As mission critical and high visibility projects — including data centers, advanced manufacturing, and major infrastructure — face increasing public scrutiny, engineering and architecture firms are being asked to support more than design. They are now helping clients navigate community sentiment, political risk, and public engagement.
This panel brings together strategic communications leaders from GHD, DLR Group, and HDR to share how their firms support clients on controversial or publicly sensitive projects. Speakers will discuss lessons learned from infrastructure engagement, cognitive bias in community response, early stage risk assessment, and how engineering firms can help shape narratives, prepare for town halls, and build trust with local communities.
Participants will gain insight into emerging expectations for A/E firms, practical approaches to engagement, and how firms can position themselves as partners in both design and communication.
Panel Speakers:
- Meha Bola, Senior Advisor, Strategic Communications, Engagement & Communities, U.S. West Region Lead, GHD
- Jonathan Mesik, PE National Mission Critical Leader, Principal, DLR Group
- Alexandra Smoldt, Strategic Communications Project Manager, HDR