In this episode, I talk to Susan Devine, community building division manager and principal consultant at Parametrix, about AEC leadership and mentorship, the principles that shape team success, how meaningful guidance fuels both project impact and personal growth, and why employee ownership creates a stronger, more invested team culture.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About AEC Leadership and Mentorship That Empowers Teams to Thrive:
- Susan supports project teams across Oregon and Idaho by leading efforts in land development, construction management, and infrastructure. The role also includes guiding staff, managing client relationships, and helping secure future work.
- Working with diverse clients brings a mix of complex challenges and meaningful results that directly support communities. One project involves partnering with a tribal nation in a tsunami zone to secure funding and build new facilities on higher ground.
- Strong project work begins with listening, being authentic, and staying approachable. These values help teams build lasting trust and deliver results that reflect real community needs.
- Complex projects are managed by building organized teams, staying focused on each step, and keeping communication clear. When people understand their roles and align around the goal, even the most demanding work becomes achievable.
- Project management in AEC balances technical solutions with business realities like contracts, budgets, and client expectations. Leaders improve by understanding this balance and consistently delivering value through strategy and service.
- Effective AEC leadership and mentorship includes offering access to real projects, encouraging curiosity, and supporting exploration across client types and technical roles. When professionals understand where their work fits into the bigger picture, their development aligns naturally with organizational needs.
- Employee ownership strengthens a culture of shared accountability and mutual investment in outcomes. Leaders stay committed because success is tied to the team’s collective impact and the future of the firm.
- Leaders make the most impact by being curious, staying grounded in their values, and showing up with purpose. When teams see consistent effort and care, collaboration becomes stronger, and goals become more attainable.
More Details in This Episode…
About Susan Devine
Susan is a problem solver, project advocate, and leader of teams. She has spent over 30 years in the A&E industry in a wide variety of business development, program management, client delivery, and organizational leadership roles in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Her clients include the private sector, tribal government, and public agencies. Susan is particularly rewarded with working on community and economic development projects that require creativity in approach, have numerous and varied stakeholders, and engage integrated client/consultant teams. Her project work includes due diligence, planning, permitting, design, and construction administration. Susan is passionate about AEC leadership and mentorship, helping early career professionals navigate the opportunities and challenges of the profession. She currently leads the OR/ID Community Building Division of Parametrix.
About the Host: Rebecca Swabey, P.Eng.
Rebecca is a professional engineer who transitioned into the role of a tech startup founder. With ten years of experience in the civil consulting industry, specializing in water resources engineering and land development, she co-founded Equator Studios in 2018. The company enhances efficiency and quality for civil firms in the early stages of projects by providing better access to LiDAR and proposal automation tools. Based in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca enjoys hiking along the Grand River, experimenting with pizza recipes, and spending time with her two dogs.
Resources and Links Mentioned in This Session Include:
Parametrix
GIS
ESOP
Connect with Susan Devine on LinkedIn
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