2026 Board Member Spotlight: Laurel Ehsai, President Elect

Tell us about your firm:
SpawGlass is a 100 percent employee-owned, Texas-based construction services provider. Our mission is to provide the absolute best construction experience by operating based on the principles of the SpawGlass Way: Build Trust, Be Professional, Live Teamwork, Be Passionate and Think Like an Owner. With a team of qualified professionals, SpawGlass is structured to provide services throughout every phase of construction. From initial advising and consulting to post-occupancy through facility maintenance and renovations, we customize our services to fit the specific needs of each client.

How did you get your start in the A/E/C industry?
I entered the A/E/C world almost by accident, taking what I thought would be just a simple job, on summer break, almost 30 years ago. Instead, that experience opened a passion and a future I didn’t even know I existed. Seeing projects take shape from the ground up and watching teams turn drawings into something real was the spark that set me on my path. That summer wasn’t just a job, it was the moment I realized how much I loved the challenge and creativity of construction and it ultimately set the course for my entire career.

What is one strategic priority the board is focused on this year, and why does it matter?
Actively increasing awareness about the A/E/C industry is an SMPS San Antonio Board priority because it directly impacts a member’s experience, development, organizational cohesion, and the Society’s ability to prepare A/E/C professionals for the next step in their careers.

How do you see the role of marketing and business development evolving in our industry?
SMPS San Antonio’s vision is “Business transformed through marketing leadership”. That means, marketing and business development are crucial to a company’s success. That also means, these roles must be consistently growing in order to facilitate that transformation. AI is streamlining and automating the industry. Marketing teams can be more efficient and business development can be readily prepared with data to interface with clients. All of that can’t replace the personalized outreach and relationship building that only a human-to-human interaction can achieve. Real success comes from pairing AI-driven capability with genuine people skills. SMPS San Antonio is expanding the ways our members and industry peers connect, build relationships, elevate expertise and advance the A/E/C profession.