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how your work can express or fulfill them. Passion shows. If you have it, people notice. If you don’t, they notice that, too. Recognize that you still have much to learn, and see that as an opportunity. When you’re authentic, engaged, and have the right mentors, opportunities will find you and help you make not just any impact, but one that aligns with your purpose. Katherine Chan, Project Manager, Walter P Moore: One of my mentors said, “No one is indispensable.” To which I’ve added for myself the tagline, “So, make yourself irreplaceable.” This is meant to be a guiding beacon toward developing yourself technically and professionally the best you can. Take initiative to learn as much as you can and get involved not only in project work, but also in industry or firm initiatives that you’re passionate about. Nicholas Bradley, Project Manager, BrightFields, Inc.: Embrace smaller, diverse clients and projects early, rather than chase one marquee project or big- name client. When I started as a junior environmental analyst, my vision of a meaningful impact was working on large, high profile environmental cleanups. What I found is that the greatest impact was derived from some of the smallest projects – providing environmental support to non-profits like Habitat for Humanity, individuals, and small businesses. The impacts seemed small at the time, but they quickly added up and provided me with tremendous professional development opportunities. Lauren Underwood, Division Manager, Apex Companies, LLC: Push yourself out of your comfort zone; that uncomfortable place is where real growth happens. Take initiative. View challenges as opportunities. Never say something is “not within my job description.” Kaitlin Wright, Infrastructure Assistant Dept. Manager, Baxter & Woodman: Be the hand raiser; say “yes to every opportunity. So often, we doubt ourselves and lean into the “no.” We say, “I don’t know anything about that” or “That’s not my responsibility.” Learning things that may not seem specific to your career path will sharpen your soft skills. Those become more important later in life than always being the expert. Some of the most pivotal moments in my career were because I said “yes” to something I knew nothing about. Catherine Chen, Associate, Arup: Learn as much as you can about disciplines that may not be directly within your scope or practice. This will help you come to the table with holistic solutions to tackle complex problems. Also, developing a deep understanding of key issues at the forefront of our industry, like sustainability and resilience, will guide you toward positive change in our industry and society. TZL: What inspires loyalty to a firm – and what might cause a young professional to leave? Spencer Pech, Civil Engineer, ISG: Working at a 100 percent ESOP firm, employee owners build a strong “all-in” culture of commitment to the firm’s goals, which positively influences our employee ownership. This amplifies loyalty and the importance of doing
great work and delivering successful projects. This culture builds stronger teams that inspire loyalty. Emily Mahoney, Associate & Sustainability Leader, LANGAN: Speaking as someone who has spent my entire career at the same firm, my loyalty is inspired by the support and growth opportunities my company offers. I have developed a specialty in my field, earned a postgraduate degree, earned professional licenses and certificates, and moved across the country, all with the support and encouragement of my firm. Young professionals thrive when they are empowered and have opportunities to evolve and seek greener pastures. Carrie Parker, Associate Vice President, CannonDesign: As someone who has been with the same firm since graduation, I became loyal to the people before the firm. Loyalty begins with empathetic leaders – those who listen, value your voice, entrust you with responsibility, and ensure fair compensation. Over time, that loyalty deepens when you’re part of a mission-driven firm, doing meaningful work for clients you respect and believe in. Young professionals may leave when they lack these opportunities for connection, growth, and purpose. Kush Vashee, Project Delivery Manager, RK&K: Loyalty among young professionals is often rooted in the opportunity to work on meaningful, community-focused projects that make a visible impact. Young engineers are more likely to stay when they feel supported through mentorship, encouraged to pursue professional licensure, and given a clear path for growth within the firm. RK&K’s collaborative culture, emphasis on work-life balance, and transparent career ladders create an environment where young professionals feel valued and motivated to grow their careers. Nicholas Halan, Project Engineer, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc.: In my interpersonal relationships, trustworthiness is a powerful bond that earns respect and encourages open communication about challenges or issues. This trust cultivates a strong reputation and enduring loyalty, both essential for sustainable growth and long-term success. Katherine Uhrin, Project Manager, Niles Bolton Associates: Starting in AEC involves a steep learning curve, and an emerging professional’s loyalty to a firm often depends on their mentors’ commitment to training and developing their team. Firms that focus on training managers to support employees, provide adequate training, and give designers the autonomy to make decisions are setting themselves up for success in developing future leaders. Megan Vandervort, Professional Engineer, Martin/ Martin Consulting Engineers: Loyalty is a two-way street. Firm and team leaders should take an active interest in what engineers want to learn, practice, and get involved with – both within and outside of their projects – during those first few formative years. Similarly, young engineers should aim to understand what their company, leaders, and teammates value, in addition to developing their technical skills.
2025 RISING STARS IN THE AEC INDUSTRY AWARD WINNERS This award recognizes younger professionals whose exceptional technical capability, leadership ability, effective teaching or research, or public service has benefited the design professions, their employers, project owners, and society. The full list of 2025 winners includes: ■ Jorel E. Sanchez Soto ■ Colette DiLauro, PE ■ Stephen Nickolas Parker ■ Katherine Uhrin ■ Lauren E. Underwood ■ Rucker Simon ■ Spencer Pech ■ Catherine Chen ■ Zach Varwig ■ Jenny Ferman, PE ■ Alyanna Subayno ■ Victoria Lorbeer ■ Carrie L Parker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C ■ Rachel Gresham, AIA, MBA, WELL AP, CDT ■ Kush Vashee ■ Stephanie Sokolowski ■ Nick Halan ■ Aaron Kidd ■ Kaitlin Wright ■ Katherine Chan ■ Lyndley Kent ■ Nicholas S. Bradley ■ Megan Vandervort, P.E. ■ Nico Redfern, ACP ■ Emily Mahoney, P.E., CFM, LEED AP BD+C, CPESC
THE ZWEIG LETTER JUNE 23, 2025, ISSUE 1591
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