Engineering Influence from ACEC

Raising Times Square: The Engineering Marvel of TSX Broadway

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.

AI Revolution in Engineering: A Deep Dive into ACEC's Groundbreaking Study

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.

Behind the Scenes of a Political Campaign: Insights from Chris LaCivita

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.

Navigating Uncertainty: Insights from ACEC's Q2 2025 Business Sentiment Survey

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.

Engineering Harmony: John Ondrasik on Music and Innovation

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.
 

Mastering Management: Engineers' Path to Leadership

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.

From Classrooms to Stadiums: Inspiring Future Engineers

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.

Navigating Economic Turbulence with Sarah Wolfe

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.