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In our member spotlight, Anna Lucas, sat down for a virtual chat with the Society. Anna, who’s director of business development for Boomerang Design, has been in the AEC industry for close to four decades and an SMPS member for more than 16 years.
Please share some recent professional-related news that you’re proud of? I’m proud to be part of Boomerang Design, especially as we move through the process of becoming a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). This milestone reflects our commitment to diversity, leadership, and growth. Being part of this journey is both exciting and meaningful, as it strengthens our position in the marketplace while reinforcing our dedication to opportunity and inclusion.
What has been some of your most meaningful projects? My most meaningful projects include the University of South Carolina Baseball Stadium: As a business developer, I helped coordinate the team, researched the project, assisted with the Statement of Qualifications, and helped the team with the interview to win the project. Another meaningful project was the Midlands Technical College-Academic Center: As an interior designer, I was on the team to design the interiors for the 80,000-square-foot facility, and recently Boomerang Design was hired to renovate several spaces in the building.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve received? Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve given? Follow your passion by determining your skills. Make it a priority to help others throughout your career. Offer support, share knowledge, and be generous with your time. Not only does this build meaningful professional relationships, but it also strengthens your reputation and network. You never know where someone’s career path may lead. The encouragement or assistance you provide today may come full circle in the future.
Why is SMPS membership important to you? Being involved with SMPS has helped me grow my professional network and leadership skills. I have been a member of three different chapters: With SMPS Palmetto, I was chapter president, served on the Membership Committee, Sponsorship Committee, and was on the SMPS SERC Conference Committee; with SMPS Research Triangle, I served as a mentor for two years; with SMPS Charlotte, I am now on the Outreach Committee.
How has being a member helped you, your career, and your firm? SMPS has played a significant role in my professional growth and in strengthening my firm’s business development efforts. Through my involvement with SMPS, I’ve developed the confidence and leadership skills necessary to step into a business development leadership role within my firm.
SMPS has also provided valuable insight, particularly around developing and implementing effective strategic plans. The education, resources, and peer connections I’ve gained have helped our firm approach business development more proactively and strategically rather than reactively. As a result, we are better positioned to identify opportunities, pursue the right projects, and build meaningful client relationships.
Overall, SMPS has not only elevated my individual career path but has also strengthened our firm’s approach to long-term growth and strategic positioning.
Which SMPS member benefits or resources have helped you? The benefits and resources from SMPS have been extremely valuable to my professional growth. I regularly attend both virtual and in-person meetings across several SMPS chapters at member pricing, which has expanded my network and exposure to diverse perspectives within the industry.
Additionally, SMPS provides strong guidance through information sharing, research, and best practices available in MySMPS. These resources keep me informed, connected, and better equipped to contribute strategically to my firm’s business development and marketing efforts.
What would you still like to accomplish in your career? I would like to continue serving as a mentor to young professionals in the AEC industry. Supporting emerging leaders, sharing lessons learned, and helping them navigate their career paths is something I find both meaningful and rewarding. Mentorship plays a critical role in strengthening our industry, and I’m committed to investing time and guidance to help the next generation grow with confidence and purpose.
Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about you. I am an NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer and have been married almost 40 years.
What’s on your bucket list? I have two: Going to Italy for our 40th wedding anniversary and to live near the beach.
Guilty pleasure: what can you not live without? I cannot live without people. I’m a connector and need others to thrive.