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Inside the Success of 2024 The Phelix Firm Leader Chad Billings

Posted by sreynolds on Jun. 16, 2025  /  Chapter News, Best Practices  /  Subscribe 0

Chad Billings – Firm Leader Award

Chad Billings, Principal at DFDG, was selected as the 2024 Phelix Firm Leader for his leadership roles in AEC organizations, teaching roles at ASU, SMPS involvement, and leadership qualities. Not only is he strategic, but he is also empathetic, working to drive change and bring people together. Known for his quick humor and sharp insights, Chad has a knack for lightening the mood in any professional setting. He drives home the understanding that to be successful, everyone must be engaged in marketing and business development.

We had an opportunity to catch up with Chad recently to get his take on the importance of having a cohesive, connected team and why he thinks his team is “award winning” as well.

“As a leader, the only way to win a project is to submit a good proposal, developed by a strong Business Development and Marketing Team. It is up to these individuals to provide value in a way others don’t. They must understand the clients’ needs and have the talent and ability to show unique strengths, through verbal and nonverbal content and imagery.”

Chad talked about how the entirety of the industry is evolving, and submissions are becoming more and more competitive. Due such, it is imperative that teams have both a strong internal pull, and an organization to turn to for additional resources to “up the game.” This is why he is both supportive and outspoken about the benefits of SMPS involvement – for business developers and marketers alike.

Winning takes a long haul, both in the building of the SOQ and in preparing for the interview. He heavily encourages collaboration between his business development and marketing teams, as they know the brand personality more than others.

Chad also spoke on the importance of research tag-teaming. If pursuing higher education for example, knowing the current campus architect would be very advantageous. When leadership changes, the vision is likely to change as well. By having someone plighting these relationships on the outside, while another team member researches the history of the client and changing needs of the market from the inside, a firm can have a much more concrete, full-scope proposal response.

Chad was unaware that he was nominated for Firm Leader and genuinely likes helping people grow. He felt blessed that his mentees recommended him and said of others thinking of submitting, that they should do so with pride and confidence. Being recognized shows that efforts have been seen and appreciated, something marketers especially do not get to hear, feel or see often enough.

About Chad Billlings

Chad Billings serves as Vice President and Director of Sustainability at DFDG Architecture, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in designing innovative buildings and environments for municipalities, higher education, and commercial clients. A passionate advocate for the next generation of architects and designers, Chad also shares his knowledge as an adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, where he provides graduate students with valuable, real-world insights into sustainability, structures, and building systems. 

An early adopter and leader in sustainable design, Chad holds both LEED AP and WELL AP credentials, being among the first in Arizona to achieve WELL accreditation. His deep understanding of user experience has driven his commitment to creating spaces that enhance human well-being while minimizing environmental impact. More recently, Chad has embraced Trauma Informed Design (TID), an emerging paradigm that challenges traditional design thinking by prioritizing human resilience and mental health. 

With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University, Chad is a trusted thought leader who encourages designers to question, adapt, and strive for better solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

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