Benchmarking: The Secret Weapon of High-Performing Engineering Firms  

Outperform with the Power of Benchmarking

Sponsored by BQE Software | Presented by Steve Burns, FAIA

Live Webinar Airing on June 12, 2025 at 02:00 PM ET

Webinar previously titled, "The AE Firm Maturity Index".

 

 

Many AE firms make decisions based on intuition rather than data-driven insights, often overlooking critical performance metrics. Leveraging data from over 1,500 architecture and engineering firms, BQE has compiled a comprehensive report on industry best practices for key performance indicators (KPIs) that all firms should be monitoring. In this webinar, we will explore the findings of our Benchmarking Report and provide actionable strategies for firms to enhance their performance across each metric.

Image courtesy of BQE Software

 

Speaker

As a distinguished thought leader, Steve Burns, FAIA blends his passion for design and firm management with profound insights into emerging technologies. Over the past 2 decades, working directly with over 1,400 firm owners, Steve has significantly contributed to reshaping these businesses for enhanced growth and sustainability.

Steve's career highlights include a 7-year tenure at SOM Chicago, founding BBA Architects in 1993 and growing it to 17 architects before its 2007 sale, and creating ArchiOffice, a groundbreaking project management software company acquired by BQE Software in 2010.

Recognized for his significant impact on the profession, in 2009 Steve was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, as Founder of The Well-Designed Firm, he focuses on leading AE firms to operational excellence, mentoring leaders to craft businesses as elegant and innovative as the architecture they create.

Originally published in Building Enclosure

Originally published in April 2025

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  1. Define benchmarking and explain why it is important.
  2. List the KPIs tracked across the industry and summarize the results of the data.
  3. Analyze strategies a firm could use to improve in each of these areas.
  4. Identify how benchmarking changes based on firm size or industry.