As we enter the Thanksgiving, it’s a natural moment for showing appreciation to the people who help move our industry forward. The AEC community is built on teamwork, trust, and an incredible amount of hard work happening behind the scenes. From craft workers in the field to office teams, subcontractors, and owners, every project depends on a network of dedicated professionals.
This season offers a perfect opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and strengthen the relationships that make our work possible. Here are some people to keep in mind to thank and a few ways firms can show gratitude in meaningful, lasting ways.
Recognizing Field Teams
Our field teams are at the heart of project delivery, often working long hours and braving tough weather to keep jobs on track. A small gesture can go a long way—whether it’s a warm onsite lunch, seasonal treats, branded cold-weather gear, or a simple but sincere thank-you during morning huddles. Highlighting crews in company newsletters or social posts can also give teams well-deserved recognition and boost jobsite morale.
Appreciating Office Staff, PMs, and Support Teams
Behind every successful project are estimators, project managers, coordinators, and administrative staff keeping everything running smoothly. Personalized notes from leadership, meeting shoutouts, or even an early-release day around the holiday can communicate appreciation. Investing in professional development is another powerful way to say thank you—showing that growth and opportunity matter.
Thanking Subcontractors & Trade Partners
Strong subcontractor relationships are essential in AEC. A quick phone call, a year-end appreciation message, or a public thank-you post can reinforce how important these partners are to project success. Some firms also host appreciation breakfasts or create recognition programs to celebrate exceptional teamwork and safety performance.
Showing Appreciation to Owners
A thoughtful thank-you to clients and owners helps strengthen long-term relationships. Whether through handwritten notes, a small token of appreciation, or invitations to project milestones, gestures that express gratitude help reinforce trust and partnership—especially as firms look ahead to next year’s pipeline.
Celebrating Project Milestones as Shared Wins
Thanksgiving is a great time to spotlight the progress your team has made throughout the year—topping-out ceremonies, project completions, and groundbreakings all provide opportunities to highlight contributions across the entire project team. Sharing milestone photos or short recap videos helps everyone feel part of something meaningful.
Meaningful Thanks Doesn’t Have to Be Big
Even small gestures matter. Social media shoutouts, thank-you boards in the office, or peer-to-peer recognition can help create a culture of appreciation. Gratitude doesn’t require a big budget—it requires intention.
This time of year reminds us that success in AEC is never achieved alone. It’s the result of countless hands, ideas, and partnerships working together to create something lasting. As we give thanks, we also strengthen the foundation for collaboration, retention, and resilience in the year ahead.
From all of us at SLC3, thank you for the work you do every day—and happy Thanksgiving.
