Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are finding new ways to work smarter by tapping into the expertise of professionals whose backgrounds lie beyond traditional design and construction.
Technological advancements and modern societal shifts demand innovation in the AEC space. To address those needs, AEC leaders are turning to fractional roles to support internal growth and strategy, and specialized project advisors -- either full-time employees or consultants -- to bring deep insights into a competitive industry.
The two models are the latest strategic moves that AEC professionals are using to provide support in the company’s direction and project outcomes.
Strategy on Demand
Fractional professionals are those who serve a firm in a part-time capacity, lending internal expertise in companywide growth and innovation. Rather than industry-specific, these professionals are role-specific, brought in for their strategic skills in areas such as operations, technology or finance.
In a 2025 study conducted by Frak, a national conference for fractional experts, 44% of the respondents said they primarily serve B2B businesses, and of those who participated in the survey, 19% were embedded in the construction industry. In their 2024 report, the organization noted that over 140,000 LinkedIn profiles included the word “fractional” in the titles.
Tiff Arcella, owner of Moving Sales Forward based in Crown Point, is leveraging her 30-plus years in sales and marketing to help companies across all industries achieve their sales management goals. She said the appeal for her with fractional work allows her to share her extensive knowledge with a broader range of industries.
“I never worked in AEC before, but now I spend a ton of time in that environment helping those companies level up,” she said. “For executives in a company in any industry who identify an area of the business where they are not hitting on all levels and have hit a ceiling, maybe it is time for them to look for a fractional person. That doesn’t mean replacing everyone you have. It just means bringing in the expertise to take you to the next level.”
Arcella said one of the biggest advantages for companies to engage in the services of fractional experts is the cost, especially for leaner, growing small or mid-size firms.
“First and foremost, the company is getting a ton of expertise without that person being on payroll. That is helpful because if things slow down, you can terminate that contractual relationship,” she said. “Also, fractionals can flex. In the AEC industry, there are ebbs and flows between busy seasons and not-so-busy seasons. So, having the ability to bring in the expert when the expert is most needed is an added benefit.”
In addition to a cost-saving measure, fractional experts can serve as neutral third parties who can speak openly and honestly about changes that may be needed, said business strategist Mark Dolfini. He said this is especially true in instances of a cultural or organizational overhaul.
“If there’s a lot of change going on, it’s much easier to have someone come in to tell them the hard truth. No one wants to hear their baby is ugly, and when an engagement has a set start and end date, it’s much easier for the fractional hire to be completely honest,” he said. “Think of it like that of a marriage counselor or therapist, you can air all your dirty laundry with them, knowing you’ll likely have very little interaction with them outside of the session.”
Current Needs, Future Focused
When it comes to project outcomes, AEC professionals are inviting outsider experts to the table. Whether hired on full-time or in a consultant role, professionals in industries such as education, justice, healthcare and others can bring insights into a building project that goes beyond the expertise of an AEC background.
The model serves as another level of collaboration with the client, offering more industry understanding with a team member who can speak the language, identify the constraints, and incorporate solutions. It is a strategy that helps AEC firms deliver value beyond the build.
The strategic expert union tackles a project from all sides, building on the knowledge of those who know how to design and build it with those who know how it needs to function. AEC professionals countrywide are seeing the benefits. In 2023, over 70% of infrastructure developments exceeding $100 million engaged construction consultants, according to researchers from Market Growth Reports.
Cory Miller, president of Elevatus Architecture, headquartered in Fort Wayne, said the firm has been working with seasoned professionals from outside the AEC industry since 2017, most recently staffing specialized industry advisors in the project areas of education, healthcare and justice. The firm also works with subject matter experts on a contractual basis.
The real value in this model is the ability to work with professionals who have already crafted their process in a specific industry, noted Miller.
“Our staff has really good experts from a design standpoint, but we can’t speak sheriff. We can’t speak school principal. They bring the real-world perspective, and that is really grounding,” he said. “Their perspectives make a difference. They can identify minute things we can change in our design to make the design better. They are there to challenge our processes and break the mold of what we have always done and make the project better. That is where we get the most bang for our buck for the client.”
Brandon Herget, Strategic Advisor for Heritage Construction + Materials, said solving complex challenges requires seeing the full picture. He said it is crucial to consider factors such as competing priorities, budget realities and project constraints to the everyday needs of residents and businesses in the community.
“Our team leverages experts to gain a more complete view of some of the unique facets of various infrastructure projects and their agency owners. This allows us to offer more robust solutions and specifically tailored recommendations,” said Herget. “As we see an increase in retirement and the loss of institutional knowledge, it is especially important that we help bridge that gap by offering continuity and insights to help our customers achieve their desired outcomes more smoothly.”
Miller said for Elevatus, the decision to work with subject matter experts not only enhances the firm’s ability to bring the most value to its clients, but the two-pronged approach also serves as a proactive strategy for future growth.
“We now have on staff someone who is familiar with a specific market. They become patriots who help you connect with others in that industry more quickly,” he said. “They can help with market research, business development, and get us in the door to have a discussion. That leads to more clients down the road.”
