Building the Foundation Behind the Facade

In engineering, construction, and real estate, the world focuses on the exterior—the groundbreaking projects, the changing skylines, the closed deals. But we know the truth about the smaller, culture-driven firms that power this industry: the real foundation isn’t made of steel or glass; it’s made of people.

In a boutique real estate firm or a family-owned construction company, the office environment is personal. The team is tight-knit, the pace is rapid, and everyone wears multiple hats.

We know that project success hinges on more than just technical expertise—it requires a seamless operational foundation. At Schechter Reed, we specialize in sourcing the high-caliber administrative and operations talent that keeps your firm moving. From Executive Assistants who manage complex project schedules to Operations Directors who streamline multi-state developments, we connect industry leaders with the ‘A-player’ support staff necessary to drive growth and maintain a competitive edge.

We are a specialized recruiting partner that understands the unique “heart” of these familial firms. We don’t just match resumes to job descriptions; we match personalities to cultures. We find the operational and administrative talent that keeps the business organized while making the office feel like home.

Professional executive assistant reviewing construction blueprints and project schedules in a modern real estate office

Why Executive Support Talent Matters in AEC and Real Estate

For the Principals and CEOs of Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Real Estate firms, the pressure is unique. You are often splitting time between muddy job sites, high-stakes client pitches, and zoning hearings. When you are the face of the firm, you cannot afford to be buried in the back office.

In a smaller office, if the administrative engine stalls, everyone feels it. Invoices get delayed, proposals lack polish, and the culture suffers.

Hiring a high-performing Executive Assistant or Office Manager isn’t just about offloading tasks; it’s about protecting the leadership’s time. We place professionals who understand how to manage the complex logistics of a Principal’s life with warmth, discretion, and absolute reliability.

For example, hiring the right support staff in this sector can lead to the following:

  • Leadership is focused. Your Executive Assistant to the CEO handles the calendar tetris and client gatekeeping, allowing you to focus on winning the next big project.
  • Cash flow is protected. Billing Coordinators and Accounting Specialists ensure the complex machinery of project-based invoicing keeps moving.
  • The office feels like a community. Office Managers and Director of Events ensure that the culture remains strong, celebrating wins and keeping the environment welcoming.
  • The right teams are built. Technical Recruiters and Talent Acquisition Coordinators help you compete for hard-to-find engineers and project managers in a tight labor market.

Build Your Team on a Real Foundation

In a familial firm, every hire changes the dynamic and fit is everything. We match personalities to your unique culture, finding the grounded, professional talent that keeps your cash flow protected and your job sites organized while making the office feel like home.

Book a Consultation

Tailored Recruiting and Staffing Solutions for Built-Environment Leaders

We know that in a smaller firm, “fit” is everything. A candidate needs the professional polish to handle high-net-worth clients and the grounded nature to fit into a down-to-earth team.

Executive Office & Leadership Support

The core of our practice. We find the indispensable partners who manage the lives of your leadership team:

  • The Strategic Partner: Executive Assistant to the CEO, Executive Coordinator, and OBO Operations Specialist.
  • The Flexible Support: Executive Assistant (part-time).

Office Operations, Finance & Administration

The glue that holds a busy, project-based office together:

  • Office Leadership: Office Manager, Executive Assistant/Office Manager, and Business Operations Coordinator.
  • The Front Line: Receptionist, Front Office Assistant, and Office Assistant.
  • Admin & Finance: Administrative Coordinator, Legal Administrative Assistant, Billing Coordinator, Accounting Specialist, and Data Entry.

Human Resources & Talent Acquisition

In a familial firm, your people are your greatest asset. We staff the teams that find and nurture them:

  • HR Leadership & Strategy: Organizational Development Manager, HR Consultant, and HR Generalist.
  • Talent & Culture: Recruiting Manager, Technical Recruiter, Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Employee Services Specialist, and Director of Events.
  • HR Support: HR Specialist, HR Coordinator, and Recruiting Assistant.

We find the people who fit your work family. When your office is small, every hire changes the dynamic. We pride ourselves on finding candidates who bring professional capability, genuine warmth, and the flexibility to thrive in your unique environment. Let’s build your team.

Recent Placements

Executive Assistant to Leadership Team for a Major National Trade Association

The Need: This prominent industry association needed a high-capacity Executive Assistant to support multiple executive leaders. The challenge was finding a professional capable of pivoting between complex calendar management, high-level board coordination, and external stakeholder communication with industry heavyweights.

The Placement: We placed a polished professional who now orchestrates the daily rhythm of the executive team. From preparing briefing materials and managing board meeting logistics to serving as the face of the executive office, this placement ensures that the organization’s leadership communicates with a unified, professional voice.

Strategic Executive Assistant & Project Lead for an Influential Economic Development Non-Profit

The Need: This organization required a hybrid “Chief of Staff” style partner—someone who could go beyond scheduling to incubate strategic initiatives and manage workflows. They needed a strong writer and project manager to handle board recruitment, ghostwrite executive communications, and drive organizational productivity.

The Placement: Schechter Reed recruited a strategic thinker to lead cross-cutting projects and executive priorities. This individual now supports the 501(c)(3) Board, drafts executive speeches, and identifies bottlenecks in organizational workflow, effectively allowing the leadership to focus on high-value strategy rather than operational maintenance.

Executive Coordinator for a Premier Transportation & Engineering Firm

The Need: A busy CEO required more than just a gatekeeper; they needed a true “right hand” to manage mission-critical responsibilities in a people-centric culture. The role demanded a blend of complex professional coordination and personal administrative support to maximize the CEO’s efficiency.

The Placement: Schechter Reed identified a candidate with exceptional discretion and anticipation skills. This Executive Coordinator now serves as the primary point of contact for the CEO’s office, managing everything from intricate travel logistics and expense reporting to personal errands—ensuring the CEO can focus entirely on leading the firm.