About Us

In his best-selling book on professional practice, Craig Park shares a collection of observations and lessons learned drawn from more than 40 years in the building industry. Framed as practical direction for aspiring leaders, Park provides real-world examples of how to build a professional service firm through a combination of leadership, collaboration, and connection; forming the basis for creating enduring value.

In his latest book, Park explores why the brand of the professional service firm is one of the most misunderstood and often under-utilized tools to build market share and increase business. Exploring how culture, collaboration, and communication create, develop, and sustain an enduring brand, Park's book provides tools to establish your brand in the marketplace, and build lasting awareness of the value your firm provides.  

In their forthcoming book, SMPS Fellows and past-national presidents Craig Park and Barbara Shuck explore leadership's critical factors to the success of the professional practice. Research and interviews with more than 25 AEC business leaders found challenges and strategies facing every professional service firm. Framed through the lenses of Innovation, Inspiration, and Integrity, Park and Shuck provide actionable tools for personal and professional development.

Business development — or simply “BD” — has become a highly specialized discipline in the design and construction industry. Regardless of circumstances, architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) business development have one core purpose: to bring buyers and sellers together to make deals. Those intimately involved with professional services business development recognize that people hire people and that understanding the motives and motivations of those who purchase and sell A/E/C services is the password that opens a portal to genuine success.

I contributed to the research, writing, and editing of the Chapter on non-profit Education, Healthcare, and Institutional client's point of view.

This handbook covers every aspect of marketing in the design and construction industry, from initial market research to get leads, to making presentations, to website development. If you're not a marketing professional, then you need this book. In a clear, no-nonsense manner, it shows you how to: * create winning proposals and presentations * take full advantage of low-cost public relations activities * develop a winning plan for getting the most from trade shows * create a high-profile website on a budget * get your staff to take a market-oriented approach to everything they do. 

I contributed chapters on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Working with Consultants, and Technology for Marketers.

There has been a great deal of talk during the past two decades about the serious problem of stress and burnout. But there is another, more optimistic side to the story. What about the people who endure tough times with courage and grace or bounce back from crises with renewed energy when logic tells you the situation should have left them depleted and discouraged? For all the talk about burnout, the fact is that the majority of people spend most of their lives coping amazingly well.  Being good at not burning out is a skill more than a genetic personality trait. 

I met Peg Neuhauser in 2003 and was honored to be selected to have my story included in these profiles of resilience, perseverance, and courage.