OasisLMS

Thank you for registering for the Business of Design Consulting, ACEC’s longest running seminar. We’re excited to have you join us for seven weeks as we explore the financial and management principles in the design consulting firm.

You will receive a calendar invite to join the live sessions, which will be hosted on Zoom. Instructions on how to login to each meeting will also be found in your course materials. We encourage you to attend every live discussion, but in case of a conflict, they will be recorded and available for you to review at a later time.

Each week, all module materials – including pre-recorded presentations, copies of the slideshows, and associated handouts – will be uploaded to the program library. 

If you have any trouble accessing the material, please email Andrea Quiles-Sanchez at aquilessanchez@acec.org. 

Optional Reading: 

The instructors have offered a few additional resources that will help in your leadership development. Please note that these books are optional, so feel free to read them before, during, or after the course: 

• The Leadership Pipeline: How to Build the Leadership Powered Company by Ram Charan, Steve Drotter, and Jim Noel (Especially Chapters 1-7). 
• Drive: The Surprising Truth about what Motivates Us by Daniel Pink. 

Module 1: Managing to Succeed in a Challenging Business Environment, presented by Steve Walker, SR Walker & Associates 

Learning Objectives 

1. Navigating the Leadership Path 
2. Establishing a personal vision 
3. Understanding Strategic Planning and Your Firm  

Session Content 

• Pre-Recorded Presentations: The Leadership Path and Essential Management Skills (30-minutes each) 
• Live Discussion: October 6, 2026, 1:30-4:00 PM ET 
• Session Evalualtion

Module 2: Transitioning from Project Management to Leadership, presented by Jeremy Clarke, COO | Managing Director, Zweig Group   

Learning Objectives 

1. Redefine Relationships in Leadership  
2. Drive High Performance  
3. Balance Empathy and Economics  
4. Transition Mindset from PM to Leader  
5. Apply Best Practices from across the industry 

Session Content 

• Live Discussion: October 13, 2026, 1:30-4:00 PM ET 
• Session Evalualtion

Module 3: Maximizing Your Business Development ROI, presented by Rich Friedman, Friedman & Partners 

Learning Objectives:  

1. The distinction between marketing and business development and how they work in synergy  
2. Debunking pervasive business development myths 
3. Greatest business development challenges and strategies for overcoming them 
4. The vital role of asking probing questions and engaging in active listening 
5. Strategies for strengthening relationships with existing clients and probing for unmet needs  
6. Strategies for targeting prospective clients and closing the sale 

Session Content 

• Pre-Recorded Presentation: Maximizing Your Business Development & Marketing ROI 
• Live Discussion: October 20, 2026, 1:30-4:00 PM ET 
• Session Evalualtion

Module 4: Contracts and Risk Management, presented by Brett Stewart, Vice President, Loss Prevention & Education, AXA/XL 

Learning Objectives 

1. How good is your risk management crystal ball? 
2. Key risk factors that determine project success or failure 
3. Contracts do’s and don’ts 
4. Communication and documentation – a two-edged sword 

Session Content 

• Pre-Recorded Presentation: Contracts and Risk Management (60-minutes) 
• Live Discussion: November 3, 2026, 1:30-4:00 PM ET
• Session Evalualtion 

Module 5: Financials, presented by Matt Fultz, Director, Matheson Financial Advisors, Inc. 

Learning Objectives 

1. Driving value in a volatile market 
2. Long-term financial and valuation results: setting the stage 
3. Accounting principles and practical financial tools 

Session Content 

• Pre-Recorded Presentation: Accounting 101 (30-minutes) 
• Live Discussion: Monday, November 9, 2026, 1:30-4:00 PM ET 

Module 6: Business Management and Ownership Transition, presented by Matt Fultz, Director, Matheson Financial Advisors, Inc. 

Learning Objectives 

1. Financial exit strategies  
2. Retirement Planning: Internal ownership transition issues, internal buy-outs, stock plans, ESOPs 
3. The "ins and outs" of mergers and acquisitions in the recovery decade 

Session Content 

• Live Discussion: November 17, 2026, at 1:30-4:00 PM ET
• Session Evalualtion 

Module 7: Reflection and Close-out 

Learning Objectives 

1. Individual check-outs 
2. Review program principles 

Session Content 

• Live Discussion: November 20, 2026, 1:30-3:00 PM Eastern  
• Overall Program Evaluation