April AEC firm rankings, lists, awards and PR opportunities

Happy Earth Month!

Whether you’re building green or repurposing content, April is a good time to think about recycling. 

But how to recycle when you don’t know what you’re starting with?

One of the best ways to have an encyclopedia of knowledge about your firm’s work and past projects is to submit for industry awards. These submissions provide a great opportunity to mindfully curate all the reasons why your firm is top tier.

While we keep an eye on AEC awards all year long, below are a few of our favorites for this month:

• Engineering News-Record’s Regional Best Projects Award: These awards honor the best construction projects and the companies that made them happen in 18 different categories, ranging from industrial projects to interior improvements. Eligible projects must be built in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and have been completed between May 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. Submissions are evaluated on safety, innovation, construction quality, functionality and aesthetic quality of design, and overcoming challenges and teamwork. The early-bird entry fee is $75 for projects submitted by May 6, while standard entry fees of $110 will be charged for projects submitted by the deadline of June 10. 
  
• PSMJ’s Premier Award for Client Satisfaction: It’s easy to say that you serve your clients better than your competitors, but how do you prove it? PSMJ’s Premier Award for Client Satisfaction rates applicants based on client feedback surveys administered by PSMJ. Though it is a pricier award with a $3,800 entry fee, entrants receive the added benefit of objective and actionable feedback gathered from the surveys regardless of whether they are chosen as winners. The deadline to participate is April 30, and winners will be announced in August 2023 at PSMJ’s annual A/E/C Thrive Conference. 
  
• PSMJ’s A/E/C Employer of Choice: Similar to the above, this award comes with a heftier price tag than most awards at $1,500. However, with AEC talent and retention top of mind, awards that recognize your firm as a best place to work can make a tremendous difference. Submissions are due April 30.
  
• PSMJ’s A/E/C Building a Better World Award: Another PSMJ award for your consideration! This award “recognizes an organization in the A/E/C industry that has gone above and beyond to give back.” Submissions are due April 30, and there is no entry fee.
  
• DBIA’s National Design-Build Project/Team Awards: If you have a project that deserves to be showcased, we recommend considering a DBIA submission. The submission deadline is May 31, and is open to both DBIA ($475 to submit) and non-DBIA ($775 to submit) members. The submission categories range from aviation and civic/assembly to healthcare and educational facilities. DBIA understands that even smaller projects are worth celebrating, so if your project was $10 million or less for buildings and $30 million or less for infrastructure, you are encouraged to submit!
  
• ABC’s National Safety Excellence Awards: ABC’s annual award recognizes “companies that exhibit a continued commitment to job site safety.” All 2024 STEP Diamond, Platinum and Gold participants are eligible to apply. No matter your firm’s level, the submission cost is $450. Applications will open in April, with a August 30 due date.
  
• SMPS’s Emerging Leader of the Year Award: This award is designed to recognize “an emerging leader who has demonstrated leadership, exceptional contributions in the A/E/C industries and who has been an SMPS member for a minimum of three years and no more than five years of A/E/C work experience.” Submissions cost $50 and are due May 1.
  
• SMPS’s Business Developer of the Year Award: For those on the ground growing their AEC firms, this award aims to celebrate professionals “who have demonstrated significant and measurable accomplishments in their role as business developers.” In order to be eligible, individuals must have been SMPS members for at least three years. Submissions cost $75 and are due May 1. 
  
• SMPS’s Marketing Innovation Firm of the Year Award: Is your AEC firm making creative, innovative marketing moves? SMPS wants to hear about it! The organization is seeking nominations from AEC firms that are using marketing initiatives to “transform their firm or industry … to stay ahead of the competition.” Submissions cost $100 and are due May 1. 
  
• Dezeen Awards: The award categories for this recognition range from architecture and interiors to design and sustainability. Projects must have been completed between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2024. Submissions are due May 30 and cost between £120 – 240 British pounds.
  
• And don’t forget to add these holidays to your social media calendar:
  
  • April: 
    
    • Earth Month
      
    • Poetry Month
      
  • April 22: Earth Day
    
  • April 24: National Administrative Professionals Day
    
  • May: 
    
    • Mental Health Awareness Month
      
    • Asian American and Pacific Islander Month
      
    • Historic Preservation Month
      
    • National Electrical Safety Month
      
  • May 1: International Workers Day
    
  • May 1: National Skilled Trades Day
    
  • May 2 – 6: Building Safety Week
    
  • May 6 – 10: Construction Safety Week
    
  • May 8: National Receptionist Day
    
  • May 12: International Nurses Day and National Hospital Day
    
  • May 12: Mother’s Day
    
  • May 12 – 18: Hospital Week
    
  • May 13 – 17: Infrastructure Week
    
  • May 16: Supply Chain Professionals Day
    
  • May 20 – 26: National Public Works Week