Member Spotlight | Julia Pluff
Posted by [email protected] on Sep. 10, 2025 / Subscribe 0
In a dual role at Farnsworth Group, Julia serves as the Director of Business Development for Missouri and Southern Illinois, as well as the Grants Manager nationwide. Farnsworth is a full-service AE firm providing everything from planning through architectural and engineering design and commissioning. The Grants Group helps clients identify and secure funding for their projects.
Julia has been a member of SMPS for 9 years-which doesn’t seem possible! She was involved with committees for several years before officially becoming a member. On the board level, Julia served as Membership Director, Treasurer, Director at Large, and President. And now, she is Past President as of September 1!
What are your thoughts about being president this year? What do you think was one of the most outstanding things about this year?
Serving as President of the SMPS St. Louis Chapter was a great experience. We have an incredible board and a wonderfully engaged membership, which made the year both less stressful and more rewarding. I think one of the best things about the year was seeing 30 members from our chapter attend Amplify. It speaks to the quality of programming SMPS National was able to secure for Amplify, but more, I think it is indicative of the quality of our members. They are dedicated to continually learning how to improve their job performance and are willing to invest the time and resources necessary to do so. The AEC firms in St. Louis are lucky to have them.
Since joining the chapter 9 years ago this month, what reasons do you give someone thinking about joining SMPS?
SMPS is one of the first organizations I became involved with when I entered the AEC world. It’s still one of the two organizations that takes up the bulk of my time. If you are looking for information and connections to help you do your job better, join SMPS. You’ll join a group of marketing and business development professionals who are so generous with their time and advice. You’ll hear from clients and potential clients, meet teaming partners and attend programs with information on upcoming projects and the latest industry trends.
What led you to a career in the AEC Industry?
A random conversation with a friend who happened to own an engineering firm. He was thinking about adding a BD person and I was thinking about a new job!
When not working, what are three things you enjoy doing?
Reading, gardening and binging old Law and Order episodes.
What is one thing that someone might be surprised to know about you?
I once competed against Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Spoiler: I lost. By a lot
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