A Q&A Series on What’s to Come in the AEC Profession
Featuring Lindsay Libes, Vice President, Civil Engineering
Welcome to our second edition of From Vision to Reality – an insightful series showcasing thought leaders from across WGI’s multi-disciplinary firm, as they offer unique insights into the trends, challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) profession.
Today, we are excited to feature Lindsay Libes, WGI’s Vice President of Civil Engineering. With extensive leadership experience across WGI’s multidisciplinary service areas, Lindsay provides valuable insight into the ever-evolving landscape of civil engineering and infrastructure development.
The AEC industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving economic conditions, and increasing demands for resilient and sustainable infrastructure – And at WGI, we remain at the forefront of these changes, leveraging innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive impactful solutions.
So, join us as we dive into Lindsay’s outlook on industry trends, emerging opportunities, and how WGI continues to deliver forward-thinking solutions for our clients.
1. What is your outlook on the current state of the AEC profession, particularly regarding interest rates and government infrastructure funding?
Over the next 12 to 24 months, closely monitoring macroeconomic trends, particularly interest rates and government infrastructure funding, will be essential for regulatory agencies, investors, and developers. Significant opportunities exist in both public and private sectors.
The need for upgraded infrastructure, affordable housing, and technology-driven developments (such as data centers) continues to grow. However, success in this evolving landscape will require strategic planning, adaptability, and a close watch on policy and funding decisions.
2. What changes do you see in the AEC profession, and how do these changes present new challenges or opportunities?
The AEC industry is evolving rapidly, with technology playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of design, construction, and infrastructure development. Emerging innovations present significant opportunities to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and deliver more resilient and sustainable solutions.
Real-time data analytics and predictive modeling – such as flood forecasting – are transforming risk management and disaster preparedness, enabling communities to respond proactively to environmental challenges. Digital twin technology and AI-powered simulations offer deeper insights into infrastructure performance, optimizing maintenance and reducing long-term costs. Meanwhile, advancements in GIS mapping and public engagement platforms are revolutionizing how communities participate in planning and decision-making processes.
These technological shifts create opportunities for firms to differentiate themselves, streamline operations, and provide more value-driven solutions to clients. By embracing and integrating cutting-edge tools, the AEC industry can drive smarter, more sustainable development while addressing the growing demand for infrastructure resilience and modernization.
3. What unique opportunities does your division anticipate in 2025?
As we move into 2025, the Civil Division is poised for a year of significant progress and impact. We remain dedicated to advancing critical projects with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that will enhance the health, safety, and resilience of our communities.
Additionally, we are leveraging cutting-edge software and technology to deliver advanced water modeling services, providing essential support to our most vulnerable clients. By combining our team’s technical expertise with the latest innovations, we are committed to delivering high-quality, data-driven solutions that drive meaningful results.
4. What unique challenges does your division anticipate in 2025?
As economic conditions continue to evolve, it is essential to monitor key factors such as interest rates, financing availability, and government funding. Fluctuating interest rates can impact borrowing costs, shifts in financing availability may affect project viability, and changes in government funding can influence the scope of infrastructure initiatives.
These challenges require a proactive and strategic approach. We remain committed to working closely with our clients to navigate these complexities, mitigate risks, and ensure the successful delivery of projects in an ever-changing economic landscape.
5. How does collaboration across WGI’s multidisciplinary teams enhance your division’s ability to address industry challenges?
As a multidisciplinary consulting firm, we offer a distinct competitive advantage by integrating expertise across multiple disciplines under one roof. This approach promotes seamless communication, streamlined project coordination, and enhanced efficiency, allowing us to provide clients with a single point of contact for complex, multi-faceted projects.
By leveraging cross-disciplinary collaboration, we can anticipate challenges, optimize design solutions, and accelerate project timelines. Our integrated teams work cohesively to address engineering, environmental, and technological aspects in a unified manner, reducing inefficiencies and minimizing risks.
Furthermore, our ability to provide end-to-end solutions ensures consistency in project execution, from initial planning and permitting to design, implementation, and long-term maintenance strategies. Clients benefit from a more responsive, agile, and innovative approach, solidifying our role as a trusted partner in delivering high-quality, impactful solutions tailored to evolving industry demands.
6. How is WGI leveraging innovation to maintain its leadership position in the AEC profession?
Innovation and technology are at the core of our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for our clients. Our team of experienced professionals leverages advanced software and data-driven tools to enhance predictive accuracy, streamline decision-making, and improve public engagement. These technologies enable us to analyze complex challenges, develop tailored strategies, and provide proactive solutions that drive efficiency and resilience.
Integrating state-of-the-art technology into our workflows offers multiple benefits. Advanced data visualization and real-time analytics enhance communication with stakeholders, ensuring informed decision-making and greater transparency. Predictive modeling and simulation tools help optimize resource allocation, mitigate risks, and improve long-term project outcomes. By embracing innovative solutions, we enable our clients to navigate evolving challenges with confidence.
7. What lessons from recent projects will guide your approach in 2025?
As we reflect on the achievements of 2024 and look toward the opportunities of 2025, the Civil Division remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that drive client success.
Our team is dedicated to leveraging advanced technology and industry expertise to solve complex challenges, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in every project we undertake. No matter the scale or complexity of a project, our focus remains on precision, adaptability, and excellence. By integrating technology, collaboration, and strategic problem-solving, we continue to set new standards in the industry, delivering exceptional results that shape the future of infrastructure and development.
As we move into 2025, we look forward to strengthening our partnerships and driving meaningful progress for our clients and the communities in which we serve.
Join the Conversation
The future of the AEC industry is evolving, and WGI is at the forefront of this transformation – If you’re interested in learning more about Lindsay Libes’ insights or exploring how WGI’s expertise can help you navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities, contact our team today!
And as always, stay tuned for more editions of our From Vision to Reality – Q&A Series as we continue to spotlight leaders and innovators from across our multi-disciplinary firm.
