PSMJ Resources, Inc. is proud to announce the honorees of the 2026 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 5 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):
BB&E: Results from BB&E’s efforts include 10,311 meals provided through 468 food boxes, more than 1,000 pounds of food packed, 400 school-supply pouches for military children, 56 trees planted, $5,430 for the Wounded Warrior Project after the company match, and $4,610 for Texas flood relief. BB&E’s approach drives a genuinely grassroots model where employees identify local causes and organize efforts rather than simply participating in centrally-selected corporate initiatives. Their emphasis on veterans and military families also aligns authentically with a workforce that is approximately 30% veterans.
PRIME AE Group: Every PRIME AE employee receives 16 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off and employees logged 912.5 VTO hours in 2025. Its PTO Donation and Company Match Program has generated more than $240,000 for charitable organizations. The firm has also institutionalized its commitment through PRIME AE Day of Service, providing offices with dedicated opportunities to serve locally. Tangible outcomes include affordable housing construction through Habitat for Humanity, oyster habitat restoration in Tampa Bay, park restoration, veterans initiatives, meals for families, Special Olympics support and other projects.
SWCA Environmental Consultants: SWCA’s Gives Back program produced 215 events, 6,111 volunteer hours and $365,735 in total program impact in 2025, supporting more than 227 organizations. Ninety percent of offices conducted at least one Gives Back event, nearly half conducted four or more, and employees recorded 3,153 event participations. Some 781 employees (42% of eligible staff) used paid volunteer hours, while employee donations totaled $116,890. Since the program's launch in 2013, cumulative employee and company donations have exceeded $1.6 million.
Thomas & Hutton: Thomas & Hutton combines substantial corporate giving with employee fundraising and hands-on service across its 19 offices. In 2025 alone, it reported $356,797 in corporate charitable giving, plus $35,613 through employee Jeans Days and $52,766 in United Way employee pledges. Its volunteer program is also accelerating. Helping Hands generated 538 volunteer hours across 32 projects in 2025, increasing to 682 hours and 44 projects already in 2026, with a goal of completing 80 service projects in recognition of the firm's 80th anniversary.
Turner Fleischer: Turner Fleischer's Team Arch Attack has participated in the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation RIDE for 19 consecutive years, raising more than $1.4 million for cancer research and care. Recent annual fundraising has exceeded $100,000, including a record $153,174 in 2024. More than 25% of the entire firm has participated in the RIDE weekend as riders or Cheer Squad members over the past two years. Employees contributed 500+ volunteer hours in 2026.
“The organizations recognized this year show that the AEC industry has the power to create lasting change,” said PSMJ President Gregory Hart. “Together, these firms have contributed thousands of volunteer hours, raised millions of dollars for charitable causes, supported veterans and military families, expanded access to affordable housing, restored natural environments, and invested in healthier, stronger communities. Their commitment to service is raising the bar for leadership across the architecture, engineering, and construction profession.”
Winning firms will be recognized and celebrated at PSMJ’s AEC THRIVE conference October 21-23, 2026, in Scottsdale, AZ. Winners also benefit from “AEC Building a Better World Award Winner” credentials to display in their recruiting efforts and public recognition through PSMJ’s extensive digital, print, and social media dissemination channels.
For more information about the AEC Building a Better World Award and future submissions, please visit our webpage.