A Love Letter to the AEC Industry

By Ezequiel Tovar

The AEC industry is a cornerstone of modern society, shaping the world in which we live, work, play, and worship. Yet, it often goes unnoticed and underappreciated by the very people who benefit from its innovations and creations. To understand the essence of being an AEC professional, one must delve into the multifaceted nature of this industry. 

Whether an individual is meticulously analyzing geotechnical data to determine the stability of soil or rock samples, envisioning the schematic design of a cutting-edge commercial office space, surveying a site for a potential wastewater treatment plant, or navigating the intricate processes of a planning commission meeting to secure a building permit for a multi-family development, all these endeavors and many more converge towards a singular goal: improving the built environment to make our lives easier and better.  In this light, our work as AEC professionals converges in its many forms to create a bridge from what is to what can be. 

The AEC industry thrives on the collaboration of various disciplines, each contributing its unique expertise to shape the physical world around us. Architects bring artistic vision and functional design, engineers provide the structural and technical prowess, and construction professionals bring those visions to life. Together, they craft the physical spaces that define our existence.  One of the key aspects of the AEC industry is its potential to enhance the quality of life for people everywhere.  Step-by-step, piece-by-piece, block-by-block, we come together to move the shared spaces of our existence into a better vision of the future. 

The built environment is more than just brick and mortar; it is the backdrop of our daily experience–the homes where we raise our families, the parks where we find solace, the theaters we go to be entertained, and the historical downtowns we walk to. Furthermore, AEC professionals have the unique privilege of being placemakers. While “placemaking” has gained prominence in recent years as a concept focused on creating people-centric spaces, AEC professionals have been doing just that for centuries. They are the true stewards of placemaking, as they design the physical environments that foster community, connectivity, and belonging.  

Over the last few years, demand for our services has skyrocketed and has created burnout in the AEC workforce. Because of this, AEC professionals often overlook the profound impact they have on industries and communities. But let this serve as a reminder: You may view your work as routine, just another day at the office, planning meeting, or on the construction site. Yet, the reality is that your contributions have a multi-generational influence on the built environment. Without you our built environment as we know it would not exist and the comfort that society experiences would cease to exist.  It is with this profound importance in mind that we should shape our future endeavors, ensuring the bridge to a better future is built around solid foundations. 

The AEC industry is not merely an economic engine; it is an integral part of all our lives. It transforms the barren into the habitable, the chaotic into the organized, and the dream into reality. Its significance cannot be overstated. As we celebrate the AEC industry, let us not forget how it affects the communities we call home. It is a force for unity as it shapes the world in which we live in ways that extend far beyond the tangible structures we see. AEC professionals help to create spaces where people thrive, connect, and flourish. Their work gives structures a soul and story while enhancing the spirit of community. As AEC professionals, we should take a moment to be thankful to be part of an industry that creates value in lives and communities.

Ezequiel Tovar is an analyst within Zweig Group’s Ownership Transition team. He works directly with AEC firms to develop and implement successful ownership transition efforts with financial modeling, valuations, and comprehensive strategic planning.