It’s easy to forget how much architects, engineers, and contractors influence our communities and daily lives.

Host Katie sits down to talk with Malory Atkinson, co-founder of the women-led firm Shear Structural, about how the AEC industry does more than just design spaces. She’s all about breaking the mold by bringing fresh energy and a startup mindset to an industry that’s ready for a shake-up. For Malory, it’s not just about the buildings—it’s about creating schools, parks, and spaces that make a real difference.

Tune in as Malory talks about the need for more diverse leadership, why women should start their own firms, and how Shear Structural is giving back to the community.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• AEC
• making impact
• marketers
• women in business
• designing spaces
• diversity in STEM
• soft skills
• professional development
• adaptive reuse
• sustainability

Connect with Malory Atkinson, CPSM, LEED GA:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shearstructural/

Website: https://shearstructural.com/

Connect with Katie

https://smartegies.com/

When change is in collaboration it never feels forced.

Vickie Oshima, VP of Marketing at Architecture & Design Firm AO, joins Katie Cash to unpack how she tackles marketing in a firm with 17 specialized studios. She talks about juggling different business needs, keeping marketing in line with the bigger picture, and building trust to make evolution happen. Vicky believes great marketing isn’t just about strategy but making sure everyone feels confident in the direction they’re headed.

Tune in for practical tips on building connections, understanding what people really need, and making sure your marketing matches your firm’s vision.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• marketing
• branding
• culture blending
• strategic planning
• relationship building
• value & impact
• marketing & communication
• marketing team
• pitching
• communication expert
• emotional connection

Connect with Vickie Oshima:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiemoshima/

Website: https://www.aoarchitects.com/

Connect with Katie:

https://smartegies.com/

In the fast-changing AEC industry, building strong relationships and using data-driven strategies are key to staying ahead of the competition.

In today’s episode of AEC Marketing for Principals, Katie welcomes Scott Steiding, Chief Growth Officer of Bennett & Pless, to chat about why soft skills, like being responsive and delivering great client service, are becoming more and more important in the AEC industry. Scott talks about how his firm keeps track of client response times and zeroes in on win rates and value conversion to boost business development and strengthen client connections.

Listen in to find out how starting with simple metrics and slowly building a data plan can help you make smarter decisions and set the stage for long-term growth.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• structural engineering
• branding
• client experience
• marketing
• data-driven strategy
• AEC industry
• soft skills
• always be selling
• technology integration
• AI
• Business growth
• CRM systems
• Repeat business
• Revenue maximization

Connect with Scott:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsteiding/

Connect with Katie:

https://smartegies.com/