The Win-Win Isn’t a Myth

Why true success in our industry means lifting each other up—even when we’re technically competitors.

“There’s a winner and a loser in everything.” That’s what we’re taught. Whether it's sports, business, politics, or even playground games, we grow up steeped in the idea that success is a zero-sum game. You either win… or you don’t. And in many ways, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry reflects that same mindset. We compete hard. We pitch hard. We protect our ground.

But what if that narrative is doing more harm than good? What if the real win comes when everyone involved in a project—Owners, consultants, contractors, designers—can walk away proud, respected, and energized for the next challenge? What if the real win comes when everyone in the industry succeeds, demonstrating the real value of services? 

At Waypoint Strategies, we believe the win-win isn’t just possible. It’s essential.

Starting Waypoint Strategies meant stepping into a competitive space.

When I launched Waypoint Strategies as a division of Schmidt Associates, a lot of people were excited—but many also raised eyebrows.

“You’re going to be in direct competition with a lot of people you’ve worked with before.”

“That space is already crowded.”

“Isn’t that going to get… awkward?”

And sure, the Owner’s rep space is competitive. But here’s the thing: I don’t see our work as a battle for clients. I see it as a shared opportunity to elevate the standard of how we serve Owners, how we lead projects, and how we show up for one another in a tough, high-stakes industry.

Great outcomes require great teams—period.

Once the project starts, all the proposals and positioning fall away. What matters most is how people show up and work together. How we communicate. How we listen. How we problem-solve under pressure.

Drawing clear roles and responsibilities is critical—but so is operating with a spirit of collaboration and shared accountability.

At Waypoint Strategies, we’re not interested in “looking good” at the expense of someone else. We’re interested in finding solutions, keeping things moving, and making sure the Owner’s vision is never lost in the noise. Because when a project succeeds, everyone benefits. It’s not just a project—it’s a reputation.

The AEC industry is built on relationships and reputation. And reputations are shaped not by awards or flashy headlines—but by how you treat people when things get hard.

We believe in:

• Sharing credit

• Owning mistakes

• Communicating with clarity and respect

• Supporting one another—even when we’re on competing teams

This mindset doesn’t make us soft. It makes us better.

A rising tide really does raise all ships.

One of our goals at Waypoint Strategies is to raise the bar—not just for our own work, but for the industry as a whole. When we all commit to integrity, care, and collaboration, everyone gets better. Owners have better experiences. Teams function with more trust. Projects deliver greater impact.

The win-win is real. And we’re here for it.

The takeaway?

In this work, competition will always exist—but it doesn’t have to be cutthroat. When we collaborate instead of isolate, we all win: the Owner, the team, and the industry. If you believe success is something we build together, not apart—we’d love to work with you.

Let’s connect and talk about your next project.