ABOUT US
Donna Gaines Consulting (DGC), is a full-service consulting firm led by Donna Gaines as CEO, for businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. DGC offers a wide range of in-house and outsourced services ranging from talent acquisition strategy, recruiting, compensation analysis, and outsourced staffing to team-building/coaching, and marketing/digital communications.
With a commitment to delivering consistent, efficient results, and a devotion to listening to our clients, Donna Gaines Consulting offers your business unparalleled resources and a commitment to connecting you to lasting solutions that will allow your company to flourish.
Meet our CEO | Donna Gaines
Donna Gaines was the Founder and Managing Partner of a well-established recruitment firm... bringing with her decades of experience in executive search and candidate placement in the architecture, design, engineering and construction industries. Donna gives a unique sensibility to executive and management recruitment and understands the impact of architecture and design on cultures and societies.
Donna completed an intensive entrepreneur program at the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Business and established her firm as the trusted name in the industry. Donna has been tremendously successful in the markets her firm serves. Over the years she has moved into ancillary markets with expanding opportunities for candidate recruitment. She has been active in several industry associations such as: AIA, IIDA and Women in Planning and Development. Donna frequently writes and gives presentations focused on strategic hiring and management practices within the executive search and design fields. Today, her desire to continually grow and develop professionally has led her to pursue certification as a Certified Professional Coactive Coach.
In addition to executive oversight of the firm she founded, Donna has also provided transition planning and coaching services to architectural firm owners and Principals contemplating exiting their firms, focusing on readiness strategies for the business and owners. She has now returned to a leadership position with the firm she founded and is continuing to build, Donna Gaines Consulting.
our partners
Talent Acquisition: AEC Search is a full-service talent acquisition firm that consists of the best AEC specialists in the industry. Their team works diligently to identify and attract highly qualified candidates for senior roles and C-suite positions. They also help prepare job descriptions and target profiles, screen prospects, introduce high performers to your organization, build the approach and offer strategy, help with onboarding, consult on market compensation and benefits, and more. With getting to know your organization and its cultural nuances at the forefront, they offer objective, prudent counsel to both your organization and candidates so you can choose performers ready to contribute immediately.
Design, BIM, and Architectural Services: Ensemble – founded in 2021 by Brian Dyches is an award-winning Design, BIM, and Architectural delivery services firm. Brian is an international authority and leader in the A+D world who has spoken globally on subjects such as BIM, International Design and Experience, and Digital Engagement in the built environment. A network of nearly 250 experts spread across 5-continents, Ensemble and its Executive team is comprised of industry experts gathered from decades of global work and participation.
Marketing, Branding, Digital Communication: TÆNKE Marketing – founded in 2016 by Tamara Jensen, an AEC industry veteran with experience as a Manager, Director, VP, and CMO at firms including HOK, CRTKL, Perkins+Will, Wight & Company, and MB Real Estate – is our go-to partner for marketing strategy and implementation. Catering to small and mid-sized AEC firms anywhere in the U.S., TÆNKE Marketing offers Consulting Chief Marketing Officer (CCMO) and outsourced Marketing Director services, as well as comprehensive marketing agency services through its network of creative resources.
Leadership Development, Intentional Culture, Communication & Mindset: Mainstay Leadership – founded in 2022 by Danielle Mairs, a trusted advisor with an impressive background in leadership, non-profits and sports – is our go-to partner for people development and culture enhancement. Catering to a plethora of public and private companies across varying industries, Mainstay Leadership exists to help build empowered and connected organizations. Because when people are empowered at work (and in life) they show up differently in the world.
A/E/C Business Success: PSMJ Resources, Inc. is the global leader in business practices, performance improvement advice, and data for the architecture and engineering industry. For 50 years, top A/E/C firm executives have counted on PSMJ for Project Manager training, strategic plan consulting, benchmark survey reports, leadership and Principals coaching, ownership transition planning, mergers & acquisitions, and much more. Our team of advisors have led A/E/C firms to peak profitability and growth, and stand ready to share their proven success secrets, processes, and solutions.