Architecture
SeamonWhiteside Expands into Western North Carolina with New Asheville Office
Strategic expansion brings full-service site design expertise closer to clients and communities throughout the region SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, today announced the opening of its newest office in downtown Asheville. Located at 60 Biltmore Ave, the new office will serve as a hub for the firm’s integrated…
A&E Firms Are Busy, Growing — But Many Are Flying Blind on Profitability
Architecture and engineering firms are entering the second half of 2026 with healthy workloads, loyal clients and growing optimism about artificial intelligence. But beneath those positive signals is a significant operational challenge: many firms still lack visibility into the financial performance of their projects. That is one of the central findings of Factor A/E’s 2026…
SeamonWhiteside’s Taylor Critcher to Lead Landscape Architecture Practice across the Carolinas
SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, today announced the promotion of Taylor Critcher to director of landscape architecture services to oversee the firm’s landscape architecture practice. In this position, Critcher will help elevate design excellence across SW+’s offices while strengthening collaboration between landscape architecture, civil engineering, water resources, and…
Contracting
What America’s Best Construction Projects Have in Common
Every contractor says they build quality projects. Every owner expects projects to finish safely, on schedule, and within budget. Yet anyone who has spent time in the construction industry knows those outcomes are far from guaranteed. So what separates exceptional projects from merely successful ones? Michael Bellaman, President and CEO of the Associated Builders and…
Schedule Certainty Driving Construction Decisions as Market Pressures Shift
Contractor’s Q2 2026 Market Conditions Report shows how project owners across sectors are seeking clarity on cost, schedule, labor, power and procurement to shape decisions Market pressures are changing how construction projects are planned, prioritized and delivered across industries, according to the latest Market Conditions Report from DPR Construction, one of the nation’s top technical builders. The key…
Oil Prices Contribute to March Surge in Construction Materials Prices
Construction input prices increased 2.2% in March compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 2.3% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 4.8% higher than one year ago, while nonresidential construction…
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
A&E Firms Are Busy, Growing — But Many Are Flying Blind on Profitability
Architecture and engineering firms are entering the second half of 2026 with healthy workloads, loyal clients and growing optimism about artificial intelligence. But beneath those positive signals is a significant operational challenge: many firms still lack visibility into the financial performance of their projects. That is one of the central findings of Factor A/E’s 2026…
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…
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
CarbiCrete and Isobloc’s Combined Solutions are Decarbonizing Construction
Isobloc, known for its high-performance, durable, insulated concrete blocks, and CarbiCrete, a world leader in decarbonized concrete, have announced the completion of the world’s first project built using Isobloc ZERO, a cement-free, insulated masonry unit jointly developed by the two companies. Isobloc ZERO was created to reduce both embodied carbon—the emissions resulting from the manufacturing…
Cornerstone Building Brands Names Country Music Artist Jordan Davis as 2026 Home for Good Project Ambassador
Company Pledges to Donate Building Materials Valued at Half a Million Dollars to Habitat for Humanity in 2026, Continuing its Commitment to Help Build Affordable Housing Across the U.S. Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (“Cornerstone Building Brands”), a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America based in Cary, NC, has named multi-platinum award winning…
Sakrete Celebrates 90-Year Legacy at World of Concrete 2026
Sakrete, the original bagged concrete mix brand, will kick off the celebration of its 90th anniversary serving the building and construction industries at World of Concrete 2026, January 20–22, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This milestone event will feature an all-new, immersive booth experience alongside sister brand Amerimix. It will also feature exclusive anniversary activations, including the debut…
Suppliers
Eagle Leasing Expands Footprint in the Carolinas – Acquiring West Brothers Trailers and Containers4Less
The Eagle Leasing Company, LLC (part of the Rent-A-Container network of companies and a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries) today announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of West Brothers Trailers and Containers4Less (collectively, “Containers4Less”), in Raleigh, NC. Containers4Less provides both shipping containers and semi-trailer rentals across the region. Containers4Less has built a…
United Rentals Named One of America’s Best-Managed Companies
United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE: URI), the world’s largest equipment rental company, has been again selected to The Wall Street Journal’s Management Top 250 list. The ranking, developed by the Drucker Institute and published by The Wall Street Journal, identifies America’s most effectively managed publicly-traded companies based on comprehensive performance metrics. The Best-Managed Companies ranking measures…
James Hardie Showcases the Full Power of Its Portfolio at NAHB International Builders’ Show®
James Hardie, a leading provider of exterior home and outdoor living solutions, returns to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Orlando from February 17 to 19. Through its recently expanded outdoor living portfolio of premium brands, including Hardie® products, TimberTech® decking and railing, AZEK Exteriors® trim and StruXure® pergolas, James Hardie will demonstrate its leadership in delivering beautiful,…
Sustainability
CarbiCrete and Isobloc’s Combined Solutions are Decarbonizing Construction
Isobloc, known for its high-performance, durable, insulated concrete blocks, and CarbiCrete, a world leader in decarbonized concrete, have announced the completion of the world’s first project built using Isobloc ZERO, a cement-free, insulated masonry unit jointly developed by the two companies. Isobloc ZERO was created to reduce both embodied carbon—the emissions resulting from the manufacturing…
USGBC California Teams Up with Green Badger to Streamline Data Reporting for Contractor’s Commitment
Green Badger, the leading SaaS provider simplifying sustainability and ESG in the built industry, today announced a strategic partnership with U.S. Green Building Council California (USGBC-CA). The core of this collaboration is the delivery of specialized data reporting software solutions to streamline compliance for General Contractors participating in the Contractor’s Commitment to Sustainable Building Practices….
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…
More Operations
SeamonWhiteside Expands into Western North Carolina with New Asheville Office
Strategic expansion brings full-service site design expertise closer to clients and communities throughout the region SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a full-service site design firm with offices throughout the Carolinas, today announced the opening of its newest office in downtown Asheville. Located at 60 Biltmore Ave, the new office will serve as a hub for the firm’s integrated…
A&E Firms Are Busy, Growing — But Many Are Flying Blind on Profitability
Architecture and engineering firms are entering the second half of 2026 with healthy workloads, loyal clients and growing optimism about artificial intelligence. But beneath those positive signals is a significant operational challenge: many firms still lack visibility into the financial performance of their projects. That is one of the central findings of Factor A/E’s 2026…
As Skilled Labor Tightens, More Contractors Are Renting Infrastructure Instead of Owning It
Temporary Wall Systems Explains When Renting Beats Owning, What It Really Costs, and How the Labor Shortage Is Driving the Shift Commercial construction demand keeps climbing while skilled labor gets harder and more expensive to find. Caught between the two, contractors are rethinking what they own and supporting scopes like temporary containment are increasingly the…
What America’s Best Construction Projects Have in Common
Every contractor says they build quality projects. Every owner expects projects to finish safely, on schedule, and within budget. Yet anyone who has spent time in the construction industry knows those outcomes are far from guaranteed. So what separates exceptional projects from merely successful ones? Michael Bellaman, President and CEO of the Associated Builders and…
