WASHINGTON, D.C. — Business conditions at architecture firms continue to improve. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the Architecture Billings Index reflects the approximate nine- to twelve- month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 52.0, down from the mark of 53.2 in November. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 59.4, down slightly from the 59.6 mark of the previous month. “While it’s not an across-the-board … Read more
New ‘Clean Construction’ Pilot Credit Added to LEED Pilot Credit Library
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Clean Air Task Force and United Rental recently announced that their proposed “Clean Construction” pilot credit has been added into the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Pilot Credit Library. The pilot credit aims to limit emissions from dirty diesel engines that are harmful to public health and the global climate, a first for LEED. In addition, this is the first pilot credit to be approved and posted through the USGBC’s member-generated pilot credit process. The LEED Pilot Credit Library is an interactive mechanism for testing proposed credits in the marketplace before a credit is considered for inclusion … Read more
Suffolk Construction Celebrates Topping Out at University of Miami Rosenstiel Project
MIAMI, Fla. — Suffolk Construction, the University of Miami and community leaders recently gathered to celebrate the milestone topping out ceremony for the new Marine Technology Life Sciences Seawater Complex. Once completed, the two-building complex will provide oceanographers, meteorologists, marine physicists and engineers the opportunity to use unique, state-of-the-art equipment for their research and studies. An open atrium will connect the two buildings: The Surge-Structure ATMOSPHERE interaction research laboratory and the Marine Life Sciences Center. This new facility will establish the University of Miami as the only university in the world to house a wind-wave-storm surge simulator, capable of generating … Read more
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 Campaign Hails Construction Industry Contributions
CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2014 announces a campaign to raise greater public awareness of the accomplishments of the construction industry in elevating the quality of life. The campaign will publicize the positive benefits of construction projects of all sizes and descriptions across the United States. CONEXPO-CON/AGG invites contractors and other industry professionals to submit projects for consideration in helping the campaign demonstrate construction's contributions to quality of life. The campaign will spotlight 50 projects and culminate in a special recognition event at the 2014 show. Contractors whose projects are selected to be covered will have the opportunity to garner publicity for their work, … Read more
DPR Construction to Acquire Hardin Construction
ATLANTA, Ga. and REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — DPR Construction recently signed a Letter of Intent to acquire Atlanta, Ga.-based Hardin Construction Company, LLC. The two companies intend to combine operations in the Southeast and Texas markets, where both have a strong local presence. The goal is to finalize the transaction in March, at which time more information will be announced. Hardin's portfolio includes more than 1,400 projects, including a number of landmark buildings: Arthur M. Blank Family Office, the first LEED-Gold certified office building in the southeast, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Mall of Georgia, Terminus and 3344/SOVEREIGN—all in metro … Read more