ZweigWhite survey to be released on A/E/P industry bright spot –international markets.

Jul 18, 2011

Press Release: July 18, 2011 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (July 18, 2011) – The A/E industry has seen some of the most challenging times ever on record for the post-WWII generation. One A/E revenue bright spot continues to be the international market. Some countries are experiencing explosive development growth, often in areas where the industry is stagnant in the U.S. DeStefano Partners in Chicago, Ill., is an architecture, urban planning, and interior design firm has participated in projects in China, Vietnam, and South Korea for almost 15 years. CEO Scott Sarver told the June 20 issue of The Zweig Letter, ZweigWhite’s weekly management publication, “We wanted to have more than one leg to stand on… and want clients who will build in bad times and good times. “Overseas work sort of hedges our bets; generally, if things are bad here, they’re good overseas, and vice versa,” Sarver said. “To be frank, our overseas work has been a real benefit for us through the recession.” Entering the international market, however, can seem a daunting task; the stakes are higher, and the investments of time and effort for business development can be bigger. But the eventual revenue payoff can also be bigger, making international work a worthy investment. To navigate these challenges, a firm needs a resource that goes beyond benchmarking statistics and provides invaluable advice from those who have already gotten their feet wet working in the international market. ZweigWhite is publishing a comprehensive report, the 2011-2012 International A/E Survey and Outlook that will include all the latest data on U.S. firm activity in the international design and environmental consulting industry, along with industry projections and insightful analysis. Language, culture, methods of doing business, local laws, contracts, insurance, and even the possible purchase of influence from local officials are all concerns for any A/E firm doing business in the A/E market, and this publication will clearly demonstrate methods for handling these challenges. Without the knowledge of the ins and outs of working outside the U.S., you can’t sell the project, do the work, or properly manage any new venture. If your firm is already active abroad, you can see how you up against the experience of your peers. Take the guesswork out of working in the international A/E market with the 2011-2012 International A/E Industry Survey & Outlook of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms. The survey’s release date is Sept.30, 2011. For more information on the 2011-2012 International A/E Industry Survey & Outlook of Architecture, Engineering, Planning & Environmental Consulting Firms visit www.zweigwhite.com/surveys. Press Contact: Christina Zweig christinaz@zweigwhite.com www.zweigwhite.com

About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in AEC firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include: Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas.