So…What does Auralis LLC do?

So…what does Auralis LLC do? This has been a question I’ve been asked - and, admittedly, dreaded.

Because if people are still asking, it means I haven’t figured out how to communicate what Auralis actually does succinctly.

But as an engineer turned small business owner, I can’t say I’m surprised. I’m wired to problem solve, not for marketing.

Still, answering this question is part of constructing the runway between what Auralis does and the value we deliver.

So…what does Auralis LLC do?

Auralis LLC is a small, woman-owned, DBE certified aviation consulting firm that specializes in helping airports and airlines deliver projects safely, efficiently, and seamlessly.

We provide Project Management, Stakeholder Coordination, Owner’s Representation, Airline Technical Representation (ATR), and Aviation Support Services.

If your head is tilting in that “uh huh, sure” way - stay with me. Here’s some examples of what those services actually look like in the industry.

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🛫 Project Management

Let’s say an airport is expanding a concourse but doesn’t have enough in-house capacity to manage it on top of day-to-day operations. That’s where Auralis steps in.

We work alongside the owner to establish the program structure - defining how decisions get made, where risks lie, and how information is communicated. We facilitate goal-setting and visioning workshops, build out the governance framework, and then manage the project through planning, design, construction, and into operations.

Auralis Project Management Services include:

• Developing project schedules, budgets, and work plans

• Leading cross-functional teams and stakeholder coordination

• Supporting procurement

• Managing contractor performance

• Regular reporting on schedule, budget, and risk

• Managing project turnover and operational readiness

  Auralis brings structure, clarity, and organization to keep complex aviation projects moving forward.

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🛫 Airline Technical Representation (ATR)

Most airports have airline use and lease agreements (AULA’s) with their signatory carriers. Those carriers help fund airport projects but rarely have the resources to monitor crucial project details at every airport.

That’s where the ATR comes in.

On a concourse expansion, for example, Auralis serves as the liaison and single point of contact between the airport and airlines to streamline coordination on crucial operational and safety requirements - from the gate envelope and ramp layout to back-of-house space and technology needs.

Auralis ATR services include:

• Facilitates communication and collaboration between airlines, airports, and project teams.

• Identifies potential risks early and recommending practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Representing the airline’s interests during design, construction, and commissioning.

• Providing technical review of designs and specifications to ensure alignment with airline needs.

• Supporting operational readiness and a smooth transition into service.

We ensure the facility works for airline operations – efficiently, safely, and within the approved scope.

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🛫 Stakeholder Coordination

Even the most “simple” airport project – say an HVAC replacement – has a myriad of impacts on operations, passengers, and tenants.

Auralis spearheads this coordination by developing a communication and shutdown plans that minimize disruptions and maintain a safety environment.

Auralis Stakeholder Coordination includes:
• Creating clear graphics and exhibits showing what’s happening, what’s impacted, and when
• Facilitating coordination between the project, facilities, operations, and security
• Developing passenger communication and signage plans
• Ensuring tenants, including airlines, know when systems - like comm rooms or gate podiums will be affected
• Building contingency plans to keep people and systems moving

Auralis ensures all work is executed per the approved and communicated plan.

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🛫 Owner’s Representation

As an Owner’s Representative, Auralis acts as your advocate - your boots on the ground and behind the scenes.

We represent your interests throughout every phase of the project to ensure it’s delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with your operational goals.

For example, if an airline club is under construction, we’ll manage the details like coordinating vendor installs, roof penetrations or verifying there’s no radar interference - the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a project running without delays.

Auralis Owner’s Rep services include:

• Managing scope, schedule, and budget on behalf of the owner

• Overseeing contractor and designer performance

• Reviewing solicitations, contracts, and design documents

• Identifying risks early and facilitating proactive resolutions

• Monitoring construction progress and compliance

• Supporting closeout and transition to operations

We safeguard your investment and ensure your project goals stay in focus.

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🛫 Operational Readiness, Activation & Transition (ORAT)

Before a new airport facility opens, Auralis ensures that everyone - from gate agents to maintenance staff - are ready to operate confidently on day one.

Our ORAT services include:
• Coordinating system testing and commissioning activities
• Developing operational and staff training materials
• Conducting readiness drills and simulations
• Supporting issue resolution and lessons-learned documentation

We don’t just build facilities; we make sure people are ready to operate them effectively.

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🛫 Aviation Support Services

Auralis is intentionally versatile. Our team has sat in many seats in the aviation world - airport owner, airline technical representative, planner, and project manager - which gives us a 360° understanding of airport environments.

Here are just a few examples of our Aviation Support Services:
• Updating snow and airfield priority maps
• Developing deicing operations manuals and training tools
• Refreshing or writing tenant design standards
• Assisting with terminal and cargo area planning
• Providing data analysis, SOP creation, graphics, and technical writing support

Our support services flex to your needs, no matter the size or scope of your project.

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The Bottom Line

At Auralis, we don’t just manage projects - we solve problems.

From planning through operations, our role is to ensure airports and airlines execute their goals and projects efficiently and collaboratively.

We bridge the technical and operational worlds – translating complex challenges into practical and easy to implement solutions.

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Because airports don’t just build infrastructure.
They build experiences - for passengers, employees, and communities.

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And Auralis is here to help improve those experiences, one project at a time.

Need help with a project? Reach out to us HERE and we’ll get a call set-up to see how we can help solve your unique challenge.

Thanks for reading!

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Window Seat Reflections from the NWAAAE Annual Conference

As I stare out the window at the fiery sunset reflecting off the clouds while descending over the Wasatch Front, I feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment – both from spending time with nearly 400 aviation professionals and from the decision to launch Auralis LLC earlier this year.

The only other flight I’ve seen with more eyes and cameras pointed out the window was when the northern lights made a surprise appearance on a red-eye somewhere over the Dakotas.

So, what’s so special about this flight?

At least twenty-five passengers are aviation professionals returning from the NWAAAE Annual Conference in Colorado Springs.  We’d spent the last few days connecting over a common passion – aviation, and the NWAAE vision:

“To engage and inspire our members by delivering innovative services and by collaborating with stakeholders to advance the aviation industry.”

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Below are a few reflections and conversations that stood out to me from this year’s event.

💡 Make the decision to Act, to Serve, and to Innovate.

In his closing remarks as Chapter President, Andrew Martz, Assistant Airport Director at Eugene Airport, encouraged us to act, to serve, and to innovate.

This message resonated deeply with me. Our industry, like many, is at a multi-faceted inflection point.

One facet being technology. With advances in advanced air mobility (AAM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), hydrogen propulsion, and AI, aviation is evolving faster than ever. Because of this, the airport industry will look dramatically different in ten years.

Another facet is institutional knowledge. Decades of experience serving airports are nearing retirement – a ‘silver tsunami,’ as Pete Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Salt Lake City International Airport put it. This is happening at a time when U.S. air travel is breaking passenger records.  

The challenge before us is clear: the next generation of airport professional must be developed, supported, and empowered to lead.

This theme had come to life earlier in the conference during a session from the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, where they shared their approach to cultivating future leaders through their Airport Leadership Academy – a thoughtful, internally developed program to prepare the next generation.

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🧩 It's the Small Things that Add Up. 

Incoming NWAAAE chapter President Tony Bean, Executive Director of Moscow-Pullman Regional Airport, shared an important reminder:

“It’s not going to be the big things; it’s going to be all the small things that accumulate.”

Tony’s words reminded me of a note I had pinned on my bulletin board in high school:

“A jug fills drop by drop.”

Back then I applied that quote to my soccer training, but it’s equally true in the industry.  Every mentoring conversation, every STEM Day we attend, and conversation about what we do is crucial to creating a stronger industry.

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🚀 Big Things Start Small

The conference included two dynamic keynote speakers who shared powerful lessons from their experiences.

Keynote speaker retired Brigadier General Kristin Goodwin reminded us that,

“Big things start small. Technology alone doesn’t bring success - it’s the people. When you take care of your people they’ll soar.”

These reminders tie back to what Auralis was built on - aligning mission and people to deliver results. Technology, innovation, and process matter, but the backbone of any project is its people. When they feel valued, trusted, and supported, the project will succeed.

And keynote Olympic javelin thrower Kara Winger shared a powerful perspective on transitions and perseverance:

“Only you know if you’re doing your best.”

“Embrace the new title - you don’t know what it’s like looking down the cliff of retirement until you do it.”

Having recently retired, Kara spoke candidly about injury recovery, and navigating life transitions.

Her story resonated deeply with me  – especially this year as I navigate the challenges of launching a new business. There are some conversations laced with judgement, but as Kara shared, only YOU know if you’re doing your best.

Auralis taking flight has been my version of standing at the edge of that cliff – and it’s been so worth it!

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❤️‍🔥 The Passion in Aviation Is Contagious

Whether it was a conversation going into the minute details of a airport project, or the sessions on air service, sustainability, or wayfinding, one thing stood out: everyone in this industry is passionate – some in very specific niches. This passion drives progress.

In an era when many large projects are awarded to mega-firms, it was inspiring to hear how Portland International Airport (PDX) and their consultants intentionally built teams rooted in collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect. PDX incorporated a local consultant with extensive wayfinding experience with industry experts.

The result? Wayfinding that truly works!

That same philosophy guides how Auralis approaches every project – by adding tangible value to teams through our diverse experience as an owner, airline technical representative (ATR), civil engineer and airport planner.

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🌍 So What Can You or Your Organization Do to Give Back?

Like many things in aviation, this is a complex challenge and requires intentional investment of time, resources, and strategic partnerships. No single person or organization can solve it alone.

At Auralis we’re taking the ‘jug fills drop by drop’ approach to become more involved and serve. Here are a few initiatives we’re pursuing:

· Serving as a TRB ACRP Ambassador to promote the wealth of research available to airports.

· Serving as a Co-Chair on the NWAAAE Young Professionals Committee.

· Sharing my experiences through outreach and mentoring through Women in Aviation and in conversations with my alma mater, Michigan Tech.

· Writing a children’s book about aviation - because there’s no better time to start learning!

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🌅 Looking Ahead

As the sun sets across the airfield while I wait for my connecting flight, I’m reminded of what makes this industry so special. It’s not just about runways, terminals, or projects - it’s about the people.

The NWAAAE conference was filled with knowledge sharing, laughter, adventure stories, and a shared sense of purpose. I left inspired – to act, serve, innovate – and to continue building Auralis around those same values.

✨I’m proud to be part of this aviation community - and committed to leading with the same purpose, integrity, and passion as those who’ve inspired me. ✨

Thanks for reading!

Advantages of Working with A Small Specialty Consulting Firm like Auralis LLC

In project execution, the size and brand recognition of the consulting firm doesn’t necessarily determine the success of a project. Large, internationally known firms bring a nearly endless supply of resources with a broad portfolio across many industries. Meanwhile small, focused consultants like Auralis bring specialty experience in a narrow industry – for us that’s transportation, and more specifically, aviation.

These small consultants bring unique and niche advantages to a project team.

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Here are the advantages of working with a small specialty consulting firm, like Auralis LLC:

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1.  Direct Access to Senior-Level Experience

With a small consulting firm, you work directly with the decision-maker from start to finish. There aren’t layers of management to navigate or handoffs that hinder execution.

What does that mean for clients?

• Clear communication.

• Faster decisions.

• Ownership in all details of the project.

2. Increased Flexibility and Adaptability

Large firms often have rigid processes that slow contracting, invoicing, or even execution. Small firms are able to adapt quickly to a client’s needs and system.

Whether it’s responding to an unexpected challenge or a scope pivot mid-project, small consultants are agile and responsive in ways larger firms often cannot be.

3. Unique Dedication to Success

It’s hard to describe just how personal every project is to a small firm. Because each project isn’t “one of many,” the care and dedication to demonstrate value leads to more successful outcomes.

This level of investment creates a stronger alignment between client success and the consulting firm.

4. Cost Effectiveness

Because small firms have a lower overhead, they provide senior-level expertise at more competitive rates. Clients receive exceptional service and specialized knowledge without the added costs of a large corporate structure.  

More experience at a lower cost - what client doesn’t like that?

5. A Broad Network of Experts

Small consultants rarely work in isolation. To deliver comprehensive services, they build strong partnerships and maintain trusted relationships with niche experts – from lighting to concessions to jet blast studies and beyond.

This vast network gives clients direct access to vetted specialists who might otherwise be unknown.

The result? A project team with experience tailored to the unique challenges of aviation projects.

6. Problem Solvers Who Wear Many Hats

Running a small consulting firm means carrying out the responsibilities of a large firm with fewer resources. That reality creates professionals who are versatile, resourceful, and thrive on wearing many hats.

Instead of being pigeonholed into a narrow role, small consultants think holistically, anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and step in where they are most needed.

This is a huge advantage when a project takes an unexpected turn.

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Closing Thoughts:

Working with a small specialty consulting firm isn’t a compromise – it’s an advantage.

Direct access to senior expertise, flexibility, dedication, a vast and trusted network, and versatile problem-solving are all critical to successfully delivering a project.

At Auralis LLC, we’re proud to be a small, women-owned, DBE consulting firm that brings these advantages to our clients.

We’re inspired by the aurora borealis. Aviation is our focus. And we’re built to deliver projects with excellence.

What advantages have you seen in working with small firms?

Let’s continue the conversation!

Thanks for reading!