PSMJ Resources, Inc. is proud to announce the honorees of the 2025 AEC Building a Better World Award, recognizing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms that go above and beyond project delivery to make a lasting difference in their communities.

This year, PSMJ recognizes 17 firms from across the industry for the work that they are doing to improve their communities. The diversity of these firms reflects the breadth and creativity of initiatives that demonstrate how the AEC industry is building a better world every day.

Just some of the highlights of the impact from this year’s honorees include (listed in alphabetical order):

AC Martin: Raised $17,360 in a wildfire relief matching program, paired with a moving campaign video, AC Martin is LA Strong.

ARKI: Pioneered an AI productivity platform that reduces waste and carbon impact by turning “dead data” into sustainable design assets.

CEC: Grew its Hoop Dreams Engineers Basketball Tournament into a major community fundraiser blending sports and service.

CROFT & Associates: Donated $100,000+ and 2,800 volunteer hours through CROFT Cares, including a 10-year partnership with CURE Childhood Cancer.

Dewberry: Launched Dewberry Volunteer Week where more than 115 participating employees logged 504 volunteer hours.

Gray AES, PSC: Since 2018, the firm has participated in a Pay It Forward Day where employees take a day away from work and venture out into their local communities to volunteer at various charities.

Halff: Expanded its Halff Community Initiative, a nonprofit that supports grassroots causes like the ATX Free Fridge Project and STEM education.

Lamp Rynearson: Created the Legacy Lab, introducing STEM opportunities to 120+ students in its inaugural year.

McGill: After Tropical Storm Helene, mobilized recovery teams to restore client services, assist municipalities with FEMA funding, and support staff in crisis.

PRIME AE: Raised $120K+ through an innovative PTO donation matching program to support Habitat for Humanity and global relief efforts in Haiti.

RRM Design Group: Through Draws for a Cause, produced pro bono renderings that helped nonprofits raise $70,000+ worldwide.

Superior Construction: Organized Construction Hike for Hope events, raising $184,000 for suicide prevention while delivering hurricane relief and youth programs.

Thomas & Hutton: Raised $57,000 in 2024 alone through its creative Jeans Day Fridays fundraiser for nonprofits and employee aid.

Turner Fleischer: Launched TF Moves Together, linking employee wellness to charitable donations across a spectrum of social issues.

VIP Structures: Mobilized employees in a Day of Purpose, delivering 700+ wound kits, meals, and services in Central New York.

West Yost: Drove 400+ volunteer hours and $12,000 in wildfire relief while leading firm-wide sustainability practices.

Wood Rodgers: Through its STEAM Team, delivered 1,600+ hours of hands-on STEM education and $500K+ in donations to underserved schools.

"Every one of these firms demonstrates that the AEC industry is about more than projects. It’s about people,” said PSMJ President Gregory Hart. “From disaster recovery to STEM education to global relief, these initiatives show the extraordinary ways that AEC firms are shaping a better world.”

PSMJ will recognize these firms at AEC THRIVE - The Growth, Profit, and Success Summit for AEC Firm Leaders on October 1-3, 2025 in Chicago. This unique conference is an opportunity to hear directly from the leaders of top-performing architecture and engineering firms and other industry visionaries on specific growth, profit, and performance improvement practices and how to replicate them.

For more information about the AEC Building a Better World Award and future submissions, please visit www.psmj.com.