Architecture, engineering, planning and environmental consulting firms must change their strategic plans due to the poor economy, according to Natick-based consulting firm ZweigWhite.

Several firms have reported that the recession has sent them back to the drawing board to modify plans that were developed even as the recession hit, according to a statement. Some firms are refocusing their near-term plans in order to adapt to changes brought on by the recession, while holding on to their original long-term growth plans.

"We had just finished a plan update in the summer of 2008 when the economy tanked," said Glenn Bell, CEO of Waltham-based Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. "It’s sobering to look at that plan now. Although it anticipated an economic downturn, it was not to the depth, breadth or length of what has actually transpired."

These firms are learning to shift its attitudes to adapt to a changing climate, according to a statement.

"In a nutshell, we are planning in a ‘new normal’ mode but our actions and worth ethics have been shaped and sharpened by our ‘Great Recession’ experience," said Manasquan, N.J.-based KZA Engineering PA President Richard Kenderian.