Millennials and Factors Driving Multi-family Construction
I’ve spent my career building partnerships with owners and developers — particularly those in the multi-family market. I have seen the ebb and flow of the sector. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with a few of my largest developers and discuss the challenges they face. These include rising costs and a shortage…
Demand for Design Services Bolsters Compensation at Architecture Firms
As the U.S. economy continues to strengthen, compensation across all architectural staff positions averaged $84,000, up about 2.8% per year from early 2015 levels, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2017 Compensation Report. The biannual report provides salary data for 39 architecture firm positions in 26 states, 25 metro areas and 17 cities…
North Carolina Flies High to Become 4th Most-Attractive State for Aerospace Manufacturing
North Carolina has risen 14 spots to become the fourth most-attractive state in the nation for aerospace manufacturing, according to an annual study issued by global accounting firm PwC. PwC (formerly PriceWaterhouseCoopers) recently released its 2017 Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness Rankings, which help aerospace companies plan for future growth. The study assesses countries and states on…
North Carolina and South Carolina Pursue Toyota-Mazda Plant
Japanese automakers Toyota Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp. recently announced plans to invest $1.6 billion to build a U.S. assembly plant. The new investment is reflective of a new alliance between the competitors that focus on small car production and the development of connected-car and safety technology and electric vehicles. While a site has not been…
Spotlight on Dr. Mike Jackson, Incoming Chair and Professor, Clemson University’s CSM Department
GroundBreak Carolinas sat down with Clemson University’s N. Mike Jackson, Ph.D., P.E., incoming Construction Science and Management (CSM) department chair and professor, to learn more about the “why’s” behind this fall’s Second Annual Symposium for the design and construction industry — scheduled for October 12 in Greenville, S.C. — as well as his vision for…
TECHnically Speaking Part 3 | Technology After Construction
This is the third installment of a three-part series where Balfour Beatty-Carolinas explores the innovation that technology brings to the life of a project – before, during, and after construction. The benefits of integrating technology into project closeout can best be seen rather than described. The paperless workflow that is maintained through preconstruction and construction…
Blowing the Whistle on Public Construction and the False Claims Act
Contractors hoping to take advantage of incoming infrastructure spending should implement False Claims Act protections now. While promises made during a presidential campaign can’t always be taken to the bank, the construction industry is nonetheless preparing for a rise in federally-funded projects based on the Trump campaign’s promise of increased infrastructure spending. Contractors taking on…
Construction Input Prices Move Higher, Energy Prices Down
Construction input prices increased 0.3 percent in July and are up 3 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonresidential construction input prices were in line with overall industry dynamics, increasing 0.3 percent for the month and 2.7…
The Basics of WELL Building Design
Carolyn Rickard-Brideau, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP (Provisional), Partner and Global Practice Leader for Workplace with Little, is one of the nation’s select few experts in the field of WELL Building Design. She was the afternoon keynote speaker at Clemson University’s 2nd Annual Construction Industry Symposium (2017) in Greenville, South Carolina. What if I…
Preview: ABC Carolinas Construction Conference in Charleston
ABC of the Carolinas will be holding their annual Carolinas Construction Conference, August 2-4 in Charleston, SC. The 2017 Conference features national speakers, panel discussions, vendor showcase networking events and recreational opportunities. “The Carolinas Construction Conference is the one and only conference in the Carolinas that brings the entire industry together,” said Doug Carlson, ABC…
