October 14 - November 25, 2025
>> Having trouble with the checkout button above? Click here to sign in and complete your registration.
Presented in a virtual format, the Business of Design Consulting builds management expertise and leadership to help your firm thrive.
Combining pre-recorded presentations with live, interactive sessions led by experienced industry practitioners, this seven-week program covers the critical topics every A/E professional needs to know to succeed despite an ever-changing business environment.
***Participants in this course will earn at least 18 PDHs and can expect to spend about 3-4 hours a week watching the pre-recorded presentation (30-60 minutes) and meeting on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM Eastern for a live discussion with the instructor on the module's material.
Module One: Managing to Succeed in a Challenging Business Environment, presented by Steve Walker, SR Walker & Associates
Live Discussion - October 14, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
Navigating the Leadership Path
- Establishing a personal vision
- Understanding Strategic Planning and Your Firm
Module Two: Transitioning from Project Management to Leadership, presented by Jeremy Clarke, Zweig Group
Live Discussion - October 21, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
Adopting a Business Mindset
- Best Practices in the E/A Industry
- Managing Multiple Teams
Module Three: Financials, presented by Matt Fultz, Matheson Financial Advisors, Inc.
Live Discussion - October 28, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
- Driving value in a volatile market
- Accounting principles and practical financial tools
- Long-term financial and valuation results: setting the stage
Module Four: Business Management and Ownership Transition, presented by Matt Fultz, Matheson Financial Advisors, Inc.
Live Discussion - November 5, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
- Financial exit strategies
- The "ins and outs" of mergers and acquisitions in the recovery decade
- Retirement Planning: Internal ownership transition issues, internal buy-outs, stock plans, ESOPs
Module Five: Maximizing Your Business Development ROI, presented by Rich Friedman, Friedman & Partners
Live Discussion - November 11, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
- The distinction between marketing and business development and how they work in synergy
- Debunking pervasive business development myths
- Greatest business development challenges and strategies for overcoming them
- The vital role of asking probing questions and engaging in active listening
- Strategies for strengthening relationships with existing clients and probing for unmet needs
- Strategies for targeting prospective clients and closing the sale
Module Six: Contracts and Risk Management, presented by Brett Stewart and Michaela Kendall, AXA/XL
Live Discussion - November 18, 2025 at 1:30-4:00 PM Eastern
How good is your risk management crystal ball?
- Key risk factors that determine project success or failure
- Contracts do’s and don’ts
- Communication and documentation – a two-edged sword
Module Seven: Reflection and Close-out
Live Discussion - November 25, 2025 at 1:30-3:00 PM Eastern
- Individual check-outs
- Review program principles
Registration
Early Bird thru September 5, 2025
ACEC Members: $995
Standard after September 5, 2025
ACEC Members: $1195
Non-Member Rate
Non-Members: $1495
Not an ACEC Member? Click here to join!
Location
This course takes place entirely online through recorded lectures and live discussions via Zoom.
Contact
Andrea Quiles-Sanchez
aquilessanchez@acec.org