50 Years of Firsts.

Our Timeline

Five decades of industry firsts

1. 1974

   First To Help Design Firms Improve Profitability.

   We launched the only monthly business management journal exclusively for AEC firm leaders, Professional Services Management Journal—still in circulation today.

2. 1975

   First Conference on Smarter AEC Business Practices.

   Together with leading industry professionals, PSMJ created and launched the Professional Services Business Management Association and its first nationwide conference in October in Denver.

3. 1976

   First Peer Firm Performance Survey.

   We published the first survey on financial performance data in the industry, becoming the most widely used financial benchmark for driving better decisions. Our current survey library has expanded to include the industry’s most trusted benchmark data on AEC staff and management compensation.

4. 1978

   First Skill-Specific Workshops.

   We launched targeted classes specifically geared toward AEC professionals, from project management and human resources management to marketing and strategic planning, among many others.

5. 1979

   First EVA Strategy.

   PSMJ partnered with Dave Burstein, President of Parsons Engineering-Science, to develop a system for planning and project management known as Earned Value Analysis, becoming the global standard for effective project management.

6. 1979/1980

   First Tech Expo for AEC.

   Our AEC Systems tradeshow was the vanguard showcase for emerging technology specific to the built environment. By 1987, it was the country’s largest computer tradeshow with 28,000 attendees and 2,000+ exhibitors.

7. 1980

   First Overseas Office.

   The Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA) invited PSMJ to form PSMJ Resources Asia Pacific—to educate and train the A/E industry in Australia.

8. 1982

   First Project Management Manual.

   PSMJ Founder Frank A. Stasiowski, FAIA and David Burstein authored Project Management for the Design Professional, the first reference manual on A/E project management, preceding the Project Management Institute’s Book of Knowledge—the first of many books authored and published by this dynamic duo.

9. 1984

   First Foreign Language Manual.

   AEC professionals in Spain and Latin America benefited from Project Management for the Design Professional with the first publication of this landmark resource in Spanish.

10. 1985

    First Regional Tradeshow for AEC Executives.

    Our Build Boston tradeshow for the Boston Society of Architects became the largest of nine regional building industry showcases.

11. 1991

    First Metal-Specific Builders Expo.

    The METALCON tradeshow and conference is the only global event dedicated to the application of metal in construction and design. Now in its 35th year, it’s bigger and better than ever, drawing tens of thousands of construction industry professionals.

12. 1995

    First UK Workshops.

    Our educational programming in London further expanded PSMJ’s global network of consultants and trainers dedicated exclusively to the AEC industry.

13. 1999

    First Growth and Profitability Executive Summit.

    For over 25 years, AEC THRIVE has been where the most successful design firm C-suite executives convene to learn the newest business practice tactics and recognize achievements via the PSMJ Awards Programs.

14. 2004

    First AEC M&A Advisory.

    We applied our extensive business practices consulting experience to create a new Mergers & Acquisitions advisory service for both buy-side and sell-side clients. Today our exceptional team of advisors helps firm leaders achieve growth and exit objectives.

15. 2005

    First Crisis-Specific Philanthropic Giveback.

    In the aftermath of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, our AEC industry-supported Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund helped rebuild the Bay St. Louis Community Center.

16. 2019

    First AEC-Specific Recruiting Practices Summit.

    In response to the talent shortage, we created and launched AEC TalentMAX, the premier recruiting, retention, and engagement strategies conference for AEC leaders.

17. 2022

    First AEC-Specific M&A Conference.

    Bringing together strategic buyers and AEC firm owners, AEC M&A Summit is the industry’s leading mergers and acquisitions innovation conference.

18. 2024

    First Artificial Intelligence Conference for AEC.

    To help executives navigate a rapidly evolving technology landscape for both business practices and design applications, AEC INNOVATE brings together thought leaders from leading design firms and the most advanced software developers.