Beyond the Boardroom
Architecture, engineering, and construction firms have no shortage of serious challenges. Competition, workforce shortages, increasingly complex projects, and the rapid evolution of AI demand attention every day.
But strong firms aren’t built on solving problems alone. They’re built on relationships.
Sometimes those relationships grow strongest through shared experiences, whether it’s a volunteer project, an ice cream social, a baseball game, or a simple cookout.
The goal isn’t to create elaborate events. It’s to create moments that people remember and talk about long afterward.
In an industry built on trust, those moments can strengthen ties with employees, clients, and strategic partners alike.
A Sweet Surprise
I recently returned from a trip to New York City with my daughter and 14-year-old granddaughter. Our primary reason for visiting was to see Hamilton, a musical she had studied in school. Watching the performance during our nation’s 250th year made the experience even more meaningful.
When we returned home, one stop on our itinerary sparked more curiosity than we expected: the Museum of Ice Cream.
“The Museum of What?”
“I want to go there!”
“How fun!”
And it really was.
Our visit began by naming ourselves as an ice cream flavor on our name tags. Then we sampled treats at several stations, discovered a hidden room, learned about the history of ice cream, explored a hallway of lights, and even took a ride down a long internal slide.
Three generations laughed together, tried new flavors, explored colorful exhibits, and created memories we’ll be talking about for years. I also noticed something else. While there were plenty of families visiting, the museum also hosts corporate events.
That made me wonder:
How often do we intentionally create memorable experiences for the people we work with?
Creating Connections
When I worked at MSA Professional Services, a multidisciplinary firm based in Appleton, Wisconsin, we sometimes enjoyed cookouts, ice cream socials, and cornhole tournaments. Years later, those are some of the moments I remember most—not because they were elaborate, but because they gave us a chance to step away from our desks, laugh together, and build stronger relationships.
Many firms are already doing this. Some combine strategic planning sessions with team-building activities. Others support participation in nonprofit projects, baseball outings, or community events. These shared experiences help strengthen connections that carry over into the workplace.
The same idea applies to clients and business partners. Technical expertise and outstanding service remain essential, but thoughtful experiences can reinforce relationships in ways that formal meetings sometimes can’t.
People stay with companies for many reasons—meaningful work, opportunities to grow, competitive benefits, and strong leadership. But they also want to feel connected to the people around them.
Clients remember how you made them feel. Employees do, too.
A Lasting Impression
The experiences people share often become the stories they remember.
Those stories shape culture, reinforce values, and strengthen relationships—with employees, clients, and strategic partners alike.
It isn’t the size of the event that matters. It’s creating moments people genuinely enjoy and remember.
In an industry built on relationships, a little delight can go a long way.
What’s one memorable experience that helped strengthen relationships at your firm? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
Learn More
Want to learn more about storytelling, case studies and other communications for A/E/C industries? A/E/C Connect is my newsletter. Subscribe on LinkedIn to be the first to see each new entry. If you have a challenge or question you would like me to address, contact me at blaizecommunications@gmail.com.
