In this episode, I talk with Jay Guerra, PE, president of Gibbens Drake Scott, Inc., about how building trust-first relationships in AEC improves collaboration, drives better project outcomes, strengthens teams, and creates lasting impact across the engineering and construction industry.
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Jay:
- Why do you think building strong relationships is so important for success in the AEC industry?
- How can working with local firms or consultants help improve project efficiency and delivery?
- Can you share a recent project where strategic partnerships in construction played a key role in its success?
- When choosing project partners, do you consider how well they align with your company’s goals and values?
- How do you approach working with partners from different disciplines when everyone is using different tools and communication styles in engineering teams?
- What final piece of advice would you give to young engineers or project managers who want to improve their communication skills?
- What’s one common mistake you see project managers make, and how can they avoid or overcome it?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Master Trust-First Relationships In AEC for Better Project Results:
- Strong relationships build trust and dependability, helping teams manage deadlines, budgets, and project pressures more effectively. When professionals feel supported by one another, engineering project collaboration becomes smoother, and results improve.
- Working with local firms encourages collaboration and shared growth within the AEC community. These relationships create long-term value that benefits both the teams and the collaboration in AEC projects they deliver.
- Strategic partnerships in construction often lead to new opportunities and sustained success. One strong client relationship can evolve into decades of work and influence future projects across industries.
- Project managers succeed when they work with partners who share similar values and goals. Alignment on purpose and approach leads to stronger teams and more consistent outcomes in relationship-driven project management.
- Teams improve project communication by learning to speak the language of each discipline and platform, from email to Procore. Adapting to different tools and communication in engineering keeps projects moving and people connected.
- New professionals gain confidence by starting small, practicing their message with those they trust, and speaking about what matters to them. Clear, honest communication becomes easier with practice and real-world experience in engineering leadership development.
- Many project managers delay action while waiting for perfect information, which slows down progress. Moving forward with informed assumptions and honest conversations helps teams stay on schedule and aligned with client needs.
More Details in This Episode…
About Jay Guerra, PE
Jay Guerra is president and one of three principals at Gibbens Drake Scott, Inc., a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering firm operating in 46 states. With nearly three decades at the firm, Jay leads strategic initiatives and collaborates directly with clients to deliver functional, sustainable, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
A licensed professional engineer and LEED AP, Jay has been a passionate advocate for sustainable design. He played a key leadership role in the USGBC Central Plains Chapter, serving as a founding member and past regional chair.
Jay holds a B.S. in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and is known for his personable leadership, industry insight, and commitment to delivering engineering that just makes good sense.
Sources/References:
Gibbens Drake Scott, Inc
KC Global Design
Kansas City National Security Campus
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
IRS Service Center
Toastmasters
Connect with Jay Guerra, PE, on LinkedIn
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