Richard Honored Alongside Industry Giants Gensler and WJE at Chicago Marketing Awards

90-day company rebrand for 10th anniversary earns recognition as one of only three winners in prestigious competition

CHICAGO, IL – Richard, a purpose-driven construction firm, has been honored at the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Chicago Excellence in Marketing Awards, earning recognition as one of only three AEC companies selected out of a record number of submissions this year. The firm shares this prestigious distinction with global architecture leader Gensler and renowned engineering firm WJE, with Richard winning for Corporate Identity.

The Excellence in Marketing Awards represent the region's most prestigious recognition for marketing excellence in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Richard's award recognizes the company's remarkable achievement of executing a complete company rebrand and comprehensive content strategy in under 90 days to align with the company's 10-year anniversary on October 23, 2024.

This transformation repositioned the company from a veteran-owned small business focused primarily on federal work to a purpose-driven leader expanding into private sector opportunities. The winning campaign centered on five strategic goals: repositioning from "Richard Group" to "Richard" and establishing the company as "purpose builders" in the construction industry; democratizing construction by making the industry accessible and relatable; developing comprehensive digital content strategy across website, social media, email newsletter, and blog; supporting market expansion from federal-focused work into healthcare, multi-family, and light industrial private markets; and integrating culture by honoring veteran heritage while attracting top talent and high-value clients.

"I'm thrilled to congratulate our marketing team for this prestigious award," said Jed Richard, CEO of Richard. "In early 2024, we initiated a groundbreaking transformation that maintained our core values while redefining our messaging for national scale. I'm especially proud of Colleen Richardson's leadership, Karolina Daunora's contributions despite joining us just six months ago, and our partnership with Alina Diaz and One Collective agency, who delivered exceptional brand identity and marketing needs tailored to our vision."

The competition featured some of the most respected firms in the region, including Klein & Hoffman, HUSARCH, RJN Group, MUSE Community + Design, FGM Architects, SCB, Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, and Kluber Architects + Engineers. Richard's recognition alongside industry titan Gensler – one of the most recognized architecture firms in the world – demonstrates the firm's elevated market position following its strategic brand transformation.

"We identified a unique opportunity to reshape how construction is perceived while honoring our veteran heritage," said Colleen Richardson, Head of Marketing at Richard. "This recognition validates that meaningful disruption comes through authentic storytelling. Our CEO envisioned this transformation, and I'm incredibly proud to have brought that vision to life alongside our talented team."

Richard praised the marketing team's leadership, noting that "the results have brought us more meaning and impact in our industry."

Pictured: SMPS President, Noula Frigelis, Colleen Richardson, Richard Head of Marketing, Karolina Daunora, Richard Marketing Proposal Manager, Katie Morris, SMPS Education Director and Jennifer Graham, SMPS President-Elect

About SMPS Chicago The Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) is the only marketing organization dedicated exclusively to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. As one of the largest SMPS chapters in the country, SMPS Chicago represents over 200 marketing and business development professionals from the top contractors, architects, engineers, and consulting firms across the Midwest. The organization's member firms encompass 80% of the Engineering News Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors.

About Richard Established in 2014, Richard is a nationally recognized, purpose-driven general contracting company headquartered in Chicago, IL. Founded by veteran Jed Richard, the award-winning company builds efficient and dynamic spaces that advance community, sustainability, and well-being nationwide. As the largest repairer of Legionella for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Richard brings specialized expertise in water system safety and environmental health to all projects. Richard has consistently earned recognition from Inc. and Crain's Chicago Business as one of the Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work, delivering transformative projects including patient care facilities, data centers, governmental buildings, and water treatment centers. Founded on a mission to make an impact, Richard combines speed, simplicity, and safety with deep expertise to ensure communities can work, heal, live, and thrive. For more information, visit richardgroup.com.

Media Contact: Colleen Richardson, media@richardgroup.com