An ACECH Professional Development Series for Early-Career Engineers
Most engineers spend years developing technical expertise. Few receive formal training in how consulting engineering firms operate, grow, manage risk, develop clients, and build future leaders.
Business of Design Consulting: Hawaii Edition is a six-session professional development series designed specifically for emerging professionals with 2–7 years of experience. Through practical discussions, real-world examples, and insights from industry leaders, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the business side of consulting engineering and design firms.
Business of Design Consulting Hawaii Edition Participants will learn how successful firms:
- Generate revenue and maintain profitability
- Manage project scope, risk, and client expectations
- Win work and build client relationships
- Navigate contracts and professional liability
- Develop high-performing teams and cultures
- Build leadership capacity and long-term career success
Who Should Attend?
- Engineers and design professionals with 2–7 years of experience
- Future project managers and team leaders
- Professionals seeking a broader understanding of consulting practice
- Employees of ACECH member firms committed to professional growth
Format
- Six monthly sessions (July – December)
- Four hours per session (1:00 – 5:00pm)
- In-person sessions (Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kakaako)
- Practical, tactical, discussion-based
- Facilitated by Mark Tawara and Corey Matsuoka, with guest speakers from ACECH-member and industry-related firms
Session Dates/Topics (revised 6/23/26)
| Date | Topic | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| July 24, 2026 | Session 1: Clients, Marketing, Business Development and Branding | How work really comes in the door |
| August 21, 2026 | Session 2: People, Teams and Firm Culture | How firms organize and retain talent |
| September 18, 2026 | Session 3: Contracts, Liability and Risk | Protecting the firm and your career |
| October 16, 2026 | Session 4: How Engineering Firms Make Money | The financial basics every engineer should know |
| November 13, 2026 | Session 5: Project Management Beyond Design | The people and communication side of PM |
| December 11, 2026 | Session 6: Building Your Career in the Business of Engineering | Putting it all together |
Detailed Info (click below to see learning objectives and presenters for each session)
How work really comes in the door.
- How clients select engineering firms
- Marketing vs. business development
- Proposals: what matters (and what doesn’t)
- How junior engineers can contribute without selling
Presenters: Mark Tawara, FSMPS, CPSM, Principal | Manageability LLC
Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, Associate/Project Architect | Ferraro Choi
How firms organize and retain talent
- Firm structures and roles
- Career paths: technical vs. management
- Performance reviews and promotions
- Burnout, retention, and culture
Presenters: John Katahira, P.E., Retired/Past President | The Limtiaco Consulting Group
Dawn Szewczyk, P.E., Area Operations Manager/Vice President | HDR
Protecting the firm and your career
- Common contract types
- Professional liability basics
- Standard of care explained
- Why firms push back on certain contract language
Presenter: Bennett Chin, Managing Partner – Hawaii | Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani
The financial basics every engineer should know:
- How firms generate revenue
- Utilization, realization, and profitability (in plain English)
- Why timesheets matter
- What leadership actually looks at each month
- Fee structures and assumptions
- Scope creep and change management
- Project risk and contingencies
- Early warning signs of trouble
Corey Matsuoka, P.E., Executive Vice President | SSFM International
The people and communication side of PM
- Managing clients and internal teams
- Communication strategies that work
- Handling difficult conversations
- Transitioning from engineer to project manager
Wendy McLain, P.E., LEED AP, Deputy Manager, Civil Engineering Group | SSFM International
Putting it all together
- Career options within consulting firms
- Skills to build early for long-term success
- How to add value beyond technical work
- Panel discussion or open Q&A with firm leaders
- Firm strategy and positioning
- Ownership and succession (high-level)
- What younger engineers should pay attention to
Presenters: Corey Matsuoka, P.E., Executive Vice President | SSFM International
Charles Jury, P.E., Vice President, Senior Civil Engineer | Okahara and Associates, Inc.
Why Attend?
- Understand how successful firms operate and grow
- Develop business skills that accelerate your career
- Learn directly from industry leaders
- Build relationships with peers across ACECH member firms
- Gain practical knowledge you can immediately apply
Pricing Structure
-
ACEC Member Full Series $1,000
Full registration to all six sessions (July - December), including certificate of completion provided at end of series
-
Non-Member Full Series $1,750
Full registration to all six sessions (July - December), including certificate of completion provided at end of series
-
Single Session (Member) $300
Pay only for the session(s) you want to attend. Space-available basis. No certificate.
-
Single Session (Non-Member) $500
Pay only for the session(s) you want to attend. Space-available basis (lowest priority). No certificate.
Space is limited. Registration preference will be given to attendees in the order listed above. If you have any questions, please contact Mark Tawara at mark@manageability.pro or Corey Matsuoka at cmatsuoka@ssfm.com.
Register today and invest in the next stage of your professional development!