Engineering Influence from ACEC

Considerations on Selecting an Industrial Dust Collector with Camfil

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.

Unleashing the Power of Pricing: An Interview with SCOPE Better

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!

Transforming Travel: The Newark Liberty International Terminal A Revamp

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.

Unlocking the Future: ACEC's Digital Transformation Series for AEC Professionals

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. 

Navigating Election Challenges and Potential Reforms

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.

The Benefits of Design Build with Keith Molenaar

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.

Transforming AE Firms: Deltek's Innovative Solutions for Small and Medium Businesses

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.
 

AI Update with BST Global

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.