelligence Brief: https://www.acec.org/resources/market-intelligence/
What does it take to grow a small regional engineering firm into a nationally recognized, private equity-backed water infrastructure platform — in just nine years?
In this episode of Engineering Influence, Ernesto Aguilar, CEO of Ardurra, takes us behind the scenes of one of the most intentional growth stories in the AEC industry. Ernesto walks through Ardura's evolution from its early days as a focused regional practice to a multi-market firm operating across what he calls the "Big Smile" markets — a strategic geographic arc where population growth, aging infrastructure, and capital investment are converging to create enormous demand for water-focused engineering services.
Ernesto speaks candidly about the discipline behind their selective M&A strategy — why they pass on deals that don't fit, what they look for in a cultural match, and how they structure integrations to make sure acquired firms don't lose what made them great in the first place. Central to that effort are employee councils, an internal mechanism Ardura uses to maintain connection, trust, and continuity as the firm scales.
The conversation also pulls back the curtain on what it's actually like to work with a private equity partner. Ernesto challenges some of the industry's assumptions about PE-backed firms, explaining how the right capital partner can accelerate mission-driven work rather than undermine it — and what engineering leaders should understand before entering that kind of relationship.
Beyond Ardura's own journey, Ernesto offers a broader perspective on the state of water infrastructure in America — the funding landscape, the urgency of reinvestment, and why the engineering profession must get better at communicating the value of its work. He makes a compelling case for advocacy and innovation as twin imperatives: that the firms and professionals who will define the next decade are those who not only deliver excellent technical work, but who actively shape the policy environment and public understanding around infrastructure investment.
Whether you're a firm leader thinking about growth strategy, an engineer curious about the PE landscape, or simply someone who cares about the future of water systems in this country, this episode is packed with insight.
Joe Bates, Senior Researcher at the ACEC Research Institute, sits down with WSVA-AM/FM Harrisonburg, VA Radio Station to discuss the engineering shortage that the U.S. faces.
In 2022 about 184,000 engineers retired or left while only 166,000 new engineers entered the workforce, creating an 18,000‑person shortfall.
The radio interview covers causes (retirements, career changes, and restrictive H‑1B visa caps that block many international graduates from staying), the economic impact on projects and companies, and solutions like boosting recruitment in K–12, updating university programs (including AI skills), and policy changes to retain trained international engineers.
How confident are engineering firm leaders heading into 2026? In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, Jeff Urbanchuk sits down with Joe Bates, Senior Researcher at the ACEC Research Institute, to break down the findings from the newly released Q1 2026 Engineering Business Sentiment Report. This quarterly report captures insights from CEOs and senior executives at ACEC member firms across the country, offering a real-time look at engineering industry outlook, economic confidence, workforce trends, AI adoption, and federal policy impacts.
Key Topics Covered:
📈 Engineering Industry Outlook 2026 – Why firms are entering the year from a position of strength
💼 Business Sentiment & Economic Confidence – U.S. economy sentiment jumps 11 points to +45
👷 Workforce & Hiring Trends – 9 out of 10 firms still have open positions
💰 Wage Growth Trends – Compensation increases easing from double digits to 6–7%
🏛️ Federal Policy & Government Shutdown Risks – How funding uncertainty is impacting firm confidence
🤖 AI Adoption in Engineering Firms – Nearly half of firms now have an AI strategy in place
📐 Small vs. Large Firm AI Implementation – Why smaller firms may have competitive advantages
🚀 The Firm of the Future Initiative – New research on AI, workforce strategy, value-based pricing, and risk management
Learn more at www.acecresearchinstitute.org.
Download the Full Report: https://www.acec.org/resource/engineering-business-sentiment-q1-2026/
How is engineering evolving — and what does the future demand from today’s leaders? Host, Molly Tuttle is joined by Rodney Chester and Kathy Renzetti for an engaging Engineering Week discussion on resilience, mentorship, and the power of engineering to strengthen communities. From lessons learned to what’s next for the industry, this conversation highlights the people and purpose driving engineering forward.
From the devices in our pockets to the bridges we drive across, from clean water systems to lifesaving medical innovations, engineering touches every part of our lives. That’s why each year, Engineers Week is a time to celebrate the people who make all this possible—and to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
This year’s theme, Transform Your Future, is a powerful reminder that engineering doesn’t just shape our world—it shapes our opportunities, our communities, and the futures we can imagine for ourselves and our children. Check out ACEC's resources and toolkit to celebrate Engineers Week: https://www.acec.org/news/engineers-week-2026/
In this episode of the Market Edge podcast, we connect the dots between policy, planning, engineering, and financing to reveal what it truly takes to build resilient communities in an era of growing risk.
Our conversation explores how public and private sector leaders can collaborate to reduce vulnerability before disaster strikes. We dive into the role engineers play not just in rebuilding after crises—but in shaping smarter systems, influencing policy, and guiding investments that strengthen communities for the long term.
Brock Storrusten and Dennis Boone join ACEC’s Engineering Influence to explore how AI and large language models are rapidly transforming the AEC industry—and what engineering firms can do right now to adopt these tools responsibly. In this episode, they break down the real-world opportunities AI presents, from streamlining marketing automation to leveraging existing tools for everyday workflows.
They also dive into the critical safeguards firms need in place, including data classification, governance frameworks, risk management strategies, and vendor vetting to ensure sensitive information stays protected.
Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable guidance on how to get started: develop practical AI usage policies, begin with small-scale pilots using public or enterprise tools, and gradually integrate internal data in a secure, structured way to unlock long-term productivity and innovation across the engineering profession.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, we sit down with Betsy Bond from Prosci to discuss the importance of good change management in the AEC industry. In today’s rapidly evolving engineering landscape, even the best technical solutions can fall short if organizations struggle to adopt and sustain change.
Leaders need the skills to guide teams through transitions, reduce resistance, and ensure new processes, technologies, and strategies deliver their intended value.
ACEC is excited to partner with Prosci to offer their Change Management Certification Program, a world-class, immersive learning experience designed to equip engineering professionals with the tools, expertise, and ongoing support needed to lead successful organizational change.
Learn More & Register Now: https://www.acec.org/education-events/education/online-education/prosci-change-management-certification/
In this episode, Diana O’Lare sits down with Phil Crone, Vice President of State and Regulatory Affairs at Leading Builders of America, for an in-depth conversation on the U.S. housing affordability crisis—and what political and regulatory hurdles exist.
Together, they unpack the real-world challenges driving up costs and limiting supply, including permitting delays and the need for reform, the growing burden of regulatory and compliance costs, and how factors like institutional buyers and workforce shortages are reshaping the housing market. They also explore the evolving role of energy efficiency requirements, as well as the design, infrastructure, and construction innovations that could help accelerate production and expand access to more attainable homes.
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the policies and solutions that can help make housing more affordable for more Americans.
On this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, host Diana O’Lare sits down with Peter Nabhan to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly GPU-driven workloads—is reshaping the future of data center development. As AI adoption accelerates, demand for power is surging, fueling the rise of massive, campus-scale data center projects across the U.S.
The conversation dives into the evolving strategies of hyperscalers and co-location providers, the growing strain on the electric grid, and the increasing role of on-site power generation. Diana and Peter also unpack the critical engineering challenges around cooling, water usage, and sustainability, while spotlighting the top U.S. markets seeing the most rapid growth.
Finally, they tackle the big question facing the industry: Are we heading toward an oversupply of data centers—or is this simply the next major technology cycle transforming the built environment?
Read the Market Intelligence Data Brief: https://www.acec.org/resource/special-edition-data-centers-market-intelligence-brief-fall-2025/
In this episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, RS&H CEO Lisa Robert offers an in-depth look at the firm’s expanding journey into employee ownership and how it’s reshaping every corner of the organization. Robert explains why broadening participation through all-associate stock offerings has become a powerful cultural engine—strengthening retention, enhancing recruitment, and creating a deeper sense of shared purpose across teams. By giving employees a true stake in the company’s future, RS&H is fostering a more entrepreneurial, engaged, and client-focused workforce.
She also provides an inside perspective on RS&H’s 2030 “Amplify” strategy, a long-range plan designed to position the firm for resilient, sustainable growth. Robert highlights the strategy’s central pillars, including an intensified focus on the firm’s core strengths in transportation and aviation, expanded innovation capacity, and long-term value creation for clients and communities.
Throughout the conversation, she illustrates how employee ownership integrates seamlessly into this vision—fueling accountability, empowering decision-making, and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to lasting community impact.
At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, global futurist, author, and CEO of Tomorrow, Mike Walsh delivers a compelling vision for how artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the business of engineering. Walsh explains why we are entering a new industrial revolution—one driven not by mechanical automation, but by the emergence of digital workers capable of reasoning, making decisions, and executing specialized tasks once performed exclusively by humans.
He breaks down the core strategic shifts engineering firms must embrace to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape. He highlights the growing importance of unique, proprietary data as the foundation for competitive advantage, and explores how digital twins can transform planning, modeling, and real-time operations. He also challenges firms to rethink the very nature of work, describing how leaders can redesign processes to maximize the complementary strengths of both people and machines.
Throughout the conversation, Walsh offers practical guidance for engineering executives, project managers, and technical teams looking to adopt AI not simply as a tool, but as a catalyst for innovation and organizational reinvention. From reshaping client services to optimizing project delivery and cultivating new forms of expertise, he outlines clear pathways for firms to use AI to accelerate performance and build long-term strategic value.
This episode provides a forward-looking roadmap for anyone in the engineering industry seeking to understand the profound changes reshaping the profession—and how visionary leaders can harness AI to build a more adaptive, resilient, and future-ready organization.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, we take a deep dive into how Bentley Systems’ and Seequent are bringing together more than just technology. Our guests explain how real-time subsurface data sharing is transforming design workflows, enhancing collaboration between field teams and engineers, and laying the groundwork for more robust digital twin capabilities across the entire project lifecycle.
The conversation explores the next generation of design automation through innovations such as OpenSite+, AI-driven Copilots, grading optimization tools, and automated drawing production. The guests also address critical topics including data governance, security policies, and how cloud-based platforms ensure trust and transparency in an increasingly digital workflow. Together, they paint a clear picture of how these technologies accelerate project delivery, reduce risk, elevate design quality, and make sophisticated engineering tools accessible to firms of every size.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with Apurva Sawant, a transportation project manager at Jacobs, whose professional and personal journey spans continents, disciplines, and leadership roles. Apurva reflects on her early years in India, where an unexpected spark of curiosity led her toward engineering—a field that would eventually guide her across the world to the United States. She shares how Denver, with its thriving infrastructure community and opportunities for growth, became the place she chose to call home.
Apurva opens up about the pivotal mentors who helped shape her path, offering insight into how thoughtful guidance supported her shift from hands-on technical work to managing complex projects and leading diverse teams. She discusses what it means to build confidence in your expertise, how to recognize your potential, and why strong mentorship can make all the difference—especially for young professionals navigating the early stages of their careers.
Throughout the conversation, Apurva provides actionable advice for rising engineers: be proactive, ask questions early and often, embrace collaboration, and seek out mentors who challenge and support you. She also shares her broader vision as a project leader—driving work that meaningfully improves communities, from safer transportation systems to more accessible infrastructure, while inspiring the next generation of engineering professionals.
This episode offers an honest and motivating look at career growth, leadership development, and the power of building supportive networks within the engineering industry.
At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, we sit down with ACEC Scholarship recipient Evan Lopez, whose journey from Rutgers University to Clemson University reflects both determination and a deepening passion for solving real-world engineering challenges. In this episode, Evan opens up about how he discovered industrial engineering, why the discipline’s blend of systems thinking and practical problem-solving resonated with him, and the professors, mentors, and academic programs that pushed him to grow beyond the classroom.
Evan also shares his emerging career focus on geothermal energy—a field he believes will play a transformative role in the nation’s clean-energy transition. He talks about the increasing need for engineers who can integrate technical expertise with sustainability goals, and why hands-on experience in labs, co-ops, and fieldwork is essential for the next generation of engineering professionals.
We discuss how the ACEC scholarship is not just financial support but a catalyst for Evan’s long-term ambitions: securing competitive internships, pursuing his master’s degree, and ultimately earning his Professional Engineer license. His story highlights how early investment in young engineers fuels innovation, broadens the talent pipeline, and strengthens the future of the industry.
Tune in for a conversation about mentorship, emerging energy technologies, and the opportunities that shape tomorrow’s engineering leaders.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, host Shreya Jain sits down with Mallory Weber, one of ACEC’s Young Professional of the Year, for an inspiring conversation about passion, persistence, and finding purpose in engineering. Mallory shares how her early love of Legos and growing up around construction sites sparked a curiosity that evolved into a career in transportation engineering. She walks us through her journey from hands-on childhood experiences to tackling complex real-world infrastructure challenges.
We dive into her impactful work and Mallory also reflects on what it’s like to enter the workforce during a shifting landscape—navigating hybrid work, building confidence as a young professional, and learning how to collaborate effectively when teammates aren’t always in the same room. Throughout the conversation, Mallory emphasizes the importance of teamwork, mentorship, and staying curious.
She also highlights how professional organizations—especially involvement with ACEC—have strengthened her network, expanded her skills, and shaped her perspective on leadership in the A/E/C industry.
Whether you're a student exploring engineering paths, a young professional carving out your place in the field, or a seasoned engineer interested in the next generation of talent, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset and motivation behind one of today’s rising industry leaders.
The Data Center Boom: Five Trends Engineering Firms Need to Know
The data center market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by artificial intelligence adoption and changing infrastructure demands. For ACEC member firms, this represents both a substantial business opportunity and a chance to shape critical national infrastructure. ACEC's latest Market Intelligence Brief reveals a market poised to reach $62 billion in design and construction spending by 2029, with implications that extend far beyond traditional data center engineering.
The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 marked an inflection point. What began as voice assistants has evolved into sophisticated language learning models that consume dramatically more energy. A standard AI query uses about 0.012 kilowatt-hours, while generating a single high-quality image requires 2.0 kWh—roughly 20 times the daily consumption of a standard LED lightbulb. As weekly ChatGPT users surged from 100 million to 700 million between November 2023 and August 2025, the infrastructure implications became impossible to ignore.
AI-driven data center power demand, which stood at just 4 gigawatts in 2024, is projected to reach 123 gigawatts by 2035. Even more striking: 70 percent of data center power demand will be driven by AI workloads. This explosive growth requires engineering solutions at unprecedented scale, from power distribution and backup systems to advanced cooling technologies and grid integration strategies.
Public perception about data center water consumption often overlooks important nuances in cooling technology. While mechanical cooling systems have historically consumed significant water resources, newer approaches could dramatically reduce water use. Free air cooling, closed-loop systems, and liquid immersion technologies offer low-water use alternatives, with some methods reducing freshwater consumption by 70 percent or more compared to traditional systems.
As Thom Jackson, mechanical engineer and partner at Dunham Engineering, notes: "Most data centers utilize closed loop cooling systems requiring no makeup water and minimal maintenance." The "big four" hyperscale operators—Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Meta—have all committed to becoming water-positive by 2030, replenishing more water than they consume. These commitments are driving innovation in cooling system design and creating opportunities for engineering firms with expertise in sustainable mechanical systems.
The days of one-size-fits-all data centers are over. Latency requirements, scalability needs, and proximity to end users are accelerating adoption of diverse building types. Edge data centers bring computing closer to users for real-time applications like IoT and 5G. Hyperscale facilities support massive cloud and AI workloads with 100,000-plus servers. Colocation models enable scalable shared environments for enterprises, while modular designs—prefabricated with integrated power and cooling—offer rapid, cost-effective deployment.
Each model presents distinct engineering challenges and opportunities, from specialized HVAC systems and high floor-to-ceiling ratios for hyperscale facilities to distributed infrastructure planning for edge networks.
Two emerging trends deserve particular attention. First, the Department of Energy has selected four federal sites to host AI data centers paired with clean energy generation, including small modular reactors (SMRs). The Nuclear Regulatory Commission anticipates at least 25 SMR license applications by 2029, signaling strong demand for nuclear co-location expertise.
Second, developers are increasingly exploring adaptive reuse of underutilized office spaces, Brownfield sites, and historical buildings. These locations offer existing utility infrastructure that can reduce construction time and costs, making them attractive alternatives despite some design constraints.
Recent federal policy changes are streamlining data center deployment. Executive Order 14318 directs agencies to accelerate environmental reviews and permitting, while revisions to New Source Review under the Clean Air Act could allow construction to begin before air permits are issued. ACEC recently formed the Data Center Task Force to advocate for policies that balance speed, affordability, and national security in data center development, complimenting EO 14318.
For engineering firms, site selection expertise has become increasingly valuable. Success hinges on sales and use tax exemptions, existing power and fiber connectivity, effective community engagement, and thorough environmental risk assessment. AI-driven planning tools like UrbanFootprint and ESRI ArcGIS are helping developers evaluate site suitability, identifying opportunities for firms.
The data center market offers engineering firms a chance to lead in sustainable design, infrastructure innovation, and strategic planning at a moment when digital infrastructure has become as critical as traditional utilities.
In this episode, adventurer and leadership expert Debra Searle takes us inside her extraordinary journey of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean — a challenge that tested her endurance, mindset, and decision-making in ways few people ever experience. Debra reveals how those months at sea reshaped her understanding of resilience, leadership, and human potential, and how the strategies she relied on in the middle of the ocean can be applied just as powerfully in boardrooms and everyday life.
She breaks down practical, science-backed techniques for staying motivated and productive, even when circumstances feel overwhelming — from habit stacking and using external cues to the power of simple, consistent positive feedback. Debra explains how leaders can use these tools to create energized teams, improve wellbeing, and build environments where people perform at their best.
We also dive into her approaches to decision-making under pressure, navigating periods of isolation, and translating ocean-tested mental habits into effective, results-driven business practices.
If you’re looking for actionable leadership insights, mindset shifts, and stories that prove what’s possible when we push our limits, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
At the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference, the Engineering Influence podcast takes a deep dive into an exciting new workforce initiative from ACEC Nebraska and JEO.
The episode highlights their creative outreach program—a collection of short, engaging videos and fully packaged classroom materials designed to introduce students to the many ways engineering impacts daily life. Built around the familiar categories of the Engineering Excellence Awards, each video is paired with downloadable presentations, talking points, and distribution tools that make it easy for teachers, guidance counselors, and engineering firms to bring real-world engineering into schools.
The initiative aims to spark curiosity, strengthen educator–industry connections, and build a clearer pathway for young people to explore engineering careers—ultimately helping grow a stronger, more informed workforce pipeline.
At the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego, McKinsey alum and OutThinkers podcast host Kaihan Krippendorff discusses how to "think differently" in an era of rapid technological change and AI. He shares his OutThinking framework for strategy and decision-making and explains the importance of the "job to be done" using examples like Apple and the MP3 revolution.
Kaihan argues leaders should redefine what their firm truly does (focus on outcomes, not just technical deliverables), coordinate ecosystem partners, and create cultures that activate internal entrepreneurs. He emphasizes practical steps: imagine different futures, expand option sets, choose and test ideas, and build buy-in while accepting that many bets will fail but a few will pay off.
Practical takeaways include reframing your business around customer outcomes, partnering across the ecosystem, and encouraging experimentation inside the firm.
In this episode, we sit down with Jon Gray of Rockport Analytics. He shares an in-depth look at the economic outlook for the engineering and design industry.
Gray explores how firms are navigating a complex landscape — balancing continued revenue and employment growth with new challenges on the horizon. He discusses the slower-than-expected rollout of IIJA funds, uncertainty surrounding tariffs, and the growing strain of workforce shortages influenced by immigration trends.
The conversation also turns toward the future: how artificial intelligence could become both a productivity catalyst and a transformative force, reshaping how engineering firms manage projects, talent, and technology.
Whether you’re an industry leader, economist, or engineer, this episode offers valuable insights into what’s driving today’s market — and what lies ahead for the business of engineering.
In this episode, industry leaders from RJC Engineering and OpenAsset explore how forward-thinking engineering firms can embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in a way that’s strategic, sustainable, and tailored to real business needs.
From developing internal AI policies and establishing solid data management frameworks, to launching pilot projects that demonstrate measurable value, our guests break down the key steps firms can take to build trust and momentum across their teams.
They share practical, field-tested insights on:
- Governance and change management — ensuring innovation aligns with company culture and client expectations.
- Data quality and product design — why clean, well-structured information fuels smarter, more efficient AI tools.
- Workflow transformation — how automation and AI can streamline proposals, marketing, and operations, freeing staff to focus on creative, high-value work.
This conversation also highlights how industry-specific tools are paving the way for agent-driven workflows that will reshape how engineering professionals collaborate, deliver projects, and drive business growth.
Whether you’re an engineering leader, marketer, or tech innovator, this episode offers clear guidance on how to start your AI journey with confidence—and prepare your firm for the next wave of digital transformation.
Join host Shreya Jain as she delves into the inspiring journey of Sarah McEwen, the ACEC Young Professional of the Year and H&H lead. In this interview, Sarah shares her path into civil engineering, influenced by family and her passion for water resources.
Discover her impactful work mapping the stormwater system in Moss Point, which significantly benefits the community. Sarah also highlights the mentors who have guided her and offers invaluable advice to young engineers: stay curious, learn from mistakes, and never hesitate to seek help. This engaging conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in engineering and personal growth.
This episode from ACEC's 2025 Fall Conference in San Diego features Eric Rensel discussing the Engineering Workforce Consortium, the newly released workforce playbook, and how industry and associations are addressing a long-term talent shortage by combining technology with people-focused strategies. He discusses rebranding the engineering profession, creating mid-career on-ramps, integrating data and AI roles, the Engineering Public Works Roadshow, and next steps toward the EWC summit and practical, proven tactics to recruit and retain talent.
In this conversation, ACEC sits down with Olympian and keynote speaker Chaunté Lowe live at the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, overcome adversity, and strive for excellence — both on and off the field. Lowe opens up about their Olympic journey, the mental and physical challenges faced along the way, and how those same lessons in resilience, teamwork, and discipline apply to the world of engineering and business leadership.
This conversation reminds us that whether you’re competing in the Olympics or designing the infrastructure that shapes our world, success comes from dedication, passion, and the relentless pursuit of improvement.
On this episode live from the ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, host Shreya Jain interviews Young Professional Award winner Dylan Seesman about his ACEC journey, highlights from panels and keynotes, and practical takeaways around AI, leadership, and career growth. They explore workforce development, mentorship, increasing diversity in engineering, and Dylan's advice for aspiring engineers: be curious, communicate well, and pursue meaningful work that fits you.
From the 2025 ACEC Fall Conference in San Diego, Joe Bates of the ACEC Research Institute discusses the latest economic sentiment rebound, rising concerns about inflation and the firm finances that remain strong.
He previews the Firm of the Future initiative and a comprehensive workforce study showing a persistent talent shortfall—exacerbated by H-1B and visa limits that prevent many international engineering graduates from staying in the U.S.
The episode also covers skills gaps, generational differences, and the role of AI as a productivity tool (not a workforce panacea), plus upcoming research and practical takeaways for firms planning through 2035.
On this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, we speak with Arthur Jones (TYLin), past president of ACEC Metro Washington, about his two-decade effort mentoring young people and building Community Youth Advance.
They discuss hands-on STEM exposure, workforce development partnerships, the power of consistent mentorship, and how diverse voices strengthen engineering solutions.
Arthur shares lessons learned, the program's growth, and a call to action for engineers and firms to engage with local youth and help develop future leaders.
In this special Market Edge episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, host Diana O’Lare is joined by GHD’s Victor Tirado, Americas Market Sector Lead for Maritime & Coastal, and Michael Vanderbeek, North American Maritime & Coastal Planning Lead, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the global ports market.
With decades of international experience, Victor and Michael unpack the trends driving change in port planning and design — from the growing role of ports as energy hubs in the global decarbonization effort to the adoption of alternative fuels. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness.
The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of port financing, as public authorities hit debt capacity limits and increasingly rely on federal, state, and private sector partnerships to deliver billion-dollar projects. Victor and Michael share perspectives on the uncertainty created by tariffs and trade diversification, the pause in offshore wind development, and how ports are adapting to unpredictable market and policy shifts.
Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation in the maritime space, the realities of labor and regulatory constraints, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness. This episode offers practical insights and forward-looking analysis for engineering firms navigating change in one of the world’s most vital and complex markets.
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In this episode Andrea Beaty—STEM graduate and author of Rosie Revere, Engineer—joins the show to discuss how storytelling encourages curiosity, resilience, and a sense of identity in young children that can lead them toward STEM careers. She explains how Rosie’s story of failure and persistence helps kids see themselves as engineers and scientists.
Andrea highlights the importance of early exposure, literacy, community programs, and industry partnerships to attract and retain more young people in STEM. Practical ideas include supporting book distribution, hands-on projects, and inclusive local mentoring that lets kids contribute to real community problems.
Author Andrea Beaty discusses how her STEM background and storytelling created Rosie Revere, a character who teaches children that failure is part of inventing and learning. The episode explores ways to attract and retain young people in STEM—starting early with books, community programs, and hands-on projects—and the importance of showing kids they belong in science and engineering.
Beaty shares examples of how narrative helps children identify as engineers and scientists, mentions literacy and local partnerships as effective strategies for industry involvement, and highlights related resources like project books. She also previews her new picture book "Billie Jean Pete, Athlete," emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and the idea that every experience builds useful skills for the future.
Allison Schneider talks with Dave McIvor, CEO of Lamp Rynearson, about leading engineering firms with purpose, centering people, and designing infrastructure that serves communities for generations.
They discuss building trust, inclusive community engagement, values-driven culture, and sustainable leadership practices that pair technical excellence with empathy and long-term impact.
NAWE President Carl Bentzel joins the Engineering Influence Podcast to explain the role of marine terminal operators, current trends shaping ports, and the policy challenges affecting trade and infrastructure.
Topics include the impact of trade policy and tariffs, Chinese dominance in ship-to-shore cranes, import volume volatility, technology and space constraints at urban ports, rail connectivity and mergers, and the critical role engineers play in modernizing the waterfront.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we’re joined by Eileen Canady, CMO of BST Global, to discuss the groundbreaking findings from the 2025 Global AEC AI & Data Insights Report. From AI adoption trends to workforce transformation, we explore how engineering firms are embracing AI, overcoming challenges, and reshaping the future of the industry.
🔹 Key Topics Covered: Why AI is set to transform the AEC industry within 5 years The readiness gap: firms’ belief vs. actual preparedness How leadership buy-in drives successful AI adoption The surprising role of firm size in AI readiness Workforce evolution: reskilling engineers and the rise of prompt engineering Predictive modeling and how AI is improving project outcomes The importance of data governance, security, and leadership roles in AI strategy.
📊 Download the full AI & Data Insights Report 2025: bstglobal.com/ai
🔹 Download more episodes of the Engineering Influence podcast at https://www.acec.org/resources/podcast/
In this episode, dive into the intricate details of the recently passed tax reconciliation package, a significant legislative achievement for the engineering and business communities. Join Katharine Mottley, ACEC's VP of Tax and Workforce Policy, and Jake Triolo from Capital Tax Partners as they explore the key provisions of this sweeping legislation.
Discover how ACEC's advocacy efforts have led to major tax benefits such as the permanency of the 199A, 20% pass-through deduction, and the permanent 21% corporate tax rate.
Learn about the implications for R&D amortization and other significant changes affecting engineering firms across the country. Stay tuned as we discuss the nuances of the bill and its future impact on the industry.
Join us on the Engineering Influence Podcast as we dive into leadership development within engineering firms, featuring insights from Brian Walch, founder of Shift Focus Consulting. Discover how to cultivate managers who not only handle projects but also mentor talent and foster a thriving company culture.
Brian shares his expertise on creating self-aware, innovative management systems tailored for today’s complex, tech-driven environment. Whether you're guiding a new project leader or enhancing a seasoned principal’s skills, gain practical tools and frameworks to drive growth and success in your firm.
Explore the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralized teams and AI technology, and learn how to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and innovation at all levels of management. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to enhance the way you approach leadership and organizational development.
Join us on this special episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we delve deep into the transformative world of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Our guests, Todd Merrihew and Chip Snowden from Hanson Professional Services, shed light on how this revolutionary technology is set to redefine aviation through sustainable electric and hybrid electric aircrafts, advancing urban and regional transport.
Discover how AAM is bridging gaps in current aviation systems by offering innovative solutions like urban air taxis and medical delivery drones while complementing existing infrastructure. Todd and Chip share insights on Hanson's leading role in AAM planning and their work with airports, developers, and manufacturers to shape the future of transportation.
Gain an understanding of the potential economic and environmental benefits of AAM, its implementation challenges, and the supportive technologies required for its success. The exciting conversation also covers future prospects for AAM, including its socio-economic impacts, infrastructure development, and the eventual democratization of air travel for a broader audience.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, Diana O'Lare, Senior Director of Market Intelligence at ACEC National, introduces an exciting new training program designed for mid to senior-level technical staff in AEC firms. The program, spanning from September 11th to November 5th, features five modules focusing on business development strategy, soft skills and sales techniques, proposal writing, client networking and relationship management, and client interviews. These modules aim to equip participants with essential skills to enhance their firm's growth, market share, and overall performance. Accompanied by expert speakers, the program also offers up to 10 professional development hours for credit. Don't miss the opportunity to empower your team and drive success.
Register Now: https://www.acec.org/education-events/education/online-education/seller-doer/
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we explore the innovative Saddle Creek High Rate Treatment Basin project in Omaha, a groundbreaking initiative by Wade Trim that has earned one of the prestigious ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Awards. Join host [Host Name] as he talks with Dave White, Senior Vice President of Wade Trim, and Jim Theiler, Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Omaha, about how this $94 million project is revolutionizing water quality in the area.
Discover the challenges and triumphs of constructing this unique facility on a former landfill site, the technological ingenuity of its gravity-based water flow, and its positive impacts on local communities and educational initiatives. Tune in to learn more about the remarkable engineering feats and community benefits that this project represents.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the AEC industry. Hosted by Allison Schneider, this episode features insightful discussions with Rachelle Ray and Jeff Visnic, who explore how AI is reshaping communication, workflow, and collaboration.
Discover how AI is breaking down traditional silos, bridging the gap between engineering precision and creative storytelling, and redefining teamwork in proposal and project execution. Our guests share valuable real-world examples, highlighting what AI can and cannot achieve in enhancing collaboration between technical and marketing teams.
As we explore the human elements that AI can't replace, learn about the importance of relationships, passion, and personal experiences in building effective team dynamics. This episode also introduces OpenAsset's new product, Shred. ai, designed to enhance collaboration, with Rachelle and Jeff sharing how this tool aims to revolutionize the AEC space.
Join us on the Engineering Influence podcast for an insightful conversation with Rob Brigham, CEO of JEO Consulting Services, recorded live from the ACEC Spring Convention at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Discover the journey of JEO, a firm that has been a significant player in the public infrastructure market since 1937, and learn about their commitment to fields like transportation, water infrastructure, and environmental planning.
Rob Brigham shares his unique career path, his leadership during pivotal growth phases within the company, and how JEO has evolved under his guidance. We delve into the significance of engaging in national legislative discussions and how JEO remains an influential voice in policy-making circles.
Get an insider's perspective on the importance of strategic partnerships, the influence of legislative relationships on business operations, and the power of cohesive industry involvement in political advocacy. Aspiring engineering professionals won't want to miss Rob's insights on building impactful careers and the potential opportunities to influence legislative matters.
Join us live from the annual convention and legislative summit in Washington, D.C., as we welcome Bret Tushaus, Deltek's Vice President of Product Management, for an insightful discussion on AI's rapid advancements. Explore how ChatGPT has been a turning point for AI development, influencing data integrity and the integration of AI in business.
Discover the critical role of a "human in the loop" approach, ensuring AI applications are balanced with human expertise and insights. Bret sheds light on the digital twins, and how AI can transform project management, enhance productivity, and streamline processes in the AEC industry.
We also delve into the evolving workforce landscape, emphasizing the importance of a hybrid worker skilled in both engineering and digital fluency. AI isn't about replacing jobs but augmenting them through innovative solutions, offering partial relief to the industry's workforce challenges.
Welcome to the latest episode of Engineering Influence, brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies, live from the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. In this episode, we dive deep into the business side of engineering with Ed Alizadeh from UES, discussing the evolving role of mergers, acquisitions, and private equity in the industry.
Ed shares his decades of experience and offers insights into how private equity is reshaping firms while maintaining growth and entrepreneurial spirit. He elaborates on the integration challenges and cultural shifts when smaller firms join larger entities like UES, emphasizing the importance of collaborative growth rather than mere financial transactions.
Join us as we explore these transformative industry trends and consider the significance of market intelligence and strategic foresight in navigating the future of engineering businesses.
Join us on this episode of Engineering Influence, brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the engineering industry. Coming to you from our annual convention in Washington, D.C., we sat down with Nick Decker, Director of Engineering for Egnyte, to discuss transformative trends reshaping the field.
Dive into the impact of artificial intelligence and post-COVID shifts on infrastructure management and collaboration within engineering firms. Discover how companies are navigating tech consolidation to streamline operations and enhance employee productivity, while addressing critical security concerns in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Uncover strategies to maintain innovation without compromising security, ensuring a bright and efficient future for the engineering industry. Tune in for an informative discussion with insights and predictions for the next phase of engineering evolution.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Allison Schneider engages in a discussion with Anthony Fasano from the Engineering Management Institute. The episode explores the journey of engineers transitioning into management roles, emphasizing the importance of developing both project management and people leadership skills.
Anthony shares his personal experience, highlighting the need for engineers to acquire communication and leadership skills to stand out in their careers. They discuss the significance of early skill development and how technical professionals can seize opportunities to build their soft skills.
The conversation also delves into common misconceptions about management skills among engineers and the crucial role of public speaking in enhancing communication abilities. Recognizing people skills as essential for interacting with clients, stakeholders, and communities, the episode underscores the need for comprehensive training programs that combine technical and leadership development.
Whether you are in a small or large firm, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a project management culture and investing in the current workforce for sustainable growth. It encourages firm leaders to prioritize a well-rounded skill set for their teams and highlights the resources available through the Engineering Management Institute.
Join us at the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit as we explore the transformative role of AI in engineering. Our latest podcast features an insightful discussion with Joe Bates, a senior researcher from the ACEC Research Institute, on the pioneering study that delves into AI's impact on the engineering industry. Uncover how AI is set to enhance, not replace, the talent within engineering firms, help bridge workforce gaps, and drive unprecedented efficiency and creativity.
With the industry's changing dynamics and the potential AI holds, this episode offers a compelling look at how firms can adapt and thrive in the future. Whether you're already leveraging AI or just beginning to explore its possibilities, this episode is your gateway to understanding AI's evolving role in engineering.
Welcome to this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the intriguing world of design-build project delivery methods. Our guest, Keith Molinar, joins us to discuss the evolution and growing adoption of design-build techniques in the engineering industry. Discover how this method, originating from the Code of Hammurabi, has evolved to provide increased cost efficiency, enhanced schedule adherence, and improved project performance.
Throughout the conversation, Keith highlights the importance of integrated collaboration among owner, designer, and construction teams to ensure successful projects, reducing disputes and enhancing risk management. With recent infrastructure investments, the design-build method is becoming pivotal in delivering large-scale public projects more efficiently. Listen in to learn more about how design-build is shaping the future of engineering project management.
In this episode, we delve into the intersection of technology and the AEC industry amidst the rapid growth in global infrastructure. Rising material costs, labor shortages, and demand for new projects are presenting significant challenges, but embracing digital tools and innovation can help overcome these hurdles. Our guest, Amy Bunszel, Executive Vice President of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Solutions at Autodesk, discusses how technology can optimize resource allocation and ensure efficient spending in infrastructure projects.
Amy highlights the critical role of technology in transforming design processes, enhancing the digital backbone of projects, and supporting sustainable and effective construction. The conversation also explores how Autodesk approaches AI to address customer challenges, improve project insights, and enhance industry trust in AI solutions.
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, recorded live from the 2025 Legislative Summit and Convention, we delve into the remarkable engineering project, Intuit Dome, the new home of the L.A. Clippers.
Join us as we speak with Shruti Sharma and Ryan Anderson from Walter P. Moore, who share insights on creating this benchmark sports venue. Discover how Intuit Dome stands out by prioritizing basketball, eliminating unnecessary noise, and enhancing fan experiences with the largest double-sided halo board.
Learn about the challenges of building in a seismic zone and incorporating modern technology into the design, as well as the innovative structural solutions that allow the arena to integrate everything Clippers-related under one roof. This episode celebrates cutting-edge engineering that brings fans closer to the action while embracing sustainability and renewable energy.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, join us live from the American Council of Engineering Companies’ 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. We dive deep into the world of engineering innovations with Art Alzamora from Langan Engineering. Discover the intricacies behind the TSX Broadway project, a National Recognition Award-winning marvel that lifted the historic Palace Theater 30 feet above the ground amidst the bustling centre of Manhattan. Art shares about the hidden challenges under Times Square’s surface, where unexpected historical finds and architectural marvels converge.
Explore the collaborative spirit of engineering that transforms complex blueprints into reality, navigating financial and structural landscapes unseen by the public eye. Delve into the stories behind some of New York City’s most significant engineering projects, including work on the 9/11 Memorial and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and learn how these feats are redefining urban landscapes.
Whether you’re a budding engineer or simply fascinated by the monumental tasks that shape our cities, this episode reveals the passion, precision, and persistence driving the engineering field forward.
Explore the transformative impact of AI on the engineering industry in this episode of Engineering Influence. Recorded live at the 2025 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit, the discussion delves into a pioneering research study conducted by the ACEC Research Institute and BST Global.
Uncover the key findings with Joe Bates, senior researcher, as he explains AI's role in enhancing productivity, addressing workforce gaps, and fostering innovation within engineering firms. Gain insights into real-world applications and future predictions that highlight AI as a force multiplier rather than a replacement, setting the stage for the engineering firm of the future.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we are joined by Chris LaCivita, a combat Marine Corps veteran and seasoned political consultant with over three decades of experience. Recorded during the American Council of Engineering Companies' spring legislative summit, Chris shares insights from his extensive career in state, national, and federal politics, especially on President Trump's successful 2024 re-election campaign.
Chris delves into the complexities and scale of political campaigns, drawing parallels between managing a multibillion-dollar corporation and orchestrating a presidential re-election. He emphasizes the importance of team motivation, the mission-oriented focus on success, and the innovative use of new media in modern political strategies. The discussion touches on the significance of authenticity in political messaging and explores the impact of AI on future campaigns.
Join us for an eye-opening conversation as Chris LaCivita discusses the inner workings of political strategy, leadership, and the evolving landscape of media and technology in politics.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, we delve into the latest findings from the American Council of Engineering Companies Research Institute's Q2 2025 Business Sentiment Survey with Joe Bates. Recorded during the 2025 Convention and Legislative Summit, we explore the current and future economic sentiment within the engineering industry.
The survey reveals a softening in economic sentiment, with the lowest industry sentiment reading on record, though still positive. We discuss the crucial themes of uncertainty in political, economic, and legislative landscapes, and highlight actionable steps Congress can take, like extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to provide stability.
Join us as we analyze the pulse of market sectors including data centers and energy utilities, and address challenges such as tariffs and interest rates affecting real estate and infrastructure investment. Learn about the upcoming introduction of mid-quarter updates to track the rapidly evolving business environment.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with John Ondrasik, also known as Five for Fighting, as he shares his unique connection to the engineering world. With a family background in both engineering and music, Ondrasik discusses how creativity and problem-solving are at the core of both fields. Discover how his father's work at JPL and family business influenced his musical journey and hear about the overlap between songwriting and engineering.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Allison Schneider engages in a discussion with Anthony Fasano from the Engineering Management Institute. The episode explores the journey of engineers transitioning into management roles, emphasizing the importance of developing both project management and people leadership skills.
Anthony shares his personal experience, highlighting the need for engineers to acquire communication and leadership skills to stand out in their careers. They discuss the significance of early skill development and how technical professionals can seize opportunities to build their soft skills.
The conversation also delves into common misconceptions about management skills among engineers and the crucial role of public speaking in enhancing communication abilities. Recognizing people skills as essential for interacting with clients, stakeholders, and communities, the episode underscores the need for comprehensive training programs that combine technical and leadership development.
Whether you are in a small or large firm, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a project management culture and investing in the current workforce for sustainable growth. It encourages firm leaders to prioritize a well-rounded skill set for their teams and highlights the resources available through the Engineering Management Institute.
Join us for an engaging episode of Engineering Influence, where we explore ACEC Arizona's revolutionary initiative, STEM Game Day. Discover how this award-winning program is making waves by immersing middle school students in the engineering world through the excitement of a football game. Chris Bridges, Executive Director of ACEC Arizona, and Nicolai Oliden, Board Member and Workforce Development Chair, share their inspiring journey of addressing workforce challenges by sparking early interest in STEM careers.
Listen as they walk us through the program's inception, its exponential growth from reaching 120 to over 1,500 students across Arizona, and the impactful collaborations with universities and professionals that make it all possible. Find out how ACEC Arizona's efforts are creating pipelines for future engineers and fostering community ties, all while providing invaluable learning experiences for students, volunteers, and the engineering sector alike.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the complexities and opportunities in today's economic landscape. Hosted by Diana O' Lare, Director of Market Intelligence for the American Council of Engineering Companies, this episode is part of our new series, The Market Edge.
We are joined by Sarah Wolfe, a Senior Economist and Strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. With a wealth of experience and insights, Sarah discusses pivotal topics such as tariffs, inflation, immigration, and their impact on various sectors including construction and manufacturing. Gain an understanding of the possible recession implications and how firms can navigate these challenges.
Dive in to explore the broader economic effects of current policies, potential positive catalysts like tax negotiations, and the global trade dynamics affecting engineering firms. Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at empowering engineering businesses to adapt and grow in an ever-changing market.
Join us as we delve into the remarkable rehabilitation project led by Michael Baker International on Pittsburgh's historic Three Sisters Bridges. These unique side-by-side bridges, named the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson Bridges, have been pivotal landmarks of the city since the 1920s. Discover the challenges and innovative engineering solutions implemented to preserve their structural and historical integrity while extending their lifespan by another 50 years.
The episode features an insightful conversation with Aaron Colorito, the Technical Manager for Bridges at Michael Baker International, who shares his personal and professional journey working on this critical project. Learn about the modern techniques and sustainability efforts applied in the rehabilitation process, ensuring these iconic structures continue to serve the Pittsburgh community effectively.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Thomas Grogan engages with Vidhu Shekhar, Microsoft, Interim SLG Business Strategy Leader – Critical Infrastructure, Transportation & Public Finance, to explore the transformative role of technology in public infrastructure. With a focus on AI and cloud computing, the discussion delves into how Microsoft aids government and AEC firms in tackling complex challenges in infrastructural development and maintenance.
The conversation touches upon lessons learned in deploying AI, data privacy considerations, and the pivotal role of technology in upcoming global events. Additionally, Vidhu shares insights on workforce development in this new AI era, underscoring the importance of a collaborative approach between technology and human talent.
Welcome to a new episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we explore the dynamic partnership between UConn School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, aiming to tackle workforce development challenges.
Join us as we discuss with Eric Jackson, research professor and executive director of the Connecticut Transportation Institute, and Carlo Leone, Director of Workforce Development at the Connecticut DOT. Discover how collaborative efforts are reshaping engineering education to meet the real-world demands of infrastructure development.
From curriculum adjustments to technology integration, learn about the strategies being implemented to prepare the next generation of engineers, and the long-term impacts these changes promise for Connecticut and beyond.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast, brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we have an insightful discussion with Theo Agelopolous, VP of AEC Design Strategy at Autodesk, about the latest developments in Autodesk and its strategy for expansion in the AEC industry. With over three decades of experience in the field, Theo shares valuable insights into how Autodesk is helping the industry transition to digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and integration in project delivery.
The conversation delves into how Autodesk is leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance efficiencies, focusing on the evolving demands and challenges faced by its customer base. Theo explores the future of engineering firms, addressing how new technologies may reshape business models and staffing, with the potential for engineering as a service during the entire project lifecycle. Tune in to learn about Autodesk's commitment to supporting engineering firms of all sizes in adapting to this rapidly changing marketplace and their vision for the future of the industry.
Join us in a thought-provoking episode of Engineering Influence from the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we sat down with Nate Maniktala, Principal at BranchPattern. This conversation delves into the pressing topic of embodied carbon in industrial and commercial real estate, exploring how the engineering community is addressing sustainability challenges in the built environment.
Discover the role BranchPattern plays in the AEC industry with a focus on sustainability and building science. Nate explains the importance of reducing embodied carbon emissions during a building's lifecycle, from the material extraction phase to construction and beyond. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that industrial real estate presents in the quest for lower carbon footprints.
Nate also discusses the innovative materials and methods, such as mass timber and low-carbon concrete, driving change across the industry. Learn about the regulatory landscape and how policy, education, and advocacy are crucial to advancing sustainability in real estate development. Tune in to understand how companies are aligning with environmental goals while navigating the complexities of business decisions in today's dynamic regulatory environment.
Read their new report here: https://www.branchpattern.com/white-papers/industrial-embodied-carbon-benchmark
Welcome to the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow from Winston-Salem, celebrating North Carolina's Great Trail State. This episode focuses on the often overlooked yet vital recreational infrastructure that brings communities together, highlighting the Cross Charlotte Trail project managed by Kimley Horn. Tori Golaszewski shares insights into the project's challenges and its role in connecting neighborhoods and creating accessible green spaces. The discussion also covers the broader implications of small-scale infrastructure on community connectivity and the personal journey of becoming an engineer in the field of public infrastructure development. Join us as we explore the meaningful impact of trails and greenways in enriching urban life and encouraging future engineers.
Welcome to another engaging episode of Engineering Influence, presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies. Join us as we welcome Kathy Renzetti, Executive Director of DiscoverE, to discuss the evolution and significance of Engineering Week 2025. From its origins in the 1950s to its current global influence, Engineers Week has become a catalyst for inspiring young minds to pursue careers in engineering.
Kathy delves into the importance of hands-on engagement and the crucial role volunteer mentors play in classrooms, transforming the way students perceive engineering. Discover how local initiatives and partnerships can create lasting impacts, and why volunteering as a role model can make a real difference.
We also explore exciting themes for this year's event— "Build Your Future"— which encourages students to imagine and create solutions for tomorrow's world. Dive into the discussion on how engineering can address current global challenges such as climate change, and learn about the role of civil engineering in shaping a sustainable future.
Don't miss the opportunity to hear about DiscoverE's Future City Competition, which inspires young innovators to envision cities 100 years into the future. Celebrate their achievements and learn how to stay engaged in nurturing the next generation of engineers beyond Engineers Week.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies! In this episode, join us as we introduce the new Executive Committee volunteer leaders, including Vice Chair Kurt Yoshii from California. Kurt shares his journey through various leadership roles within ACEC and discusses the importance of both local and national experiences in shaping the future of engineering.
Discover the significance of coalition membership, particularly for geo professionals, and how these groups foster collaboration and problem-solving across the industry. Kurt also reflects on the increasing challenges posed by frequent wildfires in California and the engineering solutions that aim to make infrastructure more resilient.
Finally, get insights into Kurt’s goals as he steps into his new role on the Executive Committee and his aspirations for driving ACEC’s strategic direction forward.
In this enlightening episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we are joined by Dan Larson, the incoming chair-elect-elect of the American Council of Engineering Companies. Larson shares insights into his journey from regional leadership to the national stage, highlighting the experiences that have prepared him for this pivotal role.
As he prepares to take the helm, Larson outlines his vision for ACEC's growth, with a focus on advocacy, membership expansion, and workforce development. He emphasizes the importance of aligning national and local strategies to enhance the value proposition for member firms and to attract new talent to the engineering profession.
Discover Larson's strategic plans to strengthen the organization's communication, broaden its membership base, and address key industry challenges. Tune in to learn how he plans to foster an environment that attracts and retains top-tier engineering professionals, ensuring a bright future for ACEC.
Join us in this engaging episode of the American Council of Engineering Companies podcast, where we introduce our new class of vice chairs and members of the executive committee. Orhan Ulger, a seasoned professional in the engineering community, shares his journey within ACEC, detailing his extensive involvement and contributions to the organization's growth and success.
Explore the significant advancements in workforce development, including the establishment of a workforce consortium and its impact on addressing the shortage of engineers. Orhan discusses the importance of coalitions in solving industry challenges and the benefits of initiatives like the roadshow that aim to rekindle public interest in engineering.
Additionally, Orhan delves into the value of diversity within the industry and its correlation to productivity and innovation. Learn about the strategic goals for the upcoming term and how diversified teams contribute to improved outcomes. Tune in to discover the personal insights and aspirations of ACEC's leadership as they steer the organization towards future success.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, where we introduce our newest XCOM member and Vice Chair, Andy McCune. Andy shares his impressive journey from a graduate engineer to CEO of Wade Trim, a Detroit-based engineering firm, and his longstanding involvement with ACEC.
Join us as Andy discusses his vision for empowering small firms within the industry and the crucial role ACEC has played in his career. Discover how he plans to use his new position to provide leadership development opportunities and advocate for the industry at large, while also enhancing the visibility of engineering in communities and attracting future talent.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, we delve into the insightful research from the ACEC Research Institute. We explore how data collected from industry leaders has evolved into a significant tool for forecasting economic trends.
Join us as we speak with Joe Bates about groundbreaking findings that position sentiment within the engineering industry as a leading indicator of GDP and housing market trends. Learn how this data not only reflects current conditions but also predicts future economic shifts, equipping businesses and policymakers with critical foresight.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. Katharine Mottley, Vice President of Tax and Workforce Policy, is joined by Alan Perkins from Tonkin Torp LLP, diving into crucial discussions on immigration policies affecting the engineering industry.
This episode emphasizes the workforce shortages in engineering and explores the pivotal role international students and professionals play. With half of engineering master's degrees in the U.S. awarded to international students, the conversation delves into the challenges and implications of green card policies under different administrations, and how these policies impact engineering firms.
Join us as we analyze the contrasting immigration agendas from past and present U.S. administrations, reflect on proposals regarding H-1B visas, and discuss strategic moves engineering firms can consider amidst potential regulatory changes. This insightful discussion is vital for understanding how immigration policies are interwoven with the sustainability and growth of the engineering sector.
Join us on this insightful episode of the Engineering Office Podcast, presented by the American Council of Engineering Companies, as we explore the critical importance of indoor air quality. Our special guest, Randi Huckaby from CAMFIL, shares valuable insights into air pollution control in both commercial and industrial spaces.
Through this conversation, we delve into the various causes of indoor air pollution and its potential health impacts. Moreover, Randi highlights the significant role of engineering firms and CAMFIL's expertise in developing solutions that meet regulatory standards and ensure a healthy work environment.
Whether it's new construction or retrofitting existing facilities, CAMFIL is at the forefront of helping engineer companies design optimal air filtration systems, equipped to handle complex particulate matter challenges. Discover how involving experts from the onset can pave the way for safer, cleaner indoor spaces.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the ACEC! In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of embedded carbon in the built environment with Kelly Roberts, Principal and Managing Director of the Atlanta Structures Group for Walter P. Moore. Roberts provides insights from their latest report, shedding light on how the engineering industry can address carbon reduction, focusing on sustainability and embodied carbon. From discussing material choices like low-carbon concrete and mass timber to exploring policy pathways, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating sustainable structures while reducing carbon emissions.
Welcome to another episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the world of digital transformation and AI within the AEC industry. Join Thomas Grogan and Ronen Vengosh as they explore how organizations can navigate the complexities of change management and the importance of data governance.
Ronan shares invaluable insights into best practices for firms embarking on a digital transformation journey, regardless of their size. Discover strategies to enhance security and automate data governance, enabling firms to fully harness the potential of AI and technology.
Hear about the success stories of adaptable firms embracing new business models and rethinking processes to thrive in the modern digital landscape. Conclude the episode with Ronan's tech optimism, highlighting the opportunities for increased productivity and efficiency as the AEC industry embraces the future.
Welcome to another episode of the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Join Diana O' Lare, Director of Market Intelligence at ACEC National, as she engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Moss, President of the Society of College and University Planning. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of higher education, diving into topics such as enrollment trends, the impact of administration changes, and the future of campus planning.
Discover how institutions are adapting to demographic shifts, with insights into the concept of the "enrollment cliff" and its implications. Learn about the role of international students, the influence of artificial intelligence on campus planning, and potential financial challenges faced by educational institutions. Diana and Mike discuss workforce shortages and the importance of STEM programs.
This episode offers valuable perspectives for engineering firms, shedding light on opportunities that arise from trends in education and their impact on the engineering sector. Whether you're interested in integrated planning, multidisciplinary spaces, or innovative learning environments, there's something here for everyone.
Don't miss this engaging discussion that weaves together the future of education with engineering excellence.
Subscribe to the Market Briefs Newsletter: https://www.acec.org/resources/market-intelligence/#newsletter
Download the latest brief: https://www.acec.org/resource/educational-market-brief-fall-2024/
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into HDR's distinctive approach to employee experience and talent development. Discover how HDR fosters a culture of employee ownership and collaboration, offering diverse development paths tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
Learn about HDR's holistic talent ecosystem, where technical and soft skills training intertwine, and mentoring takes both structured and organic forms. Explore how HDR prepares young talents for real-world challenges, emphasizing the importance of communication and interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise. The discussion underscores HDR's commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving engineering landscape, highlighting their innovative strategies to integrate technology and future-proof their workforce. Tune in to gain insights into HDR's efforts to expand the engineering field's reach, emphasizing problem-solving and the positive impact of engineering on communities.
Welcome to the latest episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we are joined by Jon Gray, Principal at Rockport Analytics, to discuss the recently published economic forecast for the engineering industry, specifically tailored for 2024.
John provides insightful analysis into the macroeconomic impact of the engineering design services industry on the U.S. economy, presenting a comprehensive overview of growth, employment trends, and wage projections. With data collected over five years, this report offers valuable trend indicators that are shaping the industry’s present and future.
The discussion also delves into the effects of federal spending, notably from acts like the IIJA and the Inflation Reduction Act, which continue to drive notable growth in infrastructure and other key sectors. Additionally, John and Jeff examine the geographic shifts in industry growth, highlighting states like North Carolina and Florida, and explore the market sectors that are thriving versus those facing challenges.
Addressing the workforce and skills gap, Jon explains how labor shortages are impacting project delivery and industry profitability. As firms navigate these challenges, strategic insights provided in this episode are indispensable for industry leaders and policymakers alike.
Don’t miss this engaging episode that combines economic theory with real-world application, guiding the engineering sector through uncertain times towards a promising future.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, where we delve into the newly released ACEC Research Institute 2024 Quarter 4 Engineering Business Sentiment Survey. This quarterly survey offers a comprehensive look at current and future business conditions within the engineering industry by interviewing and surveying CEOs across the sector.
In this episode, host Jeff is joined by Joe Bates, the researcher behind the survey, as they explore the positive sentiments surrounding the U.S. economy, the industry, and firm finances. Despite a slight moderation, the overall sentiment remains strong, buoyed by the bipartisan infrastructure law and ongoing projects reaching the construction phase.
A major challenge discussed is the workforce shortage, with many firms turning down profitable work due to staffing issues. Joe and Jeff address the significant impact of this shortage and economic and political uncertainties on the industry's future outlook.
The episode also highlights sectoral winners and losers, with government-supported areas like infrastructure and manufacturing thriving, while commercial real estate struggles. The booming data center market is also discussed, showcasing its continuous growth.
Listeners are encouraged to explore the full report for deeper insights and historical trends and stay tuned for upcoming analyses on economic indicators and future forecasts. The episode concludes with a nod to the ongoing work of the ACEC Research Institute in providing valuable data and insights for the engineering community.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, we delve into the transformative journey of HDR, an employee-owned engineering firm. From its founding in 1917, HDR has evolved through various stages of ownership, culminating in a buyback in 1996 that established its current employee-owned model.
Join host Jeff as he engages with a panel of esteemed guests, including Eric Keene, former CEO and current chair of HDR, Tom Sanders, senior vice president, and Aaron Slayton, Transportation Program Management Director and ESOP board member. Together, they explore the impact of employee ownership on HDR's culture, growth, and operational success.
The discussion highlights the unique benefits of HDR's ESOP structure, fostering a culture of connection, collaboration, and resilience. Discover how this ownership model has influenced HDR's recruitment and retention strategies, enhanced financial literacy among employees, and guided the firm's growth and acquisition decisions.
Tune in to learn how HDR's commitment to broad-based employee ownership has created a thriving environment for innovation and excellence in the engineering industry.
Join us on the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow as we explore the innovative Mountain to Sea Trail Connector project in Oak Ridge, North Carolina. This episode, recorded at the inaugural Great Trail State Conference in Winston-Salem, highlights the collaborative efforts of local engineers and city planners to connect two key natural trails, enhancing public safety and accessibility.
Our guests, Mike Slusher from Davis Martin Powell and Bill Bruce from the City of Oak Ridge, share insights into the project's inception and execution. They discuss the challenges of designing a trail that complements the rural landscape while maintaining community harmony and addressing public concerns.
Discover how this connector contributes to the larger 1,200-mile Mountain to Sea Trail, fostering tourism, economic growth, and community engagement. This episode showcases the transformative impact of thoughtful engineering and public investment in enhancing quality of life and community identity.
In this episode of Engineering Influenced by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Shreya, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at ACEC, welcomes Bret Tushaus, VP of Product Management from Deltek. Together, they explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the engineering industry and discuss how Deltek is leveraging AI to enhance project management and decision-making.
Bret delves into the importance of using AI to turn rich project data into actionable insights, emphasizing the significance of data privacy and security. He shares how Deltek's solutions are designed to empower project managers with the tools they need to drive successful project outcomes.
As the conversation progresses, Bret offers advice on how firms can capitalize on existing tools and technologies, making digital transformation an accessible journey rather than an overwhelming challenge. He also envisions the future of AI with the rise of "agents" that can automate tasks and workflows, further enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Listeners are encouraged to explore Deltek's offerings and resources, including their website, blog, and town halls, to stay informed about the latest advancements in AI-driven solutions.
In this inspiring episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we sit down with James Lawrence, renowned endurance athlete and our keynote speaker at the 2024 annual fall conference in New Orleans. Sponsored by Bentley, this episode explores the incredible journey of James, the world record holder for completing 101 consecutive Ironman races, and the profound lessons he learned along the way.
James shares his insights on pushing boundaries, redefining mental toughness, and the importance of embracing challenges in life. Through vivid anecdotes, he discusses how confronting the "bully" inside our heads can transform our approach to life's obstacles, turning them into opportunities for growth.
Drawing from personal experiences, James emphasizes the power of resilience and the impact of showing up daily to live a life with no regrets. He also talks about the invaluable lessons his family learned from his journey and how these experiences have shaped them into confident individuals ready to face the world.
Tune in to discover how small, consistent changes can lead to significant transformations, both personally and professionally, and learn about James's upcoming book, "Iron Hope," set to inspire even more people to chase their dreams.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies, host Shreya, the Marketing & Communications Coordinator, is joined by Adam Loewentheil, co-founder and CEO of Aldoa. Together, they delve into the transformative power of technology in the engineering and consulting industries, emphasizing the evolution over the past 20 years and the promising direction it's headed towards.
Adam sheds light on the challenges faced by engineering firms in adapting to new technological advancements, highlighting the industry's reliance on outdated tools like Microsoft Word and Excel. He introduces Aldoa's innovative, verticalized SaaS solution, specifically designed to address these challenges, streamline workflows, and incorporate AI to enhance efficiency without compromising the scientific expertise of professionals.
The discussion extends to the benefits of vertical SaaS solutions, which are purpose-built for specific industries, offering tailored functionalities and cost savings. Adam shares insights into Aldoa's key offerings, including project management, resource management, and financial management tools, which have already attracted over 100 U.S. customers this year.
For those interested in learning more about Aldoa's solutions and how they can be customized for their business, Adam invites listeners to visit their website or reach out via email. Tune in to discover how Aldoa is revolutionizing the engineering and consulting landscape.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, we dive into the unique employee ownership model of HDR, a leading engineering firm. Founded in 1917, HDR transitioned to an employee-owned company in 1996 after a group of managers bought it back from an international concern. This pivotal change has significantly influenced HDR's culture and business operations.
Learn how HDR's employee ownership structure not only attracts and retains top talent but also enhances client relationships through a shared sense of responsibility and pride. This episode provides valuable insights into how HDR's ESOP model empowers employees, promotes financial literacy, and ensures long-term sustainability for future generations of leaders and owners.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, recorded live at the 2024 Annual Fall Conference and sponsored by Bentley Systems. In this episode, we delve into the transformative impact of Bentley's new AI-powered software suite, OpenSite+, on the civil engineering industry.
Join our conversation with Francois Valois, VP of Civil Engineering, and David Settlemeyer, Senior Product Manager at Bentley, as they discuss how OpenSite+ is revolutionizing site design and land development. This groundbreaking software promises to equip engineers to deliver high-quality projects up to 10 times faster than traditional methods by leveraging AI-driven tools.
Discover how OpenSite+ stands out with its unique features, including a co-pilot experience that enhances productivity, automates drawing creation, and optimizes project workflows. Learn about the ethical considerations behind Bentley's data policy and the importance of data security for engineering firms. Explore the software's interoperability with other Bentley products and third-party applications, ensuring seamless integration and data accuracy throughout the project lifecycle.
Find out more about how OpenSite+ is setting a new standard in civil engineering and how firms can participate in its early access program. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping the engineering landscape, allowing professionals to focus on what they do best—innovative design and exceptional client delivery.
Join us for an insightful episode of Engineering Influence, recorded live from the American Council of Engineering Companies' 2024 fall conference in New Orleans. This episode, sponsored by Bentley, features a conversation with Don Foster, Chief Customer Officer at Panzura.
Discover how Panzura is revolutionizing data management by providing resilient solutions that help organizations handle unstructured data amidst growing cyber threats and evolving work environments. Don shares Panzura's approach to creating a robust infrastructure that ensures data accessibility and security, whether on-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid.
Explore the role of AI in enhancing data processes and the steps Panzura is taking to integrate machine learning for threat detection and workflow optimization. Learn how Panzura's innovative tools, such as CloudFS and Panzura Symphony, are empowering engineers to collaborate in real-time and complete projects more efficiently.
If you're interested in learning more about Panzura's offerings, visit their website for blogs, white papers, and upcoming webinars. Tune in to this episode to understand how Panzura is helping businesses thrive in the digital age.
Join us live from the fall conference in New Orleans as we dive into the impactful journey of the ACE Mentor Program with special guests Stephanie Davi McNeely, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, and Art Alzamora from ACE New York. Discover how this initiative, founded in 1994, has shaped the future of over 100,000 students, encouraging diversity and inclusion in engineering, architecture, and construction industries.
Learn about the program's core group mentoring model, its impressive scholarship achievements, and how it supports first-generation college students. Our guests share inspiring success stories, highlight key initiatives focused on alumni programming, and discuss the importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders.
Explore ways to get involved with ACE Mentor and hear about the collaborative efforts with the newly formed Engineering Workforce Consortium. This episode is a testament to the power of mentorship in bridging gaps and building a skilled, diverse workforce for tomorrow.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, recorded live at the 2024 Fall Conference. This special episode celebrates the achievements of our scholarship winners, highlighting the success of the expanded scholarship program by the ACEC Research Institute.
Join us as we chat with Ella Smith, a civil engineering student from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan. Ella shares her journey into the world of engineering, sparked by her love for math and science from an early age. She discusses her interest in geotechnical engineering, influenced by her exposure to public sector infrastructure and urban planning through her mother's career as a city planner.
Ella also talks about the exciting opportunities and technological advancements in the field of engineering today. As she prepares for graduation in May 2025, she looks forward to entering the workforce and finding a firm with a great workplace environment. Tune in to hear more about Ella's aspirations and insights into the evolving engineering landscape.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the future of transportation, focusing on mass transit, with expert insights from Stuart Lerner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Stantec North America.
With over 30 years of experience in transportation infrastructure and transit-oriented projects, Stuart shares his personal and professional journey in the world of mass transit. He discusses the challenges commuters face and the legendary war stories that have become part of urban folklore. Stuart emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to improve commuting experiences and reduce traffic congestion.
As the discussion unfolds, Stuart highlights the impact of the pandemic and climate change on transportation, particularly in urban centers like New York City. He explores the controversial concept of congestion pricing and its potential to fund mass transit improvements. Stuart also addresses the financial sustainability of mass transit systems and the need for alternative approaches to meet changing commuter demands.
Join us as we explore the possibilities of a hybrid transportation model, incorporating technologies like autonomous vehicles and bus rapid transit. Stuart advocates for embracing new technology to create flexible and reliable mass transit systems that adapt to post-pandemic realities and environmental challenges.
Don't miss this insightful conversation on the future of transportation and the role of technology in shaping a more sustainable and efficient commuting experience.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC, broadcasting from our Fall Conference 2024, proudly sponsored by Bentley. In this episode, we spotlight the City of San Diego, the distinguished winners of the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) award. Join us as we delve into a conversation with Claudia Barca, Director of Purchasing and Contracting, and Elif Chetting, Acting Director with Engineering Capital Projects, as they share insights on San Diego's exemplary QBS implementation.
Discover how San Diego has set a national benchmark by prioritizing qualifications over price in architectural and engineering contracts. Learn about the meticulous process that ensures the selection of top-tier professionals, fostering successful project outcomes that benefit both the city and its citizens. Claudia and Elif provide an in-depth look at the criteria considered during the selection process, emphasizing technical expertise, team capabilities, and an understanding of local needs.
Explore the benefits of QBS, from fostering industry partnerships to enhancing community projects, and understand the passion driving public service delivery in San Diego. The episode also highlights opportunities for small local businesses to collaborate on significant projects, contributing to community development and showcasing their capabilities.
Tune in to hear how San Diego's commitment to quality-based selection continues to make a positive impact on the city's infrastructure and its residents. Celebrate the success stories and the rewarding experience of contributing to the community's growth and well-being.
Join us on the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies as we delve into the transformative power of AI at the 2024 Fall Conference in New Orleans. Sponsored by Bentley, this episode features an enlightening discussion with Didem Un Ates, a pioneer in AI development with a rich history at companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and now Lotus AI. Discover the rapid evolution of AI technologies and their impact on engineering and beyond. Didem shares insights into the journey of AI, from its inception to its current state, and the pivotal role of ChatGPT in making AI accessible at a consumer level. Learn how engineering firms can harness AI to create efficiencies, and explore the balance between human expertise and AI agents in the workplace. We also tackle the critical issue of responsible AI, discussing its environmental impacts and the opportunities for innovation within the engineering industry to mitigate these effects. Didem offers a hopeful perspective on the future of work, emphasizing the enduring value of human creativity and wisdom in an AI-driven world. Tune in to understand how AI is reshaping the engineering landscape and why now is the time to embrace this technology for a brighter, more efficient future.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, recorded live at the ACEC 2024 Fall Conference, proudly sponsored by Bentley. In this captivating episode, we are honored to host Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, a keynote speaker whose journey from the deep South to becoming a renowned physicist is truly inspirational.
Dr. Oluseyi shares his remarkable life story, growing up in challenging environments with limited academic role models, yet fueled by a passion for reading instilled by his mother. Despite early struggles, including bouts of homelessness, he persevered through adversity, eventually finding his calling in physics.
Join us as Dr. Oluseyi delves into the transformative power of education, the importance of mentorship, and his dedication to breaking barriers for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. Discover his insights on the future of physics, recent experimental breakthroughs, and his mission to enhance STEM education worldwide.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation that explores the intersection of intelligence, opportunity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Plus, learn about Dr. Oluseyi's book, "A Quantum Life: My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars," and his engaging podcast with Roddenberry, "Does It Fly."
Tune in for an episode filled with hope, perseverance, and a vision for a brighter future in science and engineering.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, recorded live from the ACEC Fall Conference in New Orleans, host [Host Name] is joined by Darren Black, the National Practice Leader at Risk Strategies. Together, they delve into the innovative approach of Progressive Design Build and its potential impact on the engineering industry.
Darren explains how this relatively new project delivery method addresses the challenges faced in large-scale civil infrastructure projects. By ensuring that guaranteed maximum prices are set at a more advanced stage of design completion, Progressive Design Build aims to mitigate risks, reduce uncertainties, and enhance project outcomes.
The episode features insights into an upcoming panel discussion that will explore this topic further, with contributions from industry experts like David Hadam, Donna Hunt, and representatives from Kiewit and Gresham Smith. Darren also touches on the implications for professional liability and the insurance market, providing a comprehensive overview of how this approach could shape the future of engineering projects.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, recorded live at the 2024 Fall Conference in New Orleans. As the general election approaches, just 15 days away, the political landscape remains unpredictable. In this episode, we are joined by two former members of Congress, Representative Cheri Bustos of Illinois and John Katko of New York, who share their expert insights on the potential outcomes of the election and its implications for the engineering industry.
Our guests discuss the dynamics in the Senate and House, speculating on which party might take control and how divided leadership could influence legislative processes. They explore the impact of recent legislation such as the CHIPS Act and Infrastructure Bill, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing America's infrastructure goals.
Tune in for a compelling conversation that highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the engineering sector amidst a rapidly changing political environment. As we brace for the election results, this episode offers valuable perspectives on what the future might hold for infrastructure and policy in the United States.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, hosted by Diana O'Lare, Director of Market Intelligence for ACEC, we dive deep into the future of data centers and telecommunications with Nabeel Mahmood, CEO of Mahmood and co-creator of the Nomad Futurist Podcast. Mahmood shares his insights on the explosive growth of the data center market, driven by advancements in AI, big data, and connectivity, and discusses the mega trends shaping this rapidly evolving industry.
Explore the challenges and innovations in data center development, including the impact of AI, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of efficiency and sustainability. Mahmoud highlights the significance of modular designs and renewable energy sources in reducing the carbon footprint of data centers.
Join us as we also touch on the geographical hotspots for data center expansion, both in the U.S. and internationally, and discuss the critical role of digital transformation and change management in adapting to new technologies. Don’t miss the live market briefing on November 13th, focusing on the growing data center and telecommunications market.
On November 13th 2024, ACEC will present a panel of experts in collaboration with the ACEC’s new Technology Committee on the data center and telecommunications markets. The data center market continues to grow, and incentives are provided to those who can locate land to build new centers and hyperscale data centers on. Also hear how the latest trend “AI” is impacting the market. Register Now: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-intel-for-engineers-four-part-series/
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure, empower younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world, and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we launch global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underserved communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities for growth and new career paths. To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org.
Welcome to this episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this insightful discussion, we delve into the essence of technical excellence in the engineering and architecture sectors. Our host, Jeff, is joined by three experts from HDR: Pratibha Basrao, Applied Technology Director; Brad Johnson, Professional Services Director; and Doug Wignall, Architecture President.
Pratibha Basrao shares her perspective on integrating advanced technologies to enhance design practices and outcomes. Brad Johnson expands the conversation to encompass professional excellence, emphasizing the importance of expertise and client service. Doug Wignall discusses the confluence of technical and design excellence in architecture, highlighting the importance of consistent and intelligent design processes.
The episode also covers how HDR implements policies and procedures to maintain high standards, the role of technology in advancing these standards, and the company's commitment to continuous professional development. Tune in to learn how HDR fosters a culture of technical and professional excellence and how it positions itself as a trusted advisor to clients seeking innovative and complex design solutions.
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we're joined by Jim Jacoby, CIO for Walter P. Moore and Director for Walter P. Moore Technology (WPM Technology), to discuss the suite of services WPM Technology offers to the AEC industry, focusing on cybersecurity, IT services, and more.
Jim shares the origins of WPM Technology, which was founded in 2017 to leverage 25 years of IT experience at Walter P. Moore. We explore the critical importance of cybersecurity in the AEC industry, the challenges of digital transformation, and the impact of AI since the release of ChatGPT. Jim highlights the need for robust enterprise IT infrastructure to fully benefit from emergent technologies.
We also dive into WPM Technology's five service verticals: managed IT services, consulting, cyber practice, software development, and AI integration. Jim discusses the importance of having a trusted partner for technology services and the value of adhering to nondisclosure agreements to maintain client trust.
The conversation shifts to the transformative potential of AI in the AEC industry, the importance of a balanced approach to AI adoption, and the evolving skill sets required in modern engineering firms. Jim emphasizes the need for firms to embrace technology to stay competitive and how WPM Technology can support this transition.
For more information, visit WPM Technology and learn how they can help your firm navigate the complexities of cybersecurity and AI in the AEC industry.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC. In this episode, we are joined by Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR, to explore the concept of digital transformation and its impact on engineering firms.
Justin shares his insights on how digital transformation means applying technology in innovative ways to enhance efficiency, modernize processes, and deliver better value to clients. He discusses his role at HDR, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology strategies with business goals and enabling employees to leverage new skills and tools.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of implementing emerging technologies like virtual reality, blockchain, and AI, while maintaining a balance between efficiency and innovation. Justin also provides practical advice for firms of all sizes on developing a technology strategy that supports their business aspirations.
Tune in to learn about the top risks and opportunities in digital transformation and how engineering firms can position themselves as industry leaders by embracing technology.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of the Engineering Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) and its significance for member firms. Joining us is Kevin O'Beirne from HDR, who shares his expertise on EJCDC contracts and their application in engineering projects.
Kevin provides an in-depth overview of EJCDC documents, focusing on their role in managing construction claims arising from differing site conditions and delays. He explains the categories of construction claims, such as subsurface conditions, underground facilities, and hazardous materials, and how EJCDC documents address these issues.
The discussion highlights the importance of due diligence, risk allocation, and the need for a collaborative approach between engineers, owners, and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the complexities of construction contracts and the practical application of EJCDC documents in the field.
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the creation and mission of the Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA), founded by ACEC Minnesota. John Curry, Executive Director of ACEC Minnesota, and Dan Larson, past treasurer of ACEC and CEO of AET, discuss the foundation's goals and its impact on workforce development and education.
John shares the driving forces behind EEFA, emphasizing the need to address workforce shortages and partner with educational organizations. The foundation focuses on four main initiatives: STEM education, post-secondary programs, industry retention and mentorship, and data-driven decision-making.
Dan Larsen explains his motivation for supporting EEFA, highlighting its role in fostering a future engineering workforce. He discusses the long-term vision and the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to make engineering an exciting career choice for young people.
Tune in to learn more about EEFA's achievements, including the successful launch of a 501c3 organization, scholarship programs, and volunteer-driven initiatives. Discover how ACEC Minnesota's efforts aim to inspire the next generation of engineers and strengthen the consulting engineering industry.
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Engineering Influence podcast from ECEC. Join our host, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence, as he sits down with Tembi Hommes, Global Chief Data Officer from Arup, to dive deep into the realm of digital transformation.
In this episode, Tembi shares her unique perspective on what digital transformation means beyond just technology. She emphasizes the importance of optimizing processes, ensuring data integrity, and setting up robust security measures. Learn how the AEC engineering industry can benefit from adopting standardized data language and achieving interoperability across systems.
Discover practical advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey, and understand the critical role of training and change management in successful implementation. Tembi also discusses the potential of emerging technologies like GenAI and their transformative impact on engineering and design.
Whether you're a large firm or a small business, this episode offers invaluable insights into leveraging data and technology to drive innovation and achieve strategic business outcomes. Don’t miss out on this informative discussion!
In this episode, Jeff Urbanchuk, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at ACEC National, sits down with Joe Sczurko, U.S. Region President of WSP.
Joe shares his career path from starting as a field engineer to leading one of the largest engineering firms in the United States. Joe discusses the importance of understanding clients, projects, and people, and how his diverse experiences in different sectors have shaped his leadership approach. The conversation also delves into WSP's strategic vision, focusing on resilience, innovation, and the evolving role of technology in the engineering industry.
Learn about the significant acquisitions by WSP, including the recent addition of Power Engineers, and how these moves are positioning the firm for future growth. Joe also highlights the critical need for attracting and retaining talent, and the importance of early engagement with potential future engineers. Tune in to discover how WSP is navigating the challenges and opportunities in today's engineering landscape and what the future holds for this dynamic industry.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, sits down with Jason Miller, Head of Innovation at Ramble, to explore the profound impact of digital transformation in the AEC industry.
Jason shares insights on how Ramble is leveraging digital tools to enhance data usage, streamline processes, and create greater value for clients. He emphasizes the importance of upskilling employees and fostering a culture that embraces change and innovation.
Discover the day-to-day challenges and opportunities faced by the Head of Innovation at Ramble and learn how the firm is navigating the complexities of technology integration, including AI and large language models. Jason also discusses strategies for smaller firms to adopt a data-driven approach and the significance of maintaining flexibility in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Tune in to gain valuable advice on starting a digital transformation journey, avoiding common pitfalls, and unlocking the potential of your team with the latest digital advancements. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring perspectives that can help any firm, big or small, thrive in the digital age.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director, Economics and Market Intelligence. In this episode, we are delighted to have Chelsey Hendrickson from Kimley Horn, who leads the New Ventures Incubator and Technology Solutions team.
Chelsey dives into the meaning of digital transformation and its impact on improving work experiences, client outcomes, and community services. She shares insights into her dynamic role, highlighting the importance of collaboration, market research, and continuous innovation to address evolving challenges.
Throughout the conversation, Chelsey discusses the importance of leveraging employee passions and expertise, the need for market-tested solutions, and the critical role of change management. She also offers valuable advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey incrementally.
The episode concludes on an optimistic note, emphasizing the energizing effect of technology on employees and the potential for an even greater impact on the communities served by the engineering industry.
Join us to explore the transformative potential of technology in engineering and gain actionable insights from an industry leader.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, sits down with Jason Miller, Head of Innovation at Ramboll, to discuss the pivotal role of digital transformation in the AEC industry.
Jason shares insights on what digital transformation means for Ramboll, emphasizing the importance of foundational technologies, data reuse, and upskilling colleagues to prepare for the future of the AEC industry. He also talks about the creation of the Ramboll Tech organization aimed at accelerating change and innovation within the company.
The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation, including the importance of flexibility, the potential of data strategies, and the need to balance innovation with risk management. Jason also highlights the significance of maintaining a client-centric approach and the benefits of fostering a culture that embraces failure and learning.
As the discussion wraps up, Jason offers valuable advice for smaller firms looking to embark on their own digital transformation journey and shares his optimistic view on the future, driven by the energy and potential of new digital tools to solve sustainability challenges in the AEC industry.
Join us for this engaging episode to learn more about how digital transformation is shaping the future of engineering and consulting.
The Intersection of Digital Transformation and the AEC Industry: Insights from Stantec's CTOWelcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC. In this episode, Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC, engages in an insightful discussion with Shankar Kalyana, Chief Technology Officer at Stantec.
Shankar shares his expertise on the nuanced differences between digitization and digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of reimagining processes rather than merely automating inefficient ones. He highlights the critical role of active C-suite sponsorship and robust change management in driving successful transformation initiatives.
The conversation also delves into best practices and lessons learned from other sectors, the importance of aligning technology strategy with business objectives, and the collaborative effort required to upskill and modernize the workforce. Shankar offers valuable advice for smaller firms on navigating digital transformation and identifies key technologies poised to impact the industry.
Join us for a comprehensive exploration of how digital transformation can unlock new value and drive innovation within the AEC industry.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from ACEC, hosted by Thomas Grogan, Senior Director of Economics and Market Intelligence at ACEC. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Justin Webster, Chief Technology Officer at HDR, share his insights on digital transformation.
Justin dives into what digital transformation means to him and how he applies modern technologies to elevate HDR's operations. He discusses the importance of aligning technology with business strategies, overcoming challenges, and making data-driven decisions. Justin also shares valuable lessons from his experience in various industries and provides advice for smaller firms on developing a technology strategy.
Listen in to learn about the risks and opportunities in digital transformation and how to effectively leverage technology to stay ahead in the industry.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). Host Allison Schneider is joined by Joe Romano, Principal and Vice President at Langan, and John Russo, Founder and Board Member Emeritus of the U.S. Institute of Building Documentation (USIBD).
This episode delves into the upcoming ACEC education session titled "BIM Demystified." Joe and John share insights about the Coalition of Professional Surveyors (COPS) and the critical role of building documentation in design, construction, and maintenance. Learn about key initiatives like the level of accuracy specification and the importance of accurate building data in promoting sustainability.
Discover the significance of having standards in building documentation, the challenges of working with existing conditions, and the concept of digital twins. The session will cover methods of data collection, representation, and how BIM can streamline building lifecycle management.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion aimed at owners, architects, engineers, surveyors, and anyone interested in BIM and building documentation. Tune in to understand how these practices can lead to more efficient and sustainable building management.
In this episode of Engineering Influence, we sit down with Raj Arora, the new chair of the ACEC Technology Committee and CEO of Jensen Hughes, the world's largest fire protection engineering company. Raj shares insights on AI, digital transformation, and the critical issues facing the engineering industry today.
Raj emphasizes the importance of adopting digital tools to enhance firm operations, project delivery, and client solutions. He also discusses the three horizons of technology and how AI underpins each of them, urging industry professionals to embrace change and explore opportunities.
For those interested in further engagement, Raj recommends visiting tech.ac.org for resources and community interaction. Tune in to learn more about the future of technology in engineering and how to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Learn more at www.acec.org/committees/technology-committee
In this episode, we delve into the essential considerations for specifying industrial dust collectors in engineering projects. Our guest, Randi Huckaby, a seasoned expert with Camfil, shares her extensive knowledge on the topic. With over 14 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, Randi provides valuable insights into the importance of understanding dust characteristics, safety regulations, and long-term costs when designing air filtration systems for industrial facilities.
We explore the history and scope of Camfil, a global leader in air filtration systems, and discuss the collaborative efforts required between engineers and dust collector manufacturers to ensure both internal and external safety standards are met. Randi highlights the critical factors engineers must consider, including dust type, particulate size, and regulatory compliance.
Additionally, we discuss the impact of stringent regulations from states like California on national and international standards, emphasizing the need for efficiency and safety in industrial settings. Randi also sheds light on the importance of site surveys and the role they play in optimizing dust collection systems for long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of industrial dust collection and its significance in maintaining safe and productive engineering environments.
Welcome to the Engineering Influence Podcast, hosted by Allison Schneider from ACEC. In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Shirtcliff, CEO and founder of SCOPEbetter, an ACEC affiliate member. Tracy shares insights into how SCOPEbetter's platform is revolutionizing pricing strategies for engineering firms.
Discover how SCOPEbetter integrates with existing systems to provide a centralized solution for pricing, helping businesses transition from manual spreadsheets to streamlined processes. Learn about the common challenges in pricing engineering contracts and how SCOPEbetter addresses these issues to drive profitability.
Tracy also discusses the importance of standardization, the impact of being the first proposal received, and the value of ACEC affiliate membership in staying connected with industry trends and solutions. Don't miss this insightful conversation on making pricing your firm's superpower!
Join us in celebrating the Engineering Excellence Awards, our annual recognition of the most outstanding achievements in engineering. This year, we are thrilled to spotlight STV for their remarkable work on the Newark Liberty International Terminal A project.
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Meloni, and Kim Verheilig from the project team to discuss the extensive redesign and redevelopment of the terminal. Learn about the massive scale of the project, which includes over a million square feet, 33 gates, and a $2.7 billion design-build effort—the largest infrastructure design-build project in New Jersey's history.
Discover how the team focused on streamlining the passenger experience with innovative technologies and architectural designs that evoke the essence of New Jersey. From the spacious, open concourses filled with natural light to the integration of local retail and food options, every detail was crafted to enhance traveler comfort and regional pride.
Explore the technical challenges faced during construction, the impact of the project on the community, and the legacy it will leave for future generations. This episode offers a deep dive into the transformative power of engineering and its ability to improve lives and reshape perceptions.
Celebrate with us as we honor the ingenuity and dedication that brought this monumental project to life.
Welcome to the ACEC's Engineering Influence Podcast. As we approach the holiday season, we want to take a moment to introduce our upcoming education series presented by the Technology Committee, focusing on digital transformation for AEC professionals.
This initial three-part online series is tailored to guide professionals through the transition from traditional business practices to advanced technological approaches. We will cover essential change management principles, harnessing big data for informed decision-making, and delivering projects digitally with precision.
Our first session, "Technology Management 101," will take place on July 17th at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, and Claire Rutkowski, CIO at POWER Engineers, will provide a foundational overview of change management principles for technology adoption in engineering firms.
The second session, "Unlocking Big Value with Big Data," is scheduled for September 18th. Ryan Beckman, VP and Innovation Lead at Olson, and Marcus Widener, Chief Innovation Officer at Pennoni, will discuss leveraging big data to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across firm operations.
Our final session, "Digital Delivery," will be held on December 4th. Dave Mulholland, Chief Technology Officer at VHB, will explore technology solutions used in ambitious projects across the United States and the basics of digital project delivery.
Register for all three classes at once and receive a 10% discount, or choose the individual session that best meets your needs. All sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing.
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the upcoming election year, featuring a discussion with Kevin Kosar, a senior researcher at the American Enterprise Institute.
Kevin Kosar explores the structural aspects of government and elections, focusing on the dissatisfaction with the current two-party system and the challenges it poses. He highlights the impact of primaries, gerrymandering, and the extreme polarization of candidates. The conversation also touches on potential reforms, including ranked choice voting and open primaries, and the importance of voter education and election security.
Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of American elections, the incentives driving political behavior, and the prospects for meaningful reform in our electoral system.
Join host Allison Schneider as she sits down with Keith Molenaar, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado in Boulder, on the latest episode of the Engineering Influence podcast. Together, they delve into the intricacies of design-build contracts and their role in the accelerated effort to rebuild the Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Keith shares insights from his extensive research, highlighting the benefits of design-build, such as faster project delivery and cost certainty. They also discuss the challenges and risk allocations faced by design-build teams, and the importance of collaboration and innovation in modern engineering projects.
Tune in to learn how design-build contracts are shaping the future of engineering and construction, and what ACEC members should consider when engaging in these complex projects.
Welcome to the latest episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. In this episode, we are joined by Warren Linscott, the Chief Product Officer for Deltek. Warren dives deep into how Deltek is positioned as a leading technology provider within the Architecture and Engineering (AE) space, focusing on their ERP software solutions tailored for project-based businesses.
Warren elaborates on how Deltek's solutions help small and medium-sized firms succeed by providing comprehensive project accounting, CRM, and opportunity identification tools. The discussion also covers Gov1IQ, an information solution tracking over $2.5 trillion worth of federal, state, and local opportunities, assisting firms in identifying lucrative projects.
Compliance is another critical area where Warren explains how their ERP solutions aid firms in adhering to FAR compliance and managing ITAR-controlled information. The episode also explores the integration of emerging technologies like AI, and how Deltek's digital assistant, Della, is set to revolutionize operational efficiency within engineering firms.
Join us on this episode of Engineering Influence where we speak with Javier Baldor, president and CEO of BST Global. We dive deep into the future of technology in the engineering sector, with Javier sharing fascinating insights into the growing prominence of General Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) and its transformative potential.
In this podcast episode, recorded at the 2024 Spring Convention and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C, Baldor speaks about his recent AI Summit and how businesses across the industry are preparing for an AI-powered, data-driven future.
He also discusses the strategies that firms across the engineering sector are implementing to leverage AI, from mining data for proposal creation to defining a data-focused strategy for organizational growth. We delve into the significant growth in the appointment of chief data or digital officers, highlighting the importance of data in modern businesses and the need for strong leadership to navigate new technological trends.
Baldor’s insights also touch upon the future engineering consultancy landscape. He predicts a shift towards a combination of traditional engineering roles and new-age software engineering roles, facilitated by low-code/no-code platforms. With automation set to redefine various work tasks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI in engineering.
Whether you’re intrigued by the future of AI in engineering or are keen to hear more on the latest trends and tech developments, this episode is a valuable source of knowledge and insights, straight from the heart of the industry.
Join us at the American Council of Engineering Companies' 2024 Spring Convention in Washington, D.C., where we are inspired by the remarkable journey of Justin Wren. Known as a world-class MMA fighter, Justin has transitioned into a dedicated humanitarian, working tirelessly to provide clean water and opportunities to the forgotten Pygmy people in the Congo.
In this episode, Justin shares his heartfelt story, from his early days in the UFC to founding "Fight for the Forgotten," an organization committed to bringing life-changing resources to indigenous tribes. Listen as he discusses the challenges and triumphs of his mission, the vital role of engineers in societal development, and the collaborative efforts needed to create sustainable solutions.
Discover how small changes, like access to clean water, can have an immeasurable impact on communities and learn how you can contribute to this noble cause at www.fightfortheforgotten.org.
In this episode, communications expert Michael Maslansky expounds on his unique approach to simplifying and depoliticizing the complex vocabulary surrounding ESG. Michael strategically crafts his narratives to soothe all stakeholders, stressing non-contentious verbiage and the de-weaponization of ESG language to keep communication politically neutral.
We delve into the various motives that prod corporations to embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and discuss the backlash these initiatives often face, prompting a thoughtful risk-reward analysis. As some organizations shy away from controversial issues, Michael believes in the power of neutral language to keep the dialogue flowing.
Packed with valuable guidance on handling sensitive topics, Michael stresses the use of terms such as 'responsible business' that serve as common ground during dialogues and instigate open conversations in an increasingly polarized political climate.
In this episode from the 2024 Spring Convention and Legislative Summit, we discuss the initiatives of ACEC's DEI&B Committee, how it functions, and the importance of its roles. The conversation revolves around the ongoing efforts to provide reliable tools and resources, fostering diversity and inclusivity within the engineering community.
Guest speakers include Eric Madden, the CMO from JMT, and Michael Cooper, president of HED. Together, they explore the creation of infographics aimed at simplifying the understanding of ACEC's organization, charting leadership paths for members, and how leaders could truly benefit from the organization. The infographics serve as a tangible tool, inviting broader participation at both national and MO levels.
The dialogue moves towards discussing effective strategies for increasing organizational involvement, highlighting the necessity of diversity. They discuss how crucial it is to educate individuals about ACEC, cultivate comfort within the organization, and promote efficient networking.
Whether you're an employer, industry professional, or an aspiring engineer, this podcast episode provides thoughtful conversation and insights into the world of engineering, leadership, and the core values that guide ACEC.
In this episode of the Engineering Influencer Podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, we feature a candid conversation with Jessica Baker-Daily, the present CEO of Halff. Jessica shared her journey from being an intern to the CEO of the firm, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and experiences that shaped her growth. Throughout the discussion, she emphasized the importance of fostering a flexible work environment to boost employee productivity and satisfaction.
Jessica's focus on people, culture, and empathetic leadership was a key aspect of the conversation. She emphasized the impact of investing time in communication and feedback, dubbing it as the backbone of understanding employee needs and optimizing decision-making. Interacting with employees, understanding their daily challenges and triumphs, and being open to critical feedback were points she stressed.
ACEC's VP of Political Affairs, Dave Bender sat down with Lee Lennard, President and CEO of BGE Engineering to discuss the importance of political involvement as part of ACEC's larger advocacy program.
In this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast brought to you by the American Council of Engineering Companies, we engage in a fascinating conversation with Broadway performer, Miguel Cervantes.
Noted for playing the main role of Alexander Hamilton in Lin-Manuel Miranda's iconic 'Hamilton', Miguel not only shares captivating insights on performances, venue designs, and the elemental human aspects but also his moving personal journey.
We also discuss Miguel's life dealing with his daughter's epilepsy, leading him to become a staunch advocate for people dealing with seizure disorders. His wife's touching book on grief and their foundation's initiatives towards epilepsy research underscore their dedication. Understand how personal tragedies can propel actions for societal change.
Watch the music video for his song 'Till the Calm Comes. All proceeds go to CURE, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqESJUipg98.
In this engaging episode, we host Jared Jamison, Senior Consultant with PSMJ where we spotlight an upcoming ACEC/PSMJ course, "Managing Small Projects Successfully." Jamison, a former structural engineer who transitioned into business consulting, shares his insights into the course creation. He elaborates on the course's value, especially for those stepping into the realm of project management.
Jamison explores the unique challenges of managing small projects, such as limited time and budget, juggling multiple assignments, and receiving less focus from upper management. He gives invaluable advice on maintaining consistency in project management aspects regardless of the project size and effectively scaling strategies for small projects.
Towards the end, we delve into the complexities of transitioning engineers from the technical side to the business side, highlighting the importance of resources that bridge this significant gap. If you are a project manager dealing with constant attention demands and tight deadlines, this episode is a must-listen!
Tune in to gain insights from experts on mastering the art of managing small projects. Listen as we discuss helpful strategies, practical tools, and firm-level big-picture strategies—all aimed at helping you navigate the world of project management with confidence!
In a concerning discovery, cities across the US are steadily sinking due to practices such as groundwater extraction, oil extraction, and fracking, exacerbating the impacts of sea-level rise. This article, which originally ran in Engineering, Inc., delves into the severity of the situation, highlighting how a considerable number of American and global cities, housing 10s of millions of people, are dropping at an alarming rate every year. Land subsidence – the sinking of ground level – is largely irreversible and carries serious repercussions, including increased flood risk and potential relocation of affected communities.
As experts emphasize, the primary culprit is the over-extraction of groundwater, which is responsible for more than 80% of U.S. land subsidence occurrences. Despite elemental damages like floods, earthquakes, or landslides being resolvable over time, loss of elevation due to land subsidence is permanent and difficult to notice until it's too late. Therefore, it's vital to comprehend that land subsidence amplifies all other environmental impacts, including relative sea level rise, essentially characterizing the intersections of sinking land and rising seas.
Though land subsidence can't be reversed, stabilization is possible through processes like managed aquifer recharge. Some cities are already testing such solutions with the hope to slow down and stabilize ground subsidence. Nonetheless, considering the increased storm surges and rainfall, the real challenge is to rethink how cities use stormwater to naturally replenish groundwater resources, which currently is not the case in most urban areas. Plans to effectively manage stormwater and allow it to seep back into the ground to recharge groundwater reserves are discussed.
However, the graveness of the issue also extends to climate gentrification. With the rising sea levels and decreasing land, neighborhoods sitting above sea levels are becoming prime real estate, forcing locals out. Experts advocate for infrastructure with multiple functional benefits and a balanced approach that takes into account all members of the community. As cities sink and sea levels rise, engineers are called to action to ensure sustainable futures and reevaluate the relationship between the built environment and nature.
- Contact Diana Alexander at dalexander@acec.org to join the BDM community.
- Registration for the BDM Forum will open on 3-20-24: https://www.acec.org/member-center/get-involved/forums/business-development-marketing-forum/
- Register for the 5/1 Market Briefing: https://education.acec.org/diweb/catalog/item?id=14439812
- Register for the 2024 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit: https://netforum.acec.org/eWeb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=DVLXRegProcEvent&evtKey=B3616C5E-FB9A-411D-ACC0-1B5C791E5573
Join Diana Alexander, the Director of Private Market Resources for the American Council of Engineering Companies, in this episode of the 'Engineering Influence' podcast, as she provides an anticipatory glance at the upcoming third annual Business Development and Marketing Forum. Learn why the forum serves as the perfect platform for networking and understanding the latest trends that are shaking up the business and marketing industries.
Listen about what's new for this year, including the shift of the annual meeting to fall, an increase in available seats to up to 100, and a three-day format that includes a series of insightful sessions featuring industry experts. Gain knowledge about the exciting array of attendees and the invaluable experience they bring to the forum, from CEOs and Vice Presidents to Marketing Directors and Client Service Managers.
Delve into a detailed schedule of the daily event, including keynote talks about the current state of AI in the AEC, proposal creation, go-no-go processes and more. Get a sneak peek into the ‘Thought Leadership’ panel and meet the eminent personalities that will share their esteemed perspectives on key topics such as AI integration, digital marketing, and talent retention. The forum promises a packed agenda with enlightening speaker sessions and interactive panels, all with a view to helping you and your firm grow.
This podcast episode also highlights two upcoming events, capturing the themes of Adaptive Reuse in the office sector and a local D.C. Developer panel at Land Development Coalition Roundtable. As listeners eagerly anticipate these occasions, this podcast provides both the practical information and exciting teaser of what's in store.
Press play and get all the details you need about ACEC Business Development and Marketing Forum in this comprehensive preview. To always stay updated, be sure to like and subscribe. Prepare to be inspired and empowered!
The latest episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, produced by the American Council of Engineering Companies, highlights the Q1 2024 Engineering Business Sentiment Study from the ACEC Research Institute. Download the new report here: https://programs.acec.org/impact-report-21/.
The report indicates an upbeat start to 2024 with a significant positive US economic sentiment. Recession fears have eased, and robust macroeconomic indicators, such as high GDP and low unemployment rates, reinforce the optimistic industry outlook. However, political uncertainty around election year remains a significant worry for future expectations.
The episode delves into the appetite for infrastructure work and the recovery signs in the Commercial Real Estate sector. It also highlights hiring challenges currently dampening industry expansion but indicates increased hiring anticipation amongst firms. A lack of sufficient workers, however, is driving firms to reject business offers and calls for immediate solutions.
The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potential solution to labor shortage also gets spotlighted in this episode. With a significant number of firms using or developing AI strategies, the overall sentiment is positive about the impact of AI in the year ahead.
Lastly, the episode discusses the importance of effective forecasting and modeling, using a decade’s worth of data. Despite workforce concerns, other indicators suggest a shift towards positivity in the economy, providing a promising glimpse into what lies ahead in the engineering industry.
We sat down with Adam Jones, ACEC SC Executive Director, and incoming NAECE President on what he expects to accomplish during his tenure in the position.
The Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC National is thrilled to announce a new series called "Market Briefings for Engineers." Scheduled to be launched online on February 21st, this series was crafted after thoughtful feedback from our engaged member community. We designed it to provide relevant market intelligence, focusing on significant trends, legislation, and opportunities impacting today's markets.
Register for our first event here: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-the-growing-energy-market/
The Market Briefings Engineers will delve into crucial areas like vertical infrastructure, construction spending, AE revenues, and more, all the while offering expert interviews, insight into our industry, and comprehensive five-year forecasts. Our series aims to deliver valuable insider intel, zeroing in on growth markets using data derived from extensive ACEC research.
We will explore major growth areas anticipated for the next five years, including energy, office, healthcare and life sciences, data centers, and telecommunications. Our inaugural session on February 21st will discuss trending topics in the energy market, including renewable alternatives, power plant development, and more. Future sessions will cover topics such as adaptive reuse, trends in healthcare and life sciences, and the growth of data centers and telecommunications.
Each session is expertly curated to deliver information about robust market sectors by presenting panels of clients, developers, and industry experts. We aim to benefit our members by highlighting opportunities, trends, and areas set for growth. To further the cause, we also plan to offer recordings of each session so that you can catch up whenever you want.
We encourage you to join us on this enlightening journey and look forward to your participation this year. If you need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
We sat down with our Board Chair Jay Wolverton to catch up on a busy year of activity at ACEC. We discussed the results of the recent Executive Committee meeting, the work of the new workforce committee and more.
John A. Rathke, PE, SE, FACEC – Wisconsin Vice President and Principal, Mead & Hunt, Inc. Chair-Elect, 2024-2025, Chair 2025-2026
John Rathke is a Vice President and Principal at Mead & Hunt, Inc., in Wisconsin. He completed his term as Vice Chair on the ACEC Executive Committee at the Annual Convention in June 2023. John was previously inducted into the College of Fellows in 2019.
He has served on the Planning Cabinet from 2021 to 2023, responsible for determining metrics to measure progress in achieving the ACEC Strategic Plan Goals and to explore whether ACEC is devoting enough resources to the water and energy markets. The latter ultimately resulted in the forming of a new Energy Committee to focus on the engineering business of the energy market.
John is active on ACEC’s Transportation Committee and Risk Management Committee. He has served as National Director and ACEC/Wisconsin Chair-Elect, Chairman of the Board, and Nominating Committee Chair. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
We sat down with Gresham Smith's Rodney Chester, Chair of the ACEC Workforce Committee, to discuss his plans for the new group.
James P. Hoffman, PE, LEED AP O+M, CEM – Metropolitan Washington President, Summer Consultants, Inc. Vice Chair (2024-2026)
Jim Hoffman is President of Summer Consultants, Inc., a small business providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering and commissioning services for designing government, institutional, and historic facility projects. Jim is a mechanical engineer with nearly 35 years of experience including heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, steam, plumbing, and automatic temperature control systems.
He holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters of Engineering Management from The George Washington University.
Before joining Summer Consultants, Jim served as a combat engineer officer in the U.S. Army with the 317th Engineer Battalion from 1989 to 1992. In addition to his engineering credentials, Jim is a LEED accredited professional and a certified energy manager.
He served as Chair of the ACEC Federal Agencies & Procurement Advocacy Committee and is a member of the Executive Committee of the ACEC Small Firm Coalition. He is also the Immediate Past Chair of ACEC Metropolitan Washington.
Gary W. Raba. leads organic and inorganic growth for Raba Kistner, Inc. (RK).
Before taking this responsibility, Gary served as CEO of Raba Kistner, Inc. He has also served as COO of Raba-Kistner, Inc., and COO of a new startup division, Raba-Kistner Infrastructure, Inc. Gary was CEO during the 2018 sale of RK to private equity firm Crescent Capital of Brisbane, Australia, and served on the RK Executive Committee during the subsequent transaction to the Family Office of KIWA, Rijswijk, the Netherlands, in 2020. Gary has served in multiple board, committee, and volunteer roles for ACEC-Texas and ACEC National. Gary has been in engineering for 35 years and is licensed in several states.
Sean McCone, PE, CCM – Maryland
Executive Vice President and Board Member at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc.
Vice Chair (2024-2026)
Sean McCone is an Executive Vice President and Board Member at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (JMT), an employee-owned firm, that provides a full range of multi-disciplined engineering, architectural, and related services. Sean serves as the Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on corporate strategy, particularly around technology, innovation, change management, and company-wide process improvement. He has over 27 years of experience in the industry.
Sean received his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
An active member of ACEC/MD, he has served on several committees, chairing the Legislative and CEPAC committees. In 2015, Sean was appointed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to serve on the Task Force to Study Small and Minority Design Firm Participation in State Procurement. He is the current vice chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Committee for ACEC National. His numerous publications include an article in ASCE’s Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, and a textbook published by Prentice Hall on construction dispute resolution techniques.
Outside of the engineering industry, he has held philanthropic volunteer and leadership positions at the Al Cesky Scholarship Fund, the 21St Century Education Foundation, ACE Mentor Program, Boy Scouts of America, Lake Shore Youth Baseball, March of Dimes, and GBMC Foundation
Peter Moore, PE, FACEC, F.ASCE, F.FES, LEED AP, ENV SP – Florida President and CEO of Chen Moore and Associates, Inc. Vice Chair (2024-2026) Peter Moore is the President and CEO of Chen Moore and Associates, Inc, a multi-disciplinary engineering firm headquartered in Florida. Peter started in the firm as a project engineer, and has served as President for 16 years, currently leading over 125 professionals. He has been the President or Board Chair of eight organizations, ranging from local leadership non-profits to service on the Executive Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Peter has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Engineering from the University of Florida. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida and holds certifications as a LEEP AP and ENV SP. Peter has been elected as a Fellow of ACEC, ASCE, and the Florida Engineering Society. Peter lives with his wife Karolynn and daughter Sofia in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Erica Jensen is the Vice President of CRW Engineering Group, based out of Anchorage, Alaska. CRW is a 100-employee, multi-discipline engineering and land surveying firm serving clients throughout Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Erica previously served as Executive Director for ACEC Alaska and various board and national positions for professional and technical engineering organizations.
Erica graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a BS in Civil Engineering, followed by an MS in Engineering Management.
Recently, the US Census released the results of its monthly Value of Construction Put in Place Survey. The survey provides estimates of the total dollar value of construction work done in the U.S. This data includes design and construction spending for public and private projects.
With an estimate of $2.05 trillion (seasonally adjusted) for November 2023, this is the 11th consecutive month where construction spending rose, beginning in December 2022.
Total Construction spending growth continues to be strong. Nominal values are still at all-time highs with 11.3% growth (seasonally adjusted).
- MoM growth is 0.4%, a decrease from last month’s revised 1.2%
- Spending growth continues to vary by project classification
- Year to Date spending growth on Public Construction projects is significantly higher at 14.6% compared to Private Construction at 3.9%
Source: US Census Value of Construction Put in Place Survey January 2, 2024, release
Nonresidential spending continues to have larger share of total construction spending since crossover in September 2022 though is plateauing
- Nonresidential project classifications grew at 18.1% YOY, a decrease from last month’s 20.0%
- Total nonresidential saw a decline in MoM growth at -0.1% compared to last month’s 0.1%
Residential spending continues upward growth from April 2023 low
- November was the second month in 2023 with positive YoY growth at 3.7%
- 7th consecutive positive MoM growth at 1.2%
Source: US Census Value of Construction Put in Place Survey, January 2, 2024, release
We can point to fiscal policy and subsequent private investment in sectors like manufacturing, and wastewater as supporting these high growth levels, while the residential sector continues its rebound. Compared to previous month’s, the Total Power (up 10.2% YTD) & Total Public Safety (up 11.3% YTD) sectors continue to grow and are no longer “bottom” growth categories, spurred by increased Government spending in this category.
We were joined on the podcast by experts in low carbon concrete including Dr. Peter Taylor P.E. (IL), FACI, Director, National Concrete Pavement Technology Center, Thomas Van Dam, Ph.D., P.E., FACI, Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and Eric Ferrebee, Senior Director of Technical Services at the American Concrete Pavement Association to preview their new upcoming online class on the applications of reduced carbon concrete.
Construction project specifications are changing because of client requirements for low-carbon materials. Understanding and accepting the differences in materials is imperative to quality construction and engineering practices. These trends provide an opportunity for firms to provide expertise and consultation to achieve sustainable, resilient, and long-lasting results.
To facilitate the transition, the Inflation Reduction Act provides over $5 billion in grant funding to be used for three new Federal Highway Administration programs, including Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants. An anticipated $2 billion in funding is expected to be announced to support transportation programs.
The online course begins on January 31st. Registration information can be found here.
Tim Groover will be leading ACEC's upcoming course titled: “Personal and Organizational Ethics: Charting a Values-Based Course to Authenticity and Trust." We sat down with Tim to discuss the importance of ethics in engineering and how his course will differ from others on the topic.
The ACEC Research Institute has released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap, the culmination of a six-month process designed to help member firms execute against their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals. Launched in Summer 2023 and sponsored by the Zweig Group, the Roadmap is a comprehensive, data-driven tool that assesses the maturity of a firm’s DEIB program. Using these data, the tool then provides actionable suggestions on how firms can make further progress on their diversity journeys. In short, the tool doesn’t just tell firms how well they are doing. It tells them how they can do better. To participate in the Roadmap, firms were asked a series of questions about their practices and policies in a variety of areas: Workplace, Workforce, Marketplace, and Supplier/Community. Their answers to these individual areas were scored, then aggregated to produce a final score. Scores range from Aspiring (for firms at the earliest stages of building their DEIB disciplines) to Optimizing – firms that have robust strategic programs in place. In between are firms that are Emerging or Managing, signaling solid progress but outstanding work yet to be done. While most member firms are early in their DEIB journeys (80 percent scored as “Aspiring”), it is worth noting that nearly 200 ACEC member firms participated in the Roadmap initiative, which signals both a willingness and an appetite for creating diverse workspaces. And that appetite comes from the top of our firms. The data indicate that firm leaders show significant support for DEIB issues; the majority of responding firms have a CEO or president who articulates a commitment to these issues (68 percent always/often). This commitment can be seen in the numbers of firms that have initiatives for creating an inclusive work environment for all employees (68 percent) and in firms that have mechanisms in place for actively recruiting diverse candidates (64 percent). Nearly half (49 percent) are seeking to broaden awareness of DEIB topics, with 42 percent of firms reporting that they communicate the importance of these issues to their employees. While 24 percent of firms report having no DEIB initiatives, these firms’ participation in the Study would seem to signal at least some level of interest. And it’s not too late for firms that are interested in participating in the Roadmap but have not yet entered their data. The tool was closed for responses in advance of the ACEC Fall Conference but has been reopened and will stay open through the end of the year. If your firm would still like to participate, please contact institute@acec.org to receive your login information if you don’t have it. The deadline to submit 2022 data is Dec 31, 2023. Submitting by the end of the year will enable firms to benchmark year over year improvements when the tool opens back up for 2023 data collection in early Spring 2024.
Steve Hall, ACEC's Executive Vice President, joined the podcast to provide an update on what the Council's advocacy team is working on and what we're expecting for 2024.
"Winds of Change - How Climate Change is Impacting the Legal Standard of Care" orginially appeared in issue four of Engineering Inc, the magazine of the American Council of Engineering Companies. For more information please visit www.acec.org.
Last week, the ACEC Research Institute released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap Report on the state of DEI&B programs and practices at ACEC member firms. The Report offers a view of where we are as an industry on our DEI&B journey and, as its name implies, gives actionable suggestions on how firms can take the next steps that are right for them.
We gave a brief preview of the Roadmap’s findings at our Fall Conference in Austin, where we shared that most of our firms’ DEI&B programs are still in their early stages. That’s an important metric, but it tells only part of the story. As Chair of ACEC’s DEI&B Committee, I keep hearing one recurring theme: “We know we need to do better. We just need more support.”
And that is where the Roadmap comes in. Where there is a will, there is a way – and this Roadmap shows the way. A way for firms to see where they are (and to see they’re not alone in their progress) and how to move forward. A way to help our members build firms that attract talented candidates and enable them to thrive. A way to ensure that our industry is positioned to compete – and win – in a globalized and diverse marketplace.
To borrow a line from Yogi Berra: “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Our industry can’t afford to wind up someplace else. Not when we’re all in the recruitment and retention trenches, fighting for talent. Building the kind of diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is more than just the “right thing to do.” And of course it is that, but it is so much more than that. Our industry has assumed a great deal of responsibility for our country’s continued progress and prosperity. We have been charged with building the future, and the more skills, backgrounds, and perspectives we can bring to our efforts, the better we all will be.
There is still time to participate in the Roadmap and enter your 2022 data; the tool will close for responses on December 31. It will reopen in Spring 2024 to enter 2023 data. So if you don’t already have your login information, please email institute@acec.org and they will get you set up. Let’s close the year strong.
The ACEC Research Institute has released its first-ever Diversity Roadmap, the culmination of a six-month process designed to help member firms execute against their diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) goals. Launched in Summer 2023 and sponsored by the Zweig Group Group, the Roadmap is a comprehensive, data-driven tool that assesses the maturity of a firm’s DEIB program. Using these data, the tool then provides actionable suggestions on how firms can make further progress on their diversity journeys. In short, the tool doesn’t just tell firms how well they are doing. It tells them how they can do better.
To participate in the Roadmap, firms were asked a series of questions about their practices and policies in a variety of areas: Workplace, Workforce, Marketplace, and Supplier/Community. Their answers to these individual areas were scored, then aggregated to produce a final score. Scores range from Aspiring (for firms at the earliest stages of building their DEIB disciplines) to Optimizing – firms that have robust strategic programs in place. In between are firms that are Emerging or Managing, signaling solid progress but outstanding work yet to be done.
While most member firms are early in their DEIB journeys (80 percent scored as “Aspiring”), it is worth noting that nearly 200 ACEC member firms participated in the Roadmap initiative, which signals both a willingness and an appetite for creating diverse workspaces. And that appetite comes from the top of our firms. The data indicate that firm leaders show significant support for DEIB issues; the majority of responding firms have a CEO or president who articulates a commitment to these issues (68 percent always/often).
This commitment can be seen in the numbers of firms that have initiatives for creating an inclusive work environment for all employees (68 percent) and in firms that have mechanisms in place for actively recruiting diverse candidates (64 percent). Nearly half (49 percent) are seeking to broaden awareness of DEIB topics, with 42 percent of firms reporting that they communicate the importance of these issues to their employees. While 24 percent of firms report having no DEIB initiatives, these firms’ participation in the Study would seem to signal at least some level of interest.
And it’s not too late for firms that are interested in participating in the Roadmap but have not yet entered their data. The tool was closed for responses in advance of the ACEC Fall Conference but has been reopened and will stay open through the end of the year. If your firm would still like to participate, please contact institute@acec.org to receive your login information if you don’t have it. The deadline to submit 2022 data is Dec 31, 2023. Submitting by the end of the year will enable firms to benchmark year over year improvements when the tool opens back up for 2023 data collection in early Spring 2024.
To read the full Report, click here.
ACEC's Director of Private Market Resources, Diana Alexander, previews the newest Private Market Brief on the Commercial and Residential Real Estate market.
At the end of the 2023 Fall Conference, we sat down with BST Global's CEO, Javier Baldor for an update on AI and what's changed since our last conversation at the Spring Convention in Washington DC earlier in the year.
Rebecca Rockey, Cushman and Wakefield's Deputy Chief Economist and Global Head of Forecasting joined Thomas Grogan for a deep dive into the commercial real estate market on this episode of the podcast.
The following is an audio recording of a post that originally appeared on the Last Word Blog at www.acec.org.
ACEC recently held a webinar on the prohibition against TikTok on any device used to execute federal government contracts. Led by Holland & Knight attorney Jeremy Burkhart – a leading expert on government contracts – the session focused on the legal implications of the ban and what firms may or may not legally do to enforce it. The rule applies to the presence or use of any covered application on any information technology owned or managed by a contractor, including equipment provided by the contractor’s employees, unless an exception is granted.
Burkhart began his presentation with the backstory of TikTok: what it is, how it came to be, and why it has been the cause of such widespread agita among governments across the globe. He joked that those concerns are well beyond the obvious, namely wasting your time or socially stunting your kids. Instead, he continued, the overriding concerns are twofold: spying and propaganda by the Chinese government.
“The spying to me is the larger concern,” Burkhart said. “It’s not just a hypothetical. It’s a very real issue.” He pointed to an incident in which ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, tracked three journalists who had previously exposed its links to the Chinese government and who had revealed that the company’s employees had repeatedly accessed American user data. ByteDance tracked these reporters’ IP addresses and user data to determine if they had been in the same locations as its employees in an effort to determine the source of the leaks.
This, Burkhart concluded, was not a rogue operation. Rather, it was sanctioned at the company’s highest levels. ByteDance is currently under investigation by both the FBI and the DOJ.
In December 2022, Congress passed – and President Biden signed – the No TikTok on Government Devices Act, which prohibits the use of the app on government devices. The law passed unanimously, with broad support on both sides of the aisle – a notable moment of agreement in deeply polarized Washington. The law requires the government to “develop standards and guidelines for executive agencies requiring the removal of any covered application.”
There have also been moves toward a more sweeping and outright ban on TikTok (which some countries and states have done) but the broad nature of the language stymied its passage. Momentum for such an outright ban has now slowed, and it’s unclear whether any legislation addressing TikTok will pass Congress.
Which leaves unsettled questions for firms with government contracts on how to enforce the ban, particularly on the personal devices of employees. Burkhart was asked about personal devices not issued by the company but used by employees to access company email and collaboration tools like Teams. Would such devices be included within the ban? And is that legal?
For firms, Burkhart said, the thornier question is not an outright ban so much as how to enforce compliance. “At the end of the day, there’s considerations that the company has to go through,” he said. “Either way there is some level of risk. [Firms] have to weigh all those risks.”
And in weighing those risks, it’s important that firms also take into account things like their own corporate culture and demographics. What size is your workforce, and are employees of a demographic that will even care about not using TikTok? How much does the company prioritize employee expression and separation of work and personal lives? And, if a company does opt against banning its employees from TikTok, is the company prepared for the potential fallout if there is a move for more expansive enforcement?
Burkhart concluded his presentation with a technical tutorial on what companies can do to mitigate the risks of TikTok for both the firm and its employees. Regardless of whether the government expands its reach on TikTok, Burkhart emphasized that the app does pose a real threat to users’ private data. “It is worth considering policies to address that threat, irrespective of any federal mandate.”
This webinar – and all ACEC education sessions – is available on demand and includes professional development hours (PDH) to all who successfully complete the course requirements. To view this presentation, click here.
We sat down with POWER Engineers for our third podcast to discuss AI and emerging technologies. In this episode we discuss real stories of AI implementation and how POWER is harnessing AI to create a firm-wide tool to create efficiencies and new opportunities for business growth and performance.
Katie Goodman, Vice President for Education and Leadership Programs at ACEC speaks with Rod Hoffman and Barb Smith, lead faculty and program designers of the SEI program.
Thomas Grogan, ACEC's Senior Director of Economics and Private Markets sat down with Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes, and chair of the ACEC Technology Committee to discuss the group's objectives and why it is critical to stay ahead of the curve on emerging tech.
We sat down with Adam Rickey, Chair of the Coalition of American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers to see what CAMEE is working on for its members.
Each year, ACEC and NSPE join to recognize achievements in QBS, or Qualifications Based Selection. This year, we honor Alabama State Senator and Senate Majority Whip Clyde Chambliss for his tireless work to pass strong QBS legislation through the legislature and into law.
Throughout the Fall Conference, the power of translating human potential and wisdom across industries emerged as an overarching theme. Ben Saunders is living proof of how this multidisciplinary collaboration is already moving the engineering world forward. For those unfamiliar, Saunders is the world-renowned polar explorer and was the first person to lead an expedition to the South Pole and survive.
He explained to a Fall Conference audience how his experiences make clear that while we often think about technology as microchips and digital devices, the word applies evenly across all contributions of human knowledge. Saunders’s expedition to the South Pole took years to plan and four months to complete. To make this dream a reality, he would have to overcome three main types of challenges.
Along with commercial challenges (i.e., fundraising, equipment, and leading a team), he faced physical challenges (such as fitness, nutrition, and clothing) and cognitive challenges relating to the physical and mental stress of the journey.
When looking back on the mental preparations, Saunders “realized pretty quickly that that was the most important piece because when you’re out there, you can never really recover fully from one day to the next,” he said. “You’re always getting more and more tired. Every day you wake up and you’re just more tired, more tired, more tired in a sort of downward spiral.”
The statement resonated perfectly with the realities so many professionals face in today’s fast-paced and stressful work environments. That’s why Saunders spent years developing a strategy for the extreme mental and physical stress of the journey, including getting support from a well-respected psychologist. For Saunders, “it was vital having that sort of guidance and wisdom—good coaches and mentors and advisors that I trusted.”
Now, after spending almost two decades traversing terrains that are arguably the most unforgiving on Earth, he’s made a “weird pivot” to sustainable innovation, which seems a perfect fit for his skills and expertise.
“I’m enjoying being a kind of catalyst. Like, I’m not a scientist. I don’t have mounds of money. But I can raise money [and] I can point it in the right direction,” Saunders said with enthusiasm. “And find extraordinary talent and intellect and IP that I can kind of back, not just with capital but with my experience and wisdom—almost as a coach in some ways.”
When asked about his motivations, he said: “when we boil it down, I think that most of human wealth and progress, [as in] most value in business, has been created through extraction…it’s clear that trajectory can’t carry on. We need to push the limits of sustainable technologies, so that’s where I’ll be.”
We spoke with 2023 ACEC Community Service Award winner Rizwan Siddiqi, President and CEO of EBA Engineering in Laurel, MD on the importance of giving back to your community.
Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy with the U.S. Chamber, was our first speaker at the 2023 Fall Conference. His presentation focused on a generational shift happening in Washington where both the left and the right sides of the political aisle are beginning to adopt policies that harken back to the big government days of the New Deal era. On the podcast, Neil discusses what this means for free enterprise.
We sat down with the ACEC Scholar of the Year Michael Drummond to talk about his journey in engineering. Recorded at the 2023 ACEC Fall Conference.
There's a lot of talk about the promise of AI, but much less about how the technology can be implemented in your firm. We sat down with Nathan Bingham, Chief Digital Officer with POWER Engineers to talk about how they harnessed the power of AI.
Government funding expires on September 30th. Unless the House and Senate come to an agreement on key spending items, we will enter a period of a partial government shutdown. Is this avoidable? How long will it last? What impact will it have on our industry?
We talked to Matt Reiffer, ACEC's Vice President for Infrastructure Programs to find out.
The ACEC Research Institute recently published its 2023 Q3 Engineering Business Sentiment Survey. We sat down with Joe Bates with the Institute, to review the survey's findings and check the pulse of the engineering industry. Download the survey here.
David Sellers, the President and CEO of VDCI - the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (www.vdci.edu) joined the podcast to discuss how ongoing virtual education can help close the practical skills gap that exists with new engineering graduates who lack the hands-on skills to immediately take on project work on software platforms upon being hired.
On this episode, Dr. Anirban Basu and Diana Alexander cover everything from recession to monetary policy, inflation to deflation, and what markets will fair best and which won't during this downturn. Find more private market briefs here: https://www.acec.org/resources/resource-library/?_topic_area=private-markets&_resource_type=brief
Register for the AI in AEC series here: https://www.acec.org/course/ai-for-aec-business-development-marketing-transformed-four-part-series/
With evolving sustainability requirements, talent and skill shortages across the sector, and greater client demands, infrastructure project design and delivery have never been more complex and challenging for today’s engineering consulting and service firms. A critical approach to overcoming these issues is standardizing engineering design review processes and technologies.
In this podcast, we talk to Dan Cutler, Project Engineer with Bentley Systems, about how ProjectWise, powered by iTwin, can standardize engineering work in progress using scalable and customizable workflows without limiting the number of projects an organization can manage and without having to start over with new CAD applications. We also discuss how ProjectWise can help engineering consulting and service firms comply with ISO19650 standards.
ACEC member firm Kimley-Horn's Barry Barber, the firm's Chairman of the Board, came on the program to discuss how a long-standing set of principles and a clear corporate culture can lead to successful organic growth and employee retention.
Jerry Stump, PE, President of STV's South/Central Transportation Group joined the program to discuss the firm's recent acquisition of American Engineers Inc.
Jerry discussed STV's M&A strategy and shared his perspectives on the engineering marketplace and how firms are navigating M&A to grow and augment the engineering staff shortage.
CRE Market Update with Colliers
Join us for a private market update on commercial real estate with investment management company director, Aaron Jodka. Listen to our Diana Alexander and Aaron discuss these topics:
- Monetary policy
- Shift in banking sentiment and funding availability
- Latest office trends and adaptive re-use opportunities
- “Tough Tech”
- Emerging markets and regional trends
To subscribe to the private market briefs, visit ACEC’s new resource center and complete the form at the bottom of the page: https://www.acec.org/resources/private-market-resources/ or email dalexander@acec.org. The next brief will be released in August and will feature the education market to include K-12 and higher education.
Follow this link to download the latest Health Care & Science + Technology Private Industry Brief. (see below)
To register for the latest AI in AEC four-part online series visit here: https://www.acec.org/course/ai-for-aec-business-development-marketing-transformed-four-part-series/
We sat down with Diana Alexander, ACEC's Director of Private Market Resources, to discuss ACEC's new 4-part online course on emerging technologies: AI in AEC, which kicks off on August 3rd. For more information about the course, click here.
We spoke with Danielle Manning with Bentley to discuss ProjectWise's components center and how its ability to track, manage, organize and share digital assets across project teams can be a game changer for engineering firms.
During the 2023 ACEC Spring Convention, we sat down with BST Global's CEO, Javier Baldor, to discuss the promise of AI and its potential impact on the business of engineering.
Thomas Grogan, ACEC's Senior Director of Economics and Private Markets joined the podcast to present a look ahead at the U.S. economy and the A/E sector.
During the podcast, Thomas referred to several PPT slides. To watch the video of the podcast, please visit our Youtube channel here.
To download the PPT, please go here.
Transcript:
Allison Schneider:
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. My name's Allison Schneider, and I'm here with Thomas Grogan, our senior Director of Economics and Private Markets to discuss the economic outlook. Thanks for being with us.
Thomas Grogan:
Thank you so much, Allison. Very happy to be here. Very happy to be talking about the economic outlook and talk through some of the data that's been released recently and what it means for the engineering business.
Allison Schneider:
Where do you wanna start?
Thomas Grogan:
Well, if we go to our first slide, I kind of like starting by setting an overview of where we're going to, what we're gonna discuss. So we'll first go through some of the data around the engineering business specifically, and then we will get into some just a few data series looking at the U.S. Economy at large. So the first thing we'll start out with is the census release of quarterly survey data on our next slide, which shows the A&E revenues for the first quarter of 2023. And as you can see, it was a very good quarter, year over year growth was about 10 and a half percent totalling a little under 112 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2023.
Allison Schneider:
What is driving this growth?
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah, so it's a great question. Really, it's coming from fiscal policy and programs like IIJA and a little bit of the IRA. A lot of money is being spent on programs aroundbridges, air airports, EVs, all that. And it's just starting to be deployed at the federal level, and there's a lot more funds that have not been released yet. So we can expect growth you know, for the next 12 to 24 months as more of that money hits the street, as they say.
Allison Schneider:
So what we're seeing now is that it's starting to deploy that money and we should be expecting this growth to continue.
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah. whether it'll be, you know, continued 10% year over year growth, hard to exactly tell, but it does not look like there would be declines in, you know, the next six to eight quarters. So that's a very good sign.
Allison Schneider:
Great.
Thomas Grogan:
And so then the next data point I want to talk about is the construction data that was released. Looking at the value of structures put in placewhat we see is that series is growing as well. Construction usually follows the engineering design work and the kind of lifecycle chain. And what we see is total construction grew about 7% year over year and totaled about $1.9 trillion. And you know, that growth is great. We could even see when we take a step back and look at the growth over the past few years, how much it's grown since COVID. When we go to the next slide though, I think it's important to note that the growth is not even across all the industries. So what we see here is that especially in the past 10 months or so, the non-residential private sector has really started to pick up.
Thomas Grogan:
And the residential growth, which really booms starting with the COVID pandemic, has, you know, declined a little bit and slowed down. And you really can see the point in around May, 2022 when residential spending starts to decline. That's essentially when the feds started raising interest rates, thus affecting mortgage rates. And so that industry is starting to feel a little bit of the you know, higher cost of borrowing. However, as we see on our next slide, the non-residential private construction is really picking up the slack. And when we look at the specific industries, we see that the largest growth by far is happening in the manufacturing sector. That has grown 82% year over year when we look at year to date spending. And that is expected to continue to be pretty strong into the future based on a lot of the fiscal policies that are in place as well.
Allison Schneider:
You talked about the fiscal policy. Can you talk about some examples of the manufacturing products that are driving this?
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah, so there's been a lot of emphasis on bringing a lot of the supply chain home, supply chain home, as well as the energy transition, critical resources. And this is being driven recently through a lot of funding as part of the IRA in the Department of Energy's loan program office. So these are mega projects. Most recent example announced last week is that Ford partnering with SK out of South Korea is doing about an 11 and a half billion ev multiple battery manufacturing facility as well as assembly plant in the, I believe Tennessee, Kentucky area. That's about $11.5 billion a DOE approved alone for $9.2 billion. So that's covering, you know, about 80% of the total project cost. And so it's these big mega projects could be something with respect to semiconductor fabrication as well. And that's happening a little more concentrated geographically compared to some of the other infrastructure spending, which is more, you know, along the lines of formula funding where states are getting an amount based on something like population.
Allison Schneider:
So what we're seeing again here driving the numbers is that investment in America from the federal government.
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah, absolutely. And especially with respect to the manufacturing, advanced manufacturing sector, what's powerful is that for, you know, the federal investment that is being spent, we're seeing on the private side developers, finances make up that difference to really move these projects along. So in the example of the Ford project, you know, the total cost was about 11 and a half billion. The federal government isn't investing or, you know, financing all of it, but they're financing a large portion of it. And then that difference is being made up by the private side. And so, you know, these are data points that show the strength of the engineering business, you know, in June, 2023. Now, obviously we are part of a larger economy, and so we'll kind of talk on a few items that I think are relevant just to, you know, us at large and that could have impacts for our business as well.
Thomas Grogan:
So when we look at our next data slide that we see, right, so a very hot topic, you know, outside the engineering industry is inflation and prices, how much things cost. And at the most recent Federal Reserve meeting, they kept interest rates the same. The data that they are looking at is showing that prices are coming down somewhat, but not enough that they would like however, it's not increasing. And so, you know, when we look at the price changes for different services, there's a lot of volatility, especially this time last year due to the energy and food costs. However, when we look at some of these data series such as the all items less food and energy, they are declining a little bit, but they're not down as much as the Fed would like. I believe that all items less food and energy is around 5% growth year over year.
Thomas Grogan:
Additionally in the U.S. economy, consumers, households actually spend a lot of their money on services. And so that's kind of what's driving or keeping prices higher today, not declining as much. You know, as we would like. And when we go to the next slide, I think it's important, you know, to talk about not just the inflation affecting the households, but what does this mean for our industry? And we could look at the different cost indexes for the construction and engineering firms. And what we see here is US dots highway cost index what the core CPI looks like, and ENR's material price index. And what we see is these inputs, the gray and black lines have grown significantly compared to just household costs. So the cost of building a bridge or constructing a new building is significantly higher than you know, this time a year ago, three years ago, five years ago.
Thomas Grogan:
The good news is this data series that we have is based on US DOT Highway Construction Cost Index only went back to 2022, quarter three. What we're seeing in other material costs indices is that prices have come down a bit from that, you know, summer 2022 peak. And then finally you know, I think something that's important to keep in mind, you know, what will happen with prices activity, if we look at how people are basically behaving now, that's a big, let's say, real time indicator of what's happening happening economically. So if we look at data on our next slide that looks at vehicle miles traveled and airline activity, what we see is we're about 90 to 95% of our pre COVID levels. So, you know, folks are traveling on their summer vacations or driving to the beach for, we have 4th of July coming up, things like that. That is kind of a good sign that we are almost, let's say back to normal in terms of, you know, life in America.
Allison Schneider:
What does back to normal mean when it comes to the economy?
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah, that's a great question. What it means is people are leaving their house and doing stuff. It could be going to work, it could be going shopping, it could be going to doctor's appointments. All these activities essentially have costs are, you know, functions of people wanting to either spend money or buy services that they need. This is often correlated with GDP growth, either positively or negatively. Last time we saw these travel activity metrics decline, say March, April of 2020, we also had negative GDP the previous time, especially with respect to airline activity. We saw these declines as with the financial recession in 2008, 2009 and also, you know, a bit of the 2000 tech bubble afterwards. So when people are going out and doing things, you know, there's not one answer. Some of it is, like I said, they have jobs to go to or they have work to do, which is obviously very good. But it's also, they feel confident to go out and spend money and do activities and things that they wanna do. And so with it being close to normal, it you know, points well that while a lot of talk is, is there a recession? Is things, are things gonna be terrible or not? I think it's fragile, but I think it's positive that we are seeing, you know, activity getting close to normal.
Allison Schneider:
And it sounds like a lot of the sentiment out there is that folks are worried about a recession, but their own situation doesn't feel quite so precarious. We see that both on the consumer side and also with the ACEC Research Institute. That's what their survey data shows as well.
Thomas Grogan:
Yeah, absolutely. But, and with the ACEC research data, what is very interesting, and I think the more important piece about what will happen over the next 6, 8, 12 months is that backlogs are high, if not higher depending on the firm size, which essentially a backlog is kind of how much business will you have over the next, you know, six months, nine months year. And with those not declining, you know, there's enough leeway to continue to grow and not have to worry about, you know, some sort of major crash around the corner.
Allison Schneider:
Positive information. Yes, absolutely. Good. Lots to look forward to. Lots to keep an eye on. Yeah. Thank you. Thanks for joining us. Thank
Thomas Grogan:
You so much, Allison.
Allison Schneider:
This has been another installment of Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Thanks so much.
We sat down with Greg Kelly, CEO of STV and Chair of the ACEC Research Institute's Fundraising Committee to discuss the importance of strategic planning for A/E firms and STV's model for planning for the future. Before joining STV, Kelly served on ACEC's Planning Cabinet, where he was instrumental in developing the Council's existing strategic plan.
We sat with Gresham Smith's Carl Munkel to discuss the hot issues being discussed by ACEC's Risk Management Committee during the 2023 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit.
We sat down with NASA's Launch Director, Charlie Blackwell Thompson, who won the 2023 Distinguished Award of Merit. The Award of Merit is ACEC’s highest award. It is bestowed on an individual for exemplary achievement in the field of engineering, pure or applied natural science, or an educator in one or more of these fields, either American or foreign. Previous recipients have included oceanographer and discoverer of the Titanic Robert Ballard and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson is NASA’s first female Launch Director and leads the launch operations for NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems and Orion’s first test flight, called Artemis I. Artemis is NASA’s robotic and human Moon exploration program and the first step in the next era of human exploration, establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon to prepare for missions to Mars.
At the 2023 Spring Convention and Legislative Summit, we sat down with keynote speaker Dr. Marci Rossell, former CNBC Chief Economist. We covered a wide range of issues, including how people's perceptions on the economy can actually result in that perception becoming a reality, as in the case of interest rates.
Snapshot of Dr. Rossell's Address:
Dr. Rossell told the convention audience that talk of a recession was premature and such fears will be history by the end of 2023.
“A recession requires a decline in economic activity spread across several sectors such as housing and unemployment, and that lasts six months,” she said. “In 2022, we had two consecutive negative quarters of GDPs (Gross Domestic Product) and the fears began.” She said consumer spending also must start to decline, but that also hasn’t happened.
“Has anyone flown this year? Were there a lot of empty seats? Of course not.”
The former host of the pre-market morning news show Squawk Box also emphasized that inflation is much more an economic negative than a recession, but even current inflationary impacts are starting to ease.
“Inflation peaked at 9 percent last year and the alarms went off,” she reflected. “The Feds raised interest rates 10 times over 18 months to address the increase. Since then, the rate of inflation has gone down about 1 percent each quarter. It should be back to its normal 2-3 percent range by the end of the year.”
She added that the economy today is vastly different than past years, such as with the U.S. becoming an oil producer now. “The result is that the global price of oil today has a net zero impact on our economy compared to 15 years ago.”
Incoming Geoprofessionals Coalition Chair Andrew Pennoni joined the podcast at the 2023 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit to discuss the year ahead for the Geo Coalition.
ACEC member firm Stantec won an Honor Award at the 2023 Engineering Excellence Awards for its "Bridging Kentucky" project, which replaced, repaired, or improved more than 300 structurally deficient bridges in the state. Wendy Harper with Stantec joined the podcast to discuss the project.
Stantec is also a sponsor of this year's EEA Awards.
Deb Stevens, Executive Director of the ACEC Retirement Trust, joined the podcast to discuss the benefits of Trust membership. Visit the Trust at www.acecrt.com.
Joe Bates with the ACEC Research Institute joined the program to discuss the release of the upcoming Engineering Business Sentiment Survey for Q2 2023.
ACEC member firm HDR is showcasing three projects that earned honors at this year's EEA Awards - one Grand Award and two Honor Award-winning projects - the Hugh Leatherman Terminal in Charleston, SC, the City of Billings Nutrient Upgrade, Expansion and Improvements project in Billings, MT, and the I-579 Open Space Cap in Pittsburgh, PA.
Congressman David Rouzer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Water Resource and the Environment of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, joined us on the podcast. During the interview, Congressman Rouzer covered several hot topics facing the engineering industry, including WOTUS, the outlook on a new Water Resources Development Act reauthorization, IIJA implementation, and more.
We were joined on the program by Jason Pfaff, VP of Innovation for POWER Engineers to discuss the impact disruptive technologies like AI have on the engineering industry and how A/E firms can harness their power for new business opportunities.
Jay Bowman, a Partner with investment firm FMI, joined Diana Alexander on the Engineering Influence podcast for a deep dive into the economic outlook for the engineering and design services industry.
Mike Piernicky, Olsson's Vice President for Transportation Programs and Government Affairs, joined the program to discuss the firm's growth and how management develops engineering talent.
Federal Agency Procurement Advocacy Committee Chair Jim Hoffman joined the program to discuss the new playbook for consulting firms that the committee is developing with the Army Corps of Engineers.
Ted Januszka, Vice President and Regional Transportation Principal at Pennoni, a nationwide ENR Top 500 engineering firm headquartered in Philadelphia, joined us on the podcast to discuss the firm's decision to open a Washington, DC office and provide advice for young professionals entering the engineering industry.
We were joined by Elizabeth Stolfus, President of Stolfus & Associates, Inc. in Colorado, to discuss her firm's adoption of the "Moving Forward Initiative," a program to connect the firm on a personal level to better deal with the myriad of pressing social issues facing America. The firm used MLK Day as a day of community service as a first step in the initiative. Elizabeth hopes to grow the project to better connect her employees to the community and foster a stronger bond between her employees and the end users of their work.
ACEC Welcomed Dr. Walter Kemmsis with The Kemmsis Group to discuss the current state of America's ports and intermodal markets.
The ACEC RT Trust is a great benefit to ACEC Members and Affiliate Members and today we have an industry expert to provide us with the changes taking place in the 401(k) industry and how it will impact your firm and participant.
Today’s guests on the podcast are Jennifer Doss, Defined Contribution Practice Leader at CAPTRUST, the Largest Registered investment advisor in the country and CAPTRUST is also the Advisor to ACEC Retirement Trust.
Joining Jennifer is Chris Anderson, President of DJ & A and Trustee to the ACEC Retirement Trust.
The ACEC RT, formed in 1973, is celebrating their 50th year of service. The Retirement Trust has over $2B in assets, delivers exceptional service, best-in-class investments, and high value. Learn more about this important ACEC member benefit at www.acecrt.com.
ACEC is holding a new 6-part course: Designing a Roadmap to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, which kicks off in April. We interviewed the instructor for the course, Mindy Gulati. (https://program.acec.org/designing-a-roadmap-to-diversity).
Mindy Gulati is the founder and CEO of Fundamental Advisory, a consulting firm focused on advising businesses, nonprofits, and law firms on issues related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Using her expertise and personal approach, she designs strategic plans, drafts policies and procedures, and creates custom content and workshops for various organizations nationwide. Her focus is anti-racism and equity, implicit bias awareness, creating inclusive and innovative cultures, educating on the ethical implications of bias, and guiding organizations on legal issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination. Her approach provides the foundation for cultural change through awareness, storytelling, and understanding.
Course snapshot: Elevate your organization's success with ACEC's new comprehensive DEIB training program: Designing a Roadmap to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Our expert-led course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to assess, improve, and implement an effective DEIB plan that will enhance your firm's recruitment, retention, and overall culture. Throughout this six-week course, you'll design an action plan and implementation roadmap tailored to your firm's unique needs. Each interactive, live presentation offers a deeper understanding of DEIB concepts and strategies and is reinforced by weekly homework assignments that challenge you to put what you've learned into practice and outline a plan for your firm.
We were joined by Joe Bates with the ACEC Research Institute to review the newly released Q1 2023 Engineering Business Sentiment Study available at www.acecresearchinstitute.org.
The Federal Trade Commission has issued a proposed rule that will ban most noncompete agreements going forward. Employees who own at least 25% of a firm that is being acquired would be exempt, and virtually all existing non-compete agreements would be rescinded immediately. If the rule goes into effect as proposed, it could significantly impact business decisions related to M&A and firm owners and employees currently working under such agreements.
ACEC's VP of Tax & Workforce Policy, Katharine Mottley, joined the podcast to discuss the proposed FTC rule and what it means for the engineering industry.
We were joined by Coy Veach, Vice President at Freese and Nichols and past Chair of the Engineer Joint Contract Documents Committee to discuss the newly released Construction Manager At Risk document series now available through acec.org and ejcdc.org.
The comprehensive new EJCDC series consists of 27 documents, including contracts, bonds, contractor-procurement documents, and administrative forms, intended for use on projects in which the owner retains a construction manager at risk (CMAR) to provide preconstruction services and then construct the project.
The Construction Manager at Risk method of delivering projects evolved from traditional design-bid-build by involving the construction contractor early in the project. The CMAR delivery process adds value by (1) having the contractor involved in the design phase of the project, by performing services such as constructability reviews, providing advice on material availability and selection, estimating and scheduling, assessment of risk factors and mitigating strategies, development of procurement strategies, and organization of the work into efficient work packages; (2) taking advantage of opportunities for early procurement of materials and equipment, especially in volatile markets; and (3) starting construction before the design of the entire project is complete (fast tracking).
ACEC members can save 50% on any document in the new CMAR series.
On this episode, we were joined by Diana Alexander, our Director of Private Market Resources to discuss our newly released Private Market Brief on the Intermodal and Logistics market. Download the new report for free along with all of our economic and business intelligence resources here.
On this episode of the Government Affairs Update, we are joined by Dave Bender, VP of Political Affairs at ACEC, and Nando Gomez, our VP of Strategic Initiatives, to discuss the road ahead for Congress and what to expect in the lead-up to the 2024 races.
Engineering Influence is brought to you by the ACEC Retirement Trust.
ACEC has joined the American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers on a nationwide Engineering and Public Works Roadshow to demonstrate the essential value of engineering by spotlighting successful examples of design. In this episode of the Engineering Influence podcast, the three leaders of these organizations discuss how the Roadshow came about, its goals, its first event, and what is to come in 2023.
Featured in this podcast are:
Linda Bauer Darr, President & CEO, the American Council of Engineering Companies
Scott Grayson, CEO, the American Public Works Association, and
Tom Smith, Executive Director, the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Learn more about the Roadshow at www.infrastructureroadshow.org
During the Fall Conference we sat down with the ACEC Retirement Trust to discuss what sets them apart from other retirement plans for engineering firms. Learn more about the ACEC Retirement Trust and their unique offerings, which are a benefit only available to ACEC member firms and their employees, here: https://www.acec.org/trusts/
2023-2024 Chair-elect and 2024-2025 Chair – Gary W. Raba, PE, D.Eng., of Texas:
Gary W. Raba is responsible for leading organic and inorganic growth for Raba Kistner, Inc. (RK). Prior to taking this responsibility, Gary served as CEO of Raba Kistner, Inc. He has also served as COO of Raba-Kistner, Inc., and COO of a new startup division, Raba-Kistner Infrastructure, Inc. Gary was CEO during the 2018 sale of RK to private equity firm Crescent Capital of Brisbane, Australia, and served on the RK Executive Committee during the subsequent transaction to the Family Office of KIWA, Rijswijk, the Netherlands in 2020.
Gary has served in multiple board, committee, and volunteer roles for ACEC-Texas and ACEC National.
Gary Raba has been in the business of engineering for 35 years and is licensed in several states.
Vice Chair – Derek L. Clyburn, PE, MBA, of North Carolina:
Derek L. Clyburn currently serves as the President of ECS Southeast, LLP. Derek is a member of the Board of Directors for the ECS Group of Companies and has been with ECS for 25 years. Derek is responsible for leading ECS’s 700 ESOP Owner team members that provide environmental, geotechnical, construction materials testing, special inspection, construction engineering inspection, and facilities consulting services in the Southeast States of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Derek has taken an active role in advocacy for the business of engineering through ACEC, from grassroots participation to board leadership. Derek served as President of ACEC/NC during their 50th anniversary year in 2019-2020, as a National Director in 2020-2021, and is the current Vice-Chair of ACEC/PAC. Derek also currently serves as Chair on the Board of Governors for Engineering Companies for NC (ECNC), a non-profit advocacy organization designed to educate and advocate for the engineering industry. He is also active in the Design Professionals Coalition (DPC) and participates in the Risk Management Committee for ACEC National.
Daniel Meckes is the CEO of Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT), a full-service professional services firm with 25 offices in 9 states.
Dan is a member of the ACEC Transportation Committee and DEIB Committee, and he served as Board Member and Chair for ACEC Missouri. Dan has supported ACEC/PAC as a member of the Chairman’s Club for over seven years and is a graduate of SEI Class 9.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and is a licensed professional engineer in Illinois and Missouri.
Elizabeth Stolfus is the President and founder of Stolfus & Associates, Inc., a Colorado transportation engineering and planning consulting firm. She has been active at the state and national levels of ACEC for over 20 years. Elizabeth has served as ACEC Colorado President, National Director, and ACEC/PAC Champion. She has also served as a Board Member of the ACEC Research Institute, a member of the Planning Cabinet, a Women In Leadership Steering Committee member, and a Trustee of the ACEC Life/Health Trust.
ACEC Board Chair W. Arthur Barrett II was in our Washington office for new officer orientation this week, so we asked him to join the podcast to give an update on what ACEC is doing and what 2023 has in store for the Council.
Jen Newman, Founding Principal at Elevate Marketing Advisors joined the podcast to preview the upcoming Business Development & Marketing Forum taking place this February in Scottsdale, AZ.
Jen will moderate sessions at the upcoming forum and we thank Elevate Marketing Advisors for sponsoring the event.
View the BDM Forum's agenda and learn more here.
Read Jen Newman's Last Word post, "Confessions of a Brandaholic" here.
Early Bird Registration for the BDM Forum ends on 1/27. Lock in your hotel at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas here.
Recorded at the 2022 Fall Conference, we sat down with Emily Bloedel, the Co-Chair of the Legal Council Forum to discuss their work at the conference and the Forum's importance for ACEC member firms.
Background:
The Legal Counsel Forum was created so that counsel to ACEC member firms could meet and share information about legal issues facing engineering companies. Such individuals can register for the Forum and be included in the Forum's listserv upon request. Over time, it has also become customary for professional liability insurance specialists to take part in the Forum and Listserv at the invitation of the Chair.
The LCF meets for a day and a half in conjunction with the ACEC Annual Convention and Fall conference. The Chair of the Forum prepares a draft agenda that is circulated to the Forum participants shortly before the meeting. The agenda is finalized at the meeting itself.
Past discussion topics have included:
- Economic Loss Doctrine
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery
- Downsizing
- Limitation of Liability Clauses
- Document Retention Policies
We were joined by Bob Jones, Co-Manager with Jones Engineering Solutions and Lee Lennard, President and CEO of BGE, both in Houston, Texas to discuss the success of ACEC Texas' direct giving campaign for its PAC.
Joshua Brooks, an architect and planner, is the co-director of the Denver, Colo., branch of the design firm Sasaki Associates. He joined Diana Alexander at the 2022 Fall Conference to discuss how airports like Denver International become centers for development.
We were joined by ACEC Board Chair W. Arthur Barrett, II and ACEC's transportation advocacy lead Matt Reiffer on the program today to mark the one-year anniversary of the IIJA and look ahead towards its implementation. Art also recapped the successful Private Market Symposium on energy which was held earlier this week in Houston and shared his thoughts on the upcoming first stop of the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow taking place on Cyber Monday in Long Beach, CA.
Meshek & Associate's Brandon Claborn, Chair of the Small Firm Coalition, joined the podcast at the 2022 Fall Conference to talk about his journey as a Small Firm Coalition member, retaining talent, tailored educational opportunities, networking, and more.
If you're a member of the Business Insurance Trust, they will cover the cost to join the Small Firm Coalition.
Diana Alexander interviewed Jesse Gary, Head of Energy Systems, BluePrint Power about developing integrated energy solutions to help private companies take advantage of the energy transition to clean energy and decarbonize their operations.
Jesse Gary will speak at ACEC's first-ever Private Market Symposium on the energy market on November 15 in Houston, TX. He will be joined by Elijah. J. Williams, Executive Director, Energy Corridor District for a fireside chat about decarbonizing commercial real estate.
Registration for this event is now open. See the full agenda and details here.
Jeff Hirst from Hirst Coaching and brother to our immediate past Treasurer, Matt Hirst, joined the podcast to discuss the link between personal and professional development at the 2022 Fall Conference.
We were joined by Fall Conference keynote speaker Travis Mills, the founder of the Travis Mills Foundation.
The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.
These veterans are supported through the foundation's nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Veteran families who have been injured in active duty or as a result of their service to our nation receive an all-inclusive, all-expenses-paid, barrier-free experience in Maine where they participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families, and enjoy much-needed rest and relaxation in Maine’s outdoors.
Allison Schneider spoke with Clint Robinson and Lauren Evans from the Water, Energy, and Environment Committee to reflect on Jack Hand being recognized with the Chair Emeritus Award and discuss the issues facing the WEE Committee.
During the Fall Conference, we spoke with Anna LeClaire, the 2022 ACEC Lee Rice Water Scholarship winner about her educational and professional journey in environmental engineering.
Engineering Influence was honored to welcome on the program ACEC Fall Conference keynote speaker Dr. Sue Desmond Hellman, noted oncologist, leader and former president of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During our conversation, we covered a range of topics, from the importance of socialization in aging, to the evolution of precision medicine and the development of COVID therapeutics.
We sat down with general session keynote speaker Amy Webb, a Quantitative Futurist and the founder of The Future Today Institute to discuss the engineering value chain, emerging opportunities in digital twining, extended reality and biological engineering, and more.
Jeb Brooks, the son of Congressman Jack Brooks who authored the federal law on Qualifications-Based Selection joined the podcast live from our 2022 Fall Conference. During the conversation, we covered the history of the Books Act, its importance for public safety and the work of the Jack Brooks Foundation, which is working to keep the legacy of Congressman Books alive.
The Illinois Department of Transportation won the 2022 Qualifications-Based Selection Award at the 2022 Annual ACEC Fall Conference this year. Secretary Omer Osman was on hand to personally accept the award on behalf of the Department and he stopped by the podcast to discuss why QBS is important and how it guides the decisions of the engineers under his command.
Watch the video of Secretary Osman accepting the award, presented by Jeb Brooks, son of late Congressman Jack Brooks, here.
Carrie Fischer, P.E., engineer with NTM Engineering, Inc. in Dillsburg, Penn., has been named one of five 2022 Young Professionals of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
ACEC’s annual Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of engineers early in their career who have contributed to the industry and made an impact on society.
The honor was presented at an awards luncheon during ACEC’s Fall Conference in Colorado Springs, Colo., on October 18.
Fischer was chosen for her work on complicated technical projects dealing with water resources and her leadership, management, and commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the transportation industry.
Fischer helped to introduce the transportation industry to young girls with the WTS TransportationYOU program by partnering with the Girl Scouts and has organized a “Women in Engineering” Event for Twin Valley Middle School every year since 2016.
Fischer earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Penn State and Penn State Harrisburg, respectively.
To qualify for the award, nominees must have been 35 years of age or younger on December 31, 2021, and be a Registered Professional Engineer. Nominations for the award are made through ACEC’s 52 state and regional Member Organizations.
Nominees are evaluated and the honorees selected by the Awards Subcommittee of ACEC’s Committee of Fellows.
Mark Van Elden, the head of the ACEC Life Health Trust joined the podcast at the Fall Conference to talk about how the trust is uniquely position to help engineering firms succeed in their employees' health and long-term success.
Kevin Chamberlain, the Chair of the CASE Coalition - the Coalition of American Structural Engineers - joined the program to update us on what's happening at the group and the issues facing structural engineers.
ACEC Geopfrofessionals Coalition Chair Jeff Gebhard joined us for an update on the coalition's work at the Fall Conference.
Allison Schneider spoke with Connie Taggart, director of HR with Wright-Pierce and Anne Harney, senior vice president of HR with Collins Engineers about workforce issues. They chatted during the HR Forum ACEC recently hosted in San Antonio.
Welcome to ACEC’s September economic update. Each month, the ACEC team analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry.
Correction: Our original podcast noted A/E industry revenues at $140 billion. The amount has been corrected to $110 billion (9-20-22).
Here are the top 5 things you need to know:
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Number 1 – The Q2 2022 total A/E revenues are in and they are at a new all-time high clocking in at nearly $110 billion. This breaks the previous record set just last quarter and marks the 8th straight quarter of consecutive growth. Engineering services led A/E firm revenue growth with a 7.3% increase between the first and second quarters of the year. Architecture services increased by 1.3% from Q1 to Q2.
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Number 2 – The U.S. Census Bureau reports that total design and construction spending was up 8.5% in July, compared to the same time last year. Key markets that we track showed private residential spending (+14%), private non-residential (+3.1%) and public spending (+3.3%) year-over-year.
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Number 3 – Turning to the labor market, applications for unemployment benefits fell for a fifth straight week in mid-September to the lowest level in more than three months. That news could mean the need for workers remains healthy despite an uncertain economic outlook – a sentiment we are certainly experiencing in our industry.
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Number 4 – Inflation isn’t going away. On Tuesday, the government said inflation ticked up 0.1% from July to August and 8.3% from a year ago. As inflation continues, the Federal Reserve is set to meet next week to discuss interest rates. Experts put a nearly 80% chance of a 75-basis-point increase and a 20% chance that the fed goes for a full 100 basis point hike. All eyes will be on that meeting Sept. 20 and 21.
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And Number 5 – On November 15, ACEC will host a private market symposium in Houston, Texas examining the energy sector. This symposium will bring together clients, economists, a/e firms, policy makers and engineering leaders for an in-depth look at the latest in the energy market. We will also cover certain funding opportunities from the bipartisan infrastructure bill and The Inflation Reduction Act. Head to acec.org for more information to join us Nov. 15th in Houston.
There you have it. The economic update series is one of ACEC’s private market resources for media and members.
Allison Schneider is attending this year's ACEC Fall IT, HR, and Finance Forums in San Antonio, TX this week where she sat down with Johnathan Allen, EVP with JLL Tennant Representation Group to discuss the return to the office for the engineering industry.
Allison and John discuss the challenges of moving back to an in-office workplace, the cultural divide between management and young professionals, and the necessary HR strategies that will assist firms with the return to normal.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, the National Association of Home Builder's Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis joined Diana Alexander to discuss the outlook for residential real estate development now and into next year.
Welcome to ACEC’s August economic update. Each month, the ACEC team analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry.
Here are the top 3 things you need to know:
- Number 1 — Total design and construction spending was up more than 8% this June, compared to the same time last year says the U.S. Census Bureau. The category remains driven by private residential and non-residential.
- Number 2 — The hottest market in the private, non-residential sector is still manufacturing, which is up nearly 23% from the previous year.
- Number 3 — The U.S. economic outlook is mixed when it comes to inflation, jobs numbers, and GDP. With two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth we have, by definition a recession.
However, record job growth paints a brighter picture. The most recent jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics surprised many adding more than half a million jobs in July.
When it comes to inflation, the consumer price index also shows positive movement. The consumer price index or CPI from the Bureau of Labor Statistics measures the price of everyday goods including gasoline and groceries. The CPI rose 8.5% in July from a year ago. While still high, that’s below the more than 9% year-over-year increase from June.
There you have it. The economic update series is one of ACEC’s resources for media and members.
For a deeper dive, check out all of ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs and ACEC’s full slate of private market offerings at ACEC.org.
Thanks, and we’ll see you again next month.
We were joined again by Matt Reiffer, VP of Transportation Programs and Katharine Mottley, VP of Tax and Workforce Policy with the ACEC Advocacy team to provide an update on the progress of the Senate budget deal.
We were joined by Matt Reiffer, VP of Transportation Programs and Katharine Mottley, VP of Tax and Workforce Policy at ACEC to take a closer look inside the moving parts of the Senate budget deal that is expected to reach the floor later this week.
Ken McGill with Rockport Analytics and chief economist for the ACEC Research Institute joined the podcast to discuss the Fed's 75 basis-point interest rate hike and what it means for the economy and the engineering sector.
Host:
Hi there, and welcome to the engineering influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. I'm Allison Schneider, ACEC's Director of Media Relations, and I'm joined today by Ken McGill of Rockport Analytics to discuss today's announcement that the Fed will once again raise interest rates. Ken also serves as chief economist for the ACEC Research Institute, which provides original research and analysis on topics vital to the business of engineering. Ken, thanks for being here.
Ken McGill:
Thank you, Allison.
Host:
Now let's jump right into it. Today, The Fed announced an interest rate hike of three-quarters of a percentage point. That's the same as they did in June. Now, this is the fourth rate increase in five months. Talk to us about what the Fed is seeing in the economy to take this action.
Ken McGill:
Well, clearly they're focusing on fighting inflation and, I think the CPI reading of 9.1% last month certainly was worrisome for all of us, but the Fed paid very close attention to that. And, that was at least part of the reason for a 75 basis point increase in the fed funds rate. Having said that, they're also aware that the economy — some of the real measures of the economy — are beginning to slow spending and even employment to some extent and some of the high-frequency measures of inflation are actually beginning to fall off of their peaks. So I think that was the reason that many of the analysts that thought we were going to a 100 basis point increase turned out to be incorrect.
Host:
This is of course going to make borrowing money more expensive. How do you see this announcement affecting our members?
Ken McGill:
Yes, absolutely. The increase in borrowing costs is going to hurt many sectors of the economy, construction and housing being one of the more dominant ones and one of the ones that get hit very quickly of course. When we talk about rising borrowing costs, you can think about the housing side that that's certainly going to cut into demand because affordability for mortgage rates alone becomes lower. First-time buyers certainly have more trouble coming into the market.
Ken McGill:
Particularly in the face of the increases in home prices that we've seen. On the other hand, when you think about non-res construction borrowing costs, there are also significant and there are knock-on effects that affect the pricing of materials and labor, as well as, you know, elevated in interest rates begin to permeate through the economy.
Ken McGill:
So, yeah, it's, it's not a good thing for construction. The question really is, um, things will begin to turn negative. Some of the indicators already have, as we all know, it's a question of just really how fast and how far things will fall off. Now for our members, as many of them know, A/E services tends to lead construction activity, and my guess would be that some of the construction indicators that are already beginning to weaken which suggest that they're already seeing in some of their bookings some weakness as well. They'll also lead us into the recovery that we will see as soon as inflation begins to fall off into and get closer to the Fed's target range of 2%.
Host:
You mentioned that target range. The fed has the dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. We know the labor market is going strong, but inflation data showed prices soared to 9.1% in June. It seems like with this action, the Fed's trying to walk a tight rope to slow inflation without increasing unemployment. Can you talk about that a little bit?
Ken McGill:
Absolutely. Their dual mandate — and it is a tight rope. When you think about the fact that those two things can actually be inversely related. Said differently, you know, fighting inflation with either increasing interest rates or going through quantitative tightening, which they're also doing right now, that slows economic activity. That's the point of raising those rates and the finesse part of it on the part of Chairman Powell and the rest of the Fed governors is just how quickly to attack inflation with rising rates or quantitative tightening such that the damage to the real side of the economy, employment and spending in particular is as small or as inconsequential as possible. It's a tight rope. And that's why analysts are constantly arguing about the difference between a rate increase of 50 basis points versus 75 versus a hundred. Those numbers sound fairly small, but they have huge implications for the real side of the economy.
Host:
With the way things are headed, there's been talk of a recession. Nouriel Roubini, the economist who predicted the 2008 crash, said "The idea that this is going to be short and shallow is totally delusional." His warnings go against, we should say, other predictions on Wall Street for a mild recession, including those from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. The Biden administration is reluctant to say a recession is on the way. What are your thoughts there?
Ken McGill:
I tend to lean towards the consensus that sees frankly, a recession coming, probably early in 2023 will be the start. But I also agree that it should be mild. And part of that, that logic is really taking a look at the real side of the economy right now. Employment, as you noted, is, has been very strong and should continue to be that way in particular, particularly because we've seen strength in manufacturing. But we're also seeing a lot of strength in service employment, be it leisure and hospitality or professional and business services. That's where the job strength has been these last 6, 8, 9 months. And that bodes well for consumer spending and confidence moving forward. So when you take a look at that, it's hard to imagine that consumption will fall off the edge of a cliff. It's hard to imagine that business investment — which lags that and follows it in the economic cycle — that it will completely dry up.
Ken McGill:
We've seen, inflation indicators, as I mentioned before, already beginning to suggest that we've seen a peak and things are starting to cool down. That will raise well, that will slow any losses in real income that consumers are seeing by the fact that if inflation is sort of eating away at their paycheck. Wages are still rising at a rate slower than, let's say ,the beginning of this year, but they're still rising. And if the Fed is successful in pushing, beginning to push inflation down, real wages will turn positive as well. And that bodes well for spending in the future. So I'd look at the real side of the economy and it's just, it looks strong enough to weather these fed actions. And if it does get pushed into a recession, it will be a mild one.
Host:
You talked about weathering these Fed actions. There's been talk that they will continue to raise interest rates through the end of the year. Do you have any preview on what we should be looking for or what we might expect?
Ken McGill:
Well, you know, we all tend to watch the same indicators that the Fed governors do. And, those indicators are suggesting, as I said, a slow down a cool off period, if you will. And in our minds, in our team anyway, we've looked at it and thought, "Okay, the fed will raise again in September and end November, frankly." And, but those, those increases will be slower. They'll be smaller. Maybe we'll see a Fed funds rate of maybe 4% by the end of the year. So, you know, whether they, they do a lot of that change from the two, two and a quarter, two and a half percent that we are now, to that 4% could happen, could be front loaded in other words. It's a function of watching those indicators and of course the monthly and weekly indicators of inflation. They'll probably stop in raising rates at the end of this year because the economy will have slowed enough and inflation will cooled enough to convince them that they should probably remain neutral for a while. If we do head down into a mild recession, maybe even more modest recession, they may actually start to loosen. Again, some analysts out there are calling for by the end of 2023, a hundred basis point decline in the Fed funds rate. So, you know, they're definitely watching inflation and watching the potential for a recession. And I think they'll adjust rate increases and eventually decreases accordingly.
Host:
Those are really great insights. Is there anything else you think our members should be aware of?
Ken McGill:
Well, I, I think I would strongly suggest that everyone keep an eye on the pandemic. In other words, there are non-economic risks out there to, to the outlook, both for inflation and for the potential for a recession. The pandemic is not over it's. You know, we're starting to see some of these variants take hold again. I think we still have these geopolitical challenges like the war Ukraine, and the fallout from that war — that could impact a lot of the thinking behind the Fed and the actual results that we see in economic growth and inflation. And finally, you know, watch those commodity prices. Everyone seems to watch oil prices or at least gasoline prices on a daily basis. We're already seeing them fall. I'm sure everyone's noticed that the price at the pump is down about 50 cents per gallon over the last, few months — actually a few weeks — and commodity prices are also starting to fall. That's good news for construction materials and supplies. It's also good news on the inflation front in general. So watch those non-economic factors that are out there, geopolitical risks and, and the pandemic itself. And then keep an eye on, on, commodity prices. I think they're a good indicator of, of where things are going for inflation in the near term.
Host:
Ken, thanks as always for your insights. There's a lot to watch here. So I have a feeling you'll be joining us again soon. This has been another installment of ACEC's engineering influence podcast. Thanks to our guest, Ken McGill of Rockport Analytics and chief economist for the ACEC research Institute. I'm Alison Schneider. Thanks for listening.
Diana Alexander, ACEC's Director of Private Market Resources, joined the program to interview Aaron Jodka with Colliers, an international professional services and investment management company, to discuss recent changes to the health care, science + technology market. Aaron participated in our recent Private Market Symposium on this market held in Boston.
ACEC will hold its next symposium on the energy market in Houston, Texas in November. To learn more about this event and to check out all of our Private Market offerings, visit our Private Markets website here.
Welcome to ACEC’s July economic update. Each month, the ACEC team analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry.
Here are the top 4 things you need to know:
Number 1 —
Total design and construction spending was up nearly 10% this May, compared to the same time last year says the U.S. Census Bureau. The category remains driven by private residential spending up 19%. Private non-residential spending is still up, but not as much as previous months coming in up 3.7%). Public spending is now showing a slight decline down 2.7% year-over-year.
Number 2 —
The hottest market in the private, non-residential sector is manufacturing, which is up 23% from the previous year. On the other side, the coolest market is lodging which declined by 20%, based on data that was not seasonally adjusted from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Number 3 —
The possibility of a recession is still looming and labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation remain top concerns. According to Building Design+Construction industry leaders are worried that they may no longer be able to pass along price increases to their clients. This could result in project delays or firms taking on more financial risk to win work at lower margins.
Number 4 —
One more data point as we look across the business landscape… For the first time in three years startup funding is dropping. Investments in tech startups are at their lowest level since 2019, dropping 23% over the last three months. This is according to figures released earlier this month by PitchBook, which tracks young companies.
There you have it. The economic update series is one of ACEC’s resources for media and members.
For a deeper dive, check out all of ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs and ACEC’s full slate of private market offerings at ACEC.org.
The podcast welcomed researchers Gordon Kingsley from Georgia Tech and Paul Chinowsky with the University of Colorado, Boulder for a closer look at the ACEC Research Institute's newly released study on Qualifications Based Selection (QBS). You can read the new study and access resources on QBS at ACEC's new QBS Resource Portal.
Leo MacLeod, is the author of the new book – from the ground up – stories and lessons from architects and engineers who learned to be leaders. Leo founder of Training. Coaching. Pie., helps Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) firms with coaching, training, and leadership transition. He regularly presents for the American Council of Engineering Companies and helped develop the Oregon chapter’s popular leadership program.
Leo speaks nationally on leadership development, emotional intelligence, and why baking pie is a great way to develop soft skills. With a BA in English with honors from Portland State University, he’s had a successful career as a freelance writer, fundraiser, and advertising executive and consultant. For many years, Leo has written columns for Zweig Letter, Daily Journal of Commerce, and The Business Journal.
Learn more about Leo MacLeod at https://leomacleod.com.
Today, we're putting the spotlight on the Kalispell Core and Rail Redevelopment Project - a 2022 EEA National Recognition Award winning project from KLJ Engineering.
In 2010, Kalispell received a Brownfields Area-Wide Planning pilot grant and launched a project to revitalize the Core Area, the City's traditionally industrial-focused hub with a rail corridor stretching across its center. Dubbed the "Core Area Plan", the initiative was unique in its public outreach. The Core Area includes 1,100 parcels of land held by 450 property owners. City staff held one-on-one meetings with one-third of the property owners whose holdings represented 60% of the land in the Core Area. Additionally, public meetings, open house events, and special presentations to community groups were held, and newsletters were produced throughout the process engaging the community at unprecedented levels.
One particularly innovative aspect of the outreach included a five-day workshop soliciting community/business owner feedback, and culminating in “Speeder Car” rides for participating public (video here), offering a unique experience and perspective of the proposed trail, which was followed by surveys.
The Core Area Plan integrated community ideas and priorities, developed a vision, identified infrastructure needs and development limitations due in part to the brownfield sites, and then created specific strategies for revitalization. The City capitalized on the brownfields assessment and revolving loan fund grants paired with Targeted Brownfields Assessments (TBA) to carry out the community vision. In 2015, Kalispell was awarded a US Department of Transportation TIGER grant, further bolstering the effort to transform the City for the next 100 years.
The Engineering Influence podcast sat down with Darren Black with Risk Strategies, a sponsor of the 2022 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit. Learn how Risk Strategies can help you navigate a complex business environment at https://www.risk-strategies.com
Listen to an audio recording of the editorial penned by ACEC Board Chair, Art Barrett: "Gas Tax Holiday Won't Ring up Relief at the Pump."
Access the editorial on ACEC's Medium page.
Earlier this month, President Joe Biden called for a gas tax holiday. There’s no doubt consumers need relief. Gas prices have hit a national average of nearly $5.00 per gallon but suspending the gas tax is not a serious approach to lowering prices. It’s a bad idea that would make America’s infrastructure problems worse without helping America’s working families or bringing meaningful relief at the pump.
Experience and data show that suspending the gas tax, also called a user fee, would have little impact on the cost of gasoline. According to budget modeling conducted earlier this year by Penn Wharton, suspending the federal gas tax for ten months from March to December 2022 would save less than $50 per person — between $16 and $47 to be exact. President Biden is proposing a three-month suspension at just a fraction of those already meager savings.
Just a handful of states have taken it upon themselves to pass their own state user fee suspensions, and still there is little bipartisan support in Congress for a federal gas tax holiday. The reason is simple — the state holidays failed to produce the desired effect while their coffers for roadway improvements suffered.
There’s bipartisan agreement that a gas tax holiday is not the right approach. Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) noted, “This policy would at best achieve only minuscule relief while blowing a $10 billion dollar hole in the Highway Trust Fund.” Republican Senator Roger Wicker from Miss., said, “A gas tax holiday would do next to nothing to relieve the pain Americans are feeling at the pump.” This is one of the few issues today that can bring together Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi.
The minimal savings from a gas tax holiday will be temporary and even undercut new infrastructure investment in communities across the country. Infrastructure investment that is critical to restoring economic growth.
User fee revenues at the pump have a direct line of effect on the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund which is dedicated money to improve roads and mass transit. By suspending the gas tax, lawmakers would be further undermining progress on infrastructure improvements, which are already being hampered by inflation in the cost of construction materials and labor.
There are several initiatives the Administration could take but suspending the federal gas tax is not one of them. We need solutions like increasing refining capacity and efficiency along with new sources of oil from North America. Those actions will provide long-term relief and act as the bridge we need to transition to renewable sources of energy.
With rising prices at the pump, elected officials are desperate for ways to show that they are responding to consumers stretched thin by inflation. They are hoping Americans buy into simple soundbites rather than holding elected officials accountable. But Americans deserve better.
Now is the time for action to truly help families keep more of their hard-earned money, not more gimmicks.
We sat down with Bret Tushaus, VP of Project Management at Deltek after the 2022 Annual Convention of Legislative Summit to discuss their offerings for the A/E industry when it comes to digital transition and project management for AEC firms. Visit them at https://www.deltek.com/en
Welcome to ACEC’s June economic update. Each month, ACEC’s Erin McLaughlin analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry.
Here are the top 4 things you need to know:
Number 1 —
Despite rising interest rates, Housing prices are up 20.6% year-over-year according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index, the most significant year-over year-increase since tracking began in 1987.
Number 2 —
Total design and construction spending was up more than 12% this April, compared to the same time last year, according to the US Census Bureau. It remains driven by private residential spending which up over 18%, and private non-residential up more than 10%.
Number 3 —
The five hottest markets for the first four months of the year are up compared to same time period last year are manufacturing, commercial, residential, conservation and development, sewage and waste disposal.
Number 4 —
The coolest markets for the first four months of the year are down compared to same time period last year. The five coolest markets are public safety, lodging, religious, educational, transportation — as defined by the Census Bureau which does not include highway and streets.
There you have it. The economic update series is one of ACEC’s resources for media and members.
For a deeper dive, check out the full video on YouTube and all of ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs.
To learn more about ACEC’s full slate of private market offerings visit our website at ACEC.org.
Thanks, and we’ll see you again next month.
We sat down with Victor Insurance, a long time ACEC sponsor and exhibitor to discuss how their services help the A/E marketplace. Please visit their website to learn more at https://www.victorinsuranceus.com
We sat down with Kevin O'Beirne, National Manage of Engineering Specifications for HDR and the Chair of ACEC's Contract Documents Committee to discuss the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC®), which produces the highest quality standard documents specifically written for infrastructure projects in the United States.
EJCDC contract documents are time tested and regularly updated. As an ACEC member you can purchase these documents at a discounted rate through our bookstore on acec.org. Learn more about EJCDC here.
We sat down with Brent White from ARW Engineers, the outgoing Chair of the Coalition of American Structural Engineers which represents more than 200 structural engineering firms dedicated to making structural engineering a fair, profitable, and robust industry.
CASE offers SEs the opportunity to further develop their businesses through shared best practices, reduced professional liability exposure and increased profitability.
CASE is the recognized authority in the SE industry and the leading provider of risk management and business practice education and information for structural engineering firms. Learn more about the CASE Coalition here.
We sat down with Joe Romano with Langan at the 2022 Annual Convention to discuss the Coalition of Professional Surveyors, one of ACEC's seven Coalition groups specifically designed to bring leaders in the built environment together by specialization to share information, best practices and more. Coalition membership is an important aspect of ACEC membership. More information on the COPS Coalition can be found below:
Coalition of Professional Surveyors:
WHO WE ARE Rapid change, competitive pressures, and tremendous advancements in technology and software are changing the way professional surveyors do business. COPS represents professional surveying/geospatial engineering firms looking to strengthen the industry image and business environment by advancing quality professional geospatial services – turning challenges into opportunities.
WHAT WE DO COPS helps members create, maintain, and transform their survey component into a healthy, bottom?line revenue producer. COPS maintains established relationships with both NCEES and NSPS, and represents surveying issues on ACEC’s outreach and advocacy agenda.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN Informative education sessions tailored to the unique needs of surveying firms – as well as an influential national network of industry leaders and peers – will help to keep you up to date and in the know.
Membership benefits include:
- Education sessions and materials specifically tailored to surveying firms
- Business practice documents focused on managing and reducing your risk
- Issue advocacy with Coalition to Save our GPS
- An invaluable network of surveying and geospatial engineering professionals with vast knowledge and experience to uncover new business opportunities, as well as troubleshoot issues and share best practices
- Quarterly meetings to share information and ideas
- Information sharing forums at the ACEC Annual Convention and Fall Conference
- Connect with COPS members online through the COPS LinkedIn group
- Free, 24/7 access to the Seven Baselines of Business Practices – our valuable flagship publication
Allison Schneider sat down with Nicole Malachowski, a combat veteran and the first female pilot for the Air Force's Thunderbird aerial demonstration team after she spoke at our 2022 Convention and Legislative Summit. During the conversation, Nicole discussed leadership, the importance of the "wingman contract" and how it extends to engineering firms and more.
We sat down with Autodesk to discuss the evolution of digital project delivery and how the engineering industry is adopting this technology on projects of varying complexity to achieve greater outcomes for their firms and projects.
We spoke with our Monday session speaker at the 2022 Annual Convention, Adam Steltzner, the Chief Engineer for the NASA 2020 Mars Mission. During his compelling presentation, Adam talked about the importance of imagination and perseverance to push the limits of what we can do. We extended the conversation with a podcast after the session ended. Don't miss this great interview.
Join Engineering Influence, coming to you from the 2022 ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit. Convention coverage made possible by Autodesk.
In this episode, we are joined by Saul Gomez, Director of Business Development with aec360 by HSO. Learn more about their AEC 360 software suite for engineering firms online here and at the convention at exhibit booth 6.
Engineering Influence was pleased to be joined by Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of Charity: Water—a non-profit organization that provides drinking water to people in developing nations. Scott kicked off our Annual Convention on Sunday evening with a fantastic presentation that resonated with our audience of engineers. The message was simple - in 2022 there is no reason why people still don't have access to clean water. That sounds like a problem fit for the mind of an engineer - a critical problem to solve for society.
Harrison began his journey as a former nightclub promoter in New York City. Leaving that life behind, he became a volunteer on a hospital ship off the coast of Liberia, West Africa as a photojournalist.
Returning to New York City in 2006, he founded Charity:water and focused his full attention on the global water crisis and the world’s 663 million people without clean water to drink.
Since its inception, Charity:water has funded more than 91,000 water projects in 29 countries benefiting nearly 15 million people.
Scott has been recognized in Fortune magazine’s 40 under 40 list; Forbes magazine Impact 30 list and has also been recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
Today we spotlight Stambaugh Ness, a Patron Sponsor and exhibitor at the 2022 Annual Convention and Legislative Summit taking place in Washington, DC from May 22-24.
We were joined by Water Energy & Environment Committee members Lauren Evans of Pinyon Engineering in Colorado and Andrew Bochman with the Idaho National Laboratory to set the stage for a series of podcasts focused on digging into the real issues surrounding sustainable engineering.
In this episode, Lauren and Andrew discuss the differences between mitigation and adaptation and begin laying out the issues and challenges that define how policymakers and the public navigate climate change and the built environment.
During this edition of the MO Spotlight, we are joined by ACEC/MA's Abbie Goodman to discuss her organization's partnerships with Massachusetts Community Colleges on a STEM Starter Academy to attract more people into the engineering profession.
Resources mentioned during the podcast:
STEM Starter Academy Resource Page
A STEM presentation to classrooms that can be downloaded, modified and used for classroom visits, virtual or in person.
Editor's note: During the podcast, the educational path of the MassDOT Highway Administrator was listed incorrectly. It should be noted that he started at Mount Wachusett Community College in Liberal Arts and Sciences. He then attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Environmental Engineering and holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
The Engineering Influence podcast welcomed Elizabeth Bradford from Michael Baker International and Dr. Luce Bassetti from Jacobs Engineering to discuss the future of resiliency and the need to take a programatic approach to the challenges of climate change. Both Elizabeth and Luce are authors of a chapter in ACEC's new book: Climate Change and the Built Environment, available now.
Well, the weather is starting to heat up here in Washington DC , and so is our activity at ACEC. And we wanted to give you a wrap up of what we've been working on this week and look ahead to what to expect from ACEC in the coming weeks.
Now first, I want to lead off with the fact that the 2022 professional liability insurance survey of member firms is now underway and invitation links to take the survey have been sent to the primary contacts of our firm members. And the survey is only requesting the responses from AE member firms of ACEC. Only one set of responses per firm is required. If you have any questions, reach out to Charles Kim.
Earlier this week, we published two updates. First being the YouTube update that Erin McLaughlin, our Vice President of private market resources does every month in 10 minutes or less giving you all the top trends and information you need on what's happening in the economy and how it impacts your business.
That's available on our YouTube channel. And it's going to be linked to the show notes on this episode. Really encourage you to take a look, like and subscribe to the channel, because we do this on a monthly basis. And we also follow up with an even shorter summary on our podcast that was published a little bit earlier this week, looking at top four things you need to know about the economy and the AE industry. And of course now with inflation and CPI at record highs, it's really a good time to get your handle on everything that's happening and impacting our industry.
Now, following on the theme of private markets, time is running out for you to register for our April 28th Private Market Symposium on the healthcare, science+technology market, taking place in Boston, Massachusetts. Now this is a great event that brings together engineers and practitioners within this market space to talk about the evolution of the market and ways that engineering firms could take advantage of it.
And we know from the research we've done from the ACEC Research Institute that healthcare facilities, biotech, science, and technology, those are all market sectors where our industry fuels bullish now and into the next 12 months. So this is a great opportunity, not only to hear from experts, but also to share information, meet network with your peers. Space is limited and we're running out. So take the opportunity right now if you're in the Boston area or on the 95 corridor. Make sure to get your space for the upcoming private market symposium in healthcare and the science+technology market happening on April 28th in Boston. If you go up to the private market resources page on our website, we have a full rundown of speakers and the agenda. It's gonna be an event you don't want to miss.
Now we're also counting down the days until we hit the early bird deadline for the 2022 annual Convention and Legislative Summit happening in person between May 22nd and 25th back downtown DC at the Grand Hyatt.
Now this is going to be a great event and it's gonna be a combination of three days of networking, round tables, speakers, and of course advocacy. This is our premier advocacy event for the year. Now there's no better time to have your voice heard in Washington. I mean, right now we are in the implementation phase of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. No one knows the importance of getting this right like our member firm leaders. And we always talk about the speakers that we have and speakers are always a highlight of our events. And this year is no exception. We are very pleased to be welcoming Margaret Brennan - she's the moderator of, CBS' Face the Nation and their Chief Foreign Correspondent. And there's enough to talk about right there.
We are also gonna be joined by Scott Harrison. He's gonna be kicking off the event. He's the founder and CEO of Charity: Water, and we are also gonna be welcoming Nicole Malachowski. She is the first female Thunderbird pilot. She's a combat veteran fighter squadron commander, also a white house fellow and advisor gonna be a great talk there. And then Adam Steltzner, he's the leader and chief engineer at NASA for their Mars 2020 mission and the Rover Perseverance. Just a great lineup of speakers to give a little bit extra flare to the event.
Again, April 21st is the end of the early bird period. Make sure you go up to acec.org and secure your spot not only for the event, but then also for the Engineering Excellence Awards that are happening again in person. Gonna be great to have this event back in person. We've done the last two virtually, and it's gonna be us just wonderful to get everybody back together.
But the premier celebration of engineering excellence is happening right at the end of the conference. So make sure that you not only get your spot for the event, but then also for the EEA awards, you don't wanna miss that. In addition to all of those things happening, we also have some great courses and webinars you don't wanna miss and something that's very timely happening on April 18th, "Electric Vehicle Charging Networks: Implications for Transportation Planning of the Energy Grid." And we all know bipartisan infrastructure. Bill has a lot of EV funding and that national EV network infrastructure. So this is gonna be a great webinar to learn more about that.
And then rounding out next week. Friday is Earth Day, April 22nd, and we're gonna be spending the week focusing in on how our member firms design a better world. And we're gonna be using that as our hashtag throughout the week on social media. And we're looking for examples. If you are a firm that deals in environmental work and you want a spotlight, a project that you're very proud of, that shows how we are as an industry, improving the world around us, by cleaning the air, cleaning the water, making things more resilient against climate threats or sustainable. Please let us know, put it up on social, use the #DesignABetterWorld. We'll see it, and we'll retweet it. We're gonna be reposting. A lot of podcasts we've done on environmental issues, posting videos up.
And we also have a new book in the ACEC bookstore, "Climate Change and the Built Environment." And this is a compendium is, is really a great resource. And I encourage you to take a look at it. There are 11 chapters plus case studies written by engineers, understanding taking the concept of climate change and the threat that it presents and actually putting actionable steps and how engineering firms can work on these issues. It's a really good book. Encourage everyone to take a look will be running podcasts with some of the contributors to the book and it's up there on the ACEC bookstore.
So that's your wrap up for this week and a look ahead at the week to come from ACEC. We'll see you next time.
Welcome to ACEC’s March economic update. Each month, ACEC’s Erin McLaughlin analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry. Here are the 4 things you need to know:
Number 1 –
- Reduced immigration is causing economic challenges according to a new survey from the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). Eighty percent of survey respondents said reduced immigration during the pandemic has constrained economic activity and contributed to wage pressures. The engineering industry has an ongoing and growing shortage of talent, and the constrained immigration pattern of the last few years has exacerbated labor supply challenges.
Number 2 –
- Unemployment was at just 3.6% in March near record lows, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Economists generally consider full employment to be 4%. For the engineering industry, our work falls into the category of professional and related services. That category has just 1.6% unemployment.
Number 3 –
- Inflation continues to rise, with the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, up more than 8 percent over the last 12 months, the fastest annual gain in more than 40 years. CPI data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and tracks prices across different categories including gas. Though politicians have suggested – or moved forward on – lowering or suspending the gas tax, ACEC does not believe that would not be a prudent or effective way to lower the cost of gas. In fact, just 14% of the economists surveyed by NABE recommended lowering or suspending the gas tax as a way to mitigate rising gas prices. The more favored approach was to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
And, number 4:
- Total design and construction spending was up more than 11% this February, compared to the same time last year. The category remains driven by private residential spending which is up almost 17%, along with private non-residential up nearly 10%.
There you have it. The economic update series is one of ACEC’s resources for media and members. For a deeper dive, check out the full video on YouTube and all of ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs.
And we hope to see you later this month when the ACEC private markets team will hold a symposium discussing the healthcare, science and technology markets in Boston, Mass.
To learn more about ACEC’s full slate of private market offerings visit our website at ACEC.org.
Thanks, and we’ll see you again in May.
Joining us on the program is Patricia Gary, who is Of Counsel at Donovan Hatem in Boston and a co-editor of ACEC's latest book, Climate Change and the Built Environment.
Gary delves into both the wider issues of climate change and the more focused role of design services professionals.
Purchase your copy here: https://education.acec.org/diweb/catalog/item?id=8387708
ACEC has published a new book: Climate Change and the Built Environment.
Lisa Churchill, founder of Climate Advisory and a co-editor of the book, joins the program to discuss climate change and engineers' role in finding solutions.
Purchase your copy here: https://education.acec.org/diweb/catalog/item?id=8387708
Erin McLaughlin, our VP of Private Market Resources joined the program to discuss the growing healthcare and science+technology market, which is the focus of our upcoming Private Market Symposium taking place next month in Boston. To learn more about the event, click here: https://programs.acec.org/private-market-symposiums/
M&A/Ownership transition is a popular issue on the podcast, and today we’re going to come at it from a different angle. Rather than looking at the state of the market or the various valuation methods, we’re going to talk about the role of the key people in the firm.
Diving into this issue with us is Robert Gabel, a former CFO at two mid-sized engineering firms who has been involved in numerous acquisitions and, perhaps more importantly, has participated in several decisions not to make an acquisition. He also was involved in rebuilding two ownership transition programs and has advised on several others.
Bob recently presented an online class for ACEC on the people side of ownership transition and if this conversation stimulates your interest, you can download that program here.
A big issue for every type of company in the United States today is cybersecurity. It’s a huge challenge both to protect a firm’s digital assets and then to stay ahead of the bad actors who never stop looking for chinks in the armor.
We dive into this issue with Doug Miller, who is founder and CEO of The Brightworks Group in Indianapolis. Brightworks is a digital transformation and cloud transition IT service company offering cloud-based managed services to companies in a range of industries including engineering.
Doug recently presented an online class for ACEC on cybersecurity and if our conversation stimulates your interest, I encourage you watch the program.
Curbing the Cause of Climate Change originally appeared as the cover feature of the Fall 2021 issue of Engineering Inc. Read the whole story from Samuel Greengard "Mitigating Challenges of Climate Change" in the magazine's digital edition here. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an issue.
Welcome to ACEC’s March economic update. Each month, ACEC’s Erin McLaughlin analyzes the latest industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry.
Here are the 5 things you need to know:
Number 1: Engineering and design revenues reached $100 billion last quarter, an all-time high, and marked the sixth straight month of growth following the pandemic dip.
Number 2: Total design and construction spending was up more than 8% this January, compared to the same time last year. The category remains driven by private residential spending which is up more than 13 % and private non-residential up more than 7%.
Number 3: Inflation is anticipated to remain higher than previously predicted, according to a new National Association for Business Economics survey. 30% of respondents named monetary policy missteps as the greatest downside risk.
Number 4 :In the same survey, the vast majority respondents suggested a wage spiral is something to keep an eye on. A wage spiral is the economic term for price increases due to higher wages. 77% of respondents think a wage spiral is either already occurring or will be a major risk in 2022.
Number 5: During a report to Congress this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said he would propose an interest rate increase of a quarter-percentage-point, which he will suggest at the upcoming Fed meetings. This increase is less than analysts anticipated.
Chairman Powell acknowledged difficulties coming out of the pandemic, saying the Fed would avoid “adding uncertainty to what is already an extraordinarily challenging and uncertain moment.”
Those are your top 5 items.
For a deeper dive, check out the full video on YouTube and all of ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs.
And mark your calendars for April when the ACEC private markets team will hold a symposium discussing the health care, science and technology markets in Boston, Mass.
To learn more about ACEC’s full slate of private market offerings visit our website at ACEC.org.
Joining us on the program is Dr. Rick Huijbregts, who recently joined Stantec to lead the firm's global Smart Cities Initiative.
Stantec is a leader in Smart Cities, which is a fast-growing sector with the Design Services Industry, and Dr. Huijbregts is here to share his views on where the sector is right now and where it may go.
Click here for more information about Stantec's Smart Cities Initiative
Today we’re talking about the red-hot Mergers & Acquisitions market in the engineering industry with Steve Gido, a principal at ROG + Partners, which provides corporate advisory services for firms in the Design Services industry.
Steve recently presented a top-notch ACEC online class on the current state of the M&A market, looking at both larger economic trends and the individual firm issues, and I recommend that you check it out. For today’s discussion we’re going to talk about some of the key points that he addressed in that class.
Click here for the ACEC online class on the current state of the M&A market in engineering.
On March 30 & 31, ACEC will hold its newly re-imagined Business Development & Marketing Forum in Atlanta, GA. We sat down with Diana Alexander to discuss her work to revitalize this important event and discuss its format, agenda and content. Learn more about the event here: https://program.acec.org/bdm-2022
As a service to our members, our Private Market Resources team produces monthly economic updates for the A/E industry. We offer an in-depth report on YouTube, and a summary of our report on the podcast. Visit our Private Market Resources page for past updates and our industry-specific Private Market Briefs.
As we celebrate Engineer's Week 2022, we were pleased to welcome Simil Raghavan from EngineerGirl.org, a website dedicated to attracting more girls and young women into the engineering field. EngineerGirl has been around for 20 years and offers a number of opportunities for engineering executives to engage with girls in middle school and high school to interest them in a career in engineering. Learn more here: www.engineergirl.org.
The ACEC Research Institute's Joe Bates joined the program to take a closer look at the Institute's newly released Engineering Business Sentiment Study for Q1 2022. The new report, which updates the previous survey released in October 2021 shows there is extreme optimism among engineering firm leaders about their firms' finances and the the engineering and design industry as a whole. The same cannot be said about their outlook on the U.S. economy, which is a source of pessimism due to rising inflation and the labor shortage. Hot button topics among firm leaders continue to be project backlog and the talent shortage. Read the entire report here: https://programs.acec.org/impact-report-21/ https://programs.acec.org/impact-report-21/
We were honored to be joined by Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes to discuss his firm's focus on ESG throughout its diverse set of practice areas.
Jensen Hughes is the global leader in engineering, consulting and technology that make our world safe, secure and resilient. Worldwide, the firms is recognized most widely for its leadership in fire protection engineering – a legacy of responsibility Jensen Hughes has advanced with honor and pride since 1939.
In addition to fire protection, Jensen Hughes excels in other areas critical to advancing safety, security and resiliency – these include accessibility consulting, risk and hazard analysis, process safety, forensic investigations, security, and emergency management as well as digital innovation across many of its services. The firm serves all markets from Government, Healthcare, Science, and Technology to Energy, Mission Critical and Transportation. Jensen Hughes employs 1400+ colleagues across the world and performed 22,000 projects in 100 countries last year.
ACEC and FIDIC North America are launching new webinar series exploring integrity in the Americas. The first session will take place on Thursday, February 17 at 12:00 ET.
Attendees will learn about the successful implementation of Integrity Management on projects funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), including strategies to implement integrity in an accountable manner at the agency level, at the national program level, and within the parent investment or donor organization.
On today’s podcast, FIDIC Integrity Management Committee Chair Richard Stump of RS&H, Inc. leads a discussion on a recent Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) program in Liberia that developed and implemented an anti-fraud and corruption (AFC) Action Plan and other protocols to support the program’s integrity.
Participating in the podcast are:
- Christopher Williams, Senior Director for Anti-Fraud and Corruption, Millennium Challenge Corporation
- Tshaka E. Dennis, former Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Millennium Challenge Account – Liberia
- James Pierre, Senior Associate at Pierre, Tweh and Associates Law Firm in Monrovia, Liberia. Former General Counsel of Millennium Challenge Account - Liberia (MCA-Liberia)
Click here to learn more about the February 17 webinar and to register.
On this episode of "Get to Know Your ExCom," we welcome Hawai'i's Janice Marsters, who will assume the role of Vice Chair at the upcoming ACEC Annual Convention and legislative Summit this May.
Janice Marsters, PE, PhD, is a Senior Principal at Haley & Aldrich, Inc. and manages the firm’s Hawai‘i/Pacific operations. She has been active in ACEC’s Risk Management Committee for many years, including three years as Chair. Dr. Marsters has served as Board Member, President, and twice as National Director for ACEC Hawai‘i, and spearheaded their legislative activities for more than 20 years.
Risk is a fact of life and a big part of business. As we all know, risk and reward move in tandem, higher reward brings higher risk, but going for the golden ring every time isn’t a sustainable business strategy.
That’s where risk management comes in and that’s what we’re going to talk about today. Later this month, ACEC will present an intensive eight-week online program on risk management for engineering firms, and we have the two primary instructors in that course here with us today to talk about risk management.
- Jerry Cavaluzzi, Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, Kennedy/Jenks Consultants
- Kevin O’Beirne, National Manager of Engineering Specifications, HDR
Click here to learn more about and to register for the Essentials of Risk Management for Consulting Engineers course.
In this episode of "Get to Know Your ExCom," we welcome incoming Vice Chair Daniel Larson onto the program.
Daniel Larson, PE, is the CEO of American Engineering Testing, Inc (AET), headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. AET is a 100% employee-owned, multi-disciplined engineering firm serving clients nationwide and around the world from 18 offices in the Midwest and West. He is a Past President, National Director, and ACEC/PAC champion of ACEC-Minnesota, and his firm is a founding member of ACEC’s Geoprofessional Coalition.
ACEC's own Katharine Mottley and Masai Lawson, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition & Inclusion with Gannett Fleming joined the program to discuss the importance of corporate DEI&B programs and how firms can chart the sometimes winding path towards a culture of inclusion. We also discuss the concept of "allyship" and why it's important for the success of DEI&B programs within firms.
On this episode of "Get to Know Your ExCom," we welcome ACEC New Jersey Executive Director Joe Fiordaliso, who will serve as the National Association of Engineering Council Executives (NAECE) representative to the 2022-2023 Executive Committee.
ACEC's VP of Private Market Resources, Erin McLaughlin joined the program to preview the upcoming Private Market Symposium on Commercial and Residential Real Estate taking place on March 3-4 in Scottsdale, AZ. To register for this unique event, click here.
Speakers for this tailored event for professionals in the land development and engineering industry include:
Emerging Trends in Real Estate for 2022:
The Emerging Trends in Real Estate® report is the most highly regarded and widely-read forecast report in the real estate industry. The report culminates insights from over 1,700 real estate and land use practitioners across the country who are interviewed on real estate investment and development trends, both commercial and residential. Key speaker Andrew (“Andy”) Warren, is the report’s co-author and Director of Real Estate Research at PwC. Andy will present key findings and trends from the 2022 edition. In his role at PwC, Andy monitors all aspects of real estate and is a frequent speaker and author on issues affecting the real estate market.
The Hot Residential Market: Will it last, and what is the pattern of future growth?:
Speaker Steven Hensley is the Senior Manager of Advisory at Zonda Home, the largest homebuilding prop tech company in North America. Zonda provides cutting-edge research and analysis to the nation’s largest homebuilders and others in the residential space, with a focus on nationwide market trends, including understanding recession forces and the impacts of Millennials on the market. Zonda is known for its proprietary indices such as the New Home Pending Sales Index and the New Home Lot Supply Index.
Digital Twinning: What is it and how could it transform downtown Phoenix?:
Downtown Phoenix is using the power of a digital twin to create a more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive future. But what is a “digital twin” and how is it connected to the development and design of commercial and residential real estate? We will explore this with Sara Scoville-Weaver with Downtown Phoenix, Inc., who will share how the group is working as part of a larger coalition with Arizona State University, Amazon Web Services and others to help take the 90-block core of Phoenix into a world-class city center using a digital twin model that creates a 3D visualization that allows citizens, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders to quickly grasp the relevance of data and make decisions.
Mass Timber: A Future Design Trend Realized:
Set to open in May 2022, The Beam on Farmer will be the first cross-laminated timber (CLT) office building in Arizona. Design Phase Executive Damon Jeffrey with Mortenson, lead developer and constructor of the building, will share details on the five-story, 184,000-square-foot office building and how it differs from more traditional commercial design and construction projects. The CLT process utilizes young trees and combines layers of natural timber for an eco-friendly building approach; the project also includes an active design and will offer users a healthy building experience in a post-pandemic world, with contactless features from “car to cube.”
Post-Pandemic Outlook for Engineering Firms, and the Impact of Infrastructure Bill Spending:
ACEC Vice President of Private Market Resources Erin McLaughlin, will provide an overview of how design and construction spending has changed both during and coming out of the COVID-19 recession, and the near-term market outlook for engineering firms, including how the recent passage of
On this episode of "Get to Know Your ExCom," we welcome Jay Wolverton, our Chair-elect for 2022-2023.
Jay Wolverton is the executive vice president and chief growth officer for CHA Consulting, Inc. In his role, Wolverton provides strategic oversight and direction for market leaders, business development, and corporate marketing, with a focus on the significant growth anticipated for the company. Prior to joining CHA, Wolverton was the founder and CEO of Wolverton & Associates, which was acquired by CHA in June 2019 and has been fully integrated and rebranded as CHA.
On this episode of "Get to Know Your Vice Chair," we welcome Ralph Guida, who will assume office at the upcoming Spring convention in DC.
Ralph Guida is a registered Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) and president and founder of Guida Surveying, Inc. in Irvine, California. He will bring 36 years of surveying experience to the position, and as a second-generation surveyor, taking an active role in supporting the future of the industry has always been a priority for him. Guida has been involved in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for more than 17 years, having served as Chapter President, State Organization President, Steering Committee Member, and Chair for the Coalition of Professional Surveyors (COPS). He is also a participant in the ACEC National Political Action Committee and has served as National Director for ACEC California. Guida was unanimously inducted by his colleagues into the ACEC College of Fellows at its Fall Conference last month. This honor is granted to a distinguished class of engineering and land surveying professionals, in recognition of their contributions to the Council and the profession.
In a new interview series, we profile our incoming Executive Committee class who will be taking over officially at our Annual Convention and Legislative Summit later in the Spring of 2022.
To start our series, we welcome W. Art Barrett, II, our Chair-elect for 2021-2022, who will succeed our current Board Chair, Robin Greenleaf.
Mr. Barrett is a Senior Vice President of Gannett Fleming, Inc. in Baltimore, MD.
He served as a Vice Chair of ACEC from 2018 to 2020. He is an ACEC Fellow and serves on the Planning Cabinet as well as participates on the Transportation and Federal Agency and Procurement Advocacy (FAPA) committees.
He has served on the ACEC Maryland Executive Board, as Chair and National Director, as well as the ACEC/MD PAC Champion.
Mr. Barrett is a member of the ACEC/PAC Chairman’s Club. He is a member of the ACEC Senior Executives Institute (SEI) Class 2018. He was recognized as the ASCE Maryland Engineer of the Year and has served as President of both ASCE/MD and the Engineers Society of Baltimore.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Clarkson University.
In a wide-ranging interview, ECS Limited and ACEC North Carolina's Derek Clyburn joined the program today to talk about the need for engineers to assert their value to clients in a competitive market.
Every month, ACEC's Private Market Resources team produces a video outlining the top monthly trends for the A/E industry. Here's a condensed audio podcast of that report. Here are the top three things you need to know for January 2022.
We were honored to welcome Congressman John Katko to the program to discuss his work on infrastructure and his vote to approve the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in the House.
ACEC released our latest monthly video economic update. Each month, ACEC Vice President of Private Market Resources Erin McLaughlin analyzes the latest public industry data and provides insights for the engineering and design industry,
Here are the toplines from this month’s update:
- The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) could add $132 billion and 82,000 jobs to the engineering and design sector, according to newly released estimates from the ACEC Research Institute and Rockport Analytics.
- Total design and construction is up 7.5% from January through October 2021 over the same time-frame last year, per U.S. Census Bureau. That category remains driven by private residential spending which is up more than 24% over last year.
- The economic growth outlook was downgraded in the latest National Association for Business Economics (NABE) survey. Respondents still expect economic growth and an increase in GDP, but point to inflation and vaccination challenges as obstacles.
- Supply of goods is expected to normalize in the first half of 2022, a majority of NABE respondents say. As engineers design for additional building for IIJA projects, this is especially important for construction materials in our industry.
- Inflation won’t come down to 2% until the second half of 2023, NABE survey respondents predict. Two percent is the Federal Reserve’s stated goal, and respondents name supply chain bottle necks as the largest factor expected to keep inflation above that mark through the first half of 2022. Looking longer term, respondents said rising wages was the biggest factor over the next three years to keeping inflation above 2%. Wage pressure is one of the key challenges of the current engineering and design industry specifically.
The video series is one of ACEC’s resources for media and members, which also includes ACEC’s popular Private Industry Briefs. The briefs provide analysis on five key markets: Commercial and Real Estate; Intermodal and Logistics; Energy and Utilities; Health Care and Science+Technology; and K-12 & Higher Education.
In March, the ACEC Private Market Resources team will hold a symposium on the commercial and residential real estate market in Scottsdale, Ariz.
We were pleased to welcome Carey Smith, the President and CEO of Parsons Corporation onto the program for a conversation about leadership, diversity in the engineering industry and what Parsons is doing to help Build Back Smarter with the newly passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. We were equally pleased to welcome our own CEO, Linda Bauer Darr to host the interview - chief executive to chief executive.
Transcript:
Host:
Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. ACEC's strength lies in its member firms and the diverse set of markets those firms operate in to serve the interests of their public and private sector clients. And it's always great to have the opportunity to bring on one of those firms to spotlight their work and really look at what they are doing to improve their communities and the world around them. And I'm pleased to bring one of those shows to you today.
Host:
I am pleased to welcome to the program Carey Smith, the President and CEO of Parsons. Parsons is a leading provider of technology-driven solutions, focused on the defense, intelligence and critical infrastructure markets. And they've been in operation for more than 75 years. Parsons provides technical design and engineering services and software products to address their customers' challenges, and they have capabilities in cyber security, intelligence, missile, space, connected communities, physical infrastructure, and mobility solutions.
Host:
Now Carey Smith joined Parsons in 2016 as President of the Federal Solutions business. She was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2018 and President and Chief Operating Officer in 2019. She was unanimously elected Chief Executive Officer of Parsons Corporation by the board of directors and appointed to the position in July, 2021. Now, prior to joining Parsons, Carey held a series of progressive leadership roles within the defense and aerospace industry. She holds an MS in electrical engineering from Syracuse University and a BS in electrical engineering from Ohio Northern University. In 2018, she received an honorary doctorate from Ohio Northern University for her outstanding contributions to the university and the field of engineering.
Host:
Now, interviewing a chief executive, sometimes it's best for me to take a step back and to allow a chief executive to interview a chief executive. So I'm also pleased to welcome our President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr to move us forward and take the mic. Linda, the floor is yours.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Great. Thank you, Jeff. I'm happy to be back on the podcast. I need to do this more often. You're doing a great job. So kudos to you, Jeff. Carey, we are so excited to have you in our offices. I think this is the second time in the short amount of time that you've been on board as the CEO of Parsons. It's been since July, I think now, right?
Carey Smith:
That's correct.
Linda Bauer Darr:
That you came on board and, it's a pleasure to be working with you. We're excited to have you here. So you're a CEO now - how did that come about? You know, you're an engineer, you're a CEO. What brought you into engineering? And, and tell me a little bit about how you made it all the way up to the top ranks of such a, such a significant company as Parsons.
Carey Smith:
Sure. Well, thanks first, Jeff and Linda, I'm pleased to be here and I appreciate you hosting me today. I'll start off. My dad kind of got me into engineering when I was really young. We had, I have one brother, one sister, he wanted all three of us to be engineers and one of us decided to be an engineer. So I went into engineering and one of my first experiences was working as an intern at LTB Steel in downtown Cleveland, really got hooked on the industry. Then when I graduated college start off, uh, with IBM, which subsequently became Lockheed Martin through acquisitions and had some great experiences. One of 'em I would highlight was being one of the first woman flight engineers to fly with special operations forces. So it's kind of in my blood, I would say. Um, and just an exciting field. It's an opportunity to make a difference.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Wow. That that's, um, there's so much there. I know we have a lot to talk about today in a short period of time, but I would love to just take a second to dive into that a little bit. So why was your dad so infatuated with engineering if he wanted all three of his kids to be engineer? So was he an engineer?
Carey Smith:
My dad was an engineer.
Linda Bauer Darr:
What kind of an engineer was he?
Carey Smith:
He was also an electrical engineer. So I followed in his footsteps.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Who did he work for? What kind of work?
Carey Smith:
He was with Morgan Engineering. So they built cranes for steel mills.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Out of Ohio,
Carey Smith:
Out of Alliance, Ohio.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Okay. And then you said that you were one of the first female flight engineers on a special operations mission.
Carey Smith:
Yes.
Linda Bauer Darr:
What what'd you do?
Carey Smith:
So at the time we were changing analog cockpits over to digital cockpits. So my job was basically to design the display formats. And then when the test engineers, when they were up flying, I was the flight test engineer. So I would sit between the pilot and the co-pilot and I would teach them how to use the new digital display systems.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Do you have your pilot's license as a result of that?
Carey Smith:
I do not, but I'll tell you, I've always thought about getting one.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Yeah. Something tells me that that's not beyond you and probably it's gonna be on your agenda for the future. Um, and then you went from IBM, which became Lockheed Martin. Obviously that's a thing in this business. I actually started out years ago in a company called EG&G that later was purchased by and you know, way down the road AECOM. So, you know, that's my only claim to the engineering profession before I came to ACEC and, um, man, you know, it's, uh, you never know where you're gonna be the next day. It seems
Carey Smith:
Like the that's absolutely true. It's spent a lot of consolidation in the industry.
Linda Bauer Darr:
It's really picking up. Um, that's another that's for another podcast though, Jeff, we'll try to stay disciplined. Um, so let's talk a little bit about diversity and inclusion. I know that that is a passion for you. It it's a passion for me. It is also a passion for ACEC and it's - we have five planks of our strategic plan, core strategic goals. And, and that is certainly one of them. Um, and you know, it's interesting trying to describe to people what ACEC sees kind of its unique lane in diversity and inclusion because we feel very strongly about STEM programs and bringing young people into this space. But, you know, traditionally ACEC has really been for the business of engineering and often focused on the leadership in engineering firms. You don't come in as a leader, you know, you don't come right outta college and become a leader.
Linda Bauer Darr:
It's something that evolves, but we feel really strongly about getting involved earlier on in the game for engineers that are on that track, right? That are on that path to become CEOs. So you are one of very few female CEOs of engineering firms, you an engineer, and that's not always the case. I mean, some of your colleagues are people that came into the profession as attorneys, or maybe they had a business development background. Um, so, you know, tell me a little bit about how you're taking kind of, you know, the, the perch of CEO of Parsons and moving the ball forward for people like you to come behind you and, and promoting that push for diversity and inclusion, which is so important to the future of this industry and this profession.
Carey Smith:
Yeah. So inclusion and diversity is one of Parsons', six core values. And it's obviously very important to me being a woman in, in the engineering field. So when I first joined the company, about five years ago, we stood up a diversity at the time it was called diversity and inclusion council. Today we call it diversity equity and inclusion council. Um, that has been one of the best initiatives in the company with many people, volunteering to participate. It's very active. We have ambassadors at each of our major locations across the company, and we also I will highlight, um, and promote it all the way up through our board. In fact, if you look at our board today, our board is about 40% diverse. So this is truly something that we take throughout the organization at all levels. We measure ourselves on diversity goals and we make sure that we're achieving the metrics. And the objective is really to try and make sure that every employee feels engaged at Parsons and is able to contribute fully.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Yeah, that is, um, that it, it sounds like, you know, it's, it was a, was a seed and it's grown and it's taking on more kind of speed and kind of heft as time goes along. And I met, you know, the way that you set it up, you described having an ambassador at each location, you know, with the company, the size of Parsons. It can't all come from you. I know you have pressure to be everywhere at once, right. At all these different locations, um, to try to kind of share your me message and your passion and your vision for Parsons. So how do you keep those ambassadors. kind of on message and how much do they have, um, kind of free reign to do their thing? How do, how do you package it all together with the company as large as yours with these ambassadors? Is it all these separate locations?
Carey Smith:
So we set up specific goals that we're gonna do as a, at the company level. So a goal might be one year we wanna improve mentoring across the company. A goal might be that we set up enterprise business resource groups. So they're basically affinity groups. And once we sort of have the corporate objectives, then we flow those down to each of the ambassadors. And the ambassadors do have the authority to do what makes sense in their local area, because each area, as you know, particularly in the engineering field is different. It's a lot different if I'm at a facility in Virginia versus a facility in California versus facility in Florida, right. So they can create events and activities that are meaningful to their particular location.
Linda Bauer Darr:
How do you choose who these ambassadors are gonna be? Do they have to represent a diverse constituency to begin with? Or how do you choose them?
Carey Smith:
We let them volunteer. Okay. Um, and we think that's the best way, because if you're selecting people, then they might not really be the right person for the job and might not put as much into it. So we really say, if we have a major site, let's say in New York city, and we have several hundred people working there, we'll have a volunteer on who wants to be the ambassador.
Linda Bauer Darr:
That's great. So we have at ACEC a Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Committee. And I think it's like you, I mean, it started out the concept was inclusion and diversity, and it just continues to grow and obviously belonging and, and equity. Um, you know, with this new legislation, equity is much more important. But one of the things that has been interesting as this concept has grown and our involvement has deepened is how, how do you build the leadership of an effort like that? Because if it only people from, you know, diverse backgrounds, gender diversity, ethnic diversity, age, diversity, whatever, um, you might be missing out on the important buy-in that you need for, you know, that, that fever, if you will, the positive fever of really, you know, promot diversity and inclusion throughout the industry, uh, for that fever to grow. So, you know, we have had, we have, a couple of white men that are helping to lead this effort for us.
Linda Bauer Darr:
It so happens that they also happen to be CEOs of these, you know, some, some very significant firms that have taken this and really run with it. So, um, I would agree with you that, you know, it's the people that really have the most passion, but you need to make sure that it's people that have those experiences having been in the minority in some way, shape or form, but it's also the people that represent kind of, you know, the broader population of that particular industry or profession, because if they're not buying in, then not much is gonna change. So it really takes...
Carey Smith:
And ultimately to me, it comes down to diversity of thought and to get diversity of thought, you need engagement from everybody in your population, regardless of background.
Linda Bauer Darr:
And, and I think diversity of experience, you know, diverse experiences lead to that diverse thought. So we could go on about that forever, but we have something a little bit timely to talk about. And that's the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that, you know, it really has got this whole industry buzzing. We're excited. This is a transformational piece of legislation. Um, I've never seen anything like this in my lifetime. I was born after the Interstate Highway System was, you know, conceived and built. So, um, this, but this is akin to that. It, it it's that big. I know that you all are really embracing the opportunities and you've got your own unique kind of spin on it, a campaign, um, that kind of plays off of the Build Back Better concept, but that is called Build Back Smarter. That's focused on tying traditional infrastructure with technology and innovation. It's great idea. I mean, in a nutshell, it's your grandfather's infrastructure, right? I mean, let's not do it the way that, you know, we've been doing it in the past because society and our planet and, you know, the way people, the digital world that we're in right now, people do things way differently. And so you need to, we need to adapt. And so engineers are leading the way on that. So tell me a little bit about how you all are doing.
Carey Smith:
So we're very, very excited about the infrastructure bill. It aligns extremely well with Parson's portfolio, whether it's transportation, including work that we do in rail and transit airports, ports, the water wastewater also ties into our portfolio - broadband, and even the utilities work we're involved in, utilities, um, work as well. So we're excited about the bill and what it means for our country. Also highlight too, that we're seeing a lot of growth in global infrastructure. So beyond the United States, there's a lot of spend that's being done in Canada, as well as the Middle East. So for pars, it's a really important time for the infrastructure portion of our business, because we're an advanced technology company. We have two pieces of the business. We have a group that is focused on federal government and really develops advanced technology like artificial intelligence, data analytics capabilities.
Carey Smith:
We have some unique uses of drones and we do a lot of work in cybersecurity. So we have the ability to build back smarter because we take our advanced technology capabilities. We apply those to the infrastructure side of the business. So if you think about some examples would be instead designing roads and highways for a 30 year lifespan or bridges tunnels, dams, how do you design them for a hundred year lifespan? You include sensors that can perform monitoring and basically give you better predictability. How do you use drones to be able to do inspection of bridges? How do you apply artificial intelligence to a system that does advanced traffic management to be able to get better predictability on accidents? When things would be cleared up, people moving around more safely, um, use of sensors for things like an intelligent intersection. You know, our intersections were kind of set and they basically didn't change for like three to five years now, post COVID we've got whole different traffic patterns. So how do we use the intelligent intersection so that they change dynamically and allow responders the ability to get through. So to encapsulate all that, it really means Build Back Smarter. Um, this is the opportunity to Build Back Smarter and really design for the future.
Linda Bauer Darr:
I love that. And, um, one of the reasons I love that so much is because it really showcases engineering, right? I mean, people talk about the Recovery Act, you know, during the Obama administration and shovel ready projects. And as you know, that, you know, that's a, that's a red flag for engineers when they hear shovel ready projects, because it means there's not gonna be a lot of thought going into, you know, laying down that asphalt and concrete, this is in a lot of people's views, you know, much better use of our funds because it does promote the sustainability. The long-term project development that you know, is, we're not gonna have to redo, you know, five years down the road.
Carey Smith:
Right.
Linda Bauer Darr:
You know, under having that predictability, having those sensors kind of accelerating our, um, you know, the, the way that we use the infrastructure to promote mobility and, you know, our economic backbone, um, it's exciting. And so you guys are right at the crossroads of that.
Carey Smith:
Yeah. It is really exciting, even, you know, a couple other examples. If you think about airports of the future, how those will be reinvented post COVID, you know, the whole way from the time you get outta your car, you go into the airport, you check in, you do your baggage, you know, you might have integrated health screening combined with ticketing, um, the way you drive up to park, that can all be different. It can all be used of sensors. So I mean, everything in our life really can be reimagined. We like to say at Parsons, we create the future, and this truly an opportunity to create the future of infrastructure.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Yeah. You know, it's you think about what the origin of the need for a lot of this is, and to some extent, I think we've all been spoiled by Amazon over the years. You know, and the easy button, you know, those concepts of, I don't wanna work too hard for it. And in this digital environment, I can just push a button and all this has been calculated. And that entry to the airport is a great example of that. You know, we're all in a hurry. We don't wanna expend a lot of effort getting all the checks, you know, done just for us to get on a flight, um, you know, for engineers to come in and figure out how to do it. That's a great example of problem solving that really is, you know, central to who our folks are as engineers.
Linda Bauer Darr:
So we are getting close to the end of our time here. I think I have a couple more points that I wanted to raise with you, and then, you know, Carey, anything you wanna raise this, uh, course, you know, I'd be, be happy to hear your views on what's going on and what you want us to know about what's happening at Parsons. But you know, you talked already a bit about cyber security and cyber protection of critical infrastructure assets. This is so important. It's important for our nation's safety. It's important for our economic safety. It's important for, you know, the privacy of consumers. You know, and we've, we've heard about so many engineering firms who have, suffered because of the bad guys that are out there. And, you know, they know that without our kind of hands in the middle of so many of these really critical projects that if we are vulnerable, they're gonna find a way in. And so you guys are really working big in that space. I'd like to hear a little bit more about, you know, how you think you all are gonna be able to kind of move the ball forward in that regard.
Carey Smith:
Yes. If you look at the Department of Homeland Security has defined 16 critical infrastructure sectors, and the way we approach it from Parsons is we look at areas that are highly regulated, that are high threat driven in areas that we have domain expertise, because the intersection of those three pillars is basically, um, we're differentiated in those markets. And those are the gonna be the ones that get the most funding as well, because they're gonna be the most under attack. So if you step back and look out at the 16 segments we play in transportation, we play in utilities, we play in facilities area and also in healthcare to just to name a few of the sectors. And what we can do that is unique is because we do have extensive cybersecurity capabilities. We understand, for example, how an airport operates. We understand how a port operates. We understand how a utility company operates. So we're best equipped to be able to provide that cybersecurity protection. And I would say it goes beyond cyber for information technology, because also have the operational technology component. So if you think about SCADA systems or industrial control systems, those were put into those sectors, basically without security in mind at the time that those were designed. So Parsons is able to come in and approach protecting different sectors, both from an IT perspective, as well as an OT perspective.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Right, so you know, it's, you said, those systems were put in place without kind of a consideration for security. They were put in place for efficiency. Right. And, you know, because we were on everything now we want it yesterday. Right. So now we're at a position we're in a position where we're really having to kind of go back and, and reinvent aren't we?
Carey Smith:
Yeah. Most definitely protect things, legacy systems that are out there. But most importantly, design with security in mind, as you put new systems, greenfield systems in place.
Linda Bauer Darr:
So, um, just take a minute, if you will, and tell me about some of the exciting projects you all are involved in right now, if you were gonna say, you know, here is the poster child of how Parsons is involved in innovative engineering solutions that, um, we want the world's policymakers to know about what kinds of things fall into that category for you?
Carey Smith:
Well, so I, I would say, um, starting with critical infrastructure sector, one of our biggest projects would be the LAX modernization program. That's an example of where we're a program, basically, an owner engineer, a program management office, providing support to what is probably the largest aviation infrastructure project that's underway. If I move around the world to the middle east, we're involved in some exciting programs, there, an example would be NEOM, which is a new city industrial city. That's gonna be built on the Red Sea. And NEOM is gonna be basically designed from the sand-up. So there's gonna be a new airport, for example, that's gonna be put into NEOM. We won a program management job there, and we're in the process of pursuing the airport opportunity. If I move around the world a little bit further up into Canada, we're involved in some of the major rail projects up in Canada - Edmonton Light Rail Transit would be a big one. And then on the federal side of our house, I mentioned cybersecurity's a big area for us, and that is to tied infrastructure, but we do a lot of work in the space area in terms of integrated launch, space, ground systems, and space, situational awareness. And then we're involved in some missile defense projects as well.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Wow. That really is a very diverse portfolio. That's gotta be a lot to keep up with it. One thing I'm noticing as you're talking about these projects, all are, you know, big and obviously impactful, hugely consequential, but if I am a 16 or 17 year old, and I'm thinking about going to college, and I'm thinking about changing the world, I wanna look at an engineering that is doing something that I know is gonna make the world safer or make the world ultimately healthier, you know, dealing with, for example, climate change, extreme weather issues. I think these are the kinds of motivating concepts where, you know, the people that are coming outta high school and college these days are saying, you know, how can I, how can I make a difference? You know, I don't wanna, I don't wanna just go to a nine to five job and, you know, sign a time sheet and push around a bunch of paper. I wanna make a difference. So what do you have at Parsons that's going on right now where you think the young people of today would be really inspired?
Carey Smith:
Yeah. So first our motto is we deliver a better world at Parsons. We deliver a world that is safer that is more efficient. And that's true whether it's the federal side of our business or the critical infrastructure side of the business. And what I would say to somebody at age is we're all about creating the future. I was asked recently, well, what company do you wanna emulate? And I said, we don't wanna emulate anybody. We're creating a company that is designing the future, whether it's future or transportation, or the future of defense or the future of cyber. That's what we're about. So I would say to a young person, if you wanna create the future, come join Parsons because that's what we're gonna be doing.
Linda Bauer Darr:
Right. That's and that's exciting who wouldn't wanna do that, right Jeff?
Host:
Absolutely.
Linda Bauer Darr:
That brings us to...
Host:
Well, um, right about right about time, actually, and that was a fantastic conversation. And I think it's a good example of the diversity of the work that, Parsons is engaged in and our, and our industry is engaged in, and for those listening who may not be completely familiar with engineering or, you know, it's that wide gamit of the services, the intellectual power of trying to solve complex challenges that make your lives better, uh, our lives better and also our nation more secure and productive. And, and I think from the conversation, it is, it's a good explanation that Parson is directly engaged in all of those fronts. And then of course it was a great opportunity to hear from two executives on, you know, really with this great opportunity with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and, and all of this potential that is there because now that the policy is done, we've moved to implementation and that's where it comes into our field to actually make policy translate into something tangible.
Host:
But this is, this has been great. And I do appreciate the time Carey that you've given us. And we look forward to working with Parsons as an active member of the ACEC community in the months and years ahead. And Linda, thank you very much for adding your expertise. And it's, it's always great to take a backseat to allow people who are actually doing things to talk about it. So thank you very much. And again, this has been Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies, and we'll see you again real soon.
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Monica Parkin, author of Overcoming Awkward, came on the program to talk about how introverted people can change their approach to social situations--both on the job and in their community.
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Congressman Don Bacon (NE-2) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) joined the program for a discussion about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and their votes that helped pass a generational investment in the built environment.
Transcript:
ACEC:
Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Today, I am very pleased to be bringing you two members of Congress who were instrumental in helping get the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act across the finish line. Congressman Don Bacon, representing Nebraska's Second Congressional District, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, representing Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, join us today on the show. As a matter of introduction, Congressman Bacon was elected in 2016 and represents Nebraska's second congressional District. Now prior to serving in the House,, Congressman Bacon served as an officer in the Air Force, specializing in electronic warfare intelligence and reconnaissance. He served 16 assignments with the Air Force, including four deployments in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired with the rank of Brigadier General and currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Agricultural Committee.
ACEC:
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick represents Pennsylvania's First Congressional District. Prior to his election, he served as both an FBI special agent and as a federal prosecutor fighting both domestic and international political corruption and supporting global counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence efforts, including being embedded with U.S. Special Forces as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the 117th Congress, Brian was elected co-chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, having previously served as the vice-chair. He is the ranking member on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment, and Cyber, and was appointed by House Leadership to currently serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and as a Commissioner on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Additionally, Congressman Fitzpatrick serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a committee near and dear to our hearts. Thank you both for joining us today.
ACEC:
I'd like to start off, with Congressman Bacon first, and then Congressman Fitzpatrick. For our audience, who may not be well acquainted with Nebraska or Pennsylvania, can you tell us a little bit about your districts?
Congressman Bacon:
My district is Omaha and the south suburbs, so we have about 700,000 in about a county and a half, but it's really Omaha suburbs. In the next cycle, with redistricting, I gain another county. It's an urban/suburban community. It's one of the most purple districts in the country, officially R plus one. It's a railroad junction and an interstate junction, so it's very infrastructure intensive.
ACEC:
And Congressman Fitzpatrick. I have to admit full transparency. I am from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, so I am Bucks County all the way. Of course I remember it fondly as the Eighth Congressional District, but tell us a little bit about the First.
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
I didn't know you were from Doylestown, but I knew you're familiar with the area. So, the First District is the Philly suburbs. It's all Bucks County, which is the county just to the north of the city line of Philadelphia. The southern part of my district borders the city line of Philadelphia. The entire east side of my district borders, the river, crossing over into New Jersey. And then about 12 percent of my district is the adjacent county to the west Montgomery County. So I have sort of the central part, that's adjacent to Bucks County. Lke Don, we have about 740,000 constituents or so,. We're actually losing a district in Pennsylvania, going to 18 to 17, so my district will grow by about another 40,000 or so.,
ACEC:
Do you think you're going to grow west or north?
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
There are two maps. The House came out with a map that has me expanding my Montgomery county piece, and the State Senate came out with a map that has me picking up Northeast Philadelphia and also the northwestern part of Montgomery county. So two very different districts,
ACEC:
But two districts that were rely heavily on our infrastructure and the built environment. One of the things that I think is important to note here--and we hear it from our members, because I think that the way that this bill came to the floor and the way that House Leadership decided to tie the president's larger agenda together and to tie the infrastructure plan to Build Back Better--is that there's some misinformation out there that this is Build Back Better. It's not. This is a separate bill. This is hard infrastructure funding, that's both reauthorized funding and additional funding above that. There's some misunderstandings about the bill. What are the things you're hearing from your constituents that you really want to clarify, or misconceptions that you'd like to dispel?
Congressman Bacon:
I'll start off. Initially--and I think both Brian and I had this--we heard probably about 90 percent of the criticism was that it was a Build Back Better bill. Folks would say, "Hey, this bill passed amnesty for 11 million adults. You voted to support removing the Hyde Amendment and all the things that are in the Build Back Better bill." And I think we've done a pretty good job of poking that down. Another thing we heard was that only 10 percent of the bill is hard infrastructure, and that is not true. In fact, I've gone through it. I would say 94 percent of that bill is hard infrastructure. The rest of is doing toxic site cleanup on federal lands, which is also needed, by the way. And then we also heard this is a victory for Joe Biden. I think it's a victory for our country, a nd it could have been a victory for Republicans if our leadership would have responded more smartly, just to be blunt about it.
Congressman Bacon:
And I think the other area, which is more legitimate, is just worries about the deficit, and that's a legitimate area that we could go into. I have some perspectives on it, but those are the main areas of criticism, But early on, it was all Build Back Better. They are two totally separate bills, and which Brian and I both opposed. And in fact, Build Back Better has not passed yet out of the Senate, and it's probably going to be greatly changed by the time it does
ACEC:
Congressman, what are you hearing from your constituents in Pennsylvania?
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
Not surprisingly, all of us kind of heard the same thing. Don spelled it up perfectly. People confused and conflating the two different bills, which are two separate distinct bills. How anybody could argue that they're linked is beyond me. First of all, the Senate passed it on August 10th. House Leadership refused to put it on the floor because they weren't linking them, they were holding one hostage for another, and that's very different. But it passed and it's now signed into law, and the Build Back Better programs' fate remains very uncertain, at best. It has not been voted on. It has not been signed into law. A version was voted on in the House, which is dead on arrival in the Senate. That was more or less a messaging bill because reconciliation has to start in the House, so they just sent something over there to start the volley. But these bills are not linked.
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
In fact, I would submit to you, and you don't need to take my word for this, the moderate Democrat senators who are going to be outcome determinative in what, if any, passes the Senate with regard to reconciliation have told us that the passage of this bill actually will, in the worst case, lower the price tag significantly of the reconciliation bill, if not, obliterate it all together. So that's the reality. And yet there were so many people--and Don knows this--so many people who wanted to vote for this. The reason they didn't was because the politics wouldn't let them. And myself and Don and many of our other colleagues refused to allow politics to dictate how we vote. The easy thing to do would be to vote "No," and just go "Rah, rah, go party," right? That's not what we're about. We came here to help our country. And Don is absolutely right. If this would've been played the right way, this could have been a bipartisan victory altogether, but you can't make policy decisions based on who we win or loses politically. It's gotta be about whether America wins or loses. And if that bill came up tomorrow, I'd vote the same way.
Congressman Bacon:
Good policy is good politics. And our guys should have thought about that. I think in August, our team could have said, we want this bill on the floor right now, and we could have turned it to our advantage, but we, sort of ceded that. But in the end, infrastructure is needed for our GDP, exports, national security, public safety. and, as you mentioned, we haven't had a major investment in infrastructure in 40 years. And I'm the party of Lincoln? Also the party of the transcontinental railroad? And the party of Eisenhower, who did the interstate system? We should have embraced this.
ACEC:
That an important point to make. I mean, largely infrastructure investment has been a Republican core issue. It's constitutional, I remember when I was on TNI staff, we had that up there on the right side of the room, where in the Constitution on post roads, the constitutional underpinning for federal investment in infrastructure. And you're right, between the interstate highway system and the like, it's a core issue, and it was unfortunate to see it tied into this.
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
You hear a lot of talk about the big lie. I say the big lie this month was that only 11 percent of the infrastructure bill was real infrastructure. That is a provably false statement. Why anybody would say that, shame on them. Half of the bill, right off the bat, before we even get into the new parts, half of this bill was a standard five year surface transportation reauthorization, which sailed through the last Congress in 2016, when the GOP held the chamber. This has never been controversial. And the $550 billion supplemental, does so by recapturing unused COVID relief money, recapturing unused state unemployment insurance augmentation--that additional $300 a week that a lot of the state governors returned--and it doesn't open the tax code up at all. And just for comparison, we're talking about $550 billion additional over five years. China last year alone spent $3.7 trillion in infrastructure, outside of China. Outside of their country as part of the Belt and Road initiatives. So no matter how you want to slice this, we should all be focused in on the China issue. And look at it that way as well, because this is an investment in the nuts and bolts of our country.
ACEC:
You look at the numbers. Let's take Nebraska, for example. In the state, you have over 1,300 bridges and over 1,100 miles of highway in poor condition. You have commuting times going up across the country, Pennsylvania and Nebraska alike. You have money that's going to go specifically to improve surface infrastructure, that's going to improve people's lives, make it easier for economic development, open corridors for development, job opportunities, and growth. In our sector alone, we're looking at about 82,000 in direct employment, new jobs that will be created. And all the tax base that comes from that. If we don't invest in our surface infrastructure, we're we're pretty much shooting ourselves in the foot from a global competitive standpoint. During your discussions with your members and Congressman Fitzpatrick, I know you're part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and you look at the issues. Did that resonate? Was there an understanding that this does actually create jobs and opportunity?
Congressman Bacon:
Absolutely. In our district, we have some of the largest trucking companies in the country. We also have the largest railroad company, Union Pacific. In other words, roads, bridges, railroads and very important.And we have the stuff for airports also in there, but I would also suggest that even the things that aren't part of Nebraska are still important for Nebraska. Ports and locks are very important for agriculture exports. We're one of the leading exporters for agriculture. Nebraska is the largest exporter of beef of all 50 states. It's very important to have good ports and locks for the agriculture sector.
Congressman Bacon:
As I look back, every major industry in Omaha supported this bill. The farm bureau were very much in support. The cattlemen. You had the Chamber, all the building trades were there. It's interesting to have unions and chamber together on this bill. The manufacturers were for it, the equipment operators and the equipment distributors. I can go through every major industry there, and they were supportive of this. But all of them, for the most part, maybe there were one or two exceptions, opposed the Build Back Better bill. So the business leaders and the economic folks, and the labor folks knew the importance of this bill for Nebraska and what means, and I mentioned to our leadership, you're asking us to oppose a bill that every major industry supports. I took two polls, in both around 70 percent of the citizens supported it. I said, we're on the wrong side of this issue.
ACEC:
Absolutely. And even the funding that's not directly to build roads or to restore bridges, such as resiliency and resilient infrastructure, those are things that also pay dividends into the future. I know anecdotally, you know, there are high rain events up in New York and that goes down the Delaware River and the eastern portion of Bucks County floods. And you have other issues, Congressman Bacon that you experience in Nebraska as well. If we're able to make our infrastructure, not only our surface infrastructure, but our communications and our electrical distribution systems, more resilient, and of course, resilient not just to weather events, but also for cybersecurity, we're going be more secure as a country.
Congressman Bacon:
Nebraska's rated 48th on rural broadband, so we'll benefit there. We have a lot of lead pipes, so the drinking water infrastructure part was also very important. And so literally these aspects of the bill are very important in Nebraska.
ACEC:
I think Nebraska is going to get an allocation of a hundred million dollars for rural broadband. That's a significant investment, especially now post COVID, it's not a luxury anymore. It's a requirement, not just for education, but for economic development,, and that's critically important, Pennsylvania, along the same lines, gets about one hundred million for broadband coverage across the state. There are about 394,000 Pennsylvanians who lack access to broadband, so connecting those people is going to be critically important. Congressman Fitzpatrick, I'll start with you. Is there a project in the district, or an area that you would really like to see improved, transportation-wise for your constituents?
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
Where do we begin? You know our region. The Northeast Corridor has the most infrastructure, the largest infrastructure and also the oldest infrastructure. We're heavily reliant on rail, on bridges, on tunnels, on ports. So certainly there's all of that. Obviously I-95 runs through our district. State routes, like 611, run through our district. But one that not many people realize, bit both me and my brother before me are very focused on the PFAS issue. There is a big PFAS remediation component to this. That's been a huge issue for the central part of our district, the area in and around, the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, where you had these AFFF firefighting foams that have PFAS and PFOA in it that have just wreaked havoc on the water supplies of so many people in that region. A big part of this bill finally addresses PFAS remediation, which was the big component of that problem. So the central part of our district is going to benefit tremendously from this.
ACEC:
Absolutely. That's been an issue for decades. And finally having that addressed is a significant real-life community improvement. It's going to impact people's lives, without question. Congressman Bacon, for your constituents, what do you see?
Congressman Bacon:
Well, our constituents are going to see benefits primarily in roads and bridges. As you said, we have 1,300 bridges that are in Nebraska, and some of those are right around Omaha. So the roads, the bridges, the rail, the airport funding is all going to have a direct impact. And of course for the rest of Nebraska, the rural broadband will be there. We have a lot of lead pipes in Omaha that we have to switch out. So there's 200 million to replace the lead pipes for drinking water. And that's also going be a big deal for our district.
Congressman Bacon:
But as already mentioned, I think more broadly, the ports and locks. They're not connected to Nebraska, but boy they're certainly connected to our economy. And I've got to give a lot of our folks back home this little tidbit on locks. Our locks are 80 to 90 years old. They're a third of the size of Brazil's that they're putting in right now. And we could grow corn and soybeans, beef and pork, more affordably than anybody else in the world, but if you can't ship it and get it to the right place for exports at a competitive price, you're gonna lose that competitive advantage.So if we want to lead the world in exports in these areas, our logistics have to be updated. And so I think more broadly that it's not just what's being put in our, district; it's our economy as a whole that's impacted.
ACEC:
That's a very good point that you raise. At the beginning of the month, we had a symposium down in Charleston on intermodal and logistics. Essentially dealing with all the supply chain pressures that we're having and experiencing now. The point you raise is a good one. When people of think of ports, you think, okay, you've got Long beach, you've got Charleston, and you have a couple of seaside ports. But you also have your inland ports. You have the importance of having a strong logistics system to actually move goods to market, so farmers in Nebraska can export out from areas on the East Coast. It's critically important. And it helps keep America competitive, and especially competitive in a fairly competitive global agriculture market. Congressman Fitzpatrick, you're a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This was, of course, a major accomplishment on that side of the committee's jurisdiction. Coming up, I believe the committee might be considering another Water Resources Development Act bill. What do you see coming up from the committee?
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
Water is something that they wanted to take on separately for a whole host of reasons. I don't know where that's going to stand now that we just passed a major infrastructure rebuild, if this is gonna be what's next for them or not. I know for Congress as a whole, obviously there are some other things that they're focused on right now. I can tell you our Problem Solvers are very focused on issues regarding the Chinese communist party and issues regarding the semiconductor industry, which is incredibly important. If we fall behind in that industry, we've got major problems going forward. Whoever owns the semiconductor industry is going to own the future. And that's not just with regard to jobs. Literally everything we use is now computerized and digitized, including vehicles, including everything, and we used to produce 35 to 40 percent of the world's semiconductor supply. We're now at 12 percent; Europe is at 8 percent. Asia is 70 percent, and of that 70 percent, 30 percent is in Taiwan. So that's obviously one of the many reasons why we have to keep our eye on the situation over there. Our caucus met with Pat Gelsinger, the CEO of Intel, a great domestic semiconductor producer and manufacturer. And he's begging us, to just allow them to be competitive in this country, both through our tax code, our regulatory code and things like the CHIPS Act, where we're going to infuse and invest in that industry, given how important it is to our future. So that's what I see as coming up next.
ACEC:
And again there's always an infrastructure angle. When I was with Congressman Schuster back in the ninth district of Pennsylvania, right in the center of the state, we would say, you don't get economic development unless you flush a toilet. You're not going to attract a manufacturing base, unless there is the infrastructure. and not just the surface infrastructure to get employees to their work, but to get distribution there. That's what attracts it. So, if we're able to build out and make it easier for goods to get the market, we might be able to attract more domestic manufacturing and have that stay in the United States. But you're right, tied to that is a favorable regulatory and tax environment. Congressman Bacon, what do you see coming up coming up next?
Congressman Bacon:
On the infrastructure front, I'll defer to Brian on that, because he's on that committee. For me, I have a lot of infrastructure in the Hass that we have to continue working on. We have five bases that were destroyed through hurricanes or floods or earthquakes. So we're continuing to try to get these five bases back up to speed. So, that's our military infrastructure. But if you look at what we did with this bill, and I've looked at some studies, I think we only bought about half of what we needed to do. It's a good half, and we're gonna work that half and it's going to take four or five years to get this money spent. But we have to realize that we only paid off about half of what it's going to take to get our infrastructure back up to speed.
Congressman Bacon:
One of the studies I was looking at, and we have to be candid here--and Brian touched on this before--right now we're spending 2 percent of GDP on infrastructure. Europe is at 5 percent, and China is at 9 percent. I think we have to reevaluate how we're going to do this over the long haul. It shouldn't just be a four-year bill, and okay, now we've caught up. I think we probably need to readjust our baseline for what we need to be doing for infrastructure. If you look back over 40 years, for the first 20, we were sort of hanging even, but when you look at the last 20, the gas tax has not kept up with the costs. Inflation has eroded the gas tax revenues, but the roads have gotten more costly to fix. And so, over the last 20 years, we've fallen behind pretty quickly. And so I think we have to reevaluate. What do we want to do to keep up with our infrastructure? We shouldn't just say to put duct tape on it and fix it, but let's find a way to sustain it.
ACEC:
Absolutely. And then the growth of electric car market, of course that doesn't directly pay into the user fee. And you have to look at different innovative financing tools to do that.
Congressman Bacon:
Our miles-per-gallon used to be 15 miles per gallon or something. Now a lot of cars, especially with the hybrids it's double or triple that. And so we're bringing in a lot less gas revenue. And you're right, electrical cars are not paying in at all. And our roads and highways, in the meantime, are taking a beating. Amd our bridges. So we've got to figure out how to fix it.
ACEC:
It's a good thing that we have two good members of Congress who are actually going to be working on the problem, doing the problem solving, and moving good policy forward. And for that, we do appreciate both of your leadership,
Congressman Bacon:
Brian is our fearless leader on the Problem Solvers. He's Mr. Chairman.
Congressman Fitzpatrick:
And Don's our fearless leader on Main Street.
ACEC:
It's nice because we hear so much about discord and disagreement in Congress, but there are members who are focused on tackling the problems that we face and creating solutions. I think that what you mentioned at the outset, that good policy like this should carry a lot of other members to support it. So your leadership is a welcome thing these days.
Congressman Bacon:
If you read about Abraham Lincoln, he was a big follower of Henry Clay and Henry Clay wanted the American system, which was focused on waterways and roads. And they took a lot of heat from the other party. If you look at the arguments back then, they're almost the same now. Our country needs to be tied together well, and again, it's all about interstate commerce.
ACEC:
I do appreciate your time today. It's getting close to the Christmas season, and everybody's trying to get their last things done and votes in, so I do appreciate it. Thank you very much for supporting the legislation. Of course, the engineering industry is very interested in getting to work on delivering on the funding that's been passed in the bill. And I do appreciate both of your time today. Thank you. And again, this has been the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. We'll see you real soon.
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Click here for more information about Client Savvy.
Barritt Lovelace, Director of UAS/AI/Reality Modeling at Collins Engineers in St. Paul, MN, came on the program to talk about how his firm used drones, digital twins, and holograms to streamline its recent Stone Arch Bridge Rehabilitation project in Minneapolis.
Bentley Systems recognized the firm's achievements in its 2021 Going Digital in Infrastructure Awards, which honored projects from around the world that are pushing the envelope on digital solutions.
Hot off the heels of ACEC's first Private Market Symposium on Intermodal and Logistics, Erin McLaughlin joined the program to delve into the newly released Private Industry Brief on that market. Download your copy here: https://www.acec.org/publications/private-market-resources/
Labor shortage issues are big news, both on the national stage and within the design services industry. For design firms, these shortages are largely due to long-term declines in the number of STEM students as well as the need to attract a more diverse workforce.
In this episode, we dove a little deeper into the situation for firms in a key segment in the design services industry—surveying. Surveyors perform the initial fieldwork on civil engineering projects and they face some particular workforce constraints related to state licensing and other issues.
To talk about these issues, Joe Romano joined us on the program. Joe is a principal and Director of Surveying and Mapping at Langan, which is a 1,500-person consulting firm with offices worldwide. He is also the Chair of ACEC’s Coalition of Professional Surveyors (COPS).
Ken McGill with Rockport Analytics joined the program to preview the newly updated Economic Assessment of the Engineering and Design Services Industry. This is the second annual release of the report, which measures the economic impact of the engineering and design industry and forecasts its growth over time.
On Wednesday, December 8th, the ACEC Research Institute will host a roundtable discussion which delves into the specifics of the report. The event, which is free to attend, will review the new five-year forecast, explore the impact of the Federal Stimulus programs and infrastructure bill, and also discuss insights from the Institute's new Engineering Business Sentiment study.
Register here for "Understanding Engineering's Future Impact on the U.S. Economy (a live roundtable)" on December 8th at 12:30pm.
Steve Hall joins the program to discuss the new ACEC action alert on the PPP FAR credits clause focused on Senate action on the National Defense Authorization Act.
The Mergers & Acquisitions market continues to be a dominant trend within the A/E/C industry and is a popular topic for our podcasts.
In this episode, we talked with one of the more active participants in the market.
Gary Bowman is the Chair and CEO of Bowman, which is headquartered in Reston, Virginia. The firm has more than 900 employees in more than 30 offices around the country.
In May of this year, Bowman completed a $53 million initial public offering and in the ensuing months has completed four acquisitions.
Gary came on the program to tell us about going public, his firm's recent acquisitions, and his thoughts on the market going forward.
Indications are that firms will be working in a remote or hybrid model for the foreseeable future. While firms have learned a lot about how to manage in this environment, it remains problematic.
Randy Anderson of E3 Professional Trainers came on the program to talk about how managers can make the most of remote work. In his previous career as a sales manager for various regional TV stations around the country, Randy gained a lot of experience in managing salespeople remotely. He has since applied that knowledge to the design-services industry.
Click here for more information about Randy Anderson.
Diana Alexander and Erin McLaughlin joined the program to preview their first ever Private Market Brief on the K-12 and Higher Education market. If you think there's nothing to explore in education, you don't know what you're missing! Read the brief and get the inside information in this episode.
In the coming weeks, the ACEC Research Institute will release the findings of a new study, "Future of Technology and Its Role in Engineering" which will detail the adoption of technology by engineering firms.
In this episode, Bentley Systems' Lori Hufford, Vice President, Design and Engineering, Enterprise Systems and Dustin Parkman, Vice President, Mobility, Industry Solutions discuss the study and share their perspectives on how technology is changing the A/E space.
Listen to our summarized economic update from the ACEC Private Markets Team for the month of November, 2021.
Professional liability costs are among the largest expenditures for engineering firms. Effectively managing that expenditure is not necessarily just a case of shopping for the lowest rates.
On the program, Darren S. Black and Kriton Pantelidis of Risk Strategies share their thoughts on how firms can take a strategic approach to their professional liability coverage.
Erin McLaughlin, our VP of Private Markets Resources joined the show to talk about ACEC's upcoming symposium on the intermodal and logistics market taking place in Charleston, SC on December 2-3.
The event will bring together leaders in business, trade, and real estate to discuss the future of the Port of Charleston, new developments in supply chain and logistics, and many other topics critical to the regional economy.
Here are the details:
Intermodal and Logistics Symposium
Hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies
December 3, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C.
Early bird registration ends Nov. 12
Speakers at the event will include:
- Walter Kemmsies - Economist, focusing on global trade, logistics, and real estate with JLL and the Kemmsies Group
- Chris Novack - Senior Director, Engineering Facilities Maintenance with the Georgia Ports Authority
- Walter Lagarenne - Senior Director, Engineering & Facilities with the South Carolina Ports Authority
- Stephanie Few - Attorney with Womble, Bond Dickinson, focusing on economic development and land, former City of Charleston Director of Economic Development
- Brian Gwin - Industrial Development Manager with Norfolk Southern Railway
- Lynette Cardoch, PhD - Director of Resilience and Adaptation with Moffatt & Nichol
- Sarah Cox - Project Manager of freight and intermodal planning with BCD Council of Governments
The event includes an optional tour of the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal at the Port of Charleston following the day’s discussions.
- Early Bird Member Rate (Valid until 11/12): $395
- Member Rate: $450
- Non-Member Rate: $795
Learn more at: https://programs.acec.org/private-market-symposiums/
ACEC Vice Chair John Rathke, Midwest Transportation Business Unit Leader with Mead and Hunt, came on the program to discuss his work on AASHTO's Joint Technical Committee which is developing standards on digital project delivery.
Mergers and Acquisitions activity in the engineering industry is at an all-time high, and Jon Escobar of Morrissey Goodale came onto the program to delve into the trends and causes and to offer his thoughts on what the future holds.
In September, Willis A&E completed a survey of claims managers from 12 A&E professional liability carriers on the emerging risks and claims trends in the design profession.
Dan Buelow, managing director of Willis A&E’s Architects & Engineers Division, joined the program to share some results from the survey and discuss what they mean for individual engineering firms.
PSMJ's David Burstein joined the program to break down the results of the firm's latest quarterly market trend survey for the A/E industry. In addition to discussing overall market performance and that of the specific market sectors, we delve into the impact of the labor shortage and what firms can expect in the coming few years.
Click here to view the slides from Burstein's recent presentation on the market trend survey results at the 2021 ACEC Fall Conference.
Click here to sign up to participate in the next quarterly survey. All participants receive the survey results for free.
We spoke with Terry Neimeyer about the ACEC Retirement Trust's new offering; the Student Debt Solution. If a participating firm employee uses 2% or more of their salary to pay off student loans, an employer can match that amount as a contribution into a 401(K). This allows the employee to get started towards retirement savings while still allowing them to repay their debt. The Student Debt Solution is the only structure that allows employer assistance with student debt repayment on a pre-tax basis. This is a great way for a firm to attract and retain talent in a competitive marketplace. You can learn more at https://acecrt.com/student-debt-solution/
Alan Crockett was joined by ACEC Young Professional of the Year Molly Dee Ramasamy from Jaros, Baum & Bolles, New York, NY.
As head of deep carbon reduction at JB&B, Molly initiated a process of assessing how clients’ buildings could conform to such a regulation. She has successfully led and completed more than a dozen complex building decarbonization and building electrification studies for large commercial, institutional, and cultural buildings.
Alan Crockett sat down with Victoria Ballestero, PE, MBA with ATCS in Largo, MD, who was honored as an ACEC Young Professional of the year during the awards program at the 2021 ACEC Fall Conference in Marco Island, FL.
Victoria is recognized for launching her firm’s Prince George’s County, MD office and leading a team of professional engineers, planners, and land surveyors. Besides managing growth of the office, she is responsible for technical design leadership and project management.
Chris Harman, the new National Director for Digital Delivery and Innovation in Transportation at WSP USA, came on the program to share what one of the nation's largest engineering firms is doing in these two key areas.
It's an in-depth conversation, looking at how digital delivery is changing the face of engineering and what firms can expect in this fast-moving technology over the coming months and years.
Chris Grindler stayed on the microphone after our conversation with Fall Conference Keynote presenter Mitch Joel came on the show to discuss digital marketing for engineering firms and what ACEC is doing to improve its marketing programs. This was recorded live at the 2021 ACEC Fall Conference in Marco Island, Florida.
We sat down with Keith London, the 2021 ACEC Chair Emeritus Award honoree to discuss his style of leadership and his contribution to the engineering industry and ACEC.
We sit down with Ginny Clarke, a professional in talent development and recruitment who delivered our Friday keynote at the 2021 ACEC Fall Conference. Ginny presented to our group and challenged our ideas on what makes a great hire. Learn more at www.ginnyclarke.com.
Allen Douglas joined the program to discuss ACEC/FL's new recommendations on building inspections - a topic of great interest in the wake of the Surfside collapse earlier this year. Allen released the following press statement today, which gained international attention.
ENGINEERS CALL FOR MORE INSPECTIONS AFTER CONDO COLLAPSE MIAMI (AP) — The state of Florida should consider requiring high-rise buildings near the coast to undergo safety inspections every 20 years, according to a coalition of engineers and architects that formed after a Miami-area condominium collapsed in June, killing 98 people.
The recommendations, released four months after Champlain Towers South collapsed in Surfside, are based on “preserving the long-term health of buildings by assessing environmental and other degradation of structures and their systems over the life of a building," the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida and the Florida Engineering Society said in a news release.
Seven of the state’s engineering and architecture associations formed the Surfside Working Group to come up with ideas to prevent another tragedy like the partial collapse of the 12-story beachfront property.
The group also said nearly all large buildings in Florida should be inspected for structural problems within their first 30 years, with follow-ups every 10 years. Buildings within 3 miles (5 kilometers) of saltwater should be inspected within their first 20 years, with follow-up safety inspections every seven years, the group said.
The Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times first reported the recommendations on Thursday.
The report calls for inspections on a wide range of buildings, including condominiums, offices and other structures that exceed 10 occupants and are covered by the state’s building code.
Only Broward and Miami-Dade counties require mandatory inspections of tall buildings.
Champlain Towers South was undergoing its 40-year inspection when it crumbled in the middle of the night. A 2018 engineer's report noted “major structural damage” caused by lack of proper drainage on the pool deck.
The condominium board's discussions over how to pay for the repairs delayed work on the building.
We were joined on the podcast with our first general session keynote speaker, Mitch Joel, Founder of Six Pixels Group.
When brands like Google, Walmart, Starbucks, Microsoft, and Twitter want to leverage technology to better connect with their consumers, they call Mitch Joel.
Mitch is the founder of Six Pixels Group – an advisory, investing, and content producing company that is focused on brands, commerce, community, and what’s next.
Mitch Joel has been called “one of North America’s leading visionaries” and the “Rock Star of Digital Marketing” by Strategy Magazine. He has been listed as one of the “Speakers Worth Catching” by Forbes, and he was recognized as one of the top online marketers in the world.
Yvonne Castillo and Nahom Gebre from Victor Insurance join the program to discuss professional liability protections and emerging professional practice risks for engineering firms.
What is good leadership and how does it manifest itself within the leadership team and the firm?
This issue is increasingly important for engineering firms as the Baby Boom generation retires and new leaders are evolving. It’s something you want to get right from the get-go.
To offer some direction on how to do that, Mark Goodale, a principal at Morrissey Goodale, came on the program.
Mark recently presented a program for ACEC on Building Effective Leadership Teams. Click here for more information on the online class
Infrastructure is THE topic on Capitol Hill right now and the engineering industry is very invested in what happens. ACEC’s advocacy team has been working for months to build support for a robust infrastructure program and continues to work towards passage.
As the Congressional debates drag on, however, individual engineering firms face uncertainty, unsure about how to incorporate these potential huge infrastructure investments in their business planning.
To offer some context to where we are right now and to provide some guidance for engineering firms, Deniece Peterson, Senior Director of Federal Market Analysis at Deltek, joins the program.
Renewables are the fastest-growing sector in the energy market, with solar and wind expected to make up 70% of utility-scale electricity generation capacity domestic additions in 2021. Critical to the current and future expansion of the renewables market is storage, because solar and wind are intermittent but energy demand is constant. Storage technologies have developed at a rapid pace in recent years, but what about going forward. What can we expect in the energy sector in 2035?
Arup offers an answer to that question in its report—Future of Energy 2035: What will a future U.S. energy storage look like?
Joining us on the program are two authors of the report. Cole Roberts is Arup's Energy Business Leader for the Americas region, and Geoff Gunn is the Energy Systems Lead.
Click here to download the report.
In the podcast, Roberts highlighted two Arup projects:
Charge4AllTM, which is geospatial site suitability software for streamlining the deployment of public charging points for electric vehicles.
SolarResilient, which provides recommendations for solar PV plus battery storage systems to simultaneously answer the need for energy resilience during a grid disruption while also decarbonizing the community by providing renewable energy storage and generation.
Steve Hall joins the program to discuss the current state of play on infrastructure and reconciliation as well as the impending EO on vaccinations for federal contractors.
Make sure to register for our webinar on Monday, October 11th at 1:30pm "Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors." Register here: https://education.acec.org/diweb/catalog/item?id=8329585
The September 24th guidance to federal contractors covered a broad range of contract types and contractors, and mandates COVID-19 vaccinations for covered contractor employees along with masking and social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The guidance also includes some unanticipated exceptions. The guidance sets baseline requirements under the Executive Order that are expected to be updated over time and implemented through a contract clause that will be issued by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (“FAR”) Council on October 8th.
Join attorneys from the Covington & Burling Contracts Practice Group on Monday, October 11 at 1:30 EST to review the requirements A/E firms must meet in order comply with EO 14042 and continue contracting with the federal government.
Presenters:
Jennifer Plitsch, co-chair of the firm’s Government Contracts practice group. Her practice includes a wide range of contracting issues for large and small businesses in both defense and civilian contracting. Her practice involves advising clients on contract proposal, performance, and compliance questions as well as transactional and legislative issues. Her practice also includes bid protest and contract claims and appeals litigation before GAO, agency boards and the federal courts. Ms. Plitsch has particular expertise in advising clients in the pharmaceutical and biologics industry. She advises a range of pharmaceutical and biologics manufacturers on Federal Supply Schedule contracts, including the complex pricing requirements imposed on products under the Veterans Health Care Act, as well as research and development contracts and grants with various federal agencies. She also has significant experience advising on the requirements of various programs under which vaccine products and biodefense medical countermeasures are procured by the Government.
Tyler Evans, partner in the Covington & Burling’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the government contracts group. His practice covers multiple subject-matter areas, including research and development, non-traditional contracting, intellectual property, contract negotiations, flow-down requirements, small business issues, sourcing restrictions, costs, and compliance.
Diversity and Inclusion is an important pursuit across U.S. industries and within engineering firms. It’s the right thing to do, but it is also a critical component in solving our STEM talent shortage and studies have found that diverse and inclusive companies perform better in the market.
Many engineering firms have established D&I programs, and we have one of the leading firms with us today. Thornton Tomasetti, which is #62 on the 2021 ENR 500 and has 1,500 employees worldwide, launched its formal D&I program in 2016 and has continued to build and augment it ever since.
Joining us on the program are Thornton Tomasetti President Wayne Stocks and Senior Principal Peggy Van Eepoel.
Immediately after Hurricane Ida swept through Louisiana last month, leaving a trail of destruction, the Terracon Foundation, which is a corporate philanthropy initiative of ACEC member firm Terracon, made two $5,000 grants to food banks in Louisiana for food and supplies in the hardest-hit communities. This is just the latest instance of the good work the Foundation has done since its founding in 2008, and we wanted to know more about it, so on the program with us today are two leaders of the Foundation.
Scott Kolodziej is the Foundation Chair. He is an Environmental Department Manager and Principal at Terracon, and was appointed this year to the Chair role after three years on the Terracon Foundation Board.
Kristi Tahmasiyan is the Manager of the Terracon Foundation. She is the Director of Mergers and Acquisitions at Terracon and a Principal of the Firm. She has served the Terracon Foundation in various roles, including a three-year term on the Foundation Board from 2014 to 2017.
In August, Walter P Moore published a white paper titled An Introduction to Flood Protection: What Owners Need to Know to Protect Their Properties. The white paper focuses on the numerous flood protection approaches and building owner needs and provides an in-depth review of the flood protection process.
One of the authors of the report joined the program to talk about the white paper and flood protection. Ray Drexler is a Principal and Senior Project Manager in Walter P Moore Diagnostics with experience in diversified aspects of forensic engineering. Ray's expertise includes evaluating, assessing, and designing repairs for distress related to facades, steel/concrete structures, and below-grade waterproofing.
Click here to view the white paper.
Matt Reiffer joins the program to preview a critical week ahead in Washington. Congress is facing numerous deadlines and the clock is ticking. Will there be a vote on infrastructure on Monday? Can an agreement on reconciliation be reached? What about the debt limit and the CR? Tune in and find out.
Lindsay Simone with the ACEC Life Health Trust joined the program today to discuss the importance of ergonomics in avoiding long-term health issues. We discuss simple things you can do to reduce back pain, eye strain and avoid the perils of the modern office and worksite.
Last week, ACEC released our latest Private Industry Brief, which provides practical, detailed information and targeted market insights on key A/E private sectors. This issue focuses on the Energy & Utilities market and provides a lot of data on the current state and future prospects of the sector
To dive a little deeper into the numbers and analysis, Erin McLaughlin, ACEC vice president for private market resources, joined the program.
Click here to download the brief.
Ted Gerber, president of Addison Resources Group in New York City, joins us on the program to talk about team building. With more than 25 years of experience working with firms in a variety of industries to improve leadership effectiveness, Ted offers keen insights into the skills and characteristics that make for good teams within an engineering firm.
Ted recently presented an online class on team building for ACEC. Click here for the On-Demand class.
What began as a conversation about induced demand with urban planner Jeff Speck quickly broadened into a wider discussion about U.S. road engineering standards, their impact, and what responsibility engineers may have to improve them.
Speck is the author of Walkable City, one of the most influential and widely read city planning books in recent years. He subsequently wrote Walkable City Rules: 101 Steps to Making Better Places, which is targeted towards traffic engineers and transportation professionals. If you've read these books, you know he doesn't hold back on his opinions, and that trait comes through on this podcast. So, buckle up.
On this week's Government Affairs Update, Katharine Mottley, our tax and regulatory guru, joined the program to discuss the status of the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill moving in Congress and how emerging divisions among congressional Democrats may impact the process. We also discuss several revenue bills moving through Congress, including potential changes to important passthrough deductions for our industry.
One of the most daunting challenges is business development, the pursuit of strategic opportunities for the firm, whether that be new clients, more business from existing clients, or even new partnerships or business relationships. This can often feel like you're racing on a hamster wheel that is always accelerating.
Wes Guckert came on the program to help us dig into how to succeed at business development. President and CEO of The Traffic Group in White Marsh, MD., Wes is a frequent speaker on the subject and recently presented an online class for ACEC.
Click here to link to the ACEC On-Demand class, What is BD's Secret Sauce?
On today's Member Organization Spotlight, we feature ACEC Indiana's former and current President Michael Rowe and Cash Canfield to discuss a strategic enrollment process they undertook with their DOT.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have spent a lot more of our workday in the virtual environment, talking to colleagues, clients, and others over Teams, Zoom, Webex, etc.
Many engineering firms now do online client presentations, and they can be quite a challenge because the skills and systems that make for successful face-to-face presentations don’t necessarily transfer to the virtual world.
To share his insights into how to adapt client presentations to the virtual world, Joey Asher came on the program. Joey is president of Atlanta-based Speechworks, which offers communication and public speaking skills training and coaching to businesses nationwide.
Steve Hall came on the program to recap the month's events related to infrastructure and the PPP FAR credits clause.
ACEC Private Market Resources Vice President Erin McLaughlin talks with Kermit Baker, chief economist at the American Institute of Architects, about the Architectural Billing Index survey and the economic outlook for the design services industry.
For more information, the ACEC Research Institute has released two economic forecasts for the engineering industry:
2021-2025 Engineering Industry Forecast
2021-26 Engineering Industry Outlook Special Report: Infrastructure Scenarios & Their Impact on Engineering and Design Services.
Karen Susman of Karen Susman and Associates in Denver joins the program to offer her expertise on how engineers can deal with difficult conversations. The discussion is replete with big strategies and small tactics for handling tough topics with clients, employees, subcontractors, and friends and family.
Karen presented an online class for ACEC in June titled Dealing With Difficult Conversations: Communication, Conflict and Other Snafus. The On-Demand Class is available to stream here.
On this week's Government Affairs Update, we are joined by Rodney Slater, former Transportation Secretary under the Clinton Administration and Bill Shuster, former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Both are now with Washington, DC lobbying firm Squire Patton Boggs. In a wide ranging conversation, we cover the status of infrastructure in Congress, how Secretary Buttigieg is doing, and the what lies ahead for Speaker Pelosi in the House as it returns from the August recess.
Transcript:
Host:
Welcome to the Government Affairs Update from American Council of Engineering Companies. Today, we are very pleased to bring you two experts when it comes to infrastructure to get some interesting perspectives on what's happening right now in Washington, as the bipartisan agreement on infrastructure moves from the Senate over to the House. And I'm joined today by Secretary Rodney Slater and former Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Bill Shuster, both of whom are right now with Squire Patton Boggs in Washington, DC. Secretary Slater was Transportation Department Secretary under President Bill Clinton, and Chairman Shuster, in full disclosure, I used to work with Chairman Shuster while he was Chairman of the T&I Committee. Both bring extensive experience here. And I thank you both for joining us today on the program. Thank you very much for coming on.
Secretary Slater:
Thank you.
Host:
I want to start off actually with you Chairman Shuster, because this is, this is kind of an interesting situation we find ourselves in because you spent a significant amount of time and energy as both a member of T&I, and then also as Chairman in pushing a long-term, substantive infrastructure bill beyond just highway authorization. How does it feel seeing this now to be so close to such a generational investment in infrastructure?
Chairman Shuster:
Well, I think it's good. The bill is, is this large - a trillion dollars, it has some positive, real positive things in it. Like for instance, taking the cap off the PABs, that is one thing they've done. They've done some procurement reforms in it. That's positive. And they've also put in a section, I think it's a hundred million dollars that goes to states and locals to help them analyze a big job, big projects, to see if it makes more sense to use the private sector dollars or to or to stay with traditional government programs. And I think that's a thing because I think they're going to find in many cases it may be a little bit cost higher up front, but when you get the private sector involved over a period of time, it usually drives the cost down because the private sector is very much focused on that.
Chairman Shuster:
They did some things in there that I wish they would have eased up on. Some of them, they put some regs in there too, and I believe it's going to make it a little more difficult to build roads and bridges because of some of the things that they put back in or increased. But I think overall the fact that it's a bipartisan bill, it's got a pretty big number. It includes some things that haven't been traditional like broadband, which I think is is something that you've got Republican support for. I just wish my good friend, Peter DeFazio, he didn't, he wasn't able to get a bipartisan bill out of the house. And, and I think we've seen over the last 20, 30 years at Secretary Slater knows transportation bills when they come out on a bipartisan way they pass. And that's what we've seen in the Senate. And I think the House will take it up to pass it also.
Host:
And Secretary Slater, I mean, looking at this bill and how expansive it is and how it goes beyond your traditional roads, bridges and highways and rail systems and the like, you know, what, how, what do you think this means, you know, for the economy?
Secretary Slater:
Yeah. Well, first of all, Jeff, I'm excited about the bill. I mean, it's taken them a long time to make infrastructure week something other than, you know, a tagline to a conference without the action to go along with it. And so I applaud the President, you know, I know the Vice President was involved, and clearly other members of this team Steve Richetti in particular and the entire Congress for really working hard to pull this off. Now I say the entire Congress. So you know, I'm being cautiously optimistic here, but I think with the momentum built by the action of the Senate, that that's a real possibility and I'm, I'm excited about it. I echo the sentiments that the chairman noted about the differences in this bill as relates to bills in the past. You know, this focus on broadband is just essential in this day in time.
Secretary Slater:
And especially in this post pandemic era that we're trying to bring online, but I also applaud the leaders for really giving us a bill that has a lot more resilience focus to it, sustainability focused dealing with some of the climate challenges we face and then issues as relates to equity. And so I think that it's a bill that is future oriented future leaning. There are those who might argue that more needs to be done clearly the Democrats and any Republican that might have that belief will have an opportunity to deal with that with the with the other measures that are being put forward. But when it comes to really doing something that is akin to what we've done in the past, and then sort of building back better, I think that this is an answer to that to that challenge,
Host:
You know, Secretary, you bring up a good point because one of the words has been used a lot is the question of resiliency, and it's just not resiliency against extreme weather, but it's also resiliency for critical infrastructure against external threats. I mean, we're seeing a significant increase in the number of cyber-attacks on computer systems and just critical hard infrastructure. And Chairman you also did a lot of work at T& I on pre-disaster mitigation getting the dollars there and getting things done before the next storm hits before the next tropical storm turns into a hurricane. Do you think the bill does enough? If not, you think that, that, what, what do you think needs to be done in addition, you know, to really what we're looking at here in this bipartisan agreement to really strengthen our infrastructure? Let's start with the Chairman.
Chairman Shuster:
I think the bill does. A good bit in it to help with resiliency, which, you know, as we were talking about back on the committee of how do we build things before they collapse or hurricane blows them down or whatever the case may be. And at the end of the day, you save money by building these things stronger, being able to withstand a catastrophic weather event. So I think it's positive. I think that there, there needs to be more streamlining to get these things done because I just, I feel that as we did in the past, we run into these hurdles to build these things faster and more effectively. But I think overall, it's, it's a, it's a positive thing. It isn't enough, probably not, but it all depends on what if the hurricanes and the tornado seasons and the earthquake seasons and the fire seasons over the next coming years looks like. But I, I think it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Secretary Slater:
I agree with that. And Jeff, if I may, I, I think that the members of the Council really have a big role to play here. I mean, this is not something that's across the finish line just yet, but you know, engineering companies that are in the business of giving us the kind of system we need and deserve going forward, actually spending the resources in a proper way. You have a lot to say about this bill about it's, I mean, people may say shortcomings. I just think it's to be applauded the fact that we've gotten it done. There are other things that could have been done. Maybe a bit more here or there that can be done later. We shouldn't allow the perfect to sort of distract us from the, from the good, and this is a good, good start.
Secretary Slater:
And when it comes to the issue of you know, security and cyber concerns, I mean, we, there's a report in today's paper about the rail system in Iran, possibly being attacked by cyber-attacks. And then just a few months ago some pipeline here in the US and also a ferry system up in the in the Northeast. So we've got these issues to be concerned about, and I'm very pleased, and we're starting to really come to grips with this, both the public and the private sectors to do something about it.
Host:
Yeah. You raise a good point, especially with the rail system in Iran. I mean as some of our larger firms and actually a lot of our medium-sized firms as well, you know, it's a question of designing the best infrastructure possible. And usually today, that means with the rise of AI and machine learning and the like, intelligent transportation systems, which are networked, which are, you know, have to talk to each other that are open up to potential external threat. So the question is designing it in such a way where it's hardened.
Host:
And you're correct to the point that it's good, that we're having the conversation that, that this has to be. And also the fact that our firms are designing not for what is today, but what will be 20 years, 30 years down the line, the bridge is going to last a hundred years for the building on a shore that's going to potentially see a sea level you rise or, or erosion from the beach.
Host:
And those are all things that, of course our members are very concerned about. On the question to pay-fors because this is something which is interesting because when we got the framework, when everybody's wondering, okay, how are we going to pay for this thing? And then through the debate and the amendment debate, you know, they really considered everything from unspent COVID dollars to changing regulations on reporting requirements on cryptocurrencies, but what wasn't really talked about a lot with the user fee and, and, you know, Chairman Shuster, I know, you know, from my experience with you, it was always that simple, very basic argument of saying that if you use the roadways, you should pay into keeping them in good repair, and that user fee consideration. Secretary Slater, you were with the Clinton administration. Of course I was the last time the tax, the gas tax was actually addressed. It seems like we're getting further away from the idea of that user fee model. What do you both see as the future of, of infrastructure funding chairman you know, where do you see things moving?
Chairman Shuster:
Think it's, first of all, look, we made a mistake when the Republicans controlled the house in 2005, I guess when we passed safety loo we, when we were doing this big tax bill, I, you know, what the leadership and try to convince them, instead of giving the average American a $2,000 cut in their taxes, let's do $1,800 or $1,750 and, and deal with the gas tax because that is a user fee. And again, I think they missed the opportunity not to do the user or the gas tax forever, but to do it for a period of time that they can't implement, implement something that's different. And that would be miles travel tax. And they, they, they put some big, they expanded the pilot program, but I really think they were going to be dealing in five years with how are we going to fund the next transportation bill?
Chairman Shuster:
And with this bill, they had to back fill the highway trust fund shortage. It's like $120 billion, and that's going to just keep growing. So, you know, and it's, I believe as a conservative that as you pointed out at the beginning, if you're going to use the system, you need to pay into the system. And I'll just say this for rural America, where I come from, the average, every dollar that a rural community puts in, they get back about a $1.70. So it's a pretty good benefit for rural America for roads and bridges being built across their communities.
Host:
And we also saw last year the number of states that took it upon themselves to increase their own state gas tax that state after state, you know, did something to improve the amount of revenue that was coming in to their own coffers. And no one seemed to pay that political price that everybody expected, that, that idea that boogeyman of saying, if you raise the gas tax, you're going to lose an election. At least the state level never actually materialized. Right?
Chairman Shuster:
I was going to add, I think that number's up to about 35. Yeah. Have done it. And then the real test case was California. Two years ago, I guess was two years ago. Was it less than a year, I guess was a year ago they had it on the ballot and they rejected repealing the gas tax, something like 57 to 43. So, you know, people understand, they want the roads and bridges to be uncongested and they don't want to bust their tires, break a tire, damage their vehicles. So I think people get it if you, if you pitch it in the right way.
Secretary Slater:
Yeah. You know, I, I agree with the Chairman on this. And I, I would say, I was thinking about actually Kentucky, Arkansas, some of the other Southern states in particular where Southern governors, you know, have stepped forward to move these measures.
Secretary Slater:
I was pleased to hear about the reference to California. I mean, I think it makes the case that it's happening across the country. I would offer this in defense of the of the Biden administration in this regard. I think what the president is attempting to do is to sort of rebalance things. And he recognizes that there has been this inequity in the system where frankly, the burden of progress is placed on the shoulders all too often of those who can, you know, either least pay or have the hardest time paying. And I think what he's trying to do here is to say, look, we're not going to raise the tax burden of anyone making less than 400,000 as a couple. That's, that's pretty significant. And so he did not want to raise the gasoline tax for that purpose.
Secretary Slater:
Did not want to go with vehicle miles traveled for that purpose. And I think where he finds himself at this point, it probably is a policy. That is a good one. Now I don't think that it closes the door always to an increase in use of fees. I think it probably such it up where it, at a time in the future, it'll be a lot fairer to maybe do some of that. And I see that, that time coming, but I can see why the president would want to, at this point have significant lines in the sand about what he would and would not want to see. And then, you know, frankly keep his powder drive when it comes to negotiating at an end point where, you know, you have to find closure on these things. And so I think that's a pretty good position to take.
Secretary Slater:
I will note this too, that Jeff you're right, that during the early days of the Clinton Administration, the gasoline tax was raised but the president would note that he made the case that it should be raised to deal with the deficit to put our economic house in order in balance. And then four years later was actually when we had the resources transferred from the general fund to the highway fund. So as to take advantage of that 4.3% increase in the gasoline tax. So it was done in a two-step kind of fashion. And it may be that with the passage of time, we may get to a point where we can support more funding for infrastructure through user fees. I agree with that. But I also think we should test any number of other options too. And I know the chairman agrees with this because we've talked about things like an infrastructure bank. We've talked about other public private financing techniques. I mean, putting it all on the table and then selecting those that best fit the moment is the proper course, I believe.
Host:
It seems like today with the amount of innovative financing available that there are a lot more opportunities to break away from the paradigm of just a simple, you know, either a lockbox highway trust fund, or just all always pulling from the general fund to instead look at other options - P3's whether it's capture or that investment, the reinvestment of potential, you know, I forget exactly what was called chairman, but it was something that you were talking about when you were chairman. It was, it was when, when we bring somebody in to buy something or to lease out an airport....
Chairman Shuster:
Asset recycling.
Host:
Yeah, exactly. How a P3 or asset recycling, something like that. In your conversations with people in government in and out, is that something which seems to be gaining some traction?
Chairman Shuster:
I think you're always going to have to have some kind of governmental component, whether it's a fed state putting money into it, because these deals we're seeing around the beltway here in Washington, DC, I think the Virginia invested about 20% of the money into it to get a cost down where they wouldn't have enormous tolls on those, on those hot lanes or fast lanes. But so I think there's always that component that will always be there, but I think yes, looking at things like an infrastructure bank and because we look at an infrastructure bank and we've been pushing this during this bill, they almost had a piece. It was a very scaled back version of, there was a infrastructure finance financing agency was small and they, they finally pulled it out the end, unfortunately, but I think, you know, folks in your community the ACEC they deal with these TIFIA and RIFF programs.
Chairman Shuster:
And every time I talked to a contractor engineer, they tell me it takes 14 to 16 months to get through this process and it's painful and it's cost a lot of money. And so I think having a true infrastructure bank based on the federal home loan bank, it's a real bank, it's independent chartered by the federal government. They're going to be, they can make loans in 90 to 120 days. And if it's a good project or not, and it's only going to be a component of the, just like a P3 is a component of the financing package. So I think it's time for us to really look at these other ideas, asset recycling where it makes sense. And again, as the Secretary said, what comes next is probably a vehicle miles traveled, but we've got all kinds of barriers and hurdles because folks don't want somebody tracking them. But as far as my son, when he was in his early twenties, he held up his iPhone and said, they're tracking every moment of the day.
Host:
You're being tracked one way or another.
Secretary Slater:
And Jeff, Jeff, can I just say this, I should have mentioned earlier that even when we increased the gasoline tax and the chairman's father was actually in the Congress along with a former secretary and Congressman Norman Mineta. I mean Jim Oberstar, I mean, just a wonderful group of individuals on the House side. I mentioned the House because I want to put the heat on the House to do what the Senate has done that. But, but they also really gave us tools to create some of these innovative financing programs. The chairman mentioned the TIFIA program, the RIFF program, all of that came into being at that time. And again, it was because of a good piece of legislation that gave federal highways and federal transit and all the Department of Transportation and others, the Treasury the ability to, with the private sector to gain insights about how we might fashion programs that resulted in those programs. I think that there are likely to be some measures that can be used in this bill. Even though, you know, it may not be as clear now that will help us to tap some of those private sector dollars and the private sector ingenuity that you just have to have as a part of an effort like this. And I think ACEC can be a really big part of that of that effort going forward.
Host:
That's, that's a really good point. And thanks for bringing that up because that's something which, you know, our members need to be pretty strong advocates for this, and they need to take, take their own experience from the private sector, work, working with public sector clients and explaining how they can be more efficient. And that's one of the things we always talk about, qualification space selection. It's kind of that idea of saying that
Secretary Slater:
We are at the lowest price exactly. Qualification over, over cost.
Host:
Secretary Slater, let me, let me ask you as a former Secretary of the Department Transportation, right now, how would you, how would you rate the job that Secretary Buttigieg is doing on selling the agenda?
Secretary Slater:
Well, I don't think it could have been express better than in the post today. That was a, a love piece. Although I thought it was, was balanced as well, because it's all teed up. He still has to deliver it. And yet I've talked about that too. I said, you know, it's great to have a president. Who's talking about infrastructure is great to have, you know, the conduit team that you've got with Polly Totenberg and others there to help you make it happen. But at the end of the day, you gotta make it happen. And I thought what was very telling in the article today, and this is what I really want to underscore is the way that he's made himself available. I mean, to Republicans and Democrats this was actually, I thought set up in his hearing where there were so many members who, you know, they had their issues with him and they, you know, they would take him on, I mean, that's the responsibility I think of the Congress to test the administration.
Secretary Slater:
That's what our three branches of government separation of powers. That's what that's all about. But then almost invariably at the end of the round, you would have a member saying, and I hope that you will be able to come to mind my state. I know that the chairman has had that experience and, and, and to have a, a secretary or a member of the administration say that not only am I willing to do it, I look forward to doing it so that we together can be on the ground with your constituents, looking at challenges you face that's what really gets a member's attention. And that's what gains their respect, that rate. And throughout the article, you could just see just any number of people mentioned in that way. And you know, that they don't all have this, that they don't all agree on everything.
Secretary Slater:
And so I think that he is doing a tremendous job. I think that the article was correct in saying that there was always the likelihood that he would be in the president's cabinet or a member of his team where he selected because of the endorsement and the warm endorsement that he gave to Mr. Biden at a very critical time in his campaign. And then the president saying just off the cuff that he reminded him of his son. I mean, all of those things sort of lining up. And then it was noted that he had some interests, but, you know, the president gets a chance to choose. And he said, look, I think that you can best help me and help the country serving in this capacity. And I would say that that the former mayor Pete now, secretary Pete has not disappointed. I'm very, very pleased with the way he's gone about his work. And I think all of these relationships, they're going to pay dividends in the short term and the longterm, and they'll pay dividends for him or his team, and clearly for the the president as well. And so I'm, I'm very, very pleased
Host:
Chairman. You've worked with a number of secretaries. Where would you put him?
Chairman Shuster:
I, well, first I think the, you know, Secretary Slater is right on target saying, I think he's done a pretty good job. He's measured when he speaks to, you know, to the media. He's not, you know, throwing bombs out there, which I think is important, especially on an issue like transportation and infrastructure. I think, I think he's also, he's, he's obviously bright. I think we did. He demonstrate that in the debates, I was always impressed with them. Didn't always agree with where his policies were, but I smart he's young, hopefully that makes him want to think outside the box. It says to the secretary of Slater's point, you got to get it done, man. It's great. You got to having a bill here, but you're the guy that's going to have to make that department start to hum.
Chairman Shuster:
And I think too, that, and this is, I forget who said this - might have been Secretary Slater, or maybe Secretary Skinner said, this is the first time I can remember that the Secretary of Transportation was a presidential candidate. So he's got his own platform of followers. They're saying, Hey Secretary, Pete, you know, we love the guy we were with him when he was running for president. So I think that gives you a whole different platform to be able to get out there and go around the country, but to Secretary Slater's point, he's absolutely right. Going into members' districts, talking to members. I think I think what I've heard from a number of the, at least the moderate Republicans that said, he's great, great access to him, he would call them up. He would, you know, talk, talk through the issues, what they thought were important. So I think that's really important. I know the Secretary Slater did it. I know Ray LaHood did it. You know, through the years I named Sam Skinner, when he would have him out on a conference, he said, he sat down with a members' leadership of the House and the Senate different committees once a month and had breakfast with him. So he, you know, he stayed in touch with him. So I think that's important.
Host:
And I mean, if this does, if he does land this and like you said, you gets it done. He's going to be sitting on, I mean, Jeff Davis from Eno, kind of doing a rack up on Twitter. And it seems like he would have in competitive grant funding, almost the amount will be quadrupled over what is, what is, what has been in the past almost about 24 to $33 billion, depending on exactly what gets through appropriations. I mean, that's a massive war chest to sit on. That's a political weapon as well. Now I think you meet that point, you know, being a former candidate, he's young, he's got aspirations. I, you know, for the Secretary, I mean, how, how, what advice would you give to sit on that record amount of competitive grant funding?
Secretary Slater:
Well, I, I would say it a little differently. I would say Jeff, don't sit on it.
Host:
Yeah. Send it, spend it.
Chairman Shuster:
I would agree the secretary - right out the door.
Secretary Slater:
You know, all of the meetings up to this point where you go out and you say, oh man, this would be a great project to fund, that's one thing. When you can go back a little later with all of those resources and say, this is a great project to fund and we're going to fund it. That's a lot better. First of all, you basically say I'm here with the Congressman who is going to make an important now, because it's all about continuing to build those relationships. And I think that I think the secretary is going to really have a wonderful time with members of his team doing just that. And, and, and frankly, I think he'll be creating opportunities really for the president, the vice-president, you know, maybe even a secretary of grand home and others to do that same thing as well. Because the, the key is to not, you know, it's, it's not to sit on it and it's also not to gloat in it. I mean, it's all about really doing the business of the American people and getting everybody involved. And I, I think as a mayor, he's going to understand a former mayor. He's going to just understand that instinctively.
Host:
And Chairman, I mean, you were great at this. I mean, you made sure both as Chairman and then also back in the ninth district of making sure that everyone at every level of government was included in those announcements, because to underscore the fact that everybody from county commissioner all the way up to member of Congress had a part to play.
Chairman Shuster:
Well and that's the Secretary's point with the department that the Secretary of Transportation, he may not go down to that granular. When you're a member of the House, you need to go to the township supervisors, have them sit in there with you or whoever it is because it's you know, it, it helps it helps everybody out. And so I think this is, as the Secretary said, you get the stuff out the door. And I believe he's going to get it in places that need like rural Pennsylvania, if he does some good work in rural Pennsylvania, the next time around in elections. I mean, the Democrats win Philadelphia and Pittsburgh big, but if they can diminish how big they lose in the, in the center of the state than it, it's better for their candidates. And again, there's, there's good projects out there for everybody to be able to participate.
Secretary Slater:
Yeah. And Jeff before, before we go on, I just thought about this. I do think that that Senator Schumer should be given some credit here as well. And I think it was very significant that you had, you know, 19 Republicans, including the minority leader. And I just think you know Majority Leader Schumer and Minority leader McConnell. I just think that they, they deserve a lot of credit here. And I know when the chairman was in office, these were the kinds of victories that you really relish where it was not just the chairman, but it was the ranking member and, you know, the other members of the committee and leadership and really down to the last person coming on because of seniority coming on the committee.
Secretary Slater:
So I think that manifested itself on the, on the Senate side as well. And, and look, you've got that Brent Spence bridge in the Ohio Kentucky area on I-75 that's going to get some attention now, much needed attendance. And that's very important to the constituents in that region.
Chairman Shuster:
And it won't be lost on anybody that Rob Portman was the chief, negotiator.
Secretary Slater:
No doubt about it.
Chairman Shuster:
And he's from the Southwestern and Cincinnati area.
Secretary Slater:
We were honored at one point that he was a member of Squire Patton Boggs too. I think I should, we should say that, you know, years ago,
Host:
Well, I have two final questions. One, I want to ask the Chairman, because now we're looking at the house, we've got the INVEST Act. You made the point that, that it wasn't as bipartisan as previous bills have been at least on the vote total coming out. You know, there's, there's some argument being made about, okay, take the Senate bill up and just get it done. Your experience working across from Chairman DeFazio for a number of years. I mean, he's been very vocal on some areas of policy that are not in the bill, dealing with climate, also dealing with resiliency, do you see him letting leadership kind of move this forward or use without the opportunity to amend it. Or do you think he's going to want to have that formal conference, he's going to want to have the opportunity for the house to put his stamp on it?
Chairman Shuster:
Well, he's already, he's already given up on a conference because he realizes you go to conference and this thing will never get done. So I think it's going to come over. I think there's the potential for being a couple of amendments, but they're going to be very few and they've got to be something that's agreed to by the, basically the 69 senators that voted for it. So it can be things that, you know, are correcting things and maybe the Senate didn't do right. Because that always occurs, but I don't think you're going to see anything major. And I think the DeFazio, Chairman of DeFazio is going to now focus on getting more dollars to put in these different areas that he has that he, that he supports very much. And that'll be some of these things like resiliency. And, but again resiliency and some of the climate change policies, but he can't change the policy and budget reconciliation, but he can plus up plus up the money or pick the money from one to another, but he can't change policy. So I think he's going to be very focused on that.
Host:
And just a state of play question for you both to kind of round out the conversation. So right now the current state of play in the House Speaker Pelosi has floated a dear colleague letter, but essentially says that she wants to try to twin both the budget resolution to the infrastructure bill in the rules package, which means that voting on one is voting on both. That's gotten some pushback from moderate Democrats. How do you see this playing out? Do you think that it is going to be a twofer or do you think that you know, there's going to be an agreement to allow infrastructure to go first and then the budget reconciliation? I mean, how do you see the state of play in the House coming at the end of the month?
Chairman Shuster:
I think she's in a very tough spot. She's got her progressives, they're saying they're not voting for it unless they vote on the big package. And she's got her moderates saying, we're not going to vote on that big package, you need to pair it down. And by the way, we also want to vote on this thing. So I think she's in a really tough spot. She can't afford to lose more than what, three votes, four votes? So she's in a tough spot and I'm not sure how to work out. I don't think it's going to happen. Well, I know for sure it's not going to happen at the end of this month because they're just coming back in the House, to vote for the budget, which will pass. And then they they're coming back September 20th. But I think if she's got this fight to keep them paired some way somehow you know, one goes, first, one goes second kind of thing.
Chairman Shuster:
She'd probably be, I would bet on Nancy to get it done, but I don't think it's going to look the same you know, at the end of August as it does at the end of October. I mean for these two bills. The infrastructure is going to stay basically the same. It's how big the other package will be.
Secretary Slater:
Yeah. You know, I'd pick up on the comments of the Chairman in that regard. I think that if I were going to bet on anyone getting it done, I would bet on the Speaker. But that doesn't mean that you cannot acknowledge that it's going to be a heavy, heavy, heavy lift. I, you know, I just think that first of all, I, I just, I don't think we, and I think, I think she took note of this.
Secretary Slater:
I, I don't think you can just dismiss the significance of the bipartisan vote in the Senate and the size of that vote. I mean, that was, that was very significant. I didn't know that the numbers would be that high. I mean, I would, I was basically counting on 10, 11 maybe. Yeah. But that was it signaled that they would, because I think the highest we got with those who were sort of saying, well, maybe it was about 11. And so I think it bodes well for a number of things that are important to a number of people beyond infrastructure. I mean, I think you've got a criminal justice reform opportunity here. I think you might have something on voting. And I think that you know, the, the Speaker has all of that to navigate and to balance and to negotiate.
Secretary Slater:
And I just think she ultimately gets it done, but it'll be very, very difficult. I'd also like to say just in support of a Chairman DeFazio, I think he's done a tremendous job as well. I think that his effort was necessary, even though it was a little partisan. And I think, you know, it cut against what his natural tendency was. I mean, and that was to work with your Ranking Member to kind of work through, you know, the process in a way that is, you know, institutionally sound and, and frankly an effort, a way that he'd been a part of for so many years. But I think that what he recognized was that he had to really help the Speaker in speaking to the progressive wing of the party in a way that would keep it engaged. And you know, and I think engaged is probably the best way to say it and they are engaged.
Secretary Slater:
Now you've got this process going now where the various you know, parts of the party will express itself and she'll have to hear all of that, not dismiss any of it. And then carefully, you know, bind it all together with, I think the ultimate argument and that is don't let perfect get in the way of the good, I really think that it comes down to that and let us survive for another fight. And, you know, it's, it's acknowledged that some of that fight in the future will have her being supportive of others who will be at the helm. And I think she will say, look, stay with me. And you know, I've just tried to be as open as possible to make sure that all opinions are heard, all arguments are given an airing and I believe this is the best we can do. And I think that's what it ultimately is. That's what the final question is. And then the votes are counted and I don't think you take a breath until the last vote is cast, you know, so, and as, as the chairman said, it's a three vote - I mean, she's got three votes to [inaudible].
Host:
Yeah. Well, it's going to be an interesting end of August. It's been an interesting August to begin with. I mean, so let's, let's get it done. Hopefully this can get this voted on and passed before the beginning of September. And, and that would be a great thing. So I really appreciate your time and your insight because you both been there you've worked on these issues. You have great insight that I know our audience of member firm executives loves to hear. So thank you for taking the time both of you. And of course, Rodney Slater former Secretary of Transportation is a partner at Squire Patton Boggs now. And of course, Chairman Bill Shuster, former Chairman of the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee, and representative of the of the ninth congressional district or the ninth as it were before redistricting - a Senior Policy Advisor at a Squire Patton Boggs as well. And again, this has been the government affairs update from American Council of Engineering Companies. Thanks for being with us. We'll going to see you next time.
ACEC was honored to welcome Rep. Peter DeFazio, Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee onto the show to discuss the next steps for the bipartisan infrastructure bill and budget reconciliation in the House.
Transcript:
Host: Welcome to Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Today, we are honored to be joined by a longtime friend of ACEC and the engineering industry and a strong advocate for America's infrastructure, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio, who has represented Oregon's 4th Congressional district since 1987.
Chair DeFazio is a powerful advocate for transformative federal infrastructure investment and consequential action on climate change. He drafted the INVEST in America Act, which passed the House in early July and became the vehicle for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which cleared the Senate last week. With passage of that bill, the issue of infrastructure once again squarely lands in the House, which is expected to return from the August district work period later this month to address it, as well as a budget reconciliation bill.
I'm also pleased to be joined by ACEC CEO Linda Bauer Darr for today's conversation. Thank you both for taking time to join the podcast today.
And with those introductions out of the way, I will throw it over to Linda for the conversation.
Linda Bauer Darr: Great. Thanks for doing this, Jeff. And thank you, Chairman DeFazio for being with us. When we were getting started, you mentioned that you just adopted a dog, a Labrador. So, what's the dog's name?
Chair DeFazio: Liddy. She's now learning her name. She came from a pound in Texas. They named her Lydia, and we've stuck with it.
Linda Bauer Darr: So, you're sticking with it. So how old is she?
Chairman DeFazio: A year and a half. The story was that she had pups and was in the kennel with the pups. The pups got adopted. She didn't. They put her on a transport, she came to Oregon, and we got her. So there are a lot of dogs in Texas that are apparently neglected.
Linda Bauer Darr: Well, you've joined a long line of people who have adopted pets during COVID. I'm down one pet during COVID, so I'm on the other side of that fence, but congratulations, and I'm sure you will have a great time with Liddy.
Linda Bauer Darr: We'll go ahead and get started. You were able to secure passage of the Invest Act in the House. By the way, great job. I know that was a Herculean effort. No doubt that had an impact in showing people that the bipartisan package was on its way and that it was going to make it through the Senate. What stands out to you as the most important provision that you secured in the bill? Or what would you be most proud of?
Chair DeFazio: First that we went through a real legislative process. We were in committee for a total, I think, of close to 60 hours over the two years. Hundreds of amendments in committee, hundreds of amendments on the Floor. An actual legislative process. Yeah, I didn't get a lot of Republicans for it in the end, but quite a number of their amendments were included in the bill, in contrast to the Senate bill written behind closed doors principally by people who don't even serve on the committees of jurisdiction in the Senate. So, you know, my bill was transformative. It was really to take the country beyond Eisenhower 8.0 and into the 21st century for transportation policy, dealing with climate change, resilience, and social equity and creating one whole hell of a lot of jobs. Unfortunately, their bill is Eisenhower 8.0 for the most part with a little green dressing on the side,
Chair DeFazio: There's more money spent on subsidies for fossil fuels in their bill than on alternative fuels. When you add it up properly you know, they, they say that 25 percent of the zero-emission bus policy has to be spent on polluting buses. Half of the $18 billion for fossil fuel reduction can be transferred to highways. There are a number of provisions like that in their bill. Their bill is slightly bigger on highways than mine, but way less on rail and transit and way less on social equity, way less on wastewater drinking water and lead pipes, which came out of Frank Pallone's committee. So we're going to deal with those deficiencies in Reconciliation, which is in part why we're pairing the two.
Chair DeFazio: Reconciliation is going to continue a lot of the democratic agenda. I'm unwilling at this point to pass this bill without some changes. It's been made clear that the cabal who wrote it are not interested in going to regular order and having a conference. That the chairs of the committees of jurisdiction in the Senate were not consulted during the drafting is an absolute insult to them, to the legislative process, and to the House of Representatives. And it's not how you get the best legislation when a group of people write something behind closed doors. So we're going to do our best to fix it.
Linda Bauer Darr: I will applaud you on regular order. I think people who have been in Washington for a long time have been very eager to get us back into that good rhythm. And even if neither the Senate nor the House has the perfect bill, the fact that we're exercising those muscles again, I think is hopeful. So, you talked a little bit about Reconciliation and you know, how you're going to marry these things. Can you talk a little bit more about that and the strategy and how you think that's going to work?
Chair DeFazio: Reconciliation is going to go through—at least in the House—a committee process. I assume it will in the Senate. It came out of the Budget Committee. The House will pass the budget, and then the committees of jurisdiction will be given their apportionments and we'll work through a legislative process committee-by-committee to put together a bill by mid-September. I think the deadline for us to have legislated our parts is the 15th of September. I'm going to mark up on the 12th of September in my committee.
Chair DeFazio: And I'm dealing with the White House since there have been some vague pledges that I'm not quite sure of from the President saying no more money for things that are in this bill, but I didn't make that agreement and I think there are ways to work around that. It can be just a little bit different but I'm working to add back money to transit. We got $100 billion just to bring it up to a state of good repair, let alone to provide new options for people. My bill critically included frequency, which would really help with ridership. Their bill has no decent policy in it. They don't understand transportation. Then rail, Amtrak's doing pretty well, but high speed rail didn't and I very much hope to come up with a different novel high-speed rail category. Then social equity, again, under-funded in the Senate bill. Didn't include my sidebars for affordable housing and to prevent gentrification, which has happened in a couple of cases where we removed freeways. Great, we've just rejoined a community that's been split asunder, and now they're all being driven out. So, I'm not sure how we can deal with that under the Dead Guy Rule, so-called Reconciliation, the Byrd rule, but we're going to try and deal with that. Wastewater is a tiny fraction of the investment we need and way less than I had in my bill. I'm hoping to increase wastewater. I'm hoping also to figure out how to bring back in a green infrastructure for wastewater, which has tremendous promise in addition to methane capture and electricity generation. And then certainly again, I partnered with Frank Pallone on this, drinking water and lead pipe removal were way under-funded. Hopefully we can deal with those things. And then EV charging is very lacking also, and they didn't include Park and Rides. I mean, seriously, I know that truck stops were fighting viciously against including rest areas, but I didn't know anybody was against EV charging at Park and Rides. Unless you're trying to tell people not to take transit. I don't get that one. It might by a that might be a Toomey amendment as he hates transit. I don't know.
Linda Bauer Darr: You said that high-speed rail didn't get what you felt it deserved. And then, of course, Amtrak did pretty well. I imagine that had to be one of the President's "This is the deal, and you're going to have to accept it." I imagine it was a huge priority for him. And probably also something that ultimately was pushed by Senator Carper. Obviously their long-term friendship was helpful.
Chair DeFazio: Carper didn't have a voice in writing this bill. I talked to him. They did not consult the chairs of the committees of jurisdiction. It was written by the likes of Sinema and Portman and Collins and a cabal of other people and Manchin who got his $8 billion for blue hydrogen, which by the way, if you read the New York Times three days ago—and I've known this for a long time—so-called blue hydrogen is more polluting than CNG. And there are a lot of elements in that bill that are parochial and not dealing with climate change and not dealing with the investments we need to make.
Linda Bauer Darr: So how does this all get worked out? You put a lot of time and effort into your bill. It goes over to the Senate and the Senate has negotiated, or some of the leaders in the Senate have negotiated, with the President. We've got it through the Senate. Now we have to come back together. How does this play out ultimately, and how can you have a voice in this process?
Chair DeFazio: We are going to have a voice in the process because Reconciliation originates in the United States House of Representatives. We are intending both for the Build Back Better agenda, the things the President wants to do for families, for childcare—so more women can get into the workforce—all those things, in addition to what we can do to at least mitigate some of the shortcomings of the Senate infrastructure bill. Which is why we are pairing the two together. If we moved this infrastructure bill tomorrow, first off, it doesn't go into effect until October 1st, so what's the rush? And secondly, I predict that then we wouldn't even get a Reconciliation bill. It's very likely that wouldn't happen. Often around here, the next thing doesn't happen.
Chair DeFazio: I remember when I voted against Obama's recovery act because they had dramatically reduced real investment in jobs, investment in infrastructure, school construction, and other things for tax cuts too small to notice because of that jerk Larry Summers. I tried to get Jim Oberstar to vote the whole committee against it, and I said, Jim, we've got to fix this. He said, "No.They promised me the next thing would be a big infrastructure bill," which then Obama killed. So next thing never happens around here. And that's my opinion on Reconciliation. If we were to just blithely pass. without addressing some of these concerns in the infrastructure bill, we would never see reconciliation.
Linda Bauer Darr: You've talked a lot about sustainability and climate and those issues are very important, and frankly that engineering plays an enormous role in—as well as equity—so, you've been vocal about these things. What are the other differences that you see in the Senate bill that stand out to you as red flags?
Chair DeFazio: The fact that there is more investment in promoting fossil fuels, requiring that one quarter of the zero-emission buses be fossil fuel buses, allowing the transfer of half the funds into highways, no fix-it-first provisions. Not to make states look at whether more lanes are the best way to go. Senator Kaine tried to do this as an amendment in the Senate because Virginia is the poster child for this. Republicans were in charge. They said, More lanes on 95. It's backed up all the time." But the projections were, in 10 years with two more lanes, one each way, that it would be just as congested as it is today with induced demand and no alternatives at a cost of 10 to $12 billion.
Chair DeFazio: And they instead are coming up with an innovative rail project, working with CSX, new right-of-way, new bridge over the Potomac River for rail, the other one's at 99 percent of capacity. CSX likes it. And they're going to run fast trains—not high-speed trains—but fast trains down to Richmond from DC at half the cost, reducing all that pollution. And they have great projections on how much it'll reduce congestion. I was doing a press conference with the mayor of Richmond and he said he never really wanted to be a bedroom community in DC, but it's way less expensive down here. So, things like that that were left out, and they're going to be hard to fix. The other thing is that Secretary Buttigieg under this bill is going to have $100 billion of discretionary grants. I'm working with the White House on how we're going to mitigate some of the boneheadedness in the Senate bill through that $100 billion dollars of discretionary spending.
Linda Bauer Darr: That brings to mind years ago when I was at the Department of Transportation, and they were talking about a talent drain, how people were leaving government. And the last Administration, obviously, made an effort to reduce the size of government. How are we prepared in the Department of Transportation to take this money and run with it, considering a lot of it is going to be discretionary and there's going to be a process that needs to be taken on?
Chair DeFazio: I'm hopeful that DOT will act with unusual dispatch, and hopefully this won't require a lot of laborious rulemaking. I'm not totally conversant with the details of the discretionary money yet, but we will certainly look at ways to expedite it. If DOT needs more staff to deal with these things or people with different talents, I'd be happy to look at dealing with that either in Reconciliation or in appropriations. I'm already looking at that with the FAA. They lack inspectors both to deal with air rage and with ongoing problems with the industry and the manufacturers. So, if other parts of DOT have been hollowed out—I wasn't aware of DOT getting as hollowed out as the State Department or a whole bunch of other agencies that Trump decimated—but I'll ask on my next conversation with the Secretary what he needs.
Linda Bauer Darr: Well, that'd be interesting, if after all this effort, we ran into that bureaucracy, when the money is finally flowing towards projects, that we are all excited to get started on. So, this one is not a question. It's really more a word of thanks. You know that the engineering industry is facing a challenge among firms that took these PPP loans to save jobs and are now being told that they have to give those forgiven loans back because of a quirk in the Federal Acquisition Regulations. You and your great staff on the T&I Committee were very helpful in getting language attached to the Invest Act to lessen the impact of the problem. It didn't make it through in the Senate. At one point, we were making great progress with Senator Braun and some others who had actually even expanded on the work that you did. We were excited about that. Ultimately, it got held up by the process. A lot of the amendments that had a good support behind them fell out, particularly by Rand Paul. He was kind of the party killer. We were very close to getting it done.
Linda Bauer Darr: If it comes back to the House, I hope that we're going to be able to count on your support. We've talked about this issue before. It really is unfair. We've got contractors and everyone else that contracts with the government being treated differently than the engineering industry. We're being pulled out and told that "This money that you were given as basically a grant. Well, everybody else doesn't have to give it back, but we're going to take it out of your hides going forward in future projects. So, in some cases you're not going to be paid for the work that you're doing." That, to me, is just insane. We're hoping very much that we're going to be able to get this taken care of, and we hope that will be something that's important to you as well.
Chair DeFazio: It's important. It's outrageous. I was not a big fan of the PPP program. The restrictions that were put on people. This is one glaring example. The fraud that occurred through that program. The thing I did for aviation, the Payroll Support Program, had zero fraud and no questions. I know the fix I did in the House wasn't everything you wanted. Unfortunately, I don't have complete jurisdiction. I deal with two other committees who objected. I didn't know how close you came in the Senate. And it's sad that that's a body where one person can stop something that has I think extraordinary merit and we'll continue to work on it, continue to work with the green eyeshade people at DOT, and see what we can do in the House.
Chair DeFazio: We’re very bound by the Dead Guy Rule, the so-called Byrd rule, the Reconciliation rules, but we'll see what we can do. Policy is tough under his rules. It's pretty absurd that we're held up by a rule written by a Senator dead 12 years and written 28 years ago. It makes no sense to me. And the Senate does have discretion, which they seem loathe to use to just have the chair rule things in order. And then it takes 60 votes to overrule the chair, which turns the filibuster on its head and ultimately in a good reconciliation bill, if the parliamentarian and seance with Robert Byrd is saying, you can't do these things, I'm hopeful that the Senate leadership puts Harris in the chair to rule it in order. And then the Republicans are going to have to get 60 votes to overturn her ruling. And they can just go forward with the bill with 50 votes.
Linda Bauer Darr: We will be in there pitching, and we'll do everything that we can to try to make sure that people have the information they need to make a decision. We absolutely appreciate, again, your support and hope that we can continue to count on it, which it sounds like we can. It's just the process and anything can happen with the process, so let's work towards that. Let's assume and hope that we're successful and we get this major infrastructure package to the president's desk this year. Then what? Other than a vacation, clearly, what's next on your list of committee priorities? What else is up?
Chair DeFazio: We’ve already started working on the Water Resources Development Act, which we try to do every two years. And this time not to use the around-the-barn, indirect way of funding individual projects. I intend to go through a similar process to that that I went forward with, which is very rigorous and scandal free on member directed spending, in the Surface Transportation bill, which, by the way, I haven't given up on yet, We have some ideas of reconciliation. Although individually we can't do a projects, we have some ideas. And then some water resources, Coast Guard authorization, reforms at the Federal Emergency Management Agency I'm hoping in reconciliation to create a new pre-development program substantially funded at the Economic Development Administration, which could help a lot of the smaller communities who don't even know how to begin to try to access a federal grants for wastewater, drinking water, housing, or any other thing that relates to economic development. So that that's also something that we'll be working on, plus all the usual burdens of oversight and trying to get the money out the door. This bill will go into effect October 1st, and we want to have a really robust construction season.
Linda Bauer Darr: We're with you on hoping for that. I know you don't have a lot more time, but you did reference member-directed projects, which to me is code for earmark. Is that right?
Chair DeFazio: Yes, except technically an earmark is something the Appropriations Committee does that isn't authorized. We always did designated spending in surface transportation bills in the House, and they always went through a legislative process. In the Senate, not so much. Things got airdropped in. We went through a rigorous process. 109 Republicans and almost all the Democrats had projects up to $20 million. They had to work with their local governments with their states. And there are a lot of really good projects in there that the state bureaucracy or the federal bureaucracy is never going to get to in people's districts. It was about 1 percent of the bill, and I'm still working on that because I think it has a lot of merit. There are some ways—I’m not going to go into detail—but we have a couple ideas to get around the Dead Guy rule.
Linda Bauer Darr: You and I had talked about this over a year ago. I'm with you on the need to give the members some ownership of these projects, give them something to bring back to their communities, because frankly they're there to represent their communities and make the case for their communities when infrastructure projects are required. It seems to me like this is an even bigger issue than what we're working on with infrastructure. It's the ability for Congress to collaborate and compromise. The opportunity to reach across the aisle and say, “I want to help you on this priority. Will you help me on this?” Or “I can do this. It's just doing business.” And it seems like when we were deprived of that. Regular order came to a halt, the wheels of Congress grinded to the halt, and there was less bipartisanship as a result. So, I think you feel passionately about that. I know we at ACEC feel very passionately about it. I think it's important going forward. We thank you for recognizing that. And you know, before we wrap, I am curious, how did you go about vetting those member requests? That's got to be a difficult job, right?
Chair DeFazio: It just about killed the staff. We brought in hired some additional staff. First we had to get a vendor to create a software program. And then they had to be submitted online, posting online all of their documentation, showing local support, affidavits of no pecuniary interest, all those things that in the past led to scandals. Plus, obviously, I created equity. I got 20 million bucks and the newest freshmen got 20 million bucks. And you can do a lot. I spread it around between wastewater that'll help a small port in my district attract a fish processor, worked with the port of Coos Bay on rail sidings that will enhance the port activity and get more product on rail instead of truck, and I had a number of projects for electric buses and multi-modal facilities. There were a lot of things that people liked.
Chair DeFazio: Quick story, when the whole earmark thing blew up back after ‘06 and the Tea Party came in and they got this bad name and Republicans banned them. I was down in my second most conservative county. Most of my counties are red except for two. And a guy stood up and said that earmarks are horrible. And I said, “I know there have been some issues, but what do you think about the Weaver River Road bridge,” which is a bridge over the freeway that opened up an industrial park. He was “Wow. It's great.” And I said, “Sir, that was an earmark. He said, “That wasn't bad.” And I said, “Yeah, the state wasn't going to do it and the county couldn't afford it. I got it done.” I did a lot of them in my years on the committee and there's never been a scandal. I had some people object to joining North Bend and Coos Bay with a bike path, but tourism is a really important part of our economy.
Linda Bauer Darr: That’s a great example there. And who knows better than your constituents about what the needs are and who is better positioned to deliver for them than you, but you have to have that opportunity. The reason for us having this federal program is because it all needs to tie together ultimately. It's like the circulatory system of the body, right? At the center of it maybe is the federal government, but then the state portions and the local portions go out from there and they need to be right on, and we need to make sure that the blood is flowing between the heart and the end of the system and make sure that all the communities are weighing in and earmarks are a way for us to do that. So, we agree with you. It's good for the nation, and I think, it's good for government. And it's good for your constituents ultimately. So again, thanks for being bold and going forward with that, because I don't think without your pushing that it would have entered into the frame again. So, thank you for that.
Chair DeFazio: Okay. I enjoyed doing the interview. Liddy and I have done three Zooms in a row. She needs a break.
Host: So. Mr. Chairman, I do appreciate it. And thank you for your time today. Good luck in the legislative session ahead. And we appreciate your strong voice for the built environment and for infrastructure. And we do appreciate for everything that you do, and Linda, thank you very much for joining us today on the program. Thank you.
Chair DeFazio: Thanks Jeff. Thanks Linda. Hi to everybody who listens to this podcast.
Host: And again, this has been Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. We will see you next time.
We were joined today by the ACEC Life Health Trust to discuss what firms can do to avoid employee burnout. Visit the ACEC/LHT online today.
We welcome ACEC NY President & CEO John Evers to discuss the great work ACEC NY is doing to promote the engineering industry in the Empire State. We also discuss the historic celebration of the organization's centennial this year.
ACEC Board Chair Robin Greenleaf sat down on the program to discuss her experiences to this point in her term.
Host:
Welcome to another edition of Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of engineering companies. And today we are very pleased to be joined by our board chair, Robin Greenleaf and full disclosure - we actually did this before and we had a technical issue, right when Robin was elevated to chair, we had a podcast scheduled and then the file for some reason in the cloud, the gremlins in the system never actually transferred the file. So, we're doing it again, but now we have a little bit more time has passed and Robin has been engaged in a number of things. I mean, summer ExCom has happened. We've had a number of things occur, so it's going to be great to get her kind of impressions and thoughts about where, where things stand with ACEC and her outlook as chair. So Robin, thank you very much for joining the program once more.
Greenleaf :
Jeff, I'm happy to be here and you're right. I think that I went from having what was a part-time job to a more than full-time job. So happy to have a chance to talk about it.
Host:
Yeah. You have really hit the ground running. And you've been traveling - you've been in Washington, DC multiple times for different events, both at the townhouse and then the office, of course we have the summer ExCom at Mackinac Island. I think I'm pronouncing that correctly. I'm not sure, but in Michigan, sorry for those Michiganders if I did pronounce that incorrectly, but yet the summer ended up ExCom in person. I really, I, you know, from, we spoke early when you just took the office and, and now we're at the beginning of August, where are things right now with ACEC as you see them, how has it changed over that time?
Greenleaf :
So I think that at this point we have the two biggest issues that we were facing that were on the radar screen, but had not really gotten started to the degree I'm seeing now is infrastructure and the PPP FAR credit issue, and both are in full-blown things are happening minute to minute. It's very exciting that, you know, the House got their bill done. And then the Senate went and put a bipartisan bill together, which is, is I think, going to happen. And I'm very interested in seeing what happens to the Senate bill when it gets back to the House. There's a lot of I think there's still a ways to go there, but it looks like we may have a trillion dollar infrastructure bill in the short term, which would be fantastic for our industry. And I think that the the issue with the PPP FAR credit clause has gone from getting traction in the House to at this point. What I'm hearing is that we are very close to having a bipartisan group of senators who are willing to put an amendment in the manager's amendment for a full waiver on the issue, which would be huge for so many of our members. So, you know, we'll know more in the coming days and see what happens when it goes back to the House.
Host:
It really is amazing. We've been talking about this for months. This has been such a long process and when it finally picks up speed, as we saw last week with the cloture vote, and now with a 20 little over 2000 page two, I think 2,207 page bipartisan bill finally introduced yesterday on Sunday, we're recording this on Monday the 2nd. And then the expectation that the Senate could move the past as soon as Thursday if they're able to get through some of the other barriers that they have on amendment debate, and then getting it over to the House and potentially having something by the late September, let's say mid, mid to late September wants the House comes back at the end of their August recess to get something on the president's desk and get it signed into law. It's amazing how, how fast things have picked up.
Greenleaf :
There's still things that we need to keep our eye on. I think that hearing that the Speaker of the House is wanting to tie the reconciliation bill to getting this through. You know, there's still some hurdles to clear, but yeah, I think in terms of our own issues and, and being so close to having a great resolution to a big issue, probably one of the bigger issues I've seen since I've been active with ACEC you know, I'm just keeping fingers and toes crossed that we get there.
Host:
Absolutely. And I, this is a great time for our members that are listening, that, you know, the Senate is going to be doing their work this week and the House is already out in recess, but in no way, does that mean the process is going to stop. Negotiations are going to continue. They're going to ramp up if anything, and it's the perfect time with those members back in their districts to meet with them and educate them on why this bill is so important, not only to your business, but also to the economy as a whole, and then to show them as much as you possibly can, the work that you do and to crystallize in their mind. So when they come back to Washington at the end of the recess, that they have one thought in their mind, which is, this is a bill that has to pass because those complications, as you mentioned, the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill that Speaker Pelosi and the House Progressives are, are very firm on addressing first, before they talk touch infrastructure is something which is a, is, is a slight complicating factor instead of just dealing with one bill.
Host:
So this is a great time to educate members and that's something our grassroots does a great job of, and it's just continue that and keep that pressure on.
Greenleaf :
Yeah, I agree.
Host:
So what else has kind of changed when we talked early on in the spring? Of course we had a couple of things that were, were key items that you were working on first of course, is the three-year budget cycle. And that was addressed during, during, you know, the, the board meeting. It was addressed again during ExCom meeting, you know, that as well as our initiatives related to the Strategic Plan, especially on diversity and inclusion and add changing the name of the committee so that now it includes the word belonging and, and opening that committee up to as many people who can join. So where, where do things kind of stand right there? And how is that, where is that in the list of priorities for you today?
Greenleaf :
Well, sure. So let me address the budget issue first, because that's ongoing. We've had a couple of meetings with the budget committee. I just had a financial oversight meeting just prior to starting the podcast. And we have another budget committee meeting on August 9th and staff has done a great job putting together the preliminary numbers for what the next three years looks like. And they look okay, you know, kind of pleased that it looks like we're going to be able to put together a good stable, predictable budget. There are still things that need to be fine tuned. And once we get this all together, Matt Hirst, our treasurer will present it at the October meeting. And then we'll start a series of town hall type meetings with our national directors and the executive directors to just make sure that everybody understands what goes into the budget process.
Greenleaf :
If they have questions about things that they see would want to make sure that we're very transparent about just giving good information so that, that every single number in that budget is defendable. And and then for the DEI and belonging committee, they they're up and running. And you know, Lisa Brothers is doing a great job pulling that committee together and moving ahead on their goals. So I think that it's something it's an open committee, anyone can join, and it's a great way to, to participate in moving our organization towards being diverse and inclusive. And, and you know, for me, the word that really resonates is belonging, because that is if I was going to describe kind of why I've stayed in the organization for as many years as I have, it would be because of the sense of belonging I experience when I'm with fellow members.
Greenleaf :
The planning cabinet is hard at work on developing the metrics for the strategic plan. And we have a meeting in August that I'm thinking is still going to be an in-person meeting to go through each of the subcommittees. You know, they all, they went through each of the five pieces of the strategic plan, and there's a group working on each one on what, what are the metrics for success to be able to know that the plan is working as it should. And we'll probably take some of the research that comes out of that and pull it back to the budget and make sure that, that the entire strategic plan is financially supported, where it should be.
Host:
Yeah, that's something which I know that our team is working on as well, assisting with that metric building process, which is extremely important that you need to know what you're measuring, so you can actually get to success. And it's interesting going through that process of finding out exactly, you know, what, what, what can we measure, where, where do we need to build up our capabilities for measurement? You know, what are our targets for actually, you know, being able to check the box on some of these items, but to that point, I mean, throughout COVID throughout the pandemic of last year into, into, of course this year, implementing against that strategic plan has been still our, our focus here. It's been making sure that we're always pushing that ball forward. So it'll be interesting to see what that meeting this month, you know results in as far as moving forward.
Greenleaf :
Yeah. I'm looking forward to it.
Host:
Now you are also taking this message to our members far and wide. You have been traveling a lot over the past couple of weeks and you have more scheduled. I know that most, I guess, most immediate you have the Summer Coalitions meeting, which is a Nashville in-person you're as a former coalitions leader, yourself, someone who has some very some very personal knowledge of the coalitions and its importance to ACEC, what are you hoping to, to tell them what are you hoping to to encourage them about when it comes to ACEC Coalitions?
Greenleaf :
So I was one of a few people back, and this was a long time ago. I, I need to look up and see when we got CAMEE up and running. And so my experience with, with the CAMEE Coalition, which is Coalition of American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, is that there was a practice group that we always got together as a committee at the fall conferences. And there became this moment where it just coalesced into being something more. And we realized that if we had a more formal group with an executive committee and you know, our real mission that we could start moving our practice group into just greater value within the association. And I think that that's what all of the coalitions bring at this point. It's, it's something more than a committee it's why we feel that it's okay to be charged a small amount of dues to be a member, because there are products that are being developed. And they're very specific to each of the disciplines, whether it's contracts or kind of client evaluation tools, or self evaluation tools, they're all really, really helpful. And the message I want to deliver at the coalitions meeting next week is that yeah, I think ACEC across the board at the national level has recognized the value of the coalitions and really wants to support the work of all of them.
Host:
Yeah, absolutely. And I think that's evidenced by our new Coalitions Director, Michelle Kroger. She came on, she is working on on an initiative for new members coming in of a, a year of free coalition membership, which is a great member benefit. Given the fact that, you know, number one is it's not a significant amount of, of, of investment money-wise to join a coalition, but the benefits you get from coalition membership are just so, you know, so outweigh whatever you spend to actually be part of it. As well as a new look we have kind of a new coalition logo and look, that's going along with them. We're trying to get a brand going that kind of establishes coalitions as its own entity within the ACEC family. And to get a little bit more of a, of a highlight there. So that's going to be very interesting again, it's great the fact that we actually meet in person back in Nashville and in next week really next week,
Greenleaf :
I think it's a week from today from today. I have to think I'm thinking back through where I've been going really....
Host:
Recap for the audience where you've been so far, because again, you know, with all these travel issues going around airlines like American, just canceling every, every other flight, it seems you've been a trooper you've been, you've been really hitting the road. We're where have you been and what do you have coming up?
Greenleaf :
So I've already been to, I'm going to start with the townhouse. If I can put in a plug for the townhouse, then, then I'll get into the, the emo meetings. The townhouse is an incredible resource and having been there for at least half a dozen meetings with, with congresspeople at this point where you're in a small group setting, they walk in, they look around, they go, wow, this is great. And then they get to work with Dave Bender to schedule future meetings of their own, but you get an hour or sometimes more sitting in a very small group of people being able to talk about ACEC issues and agenda and how can they help us and how can we help them? And the conversations are just incredibly productive. And I think before I went down to the deep south conference, I was in Washington Monday through Wednesday of that week and had an opportunity to meet with Seth Moulton, who's a Congressmen from Massachusetts and on the T&I committee and hearing about you know, what, what he's hoping that this infrastructure bill will accomplish.
Greenleaf :
And we had a very, very small group of us meeting with Jim McGovern Congressman from Massachusetts as well. Who's Chair of the Rules Committee. And he may play a really key role in our PPP issue when it goes back to the house. So really good to spend some time with him. The next step on the tour was the Deep South Conference, and it was great to attend their Executive Committee meeting and hear what the issues are in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Tennessee, Florida. And then I had the honor of doing their officer installation at lunch on the last day, which is a lot of fun. And it's a real pleasure. I just love doing that. And then I was home for a couple of days. Then I just got back from the ACEC North Carolina conference and know it's another great group of people.
Greenleaf :
And it's, it's wonderful to see people in person. It's great to be part of round tables and realize that that no matter where I go, I hear a lot of the same issues and people are really, I won't say struggling. That's not the right word, but front and center is the return to work issue for so many of our members and, and across the country, it's a lot of the same experiences. Let's see. Tomorrow. I am flying to Palm beach for the ACEC Florida conference. And then next week I'll be in Nashville for the Coalitions meeting and then off to Anchorage, Alaska to attend the ACEC Life Health Trust meeting, and then back for a couple of days, and then off to DPC and then planning cabinet. Then I'm taking a break.
Host:
That is, that is a schedule. So never, never wonder out there, if you're listening, what does the ACEC board chair do? Here's a good example of it. They go everywhere and they talk to everyone in the end, they learn firsthand, you know, what our member firms were experiencing the troubles that were or opportunities that they see ahead of them. And then working with the staff here to, to make sure they're addressed. I mean, this is, this is the, the, the, this is what you need the boots on the ground kind of conversations to really keep the Federation connected.
Greenleaf :
It's, it's really interesting. And one of the things I learned in North Carolina, which is different than my experience in my home state of Massachusetts, is that when the PPP loan program got put into place when they, when treasury made it tax deductible on the federal side, there's still a lot of states that didn't do similar legislation to make it tax deductible on the state side, Massachusetts, it was done here very quickly and that's great, but in North Carolina, that piece of legislation is stalled. So yeah, it's just great to be able to hear what the issues are. And yeah, I have a lot of empathy for, for the different experiences I'm hearing about,
Host:
You know, given what you've seen so far, what you've experienced, you know, when you were chair-elect during the height of the pandemic, really and you know, where we sit right now, you know, what's your overall feeling about where things are going and where's ACEC is going you know, what's your, what's your gut take confidence level of, of you know, right track, you know, what do you think?
Greenleaf :
I think ACEC is very much on the right track. I think that I'm hearing by and large, most firms are busy and have, have reasonable backlog. And their expectation is that 2021 is going to be a good year. I think there's still a lot of hesitancy on the return to work issue that I've already mentioned. I think that the resurgence of COVID pretty much across the country is giving people pause. And yet I'm hearing a lot of confidence that you know, if you've been vaccinated that you can still go travel, go visit people and, you know, continue to hold in-person meetings with, with some degree of caution. And so, yeah, and I'll put in a plug for our October meeting. I am not hearing, you know, I think, I think that you know, one thing that I saw recently is the DPC meeting is coming up and it will be an in-person meeting. I think that, that there is some caution that, you know, it's probably better to be vaccinated, to go attend in person, to keep everybody as healthy as possible. And, you know, and so when we do something like that for the October conference, I don't know, I think that's a pretty preliminary conversation, but probably worth. We're thinking about, so, and I'm not hearing any, any hesitance about not holding the conference
Host:
And we've been very - Mike and his team, the meetings team has been very clear with the hotel, the host hotel, the Marriott, to make sure that, you know, their health and safety standards are top-notch that, you know, the safety and the health of our guests and our attendees at the event is top of mind for us. And that's why we have it. We have a post of what Marriott's doing up on the fall conference page. It's something that we're continually monitoring. So, but I think you're absolutely right. You know, the numbers that we've seen when we've done some surveys, that the desire is there to come back and meet in person. And, you know, we're, we're working to put together a program that's going to make it worth your time. And I think that it's going to be great to get everyone together again, for all the great stuff that happens in fall. And, and to really, I think we learned a lot during the virtual events, that's actually gonna benefit going back in person and hosting the event in person. It's kind of a strange thing where having to move everything to a virtual environment kind of made us rethink some things. And, and, and, and I think it's going to translate back in person to, to an, even better to an even better event. So registration's open, I'll make a plug registration is open - acec.org.
Greenleaf :
You know, when you go to a conference and the two that have already been to the thing that is so different about in-person is, you know, I might hear somebody say something and I'm able to go walk up to them afterwards and say, hey, you mentioned this you know, about what you're doing with your office in your return to work strategy. And this is what I'm thinking about. And then you end up having a drink at the bar, just continue the conversation. You can't do that in a zoom setting. And those are the invaluable conversations.
Host:
Yeah, absolutely. Now, without question. So we're, we're hoping that everyone takes advantage of that both, you know, attendees, exhibitors alike. And and again, you know, registration is open up on acec.org. We invite you to go up and take a look and we're adding stuff to the schedule every week. And and we hope to see you there October. What else is going on? What do I guess, you know, I want to be respectful of your time. What other things would you like to make sure our audience knows, you know about what you're working on and what you're seeing ahead of us.
Greenleaf :
So I think one of the things that I'm becoming very aware of is there's been a lot of discussion about our research Institute. And when I was at the the deep south conference in their executive committee meeting, Daphne Bryant was there with us. She made a great presentation about the Institute and, and it's something that even, I didn't have a full enough appreciation for just what it brings to us as an organization. And one of the things that that came up was that through the Institute, we have the ability to really stay out in front of the organization with issues that they may not be on our radar screen yet, or they may just beginning to be. And so we've got a group of people that can go and find the experts to conduct really forward-thinking research for us. And what it does for us as an association is just adds this extra bandwidth to what we do. And I think that, that I, that's the way I think of the Institute at that at this point, it's not even frosting on the cake. It's just having this ability to look ahead. And, and then what we do is use that research to help prepare our members for what may be coming that we haven't really thought through yet.
Host:
No, absolutely. I think the the research they did initially on the economic modeling, the profiling and the contribution report has been extremely helpful. We were able to take that and apply that to the infrastructure bill. So as you notice, everything that we put out, even on social media, and we encourage everyone who is meeting with Members of Congress to do the same is to talk about that economic benefit, because now we have the numbers to prove it. We can say that the bipartisan bill would add 82,000 new jobs in our sector of the economy. However, thanks to the work of the ACEC Research Institute, we know that for every new engineering job created, two more are added in roles that support or benefit from engineering. That means a total of 246,000 new jobs will be added to the economy over six years. Now we can talk about GDP contribution. We can talk about the addition of $62 billion in A/E industry wages, actual numbers that can serve as the foundation for any argument we make on the benefits of investing in engineering. And then of course the research that they have upcoming that they're going to be there, there, there are a number of pieces of research that are in development right now, which we, we do feel that are going to be very beneficial to our members from the Institute.
Greenleaf :
It's all great stuff.
Host:
And yeah, so there was a lot happening. This is an exciting time to be chair, I hope. And, and you're making the most out of it. So that's, that's the important thing and, and, you know safe travels on your, on your trips ahead. It's going to be a busy time. You're going to pretty much crisscross the lower 48, and then you're going to head over to Alaska for the life health trust meetings. So that's, that's something that's something in itself. But we do appreciate you taking the time today, Robin, thank you very much for joining us.
Greenleaf :
I'm happy to be here, Jeff, thank you for the opportunity.
Host:
Anytime. And again, this has been another episode of Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. We'll see you next time.
Matt Reiffer joined the program to discuss the Senate's cloture vote on the bipartisan infrastructure agreement earlier this week and what it means for action in the House.
Cybersecurity has become a big issue in recent months as we’ve seen a surge in cybercrimes. Several have made the headlines, including ransomware attacks on the Colonial Pipeline, JBS Foods, the computer manufacturer ACER, and AXA, an international insurance company that ironically had just announced days before the attack that it would no longer reimburse some clients for ransomware payments. Likely, many more attacks go unreported, and experts predict that the pace and severity of cybercrime activity will increase.
Kevin Holland of Lockton's Engineering and Design Practice joined the program to talk about the current situation with cybercrime, its frequency in the engineering industry, cybersecurity insurance, and what firms can do to protect themselves.
On the program, we talk with Charles Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns, a grassroots organization that supports a drastically different model of development for America’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods than the one we currently follow.
In September Marohn will publish his next book on this subject, titled Confessions of a Recovering Engineer: Transportation for a Strong Town.
The book looks at how transportation infrastructure and the values and assumptions behind it drive development in this country and offers an alternative, one that clashes in a lot of places with current engineering and cultural thinking.
We welcomed Matt Reiffer from ACEC's advocacy team to the show to discuss the week's failed cloture vote on infrastructure and what it means for the future of the bipartisan infrastructure package.
Cardno, an international infrastructure and environmental firm ranked #58 in the latest ENR rankings, recently hired Shawn Fackler as Principal Archaeologist in its Portland, Oregon office.
Shawn and Cardno Business Unit Manager Karen Beattie came on the program to talk about the role of an archaeologist in an engineering firm.
One of the biggest issues facing engineering firm leaders—or really those of any company—is how to manage the post-COVID business landscape. The pandemic forced huge changes in how firms operated and how employees worked. Some of those changes will likely fade away but many will stick. Figuring out which ones will continue to be beneficial is enough to keep leaders awake at night.
Kennedy Jenks President and CEO Keith London joined the program to discuss how his 420-person water and environmental engineering firm is moving forward.
ACEC was honored to welcome Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA06) to the program to discuss a variety of topics including infrastructure, her work as a founder of the Women in STEM Caucus in the House and her own experience as an engineer in Congress.
During the interview, Rep. Houlahan discussed a number of bills she is working on to get more people into the STEM pipeline, including the STEM RESTART Act, which she introduced along with Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN) and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), which is aimed at funding mid-career internships, or "returnships" for mid-career workers seeking to re-enter the STEM fields. More information on this legislation can be found here.
Rep. Houlahan is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which endorsed the bipartisan agreement on infrastructure. We discussed that, as well as the PPP FAR credits clause issue, which ACEC is heavily engaged on through our advocacy team.
Earlier this week, ACEC released our latest Private Industry Brief, which provides practical, detailed information and targeted market insights on key A/E private sectors. The 2021 Mid-Year Economic Update overflows with data and insights about the current state and future prospects of the national economy and the engineering industry.
To dive a little deeper into the numbers and analysis, Erin McLaughlin ACEC vice president for private market resources and author of the brief, joined us on the program.
Click here to download a free copy of the Private Industry Brief.
Click here to read Erin's The Private Side column in the latest issue of ACEC's Engineering Inc. magazine.
It’s been more than 15 months since most employees at engineering firms switched to remote work and many of them are still there. One of the impacts of this sudden change in how we work has been employee burnout, with many finding it difficult to strike the proper work/life balance. This is a big issue for engineering firms because high-performing employees tend to be more susceptible to burnout, and they can become disengaged and end up leaving the firm for greener pastures.
Talking with us about how to beat burnout is Peter Atherton, who is president of ActionsProve, LLC. Peter has presented a program for ACEC on burnout and has a book that’s available on Amazon titled Reversing Burnout.
Click here for the ACEC On-Demand online class Leadership, Engagement, and Burnout Prevention in a World of COVID and Change.
ACEC Alabama Executive Director Renee Casillas and Roger Guilian, general counsel and vice president at Volkert, join the program to talk about a big legislative victory for the industry in Alabama this spring, winning indemnity protections for engineers and other design professionals in the state.
The new law renders void and unenforceable contractual provisions in three key areas: (i)those that require engineers to indemnify others for damages that are not caused by the engineer; (ii) those that require engineers to defend another party if a defense is not covered by professional liability insurance; and (iii) those that require engineers to name another party as an additional insured on a policy of professional liability insurance. The new law also establishes a statutory standard of care for engineers and voids any more expansive contractual standard of care.
It was a nearly three-year effort by ACEC Alabama and its partners to get this done.
On this week's update, Matt Reiffer discusses the House's passage of the INVEST Act and what it means for the larger infrastructure push going on in Congress right now.
Howard Birnberg, who is president of Birnberg and Associates and executive director of the Association for Project Managers, came on the program to talk about project management and project managers.
In engineering firms, projects are how things get done and project managers make that happen. The quality of a firm’s project management system invariably shows up on its bottom line, so it is critical to create one that is effective and efficient.
Howard is a frequent presenter and instructor for ACEC and beginning on July 13, he will lead a nine-week ACEC course titled Project Management 101: Laying the Foundation for Superior Project Managers. For more information and to register for the course, click here.
On this week's Government Affairs Update, Steve Hall re-caps the week's events focusing on the bipartisan Senate agreement on infrastructure.
Standard of Care can be a huge contractual issue for engineering firms because if they elevate their Standard of Care in a contract, they can open themselves up to significant uninsured liability.
Daniel Buelow, managing director of Willis A&E's Architects & Engineers Division, joined the program to talk about how firms can best manage Standard of Care in their contracts.
Here is the wording recommended by Willis to ensure an insurable Standard of Care:
“In providing services under this agreement, the consultant will endeavor to perform in a manner consistent with the degree of care and skill ordinarily exercised by members of the same profession currently practicing under similar circumstances.”
Buelow cautions, however, that there are many other instances in contracts where engineers can inadvertently elevate their Standard of Care.
Buelow was a co-presenter in an ACEC online class on Standard of Care in April. Click here for more information.
On this episode of the Government Affairs Update, Steve Hall covers the current state of negotiations on infrastructure and we discuss how EEA can be an effective advocacy tool.
On today's Private Markets Update, Erin McLaughlin joins the program to discuss the state of the economy and outline emerging trends including the impressive growth in residential construction and the ongoing reduction in public spending in the AEC space.
Subscribe to ACEC's Private Industry Briefs here: https://www.acec.org/publications/acec-private-industry-briefs/
Steve Hall and Matt Reiffer joined the podcast to discuss the week's happenings in Washington, including the T&I Committee's approval of the Invest in America Act and ACEC's new effort on the PPP FAR credits clause - www.acec.org/ppp
Also coming up next week:
The ACEC Research Institute will hold its first-ever prize drawing to support its research mission at noon on June 15th. Eight unique prizes are up for grabs from bottles of Pappy Van Winkle to golf and fishing excursions. Don't miss your chance to support the Institute. Raffle tickets are still available. Learn more: https://www.acecresearchinstitute.org/get-involved/raffle-tickets/
ACEC will hold its annual Engineering Excellence Awards on June 17th as a virtual broadcast. Space is still available to attend this signature celebration of engineering design: https://bit.ly/3y3F6Fp
A frequent refrain across all businesses right now is that strategic planning is a challenge because of all the uncertainty in the market, and business owners are waiting until the economy normalizes before they start looking too deeply into the future.
Our guest on the podcast today says that is a strategic mistake.
John Geddie is president of Geddie & Associates, a management consulting and training firm serving clients nationwide with leadership development and project management training, strategic planning, succession planning, and market research services.
John recently presented an ACEC online class How Do You Create Strategies in a World Like This? Click here to download the On-Demand class.
Megan Miller, Product Marketing Director at Deltek, came on the program to discuss the 42nd Annual Deltek Clarity Architecture and Engineering Industry Study, which was just released last week.
It’s a voluminous report—107 pages long—delving into every aspect of how design firms got through the difficult past year and what they are looking forward to in the coming year. Deltek surveyed 480 firms of all sizes spread all across the country as well as a handful in Canada.
You will find a wealth of financial information and statistics in the study against which you can benchmark.
Click here to download the free study.
Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Data & Analytics, joins the program to share his updated economic forecast. We delve into the areas of his forecast of particular interest to engineering firms
Over the past two weeks, Branch and the Dodge team have presented their national forecast along with a regional forecast. Click on the links below to watch the complete presentations.
South: https://success.construction.com/SouthMYO
Midwest: https://success.construction.com/MidwestMYO
Northeast: https://success.construction.com/WestMYO
West: https://success.construction.com/NortheastMYO
Today we’re talking about incentive programs. They are a facet of the salary structure in almost every—or maybe even every—engineering firm, yet they are notoriously difficult to design and maintain. A survey by PSMJ found that 76 percent of employees at engineering firms said that their bonus program needed to be improved.
To get into this issue, we’re talking today with Ryan Jolley, who is an owner and Chief Strategy Officer of Jones & DeMille Engineering in Richfield, Utah. In 2017, he helped to develop a bonus program at the firm that led to a huge jump in profitability. Based on that success, the firm spun out the concept into a new software company, ourlinQ, of which Ryan serves as co-founder and CEO.
A couple of weeks ago, Ryan presented an ACEC online class, Everyone Hates Your Bonus Program – Here’s How to Fix It! and we’re going to delve into some of the issues that he raised.
Click here to download the On-Demand ACEC online class.
Click here to learn more about ourlinQ.
Matt Reiffer joins the podcast to discuss the unanimous approval of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works earlier in the week.
Welcome to the Weekly Digest, a round-up of what's happening this week at ACEC National. This week, we cover:
- The Engineering Excellence Awards, taking place on June 17th. Register here.
- ACEC's collaboration with Careers Building Communities.
- Spotlight webinar: Guidelines for Handling a Cyber Security Breach on May 27th.
- ACEC's Project Management 101 course, kicking off on July 13th is now open for registration.
- The ACEC Research Institute is now holding its first-ever Annual Prize Drawing.
- ACEC's letter of support for the Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021
Matt Reiffer joined the program to update us on the current status of negotiations on an infrastructure package.
Infrastructure funding is the central issue on Capitol Hill right now, with the President and Congress negotiating to determine federal investment levels for the next several years.
In the transportation sector, however, states and local governments actually invest more in infrastructure annually than does the federal government—about $170 billion to $146 billion, according to the latest figures.
In recent years, many states have responded to the need for repair and expand their transportation infrastructure by raising user fees, usually the state gas tax. Since 2010, 37 states have raised their gas tax, with the latest coming last week, when Missouri passed legislation to raise its 17-cent-per-gallon gas tax by 12.5 cents over the next five years.
Morgan Mundell, executive director of ACEC Missouri, came onto the program to talk about the campaign to win the gas tax increase.
On today's update, we welcome Dan Hilton from the advocacy team onto the program to talk about ACEC's international work with FIDIC and the new Memorandum of Understanding signed between ACEC, ACEC Canada and CNEC in Mexico. More information about the MOU can be found here.
Today on the Engineering Influence podcast, we’re going to talk about Duty to Defend. That might seem like a dry topic, but it can have a catastrophic impact on a firm if it isn’t handled properly.
In the driest of terms, Duty to Defend is A contractual obligation whereby one party, in this instance, the design professional, agrees to defend another party, generally an owner or developer against a covered third-party claim, thus incurring attorney's fees and costs.
To bring this issue to life and dive deep into the implications for engineering firms, Brett Stewart, who is the Risk Manager for the Design Professional unit of AXA XL, has joined us on the show.
Click here to download AXA XL's chapter on indemnity, which provides additional information on this issue.
On the Engineering Influence podcast, sponsored by the ACEC Life/Health Trust, ACEC Illinois Executive Director Kevin Artl discusses how his Member Organization worked to defeat a proposed bill that would have weakened the state's Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) law.
QBS is a central pillar of ACEC’s advocacy program. QBS is a competitive process in which public agencies evaluate and select consulting engineers based on their qualifications, and then the parties negotiate the project scope of work, schedule, budget, and fee.
QBS was originally passed on the federal level in 1972 and over the years its use has expanded to many states, which recognize that public safety requires contracting with the most qualified design firms.
Over the years there have been many challenges to QBS on both the federal and state levels and ACEC and its Member Organizations have been diligent in defeating them.
The podcast welcomed Beth Bauer, the Executive Director of ACEC Indiana and the newly appointed president of NAECE, which represents our state Executive Directors. Beth talks to us about her new role, what she hopes to accomplish in her term, and what's happening among the states.
Steve Hall joins us to wrap up the recent virtual ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit and discusses the outlook on infrastructure in Congress.