Architecture
AIA Condemns Demolition of the White House East Wing and Calls for Transparency in Public Architecture
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) affirms with deep concern that the full demolition of the White House East Wing stands in direct contradiction to earlier public assurances that the project “will be near it, but not touching it and it will pay total respect to the existing building.” This undertaking calls into question not only the…
AIA Compensation & Benefits Report 2025 now available
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) collects and analyzes data from hundreds of architecture firms to create the industry’s most comprehensive and reliable report on salary and benefits. The 2025 edition of the AIA Compensation & Benefits Report offers valuable insights into how firms structure compensation, benefits, professional development, and workplace practices. “As staffing shortages at architecture…
Designing for Growth and Contraction: How Raleigh Workplaces Are Adapting
In a city growing as quickly and dynamically as Raleigh, the conversation around workplace design can’t stay stuck in the past. We’re well beyond the early debates over whether remote work is here to stay. It is — but so are offices. The question in 2025 isn’t if we need space. It’s about the kind…
Contracting
ABC Welcomes Trump Administration’s Proposal to Clarify ‘Waters of the United States’
Associated Builders and Contractors issued the following statement from its vice president of government affairs, Kristen Swearingen, on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers release of a proposed rule that will clarify the definition of “waters of the United States.” “ABC supports the Trump administration’s proposed rule to clarify the Clean Water…
Pre-Shutdown Nonresidential Construction Spending Down in August
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.24 trillion. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 10 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was down…
ABC Contractor Backlog and Confidence Slip in October
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted Oct. 20 to Nov. 4. The reading is down 0.1 months since September but unchanged from October 2024. View the full Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series. Backlog was…
Energy
The Built Environment Blunder Causing Significant Carbon Emissions
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that, as of 2021, buildings consume 39.1% of U.S. energy and 75% of electricity,(1) which accounts for 16% of carbon emissions.(2) Creating a comfortable indoor environment by providing adequate light and temperature control uses most of this energy. Buildings that effectively insulate from moisture and wind while allowing fresh…
Duke Energy Awards $3.2 million to Innovative Education Programs
Duke Energy announcedit is awarding $3.2 million in grants to support 131 innovative K-12 education programs across the communities served by the company. “Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair chance at academic success,” said Cari Boyce, president of the Duke Energy Foundation. “The grants we are making today are…
USGBC Launches LEED Zero Certification for Net-Zero Buildings
USGBC’s new certification program encourages net-zero operations for carbon emissions, water and energy use, and waste management. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched LEED Zero, a new program that will address net zero operations and resources in buildings. “Net zero is a powerful target that will move the entire industry forward,” said Melissa Baker,…
Engineering
TRC Companies Named to Engineering News-Record’s Top Regional Design Firms
TRC Companies, Inc. (TRC), a global professional services firm providing integrated strategy, consulting, engineering and applied technologies in support of the energy transition, was recognized as an industry leader in the 2025 Engineering News-Record (ENR) West and East Top Design Firms. TRC ranked #7 in the West and #8 in the East. The lists rank the largest…
ACEC-SC Infrastructure Works Institute Unveils Study on Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investments in South Carolina
In response to overwhelming interest from policymakers, business leaders and community stakeholders, the American Council of Engineering Companies of South Carolina’s (ACEC-SC) Infrastructure Works Institute (IWI) announced in early August 2025 that the full Economic Impact of Infrastructure Investments in South Carolina study is now available to the public at no cost. Commissioned by ACEC-SC IWI and…
Mass Timber Requirements Added to Free Heights & Areas Calculator
The American Wood Council (AWC), International Code Council and WoodWorks have joined together to release an updated version of the free app to calculate maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction. The Heights & Areas Calculator is based on the provisions in the 2021 and earlier editions of the International Building Code (IBC), which includes the Type-IV…
Equipment
DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ System Named One of the 50 Greatest Inventions in 2024 by Popular Science Best of What’s New Awards
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, announced that the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ system has been named one of the 50 greatest innovations in 2024 by Popular Science’s Best of What’s New Awards. The award recognizes breakthrough products and technologies that represent significant advancements which help to improve everyday life and shape the future….
Caterpillar Invites World’s Most-Skilled Operators to Forge Their Legacies through Third Global Operator Challenge
Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) launched its third Global Operator Challenge, inviting thousands of machine operators worldwide to put their agility, resilience and versatility to the test on a wide range of construction equipment and technology. “For nearly 100 years, our customers have been pushing the limits with our machines,” said Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino….
Compass Group Invests in South Carolina Bridge Infrastructure Equipment Provider
Compass Group Equity Partners, a St. Louis-based private equity firm specializing in growing lower middle market companies, announced an investment in Anderson UnderBridge, a manufacturer and rental operator of mobile bridge inspection trailers and trucks utilized in the inspection and maintenance of bridge infrastructure. This partnership is the first step in the creation of a full-service…
Facilities
Building, Supporting, Maintaining: Harper Announces New HarperXS Division
Harper General Contractors has long been a leading innovator in construction services in the Southeast. As they continue to evolve, Harper has seen the importance of pursuing new opportunities to grow and provide even more value to their clients and community. In 2015, Harper leadership saw a need to provide their current and future clients…
Eight Reasons Why You Need to Have Annual Plumbing Checks
Running a business can be a daunting feat. New problems will catch you off-guard and sometimes all you can really do is take the bull by the horns, and hope that everything will return to normal. Even a short business interruption can mean losing thousands of dollars! A business owner keeps an eye on the…
Five Electrical Safety Tips for Commercial Buildings
To some, a workplace may feel like a second home. It’s a place where employees form bonds and battle hardships together. Whether you’re a company CEO, a higher-up, or the owner of a commercial building, keeping your establishment a safe place for everyone will increase their productivity and give you peace of mind as well….
Products
Hess Announces New Mini Toy Truck Collection
Construction vehicle featured in 2024 collection. Hess Corporation announced the release of the newest Mini Toy Truck Collection for $35.99 with free standard shipping and Energizer® batteries included, exclusively at HessToyTruck.com. The annual release of the Hess Mini is a limited-production set of highly detailed, small-scale versions of classic holiday Hess Toy Trucks. This year’s 5-in-1 set includes a mix…
Carhartt Force Sun Defender™ Series Enhances UV Protection, Outworks the Heat
To help all hardworking people stay cool, fight sweat and stay protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays, Carhartt, America’s premium workwear brand since 1889, has launched the Force Sun DefenderTM series – its lightest performance gear solution to battle the heat and sun. The Force Sun DefenderTM line combines the workwear brand’s trusted durability with UV protection tough…
Championing Women in the Skilled Trades, Wolverine Launches Woman-Made
In time for Women’s History Month, Wolverine Boots and Apparel, the 140-year-old boot maker, has launched Woman-Made, spotlighting the remarkable accomplishments of women in the skilled trades. Rooted in a rich legacy of honoring the American worker, Wolverine aims to build a more inclusive future through an effort to add “woman-made” to the dictionary. Debuting today, the campaign’s anthem…
Suppliers
Silvi Cement Expands Cementitious Materials Distribution with Two New Terminals
Silvi Cement, a division of Silvi Materials, today announced a major expansion of its cementitious materials distribution network, strengthening its position as one of the most reliable suppliers of high-quality construction materials in the Eastern United States. Silvi has officially opened a temporary cement rail load-out facility at the deep-water port of Morehead City, North…
Silvi Materials Acquires Eagle Rock Concrete, Expands Footprint in High-Growth Southeast Market
Silvi Materials, a vertically integrated leader in construction materials, announced today the acquisition of 100% of the assets and operations of Eagle Rock Concrete, a premier ready-mix concrete producer based in North Carolina. The business will operate as Eagle Rock Concrete, a Silvi Materials Company, with closing scheduled after September 1, 2025. This acquisition marks Silvi’s entry into…
FMI Advises LCCI Ready Mix Concrete in Sale to Quikrete
FMI Capital Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of LCCI Ready Mix Concrete (LCCI) to Quikrete. FMI Capital Advisors served as the exclusive sell-side financial advisor to LCCI for this transaction. LCCI is a premier ready-mix concrete (RMC) provider headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. Founded in 2012, LCCI serves Southeast Louisiana, including Orleans, Jefferson, St….
Sustainability
Boviet Solar Progresses on PV Solar Facility in North Carolina
Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (“Boviet Solar” or “the Company”), a leading solar energy technology company specializing in advanced monocrystalline PV cells and premium Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules, today announced that it has begun interior construction work on its 3.0 GW PV cell manufacturing facility in Greenville, Pitt County, North…
Dennis Quaid-hosted Viewpoint Project Reviews Sustainable Technologies with Industry Leaders in Building Sciences and Architecture
Viewpoint, the acclaimed educational program hosted by renowned actor Dennis Quaid, is thrilled to announce a series of upcoming episodes for the latter half of 2024, dedicated to exploring sustainable technologies in building sciences and architecture. By partnering with leading content providers and industry experts, Viewpoint Project reviews the latest advancements and best practices in sustainable…
Responding to Growing Demand, Duke Energy, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor Execute Agreements to Accelerate Clean Energy Options
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor today announced agreements to explore new and innovative approaches to support carbon-free energy generation and help utilities serve the future energy needs of large businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina. The announcement was made at the White House Summit on Domestic Nuclear Deployment. In memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed…
More Operations
ABC Welcomes Trump Administration’s Proposal to Clarify ‘Waters of the United States’
Associated Builders and Contractors issued the following statement from its vice president of government affairs, Kristen Swearingen, on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers release of a proposed rule that will clarify the definition of “waters of the United States.” “ABC supports the Trump administration’s proposed rule to clarify the Clean Water…
Pre-Shutdown Nonresidential Construction Spending Down in August
National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.2% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.24 trillion. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 10 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending was down…
Amrize Launches ‘Made in America’ Label for U.S. Builders
Amrize (NYSE: AMRZ) today launched a ‘Made in America’ label for its cement range, offering builders the guarantee of American manufacturing and quality, supporting American jobs and local communities. This ‘Made in America’ label signifies that all aspects of the cement are made in the United States from its raw materials and processing to manufacturing,…
ABC Contractor Backlog and Confidence Slip in October
Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.4 months in October, according to an ABC member survey conducted Oct. 20 to Nov. 4. The reading is down 0.1 months since September but unchanged from October 2024. View the full Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series. Backlog was…
