We had the privilege of sitting down with five incredible leaders in the engineering and architecture space for a candid panel discussion on the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today.
From shifting regulations and the rise of AI to talent retention and staying profitable, they shared firsthand experiences, hard-earned lessons, and strategies that are helping their firms adapt and thrive. Their insights offer a real-world look at where architecture and engineering stand today—and what firms can do to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.
Meet Our Panelists
Lynette Apostolou, Chief Operating Officer at AJC
Alister Copley, Managing Director at Copley Marine Group
Anthony Matthews, Major Project Director & Building Services Leader at Mott Macdonald
Jyana Mareko, Director – Business Strategy & Operations at Xavier Knight
Jacob Burke, Founder & CEO at Mijasu
1. New Regulations Bring New Challenges
Stricter compliance requirements are fundamentally changing how architects and engineers operate. The Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act and Regulations in New South Wales (NSW) have introduced heightened accountability, requiring firms to ensure their designs meet evolving regulations. Panelists shared that while these regulations improve safety and quality, they also increase the importance of investing in compliance and training, and proactive collaboration with other project stakeholders.
Beyond NSW, other states are closely monitoring these changes and preparing to follow suit. Firms operating across multiple jurisdictions must stay ahead of evolving regulations to understand how they impact project delivery and profitability.
One of the biggest challenges firms face is the gap in client understanding of these new requirements. Developers and builders are still adjusting to the idea that architects now need to declare and sign off on their designs. Some clients expect these additional responsibilities to be absorbed within existing fees, leading to friction.
Establishing clear contracts and proactive communication has helped firms mitigate pushback. By guiding clients early on how these regulations impact costs and timelines, firms can improve transparency and prevent disputes later.
2. AI is Elevating Work, Not Replacing People
AI and automation are rapidly transforming how architects and engineers work. From generative design to AI-assisted modeling, automation is helping firms iterate designs faster and streamline workflows.
Many firms are testing AI-driven design tools to speed up concept development. While these tools offer great potential, they still require human oversight to refine outputs and ensure they meet creative and technical project requirements. Training junior staff to use AI effectively ensures that technology enhances, rather than replaces, human expertise.
AI is also proving valuable in early project feasibility studies, helping teams analyze potential constraints and opportunities faster—leading to better-informed decisions in the initial design stages.
3. Invest in Your Team
The labor shortage in architecture and engineering remains a challenge, making workplace culture a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Panelists emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where professionals feel valued, supported, and continuously challenged.
As firms grow, leaders must remain adaptable. There may be times when long-standing employees no longer align with the company’s direction, and recognizing when to make adjustments is key to maintaining a strong, high-performing team.
Providing clear career growth opportunities has proven to be an effective retention strategy. Firms investing in mentorship, professional development, and cross-functional training help employees expand their skill sets and explore different aspects of the business. Ultimately, offering meaningful work and development opportunities keeps top talent engaged—people stay where they feel challenged and valued.
4. Strong Client Relationships Start Before the Project Even Begins
One of the biggest challenges firms face today is aligning client expectations with project realities while maintaining profitability. Without clear communication, misalignment can lead to scope creep, budget overruns, and strained relationships. Setting expectations early helps prevent these issues and fosters stronger, more productive collaborations.
Clients value transparency and guidance throughout a project. When firms take the time to explain timelines, deliverables, and potential challenges upfront, they create a partnership rather than a transactional exchange. Informed clients are more likely to respect boundaries and appreciate the expertise being provided.
Without well-defined expectations, firms often find themselves constantly reacting to client requests rather than leading the project. Some firms have even had to pause projects due to shifting demands, particularly when additional work extends beyond the original agreement.
A proactive approach—setting clear scope boundaries, outlining decision-making processes, and requiring formal approvals for additional work—helps firms stay in control while reinforcing their value. The most successful firms recognize that managing expectations isn’t just about avoiding challenges — it’s about building long-term trust and stronger client relationships.
5. Stay Ahead with Smart Tools
As projects grow more complex, tracking work, resources, and finances isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Panelists highlighted how project management software gives firms better oversight, reduces risk, and improves decision-making in a fast-moving industry.
One of the biggest benefits is capturing scope changes in real time to ensure firms are fairly compensated. Without a structured system, additional work can easily go unbilled, impacting profitability. Clear documentation and communication keep projects financially sound.
Beyond finances, effective resource management is another major advantage. Without a centralized system, bottlenecks and delays often go unnoticed until they cause bigger problems. Software helps teams anticipate needs, adjust schedules, and allocate resources more effectively, reducing last-minute disruptions.
Real-time insights also enable firms to identify trends, refine workflows, and plan ahead with greater accuracy. By leveraging the right tools, firms can work more efficiently, maintain stronger client relationships, and stay competitive in an evolving industry.
Final Thoughts
The architecture and engineering industry is evolving faster than ever—from shifting regulations to the rise of AI and the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining top talent. Firms that embrace change, invest in their teams, and build strong client relationships won’t just keep up—they’ll lead the way.
Success in this industry isn’t about reacting to change—it’s about staying ahead of it. Whether it’s navigating new compliance rules, integrating smarter technology, or refining workflows, adaptability is what sets firms apart. Those who stay informed, think proactively, and continuously improve their processes will be best positioned for long-term growth.
The industry is changing—but for those ready to lean in and evolve, the opportunities are endless.
