So You Want to Start Your Own Firm Part 2: Getting and Doing the Work
In this second article of a three-part series, the author explores the questions to consider about establishing clients and lining up projects.
June 2, 2026
Challenges & Struggles to Be Resolved in the Consulting Engineering Practice
There is never a boring day for a consulting structural engineer; a typical day brings a new challenge and often one that needs some research or some collaboration with others. When new issues are particular to one project, which the engineer did not face before, there is much to learn, and often technical issues are the easiest ones to address (because the engineer has the proper education and experience to tackle it).
April 1, 2026
So, You Want to Start Your Own Firm
In this inaugural article of a three-part series, the author explores the first step in deciding whether to start your own structural engineering business.
April 1, 2026
Editorial: Climate Change, Codes, and the Structural Engineer’s Standard of Care
Structural engineers have always designed for weather and the physical environment. What is changing is not the existence of natural hazards, but their frequency, intensity, and interaction with the built environment. Building codes remain largely grounded in historical data, while […]
February 2, 2026
Linking Revenue Projections to Staffing Plans
Resources are available to support using forecasting to predict staffing needs for projects in the pipeline.
December 1, 2025
How Do You Compare?
Designed to support both firms and individuals, the Compensation & Benefits Study offered by NCSEA allows users to benchmark salaries, bonuses, and PTO; compare results based on demographics; and visualize workplace trends that inform business growth and career decisions.
December 1, 2025
If Price is the Problem, You’re Telling the Wrong Story
Date/Time: May 27, 2026 12:00 pm Central Too many firms assume they lost the job because their price was too high. In most cases, however, the fee is merely a convenient excuse that masks a deeper issue. When a client […]
April 21, 2026
Your Next Hire Might Not Be Human: How AI and Outsourcing Are Rewriting the Rules by BQE
In an era where AI can draft proposals, automate invoicing, and even generate design options, the question facing firm leaders isn’t who to hire; it’s whether to hire at all. Traditional staffing models are being challenged by automation, global talent marketplaces, and an urgent need for agility. At the same time, the human dimension of business, culture, creativity, and trust is more […]
February 27, 2026
Rewriting the Fee Formula: A Smarter Model for Pricing Your Services by BQE
Date/Time: November 5, 2025 12:00 pm Central Are you tired of watching your fees shrink as your expertise grows? Does it feel like the better you get at engineering, the less money you make per project? You're not alone—and you're […]
November 3, 2025
Beyond the Numbers: How Benchmarking is Driving Smarter Decisions in Engineering Firms by BQE
In today’s evolving architectural landscape, firms face increasing pressure from economic volatility, talent retention challenges, and shifting client expectations. This webinar explores how benchmarking empowers engineering leaders to meet these challenges with clarity and confidence. We’ll walk through key findings […]
July 25, 2025
The AE Firm Maturity Index: A Roadmap to Sustainable Growth
Date/Time: May 14, 2025 12:00 pm Central Is your engineering firm operating at peak efficiency, or are you constantly putting out fires? Many firms struggle with inconsistent business development, project bottlenecks, financial uncertainty, and disorganized operations—often without realizing the root […]
April 14, 2025
Next-Gen Leadership: Essential Training for Engineering Firm Growth
Developing the next generation of leaders is essential for every engineering firm’s long-term success and sustainability, whether you’re a solo practitioner or amongst the largest firms in the world. Leadership development is not just about succession—it’s a critical investment in […]
January 21, 2025
