The Shortlist

Welcome to The Shortlist! We are exploring all things AEC marketing and answering listener questions to provide best practices and fresh ideas for marketing strategies to help your firm win the shortlist. New episodes drop each Wednesday. Listen as the team from Middle of Six shares their thoughts on proposals, interviews, websites, social media, marketing planning, business development, and countless other tactics that architecture, engineering, and construction firms rely on to grow their businesses and build strong brands.

All Episodes

The Shortlist

Planning Ahead for Award Submittals

July 02, 2025 • Middle of Six • Season 4 • Episode 73

Award season can sneak up fast, but with the right planning, your next submittal doesn’t have to be a scramble. In this episode of The Shortlist, host Wendy Simmons chats with Julie Flattery and Lauren Jane Peterson, two experienced AEC marketers who have led dozens of award submissions from inside architecture firms.

They break down what makes a submission truly compelling, starting with early planning and thoughtful project selection. From evaluating ROI to capturing project data before it disappears, the best submittals start long before the deadline. Julie and Lauren Jane also share practical advice on quantifying impact, crafting standout narratives, and aligning content with what jurors care most about, including innovation, sustainability, and community value.

Whether you’re chasing an AIA award or crafting a marketing win, this episode is your roadmap for award submittal success—without the last-minute chaos.

CPSM CEU Credits: 0.5 | Domain: 2