
The Voice of the Business of Engineering
Engineering Influence is the official award-winning podcast of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
ACEC is the trade association representing America's engineering firms; the businesses that design our built environment. Subscribe to the podcast for a variety of content ranging from interviews with newsmakers and elected officials to in-depth conversations on business trends, the economy, technology and what's next for the engineering and design services industry.
Visit us online at www.acec.org
Follow us on Twitter at @ACEC_National
ACEC reserves the right to moderate episodes on its channel and make editorial decisions on the inclusion or deletion of comments posted by listeners. Direct any questions to comms@acec.org.
Episodes

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Guiding the Future: Meet Our New Incoming ExCom Vice Chair Andy McCune
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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.

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Unlocking Economic Insights: ACEC's Leading Indicator Discoveries
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
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.

Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Navigating Immigration Challenges in the Engineering Sector
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
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.

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Unmasking the Invisible: Indoor Air Quality's Impact on Health
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
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.

Friday Dec 13, 2024
Navigating Sustainability: Tackling Embodied Carbon in Construction
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
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.

Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Unlocking Digital Transformation in AEC with Ronen Vengosh
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
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.

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Navigating the Future: Insights into Higher Education and Engineering
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
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/

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Empowering Engineers: HDR's Unique Approach to Talent Development
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 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.