Private equity investment in the design and construction industry has moved from an emerging trend to a defining market force. Driven by sustained infrastructure spending, consolidation opportunities in a fragmented sector, and founder succession challenges, PE firms are now deeply embedded across construction managers, specialty contractors, designers, and developers.
This webinar will examine why private equity is targeting the AEC sector now—and what that ownership means in practice. Panelists will explore the upside of PE investment, including access to capital, scale, and professionalized operations, while focusing on the real-world frictions that arise when financial expectations meet project-driven delivery models.
The discussion will address where PE assumptions often clash with construction realities—cash flow, risk allocation, KPIs, and long-duration projects—as well as the cultural, operational, and governance pressures that follow an acquisition. Particular attention will be given to vertical integration, conflicts of interest, licensing and regulatory constraints, and independence concerns, especially on public sector and complex projects.
Moderator:
• Frank Giunta - Partner, HKA (PE Owned)
Panelists:
• Michael Vardaro - Managing Partner, Zetlin de Chiara
• Patricia Harris - Special Counsel, Zetlin de Chiara
• Dan Link - SVP of Operations, VARCOMAC (PE Owned)
Continuing Education:
CMCI Recertification Points: 1
Professional Development Hours (PDH): 1