Inside ENR's Rankings: What AEC Firms Should Focus On

Episode notes

In Steven Gallo's inaugural episode as Spill the Ink co-host, we're launching a new series diving into the premier awards and rankings programs across the AEC industry. First up is Engineering News-Record's (ENR) prestigious top lists and survey rankings. Emell Derra Adolphus, Senior Editor of ENR Top Lists and Survey Rankings, joins Steven to demystify the submission process and share key takeaways for firms participating in ENR's programs. With more than five years managing ENR's rankings and a decade of journalism experience, Emell offers an insider perspective on how submissions are evaluated, why honest reporting about challenges creates better industry outcomes, and how firms can leverage the competitive intelligence they receive. The conversation also explores pressing industry trends, from skilled labor shortages to AI adoption, and practical advice for firms navigating supply chain uncertainty and market volatility in 2026.

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