Presented by:
Laurie Dreyer, Chief Development Officer, Taylor Design
Jo Martin, Talent Acquisition Lead, Tighe & Bond
Caroline Bishop, EIT, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Tighe & Bond

The talent shortage in the AEC industry is not just a phase—it’s a constant that demographics and demand tell us will continue for years to come. With Baby Boomers retiring at record rates, a critical shortage of engineers, and demand outpacing supply, hiring and retaining top talent remains one of the biggest challenges AEC firm leaders face.

That’s why PSMJ has brought together three leading experts in AEC recruitment and retention for a 60-minute webinar packed with real-world insights and battle-tested strategies to help your firm attract, hire, and keep the best employees—even in today’s challenging labor market.

This must-view session is moderated by Jerry Guerra, industry consultant, PSMJ newsletter editor and author of the book:Build Your AEC Dream Team: Strategies for Successful Design Firm Recruitment (December 2024). Joining him on the webinar are three top AEC talent acquisition and HR professionals who contributed their invaluable insights to his book.

Gain proven methods and fresh ideas on:

  • Identifying and attracting top AEC candidates in a competitive market
  • Managing the hiring process for efficiency and success
  • Securing the hire—how to win over top talent before your competitors do
  • Creating a culture that makes great employees stay
  • Retention strategies that go beyond salary and benefits
  • AI and technology in recruiting—how to use it to your advantage

Our expert panel:

  • Laurie Dreyer, Chief Development Officer for architecture, interior design, planning and strategy firm Taylor Design. She is a recognized national and international expert in AEC firm HR and Operations, including many teaching assignments with AIA and ACEC. She maintained an active role in the AIA Large Firm HR Roundtable for over 20 years, and remains involved with curriculum development and delivery for the ACEC SEI.
  • Jo Martin – Talent Acquisition Lead at Tighe & Bond, a 500-person engineering, environmental consulting, planning, and landscape architecture firm. With 25 years of strategic talent acquisition leadership across the Legal and AEC industries, Jo has consistently driven growth and fostered high-performing teams. As a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, she has long championed initiatives that create more inclusive and supportive work environments.
  • Caroline Bishop, EIT – Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist at Tighe & Bond. Caroline is an experienced civil engineer who is now using her industry knowledge and education as a search consultant for AEC firms. As a younger professional, she provides a valuable perspective on social media’s role in the hiring and retention process. In the “Dream Team” book, she offered a creative viewpoint on the challenges of hiring a “diamond in the rough.”