A Q&A Series on What’s to Come in the AEC Profession

Featuring Courtney Powell, Urban and Community Planning Manager

Welcome to the third edition of From Vision to Reality – A WGI series where we highlight forward-thinking leaders from across our 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) landscape.

In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Courtney Powell, AICP, WGI’s Urban and Community Planning Manager.

With over a decade of planning experience and deep insight into local government operations, Courtney brings a unique perspective to the ever-evolving planning landscape. Her passion for crafting tailored, implementable solutions that enhance community life drives her leadership in public engagement, municipal processes, and comprehensive planning efforts across the nation.

So, join us as we dive into Courtney’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?

As a planner, I see the industry evolving alongside the growing availability of and access to digital data. With this surge, more players are tapping into digital resources, altering how we engage in planning and decision-making.

At WGI, we’re not just adapting to this shift – we’re spearheading efforts to prepare communities for the realities of this digital transformation. Through our multidisciplinary structure and technology-driven solutions, we’re actively shaping the planning practices needed to build resilient, connected, and sustainable communities.

2. What changes do you see in the AEC profession, and how do these changes present new challenges or opportunities?

With the rise in data and cloud storage, our built environment is seeing an increased demand for land to build these storage centers as well as a strain on available energy infrastructure resources. Several localities are already deeply grappling with how to address this fast-moving digital transformation as they test and refine strategies.

But with this challenge comes the opportunity for communities, practitioners, policymakers, and industries to collaborate on finding solutions to capacity constraints and the integration of land uses. Future land planning practices will continue to evolve as we enhance our understanding of the intricacies at play and refine regulations, striving for improved quality of life.

3. What unique opportunities does your division anticipate in 2025?

WGI Planning proactively engages in legislative efforts and integrates these discussions into our long-term planning projects to stay ahead.

As a planner, I was trained to envision the future and forecast outcomes, guiding communities on how to achieve or navigate a particular path. There’s always the question of whether that path will materialize and if the necessary steps and tools are in place to manage it effectively. I find this to be a challenging, yet exciting and complex puzzle.

With the presence of competing interests and demands and increased access to real-time data, WGI Planning is positioned to focus on the guiding star and contribute to the solution.

4. What unique challenges does your division anticipate in 2025?

Like most things, the biggest challenge is that there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer solution – Each community is different, and each solution must be tailored.

While it might be tempting to replicate strategies, real planning success lies in adaptability, creative thinking, and deep local engagement. Our role is to continually evaluate and refine strategies to keep them relevant, responsive, and effective.

5. How does collaboration across WGI’s multidisciplinary teams enhance your division’s ability to address industry challenges?

Planning inherently requires robust collaboration and multidisciplinary teams, which is why WGI’s resources are so effective in our planning projects. This teamwork significantly enhances our ability to tackle industry challenges by integrating diverse expertise and perspectives.

One notable example is an economic development and land use study that our team completed in Maryland. This project involved extensive collaboration among planners, engineers, and economists to address various community needs and opportunities. Without these multidisciplinary teams, creating effective plans that promote sustainable growth, enhance infrastructure and leverage innovation would be quite challenging.

6. How is WGI leveraging innovation to maintain its leadership position in the AEC profession?

WGI incorporates advanced technologies such as AI-powered tools, IoT connectivity, and digital twin technology. WGI Planning is also actively exploring how planners can use these innovations to enhance predictive analytics, optimize infrastructure operations, and improve stakeholder engagement through immersive tools like augmented and virtual reality.

As someone who is still cautious about using cruise control, I’ve pushed myself beyond my comfort zone to explore and engage with ever-evolving tools – such as avatar testing, LiDAR mapping, and virtual reality glasses to explore historic landmarks – as these technologies are revolutionizing how we understand and engage with the world around us.

7. What lessons from recent projects will guide your approach in 2025?

One standout project is a comprehensive plan we’re co-developing in New Hampshire that requires adaptable and resilient strategies to address changing conditions and emerging challenges. Engaging with staff, residents, and other community stakeholders has reinforced the importance of holistic planning, and avoiding siloed approaches.

Exploring innovative strategies to critically assess and influence community energy consumption and dependency will be invaluable for our 2025 long-range planning efforts.

With each project, we gain new insights, allowing us to grow and refine our approach, bringing advanced planning practices to the next community.

Join the Conversation

This is just a glimpse into the forward-thinking work happening at WGI.

If you want to dive deeper into the trends shaping the future of urban planning and the AEC profession – Contact our team today to continue the conversation and learn how the experts at WGI can help your community navigate what’s next!

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.