We recently sat down with three A/E/C senior leaders to discuss the state of the industry from their perspective.
From boots-on-the-ground realities to future-forward thinking, this conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful perspectives you won’t want to miss.
A big thank you to Derek, Spencer, and Chris for bringing their expertise to the table!
For help with your A/E/C Shortlist Interviews, check out our coaching here.
Hello everyone and welcome to this episode of Community Conversations. I’m Troy Parkinson with SagePresence. Today’s episode is a little different. Instead of our usual one-on-one format, I sat down with three AEC leaders from the New England market to explore their perspectives on the built environment and the evolving challenges and opportunities in the region. This discussion took place in Providence, Rhode Island, during my trip to Boston for AIA25. A quick shout-out to Chris Jazinski of HGA for helping make this possible.
Derek Chinilleski – Director of Business Development at Dimeo Construction Company. Derek has worked across architecture, engineering, and construction, completing the “AEC trifecta.”
Spencer Alexander – Principal at his own firm and current President of AIA Rhode Island, focused on rebuilding the organization and growing educational programming and outreach.
Chris Spiegel – Project Executive at LeftField Project Management, overseeing major school projects across Rhode Island totaling more than $1.2 billion in construction value.
The panel discussed strong public-sector investment, particularly in K-12 and higher education construction. Rhode Island continues to benefit from state-level support for school modernization through the School Building Authority. Communities that invest in facilities are seeing measurable returns in enrollment and per-pupil spending.
Beyond education, the conversation touched on healthcare, mixed-use residential, and affordable housing as key drivers of the region’s building boom. Leaders noted that federal funding and state bonding cycles will significantly influence future growth. At the same time, the life sciences sector—once booming in Massachusetts—has cooled somewhat, giving way to renovations and adaptive reuse.
All three panelists emphasized that large-scale projects only succeed when state, local, and private partners row in the same direction. In small states like Rhode Island, collaboration among municipalities, school boards, and design-build teams is critical. The discussion also highlighted recent bipartisan efforts in Connecticut and Rhode Island to support apprenticeships and workforce development through ACE Mentorship Programs and technical education.
The group noted that public trust and good communication are essential to sustaining long-term investment in infrastructure, housing, and cultural institutions. “It boils down to being a good person,” said Spiegel. “Reputation and collaboration are everything in this small industry.”
Addressing the talent pipeline challenge, Derek and Chris shared initiatives that expose middle- and high-school students to careers in construction and design—whether through internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship programs. They stressed that not every career path requires a college degree and that young people can find meaningful, well-paying work across the built-environment ecosystem.
Chris added, “AI isn’t taking away a carpenter’s job. The future of our field still depends on human soft skills—collaboration, curiosity, and communication.”
When asked what separates winning teams in project interviews, the panelists agreed: authenticity and empathy. Technical skill may get you in the door, but people hire teams they trust for multi-year partnerships. Whether in-person or virtual, effective communication and genuine curiosity stand out in today’s competitive AEC landscape.
The conversation closed with optimism for the future. Rhode Island and New England are poised for continued growth in education, healthcare, and housing. Design-build delivery is on the rise, and community-oriented projects—from new schools to stadiums and transit-oriented developments—are revitalizing urban areas.
As Troy concluded, “The passion each of you brings for your communities shows why this region continues to thrive. Thank you for building a better New England—together.”
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