Weekly Briefing: October 3, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Week of September 29, 2025
EFCG held its Annual CEO Conference from September 29 - October 1, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CA, bringing together 250+ leaders from 200+ firms across the Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting (AEC) Industry.
EFCG Managing Partner Rebecca Zofnass opened the conference with EFCG’s signature AEC Industry Overview. Attendees also heard from firm leaders during panel sessions focused on topics such as Visions for the Industry’s Future, AI & Talent, Sustainability, Growth Strategies, and Succession Frameworks. We are also thrilled to share that Gayle Packer, President and CEO of Terracon, was presented with EFCG’s 2025 CEO of the Year award for her outstanding leadership, commitment to employee-ownership, and dedication to fostering innovation, sustainability, and collaboration across the industry.
EFCG would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s CEO Conference and our sponsorship partners – BST Global, Deltek, Greyling, alliant, TRANSEARCH, Ames & Gough, Savills, CareerSMITH, SPRX, and Brownstein – for their continued partnership.
Consequences of Government Shutdown for the Industry
The impact of the government shutdown on construction contractors will differ based on the type of contract and funding source, with direct federal contracts generally continuing unless they rely on 2026 appropriations.
Transportation projects funded through mechanisms like the Highway Trust Fund or the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are expected to proceed without disruption, as they are not tied to the annual appropriations process.
Contractors are advised to proactively contact their contracting officers to clarify project status, document all costs related to the shutdown, and avoid unauthorized work that may not be reimbursed.
The shutdown has introduced uncertainty around federal staffing which could delay project approvals and affect contractor operations.
Government Opens Federal Land for Coal Production
The Department of the Interior is allowing 13.1 million acres of federal land to be leased for coal development to fulfill President Trump’s plan to restore “American Energy Dominance.”
With cuts in royalty rates for coal, activity is expected to accelerate particularly in states like Montana, Wyoming, and Tennessee.
Streamlined approvals and expanded access to critical minerals, the administration notes, are intended to increase energy production in the U.S.
Coal leasing and mineral recovery will likely trigger new mining operations, energy infrastructure, and transportation projects creating demand for AEC firms to support site planning, environmental assessments, permitting, and construction.
September 29, 2025
T. Baker Smith (TBS), a Louisiana-based engineering, surveying, environmental, and consulting services firm, has acquired the Louisiana-based Acadia Land Surveying and the Mississippi-based Cassady-Acadia Land Surveying. The acquisitions bring regional expertise, strong client relationships, and extensive surveying capabilities to TBS. Kenneth Wm. Smith, CEO of TBS, stated, “This is more than an acquisition—it’s a partnership rooted in shared values. Together, we’re expanding our ability to serve the Gulf South with innovative solutions and trusted local expertise.”
September 30, 2025
Shive-Hattery, an Iowa-based design, architecture, and engineering firm, has acquired Montgomery Roth Architecture & Interior Design (Montgomery Roth), a Texas-based architecture and interior design firm with expertise in gaming and hospitality, and multi-family housing markets. The firms’ combined expertise enables more comprehensive design delivery and strengthens Shive-Hattery’s geographic reach in the Southwest. “Shive-Hattery and Montgomery Roth share a strong cultural alignment, with both placing the highest priority on investing in our people,” noted Jennifer Bennett, President and CEO of Shive-Hattery. “As a learning organization, we know that these investments yield lasting returns that are seen in the influence we have, the innovations we create, and the culture we build together.”
October 1, 2025
Catalyst Environmental Solutions Corporation (Catalyst), a California-based environmental consulting firm specializing in water resources, energy, sustainability, and land management, has acquired ENPLAN Environmental and Geospatial Technologies (ENPLAN), a California-based environmental and geospatial services firm. By leveraging ENPLAN’s environmental planning, permitting, and natural resources management expertise, this acquisition strengthens Catalyst’s service offerings. Chip Blankenhorn, President of Catalyst, commented, "We are delighted to welcome ENPLAN to the Catalyst Team. Randall [Hauser, founder of ENPLAN] has built an exceptional business and established ENPLAN as a leader in Northern California. Their team shares our entrepreneurial spirit and client-focused culture, and we look forward to collaborating with them to drive the continued growth of Catalyst."
October 1, 2025
Smith Seckman Reid (SSR), a Tennessee-based engineering, design, consulting, and planning firm, has acquired George F. Young (GFY), a Florida-based horizontal infrastructure firm. This acquisition allows SSR to utilize GFY’s knowledge of civil, structural, transportation, and surveying services to enhance its offerings and further diversify its portfolio. Susan Osterberg, President and CEO of SSR, said, “This is more than an acquisition—it’s a joining of cultures rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a positive difference through our work. Together, we’re strengthening our presence in Florida and deepening our capabilities in the horizontal infrastructure market, while remaining focused on high performance and people-first values.”
October 2, 2025
Parsons Corporation (Parsons), a Virginia-based technology provider for the national security and global infrastructure markets, has acquired Applied Sciences Consulting (Applied Sciences), a Florida-based firm that specializes in water and stormwater services. This acquisition advances Parsons’ growth strategy while expanding the firm’s water services and presence in Florida. Carey Smith, Chair, President, and CEO of Parsons, commented, “Applied Sciences' expertise, strong client relationships, and talented professionals will allow us to continue delivering results for the communities we serve. I look forward to welcoming the Applied Sciences team into Parsons.”
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.