At PSMJ, we understand that our mission extends beyond simply helping our clients and customers achieve success; we are committed to making a positive impact in the broader community and world at large.   

Our industry has always been a pillar of support and resilience; the design, engineering, and construction communities are uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact, especially when it comes to rebuilding after devastation. It’s not just about the structures we create, but the lives we touch and the communities we help rebuild.  

One of the most memorable and impactful efforts we’ve been part of took place in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In the months and years following the storm’s catastrophic destruction, our team, alongside others in the AEC community, saw firsthand how vital long-term planning and resources were to the rebuilding process. Out of that experience, we proudly supported a charitable initiative that was born out of a shared commitment to making a difference. A 501(c)(3) organization was founded in Massachusetts, specifically focused on helping Gulf Coast communities. The initiative was built around providing the critical funding needed to cover the planning, redesign, and permitting efforts that are essential to rebuilding after such a massive event. This effort wasn’t just about getting communities back on their feet, it was about setting them up for sustainable growth in the years to come.  

As advisors to CEOs of many top design firms around the world, PSMJ sought to unite many facets of the design and construction industries in this undertaking. Frank Stasiowski, PSMJ Founder, and his wife, Joan, began the effort by appealing to leaders in the design and construction industry and by giving a personal donation of $10,000. PSMJ employees donated their time and demonstrated their commitment and the PSMJ organization contributed $25,000 to this start-up operation. The Gulf Coast Rebuilding Fund, now renamed to the PSMJ Disaster Rebuilding Fund called upon industry associations and the trade media by asking them to help spread the word to members and readers in this rebuilding effort. 

While much has been accomplished in the years following Hurricane Katrina, the reality is that many communities are still suffering—particularly those affected by more recent disasters like Hurricane Helene. Though media attention fades and time passes, the recovery process is far from over for many. In fact, we know that some of the most affected areas don’t make the headlines anymore, and the long-term rebuilding work often goes unseen. As an industry, we understand the importance of continued support, even when the spotlight has shifted elsewhere.  

As we reflect on the progress made in the years since Katrina, we are reminded of how important it is to continue this work—because communities devastated by disasters are unfortunately not a thing of the past. In 2024, our commitment to community service is stronger than ever. We're actively raising funds to support a disaster relief initiative that will not only assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene but also prepare us to respond to future disasters. We know that there will always be more to do, and as an industry, we have the collective power to help communities recover and rebuild. 

OUR CURRENT PROJECT 

One of the ways we are directly contributing to this mission is by supporting the rebuilding efforts of the Hot Springs Library, which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

The Hot Springs Library is a true testament to the power of community. In 2018, it was recognized as Library Journal’s Best Small Library in America—an achievement made possible by the incredible support of local residents. For years, the Friends of the Hot Springs Library worked tirelessly to raise over $350,000 to purchase the library’s building, officially gifting it to Madison County in 2021 after paying off the remaining loan balance. Now, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene only four years later, the community is coming together once again to restore this cherished resource amidst its destruction. 

The library plays a vital role in supporting the lives of the community. By providing essential resources like Medicare support for seniors, offering STEAM programs that inspire and uplift the creativity and skills of children, housing communal computers and public WI-FI access – often used for work and school projects, supplying a food pantry, and lodging meeting spaces to bring people together, the library has served as a pillar for the town of Hot Springs in an area where these resources are rarely found. 

The loss of the library’s children’s section has had a particularly hard impact on residents. This space was a sanctuary for local children, a place where they could enjoy weekly reading programs, creative activities, and educational fun. Now, those same children must travel 45 minutes to the nearest library in Marshall, which simply isn’t feasible for many families. 

We encourage every member of the AEC community to contribute directly to our disaster relief fund, which will be used to support the ongoing rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Your donation will go directly toward providing critical resources for the planning, design, and construction needed to help these communities recover and rebuild. Every contribution makes a difference, and together, we can ensure these communities have the support they need to rebuild stronger and more resilient than before. 
 
For more information on this great effort and to donate, please visit our fundraising page HERE.