An Expanding Network
of Independent Engineers & Architects
Bridging a growing gap in our industry by providing a framework for Architects and Engineers to thrive without the need for the back-office support of a large firm.
Why
To create prosperity for design professionals, the industry, and the world.
What
A Public Benefit Company providing a freelance business structure
that enables independent Architects and Engineers to thrive in business.
How
By bringing new thinking and work environments to the
design industry and rewarding a culture of collaboration.
The Problem
In today’s A&E industry, the value of design professionals is often overlooked, reduced to mere commodities in pursuit of increased profit margins. Despite their expertise and education, professionals find themselves undervalued, with their fair market value stagnating over the past four decades.
This trend has led to a significant drop in their market value, sometimes as low as one-fourth of what they should be earning. Consequently, dissatisfaction runs rampant, leading to shortages and a mass exodus from the industry, with a staggering 57% of graduating engineers seeking more lucrative career paths.
This crisis has far-reaching implications, posing a threat to our infrastructure, economy, and our future generations’ interest in the field. Many professionals are exploring freelance opportunities to escape the constraints of traditional firms, only to find themselves burdened by the complexities of self-employment.
Managing the business side of freelancing can consume up to 50% of their time, leaving limited hours for billable work and diminishing the appeal of this alternative.
Human Convenience
The single largest adverse impact to our planet is the endeavor for human convenience. The subsequent maintenance and furtherance of human convenience is a cultural and societal choice.
Society turns to Engineers and Architects to deliver these conveniences. Human demands for convenience will not wane.
Therefore, it is logical that the future of reducing society’s adverse impact will substantially rely on a cultural shift within the genius of the designers.
Scott A. Zurn P.E.
CEO & Founder of Level Design Partners
Our Solution
Our approach is simple yet transformative: we provide a toolkit crafted specifically for architects and engineers, equipping them with the resources and support they need to succeed independently, without the constraints of traditional firm structures.
Through customized business platforms, innovative marketing strategies, and targeted education, we’re putting the power and flexibility back into the hands of design professionals.
But, we’re building more than just a service — we’re cultivating a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about excelling in their field while earning fair value for their expertise.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual support, we’re redefining the industry from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of people, business, and design working in harmony.
As a Public Benefit Company, our mission goes beyond just turning a profit. We’re committed to creating prosperity not only for design professionals but also for the industry as a whole and, ultimately, for the world.
Level Design Partners isn’t just a solution to the challenges facing the design industry — it’s a catalyst for positive change, driven by a passion for innovation, sustainability, collaboration, and success.
Join us as we embark on this journey to redefine what it means to be a design professional in the 21st century.
Listen
With Hosts Scott Zurn, P.E. & Miles Hanson
The Level Design Podcast is a podcast for Architects and Engineers who want to thrive in this industry by creating more freedom, fulfillment and financial security.
Join us in uncovering how to restore value and honor to the unique people who choose to be designers and caretakers of our built world and why it’s essential to the future of our society, our industry, and our planet.
Scott is a professional Engineer with over 3 decades of experience and Founder of Level Design Partners.
