Calendar

Continuing our successful series from 2023, join us for Business Development 201: Building Your Base.

Our panel of industry leaders will discuss their strategies for building a network that leads to opportunity. We will focus on the critical components of business development to help mid-career architects advance to the next level of firm leadership. We encourage all attendees to invite an industry colleague to attend a Networking Happy Hour after the panel so you can begin practicing your newly learned business development skills!

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how you can begin your network of connections that will lead to business opportunities.
• Identify tools to create your own approach to business development.
• Summarize ways to nuture relationships when project work isn't happening.
• Analyze ways that these efforts can be translated into internal office advocacy and promotion.
   

Presented by: 

Philip Dickinson, Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield

Philip Dickinson is a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield focused on Landlord and Tenant Representation across the DMV. Phil previously served as the Director of Office Leasing at Washington REIT, managing the company’s 2.7 million square foot Washington, DC and Suburban Maryland office portfolio. His prior stops at the Wiley Companies, ProLogis, and Archstone-Smith covered all facets of the real estate field including due diligence, sales, development, and acquisitions. Phil lives in Washington DC with his wife Emily Dickinson (HKS Architects), and two daughers, Alice and Charlotte. 

Rob Holzbach, FAIA, Principal, Director of Commercial Office, Hickok Cole

Rob’s career took off upon joining Hickok Cole in 2004. He rose through the ranks as an architect and designer before setting his sights on firm leadership and ultimately landing his current role as Principal and Director of Commercial Architecture. He embraces our Work that Matters mindset and believes every project should add value beyond expectations; for the owner and end users, as much as for the local neighborhood and broader community. Rob extends that commitment to maintaining and improving our unique culture, having been responsible for recruitment and retention for over a decade. Today, he works with the DEI Council and represents leadership as a general advisor on and champion of its initiatives. Rob is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows -one of the highest honors bestowed by the AIA upon its members. Rob’s favorite way to unwind is with his wife, son, and two high-energy Weimaraners, trekking through the woods or playing in the backyard. After that, a gin martini wouldn’t hurt—straight up, with a twist… stirred, not shaken.

Laura Kilpatrick, Industry Manager, Whiting Turner

Laura Kilpatrick is a Senior Industry Coordinator at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, based in Greenbelt, Maryland. In her role, she is responsible for coordinating various industry-related activities and projects, ensuring smooth operations and effective communication within the company. Laura has a strong background in the construction industry and has been a key player in managing and supporting large-scale projects.

Elizabeth Ward, Marketing Manager, Quinn Evans

Elizabeth Ward has worked in marketing and design in various capacities throughout her multi-faceted career spanning the agency world to the present day AEC industry. After earning a Masters in Interior Design from the Corcoran College of Art and Design, she gained experience on the technical side before transitioning back to marketing. Elizabeth feels building and maintaining relationships is critical not only for project success but also for winning future work.

Organized by:

ACEL Committee

Sponsored by: 

Whiting Turner