What if the AEC industry’s biggest challenge isn’t a staffing shortage—but a work model problem?In this episode of Activating Curiosity™, Ryan Ware sits down with Erin Fantozz, Founder of EFDesigns, to explore how architecture and construction firms are navigating a deeper shift in leadership, change management, and the future of work.As workforce pressure continues across the AEC industry, many firms focus on hiring more people without rethinking how work is structured. This conversation challenges that assumption—highlighting why aligning talent to projects, not payroll, may be a more effective path forward.Drawing from her journey through traditional practice and into building a decentralized workforce model, Erin shares how flexible, fractional teams can improve efficiency, reduce overhead, and better support both firms and individuals.Together, they unpack the real barriers to change—outdated business models, communication gaps, and deeply rooted assumptions around billable hours, proximity, and control.This episode is about more than workforce strategy—it’s about leadership. How we create clarity, build trust, and lead change in a way that allows teams to adapt and perform in an evolving industry.Because the future of work in AEC isn’t just about finding talent—it’s about building a model that actually works. What you’ll learn: Why the AEC workforce challenge is really a work model issue  How decentralized teams can improve efficiency and flexibility  The limitations of billable hours and traditional staffing models  Why communication—not proximity—drives performance  How leadership mindset impacts adoption of new work models Chapters01:45 - Early career and the 2020 shift05:30 - Why the 40-hour model breaks down10:15 - Communication vs proximity15:30 - The real issue: how work is structured20:30 - From staffing firms to staffing projects26:00 - Building a decentralized workforce32:00 - Leadership, flexibility, and trust38:00 - Rethinking the future of work in AECGuestErin Fantozz is Founder of EFDesigns, a strategic BIM execution firm helping architecture practices scale without adding internal staff.After experiencing burnout in traditional practice, she built a flexible, fractional model that aligns talent to projects instead of payroll—helping firms increase capacity without the constraints of hiring.Her work focuses on decentralized teams, leadership mindset shifts, and redefining how work gets done across the AEC industry.https://www.efdesigns.co/New Lyfe AccountingFree Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goalsConnective Consulting Group Helping construction leaders simplify change, strengthen trust, and move forward with clarity. New Lyfe AccountingFree Diagnostic ($500 value) for Activating Curiosity Listeners by NLA, to help your financial goalsDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave feedback or stories to share? Drop us a note—we’re listening!Follow Ryan at the following: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llchttps://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/https://connective-coaching.com/https://ryanware.me/Don't miss out on future episodes! Follow & subscribe now to our newsletter and stay informed about the latest trends and insights in the construction industry.If this show helps you, please consider supporting it. Just $3/month helps cover production and keeps the conversations going.⭐ “Love the show? Toss some stars my way, it’s the easiest applause ever.