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Just as it is important to have a mentor who is further along than you in your particular field, it is also beneficial to be mentored when learning a new skill that is outside of your current job scope. This is called cross-functional mentoring. This is the third installment of our four-part series on workplace mentoring. In part one Laura Merritt examined the lifelong nature of mentorship and why the need for guidance does not expire at any career stage. In part two Kendra T

The construction industry is traditionally known for steady, step-by-step progress. We like proven methods, predictable outcomes and standards that keep things exactly where we put them. But over the last few years, the landscape has shifted beneath our feet. The push to lower the carbon footprint of our buildings and infrastructure has moved from a progressive design goal to a baseline business requirement. Today, developers, architects, hyperscalers and public agencies expe

AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews now answer questions directly, often bypassing website visits entirely. Because of this, search behavior has shifted. Users increasingly expect instant, conversational answers rather than scrolling through a list of links. AI crawlers and large language models (LLMs) read your content alongside human readers, which means structure, clarity and authority now determine whether your brand surfaces at all. What are GEO and AEO? Ge

Generative AI tools offer a rapid method for producing visual concepts, and marketers and leadership teams often consider these tools for rebranding efforts. However, relying entirely on AI to generate your firm logo introduces significant legal vulnerabilities. A logo must function as a unique, protectable asset to drive lead generation and brand awareness. The U.S. Copyright Office maintains that copyright protection requires human authorship. Courts consistently uphold thi

According to the Jasper State of AI in Marketing 2026 report, 91% of marketing teams now use AI, up from 63% the year before. As AI handles drafting, research synthesis, data processing and routine tasks at scale, many professionals face an important question: if AI can execute most of the work, what remains for people to do? As AI automates routine execution, value concentrates in the remaining work that demands human expertise, discernment and strategy. This represents a sh

In an industry that caters to building structures and infrastructure designed to last for decades, marking time carries real weight. A major anniversary proves an organization has weathered economic cycles, technical shifts and changing leadership, while continuing to serve its audience. For the AEC industry, longevity signals the trust and reliability that engineers, architects and contractors look for in a partner. This year, AOE has the pleasure of helping two clients show

Mentorship has no expiration date. The most effective mentors are defined by relevant expertise and perspective, not seniority, and everyone benefits from being both a mentor and a mentee. Even executives gain from outside guidance, while reverse mentoring keeps leaders current and engaged. There's a common belief that mentorship belongs to the early days of a career: the new hire learning the ropes, the recent grad finding their footing, the emerging leader stepping into big