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Engineering Influence from ACEC

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Engineering Influence: The Podcast of America's Engineering and Design Industry

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#560
Yesterday · 14 min
Building a Better Workforce
Initially unveiled in Summer 2023, nearly 200 ACEC member firms have participated in the Roadmap — a DEI&B maturity model and benchmarking tool that gives engineering firm executives a comprehensive, data-driven way to assess the maturity of their firm's DEIB program, with actionable suggestions for making further progress. Chad Clinehens brings the data and the on-the-ground perspective from years of benchmarking the AEC industry, and together unpacks what the roadmap recommends, where firms are already making progress, and where the real work still lies ahead. 🔗 Get the Report: https://program.acec.org/diversity-roadmap-acec-research-institute/?hsLang=en#get-report 🔗 Learn More about Diversity Roadmap test: https://program.acec.org/diversity-roadmap-acec-research-institute
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#559
Monday · 21 min
Congressman Derek Schmidt Talks Infrastructure, QBS, and the Road to D.C.
In this special episode of the QBS Express — recorded in Washington, D.C. — host Scott Heidner (Executive Director, ACEC Kansas) and co-host Rob Krewson (President, ACEC Kansas) sit down with U.S. Representative Derek Schmidt of Kansas for a wide-ranging conversation on infrastructure, policy, and public service. About the Guest: Congressman Derek Schmidt has spent his career in Kansas public service — as a legislative staffer, ten years in the Kansas State Senate, three terms as Kansas Attorney General, and now representing Kansas in the U.S. House of Representatives. A licensed attorney, he brings a practicing professional's perspective to the policy conversation.
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#558
August 17 · 19 min
FMI'S Five-Year Forecast
In this episode of The Market Edge, ACEC's Vice President of Market Intelligence, Diana O'Lare, speaks with FMI Chief Economist Brian Strawberry on What markets are growing? Which sectors are cooling? And what does the rapid rise of data centers and energy infrastructure mean for the future of the AEC industry?
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#557
August 3 · 11 min
Engineers Without Borders: Purpose, Impact, and the Next Generation of Engineers
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.
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#556
July 20 · 20 min
How NVIDIA Sees AI Transforming AEC
On this episode of Engineering Influence, host Jeff Urbanchuk 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.
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#555
July 17 · 19 min
Data Centers: Site Selection to Approval
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/
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#554
July 13 · 24 min
Rethinking Health Care in America
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.
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#553
July 10 · 20 min
Global Standards, AI, and the Future of the Engineering Workforce with FIDIC's CEO
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.
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#552
July 6 · 13 min
Turning Data into Decisions: Optimizing Engineering Workflows with Tonic DM
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.
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#551
June 29 · 11 min
Progressive Design-Build: Rethinking Risk, Teamwork, and the Off‑Ramp
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/
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#550
June 25 · 18 min
The Market Edge: Navigating Policy & The Economy
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.
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#549
June 22 · 9 min
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce
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.
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#548
June 15 · 18 min
Connected Data, Better Decisions: The Next Era of Engineering Delivery
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.
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#547
June 8 · 9 min
Reps. Peter DeFazio and Bill Shuster Discuss the Current State of Congress
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.
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#546
June 5 · 29 min
The River Comes Back to Life | EEA Grand Conceptor Award Winner: McMillen Engineering
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.
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#545
June 1 · 14 min
Joe Bates Discusses the Q2 Engineering Business Sentiment Survey
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/
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#539
May 26 · 12 min
The Politics of the Moment with Jonathan Martin
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."
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#544
May 22 · 19 min
The Market Edge: Rethinking Water Resources
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.
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#540
May 20 · 13 min
Jon Meacham - Past as Prologue
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.
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#538
April 24 · 33 min
Mining the Future: Why Critical Minerals Are America’s New Backbone
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.
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