August AEC firm rankings, lists, awards and PR opportunities

Would you believe me if I said that we are fully in back-to-school mode over here?

I almost don’t believe it myself (she says while panting through 104 degrees of humid heat), but the school supply receipt says otherwise.

Fresh pencils and untarnished highlighters are a great reminder of how delightful a fresh start can be. Even if this year’s editorial calendars have gotten away from you and your architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) firm, it’s never too late to review the opportunities that highlight your strengths.

Below are Rep Ink’s favorite PR opportunities this month for our AEC clients:

• If you’ve hung around the Rep Ink water cooler for a bit, it likely comes as no surprise that our ears perk up at the whisper of “thought leadership.” Urban Land Magazine’s Apgar Thought Leadership Award allows for a ULI member to publish an article and receive a $1,500 honorarium. Submissions are on a rolling basis.
  
• The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recognizes civil engineers who have demonstrated outstanding lifetime achievement, leadership and a long-term commitment to excellence. The ASCE Outstanding Project and Leaders Awards are not restricted to members of the Society. The extended deadline to submit is September 6.
  
• All photographers are welcome to participate in Construction Executive’s 2024 Annual Photo Contest. They “are seeking your most captivating construction snapshots: dynamic, well-composed and visually appealing photographs that showcase the essence of your projects and teams.” Submissions due September 6.
  
• Extra, extra! Hot off the press: The Architect’s Newspaper’s 2024 Best of Design Awards is live and ready for submissions. This is not a “copy and paste and submit” kinda submission; entries will be judged on “strength of the presentation, evidence of innovation, creative use of new technology, sustainability and good design.” Submissions are due September 13 and cost from $125-$150.  
  
• While many of our favorite project photos feature beautiful exteriors, we all know that it is what is on the inside that counts. For those who focus on interiors, Interior Design’s 2024 Best of Year Awards is a place to show off your work. Submissions are due September 13.
  
• Whew! AIA is not messing around with the plethora of awards they have due on September 15. Awards include Architecture Firm Award, the Edward C. Kemper Award and AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education.
  
• I’ve never built a data center but all the data centers around the projects being a tight turnaround. If your team went above and beyond to deliver a data center, Data Center Dynamics wants to hear about it! Submissions for Data Center Construction Team of the Year are welcome until September 20. 
  
• All of us reading this email can likely agree that 1) Simone Biles truly is the GOAT and 2) engineering matters. The Engineering Matters Awards 2025 work to champion “the engineers who make the world better.” Nominations close September 30.
  
• For those interested in submitting to ABC’s Excellence in Construction awards, the deadline to register your project and submit the intent to compete form is October 15. Friendly reminder that only ABC contractor members are eligible to enter and the $595 application fee is non-refundable. 
  
• Don’t forget about these holidays to incorporate into your social media calendar next month:
  
  • September is: 
    • National Campus Safety Awareness Month
    • National Preparedness Month
    • September 1: Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day
    • September 5: International Day of Charity
    • September 8 – 14: National Assisted Living Week
    • September 15: World Engineers Day
    • September 15 – October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
    • September 16 – 22: Recycle Awareness Month
    • September 16 – 20: National Construction Appreciation Week
    • September 20: National Tradesman Day
    • September 23 – 27: National Clean Energy Week
    • September 30: International Podcast Day