AEC Perspectives

AEC Perspectives

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AEC Perspectives episodes

  • How Creativity Shapes an Employee-Owned Culture

    In this AEC Perspectives episode, we sit down with the winners of RS&H's first-ever anniversary art contest to explore the connections between creativity, employee ownership, and the people who shape the firm's future. The contest, held as part of RS&H's 85th anniversary celebration, invited employee owners to interpret what "Creating Tomorrow Together" means through art. More than 20 associates submitted entries across traditional, textile/fabric, and 3D categories, with voting open to the entire firm.  

    Joining the conversation are: 

    Mitchell Skowbo, aviation architect and first-place winner in the 3D category, whose resin assemblage captured the firm's legacy through preserved objects and historical references. 

    Briehn Wildman, principal interior designer and second-place winner in the traditional category, whose trace-paper-inspired piece celebrated the people, mentorship, and collaboration behind every project.  

    Billie Castillo, engineering associate and third-place winner in the textile category, who crocheted the RS&H logo as a symbol of building on the work of those who came before us.  

    Together, they discuss: 

    • How creativity extends far beyond art and shows up in architecture, engineering, design, and problem-solving every day. 
      • The role legacy, mentorship, and knowledge sharing play in sustaining an 85-year-old employee-owned firm. 
        • Memorable RS&H projects that have left a lasting impact on communities and careers.  
          • Why collaboration and culture are often the most meaningful markers of success. 
            • What gives these employee owners optimism about RS&H's future and the next generation of talent.  
            • Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

              We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

              Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

              Connect with Briehn 

              Connect with Mitchell 

              Connect with Billie 

              38 min
            • From Drawing Board to Data Model: How Technology Is Reshaping the Engineer's Day

              Ten years ago, the engineer's day ended at the signed and sealed plan set. Today, it's built on living data. In this episode of AEC Perspectives, we bring the digital delivery conversation down to the desk, the model, and the field with RS&H licensed engineers Andrew Poszich, PE, Director of Digital Delivery, and Sam Worthy, PE, Digital Delivery Leader for Infrastructure. 

              Together, they share an honest, practical look at how technology such as BIM, model-based design, AI-assisted modeling, and connected data environments is reshaping everyday engineering work, and what remains firmly in human hands. 

              Key Discussion Points: 

              • From static documents to living data models 
              • AI as an "overenthusiastic intern" 
              • Efficiency that raises quality, not just speed 
              • Mentorship built for the automation era 
              • PE accountability that never moves 
              • Cutting through tool overload with deliberate evaluation 
              • Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

                We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

                Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

                39 min
              • Where Judgment Meets Machine: RS&H's Playbook for Digital Transformation

                For most of its history, the AEC industry has competed on relationships and expertise. Those still matter more than ever—but technology now lets firms compete on speed and margin, too. In this episode of AEC Perspectives, we sit down with RS&H digital leaders Jessica Chambers, VP of Digital Technologies & Solutions, and Jess Baker, Director of Digital Solutions, for a candid look at technology advances (yes, AI too) in AEC and what responsible digital transformation really requires. 

                Together, they explore practical AI use cases and digital twins, RS&H's "Test then Scale" approach to innovation, and the firm’s "technology serves people" philosophy. It's a forward-looking conversation about building capacity thoughtfully, governing responsibly, and delivering real value for clients. 

                Key Discussion Points 

                • Technology advances are a new competitive layer for AEC firms 
                • "Test then Scale" and responsible governance
                • Practical AI use cases in the field
                • Digital twins as decision infrastructure
                • "Human in the Lead" judgment is non-negotiable
                • New roles reshaping the workforce 
                • Rising value for owner clients 
                • Our imagination is the limit 
                • 46 min
                • Passenger Experience, Reimagined: Designing Airports for the Next Generation of Travelers

                  The way we move through airports is changing faster than ever, and the buildings around us have to keep pace. In this episode, we sit down with Mike Rudzinski, AIA, NCARB, Aviation Buildings Great Lakes Region Leader at RS&H, to explore how flexibility, scalability, and passenger-centric design are reshaping modern terminals. 

                  Drawing on more than 30 years in aviation architecture—including leadership roles at the Wayne County Airport Authority—Mike shares how thoughtful design improves passenger flow, enhances the traveler experience, and prepares airport infrastructure for future demands like advanced air mobility. From intuitive wayfinding and dynamic digital signage to evolving baggage systems, wellness-focused spaces, and electrified ground operations, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategies shaping the next generation of airports. 

                  Key Discussion Points 

                  • Designing terminals around real passenger behavior  
                    • Why intuitive wayfinding reduces traveler stress  
                      • Dynamic multilingual signage and smarter communication  
                        • Rethinking gate areas for larger aircraft and growing passenger volumes  
                          • Wellness-focused spaces and sensory-friendly airport design  
                            • Preparing airports for electrification and advanced air mobility  
                              • How security and passenger expectations continue to evolve 
                              • 42 min
                              • 5-Star Facilitation and Federal Innovation with Rich Stump

                                How do you navigate the complexities of federal infrastructure to deliver solutions that truly inspire? 

                                In this episode, Rich Stump, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, talks through the latest developments and challenges shaping today's federal infrastructure projects. He shares actionable strategies for facilitating impactful planning sessions, demonstrating how bringing diverse perspectives together leads to comprehensive, visionary outcomes. 

                                Rich also shares insight into the steady focus and dedication behind RS&H’s recent CMMC Level 2 certification. This critical milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to security and integrity in a complex federal landscape, ensuring we protect the data and projects that matter most. 

                                Whether you are looking to rethink what's possible in your next initiative or seeking honest, practical guidance on federal compliance, this conversation provides the insights you need. Tune in to discover how we can overcome obstacles, advance progress, and create tomorrow, together. 

                                42 min
                              • Navigating a Public‑to‑Private Career Shift with Tom Everett and Al Alonzi

                                In this special edition episode of AEC Perspectives, we sit down with RS&H's Senior Vice President, Strategic Advisor - Infrastructure, Tom Everett, PE, and RS&H's Vice President, Strategy Market Leader, Al Alonzi. These two transportation leaders have both dedicated decades of service to the Federal Highway Administration before transitioning to the private sector. 

                                They offer a candid look into their career shifts, discussing what surprised them most and how their public-sector backgrounds became powerful assets in private consulting. Tom and Al explore the nuances of this increasingly common career path in the infrastructure industry, contrasting the financial, organizational, and cultural landscapes of public agencies and private firms. 

                                The conversation also covers crucial ethical considerations and post-employment rules, providing practical advice for those navigating a similar transition. Throughout, they emphasize the enduring importance of relationships, curiosity, and adaptability in both sectors. 

                                Looking ahead, the episode examines what excites industry leaders about the future of transportation and infrastructure, and how RS&H’s culture, values, and employee-ownership model support long-term impact. 

                                This conversation is especially valuable for mid- to senior-level public agency professionals considering a career move, as well as private-sector leaders who want a deeper understanding of public agency perspectives. 

                                36 min
                              • The State of Transportation with Tom Everett and Jim Hullett

                                In this episode of AEC Perspectives, RS&H transportation leaders Tom Everett, PE, and Jim Hullett unpack the current state of the transportation industry—and what comes next. From historic funding levels and delivery challenges to innovation, leadership, and the evolving role of state DOTs, this conversation offers timely insights for transportation professionals navigating a complex and high-pressure landscape. 

                                With decades of experience spanning both public and private sectors, Tom and Jim share their perspectives on how agencies can move beyond funding conversations toward results-driven delivery, smarter project execution, and long-term system stewardship. 

                                Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

                                We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

                                Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

                                Connect with Tom 

                                Connect with Jim

                                35 min
                              • Bridge Inspections Done Smarter: How Drones Reduce Risk, Cost, and Disruption

                                Can a drone spot a structural defect better than an inspector on a ladder? In this episode of AEC Perspectives, host Rachel Moore joins RS&H’s National Bridge Inspection and Preservation Leader, Corey Rogers, PE, and In-Service Bridge Inspector, Scott Brown, to explore how unmanned aerial systems are revolutionizing infrastructure maintenance. 

                                We dive deep into the practical benefits of drone technology—from enhancing safety by keeping inspectors out of harm's way, to significantly reducing traffic disruptions and costs for bridge owners. Additionally, Corey and Scott break down the complex landscape of drone regulations, including the shift toward American-made technology and the rigorous safety protocols RS&H implements to stay ahead of compliance curves. 

                                Tune in to discover how we are combining technical expertise with cutting-edge innovation to deliver safer, smarter, and more efficient inspection solutions for the future of our infrastructure. 

                                Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

                                We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

                                Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

                                Connect with Corey 

                                Connect with Scott 

                                48 min
                              • Creating Tomorrow, Together: A Conversation with RS&H's New CEO, Lisa Robert, PE

                                How does a company’s purpose translate into real-world impact? In this AEC Perspectives podcast episode, we sit down with RS&H's new CEO, Lisa M. Robert, PE, to discuss her vision for the future of the employee-owned firm. Lisa shares how her 35-year journey in the AEC industry has shaped her leadership philosophy, balancing head and heart to drive meaningful progress. 

                                Discover how RS&H's new purpose, "Creating Tomorrow, Together," and vision, "Delivering Solutions That Inspire," are more than just words—they are a commitment to clients, communities, and associates. Lisa offers powerful examples, from designing compassionate cancer treatment centers to building runways that connect the world, illustrating how inspired solutions are shaping a better future. Tune in to hear how employee ownership and a culture of integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork are amplifying the firm’s collective success.

                                Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

                                We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

                                Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

                                Follow Lisa on LinkedIn 

                                31 min
                              • Collaboration and Innovation in Federal Market Leadership

                                In this episode, we sit down with three distinguished leaders from RS&H's federal team: Scott Grainger, PE, PMP, Cheryl Fromme, PE, and Jeremy Adams, PE, PMP, LEED AP. With over 90 years of combined experience from the U.S. Air Force, Army Corps of Engineers, and Navy, they share how their extensive military and civil service backgrounds shape RS&H's approach to client support. 

                                Discover how collaboration and innovation are driving the future and learn how a "One RS&H" mindset translates into delivering exceptional value for federal projects worldwide. Tune in and explore how we are creating tomorrow, together.

                                Subscribe to the RS&H Newsletter and stay up to date with the latest AEC industry news.  

                                We have many exciting career opportunities for creative, talented people to join our growing, employee-owned firm. View our open job positions. 

                                Follow RS&H on LinkedIn 

                                Connect with Scott 

                                Connect with Cheryl 

                                Connect with Jeremy 

                                37 min

                              About AEC Perspectives

                              From the publisher's feed

                              AEC Perspectives is a one-stop podcast for what’s happening in the industry for all things architecture, civil engineering, planning and construction management. In every episode, leading industry…