DBIA Celebrates Exemplary Collaboration, Integration in Project Delivery

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Design-Build Institute of America, the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build, announced the 2013 Design-Build Project Award Winners, recognized for exemplary collaboration and integration in project delivery. Evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts, the award-winning projects were selected for demonstrating advanced and innovative project delivery, in addition to achieving budget and schedule goals and exceeding owner expectations.   <!—more—>The 2013 Design-Build Project Awards showcase design-build best practices and celebrate the achievements of owners and design-build teams in 10 categories across the spectrum of horizontal and vertical construction. These categories … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in Over Half of Metro Areas in Last Year

Construction employment increased in 191 out of 339 metropolitan areas between June 2012 and June 2013, declined in 97 and was flat in 51, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials welcomed the construction employment gains, but cautioned that demand remained spotty amid continued efforts to cut federal investments in vital infrastructure projects, including for clean water systems. “Although construction activity remains extremely spotty, with strong residential activity offsetting lackluster private nonresidential investment and shrinking public construction spending, workers are being hired in more and more metro … Read more

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Balfour Beatty Receives $1M Task Order Award with Georgia State University

ATLANTA, Ga. — Balfour Beatty Construction has been awarded a $1-million task order to serve as the construction manager at-risk for certain small construction projects at Georgia State University. The task order, which was awarded through a qualifications-based selection process issued by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is the first project for Balfour Beatty Construction on the campus of Georgia State. Balfour Beatty Construction will provide a range of construction services that will vary in size and scope as task orders are issued by the University System of Georgia. To date, two renovation projects have … Read more

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McCarthy Building Companies Completes New Rancho Mirage High School for Palm Springs USD

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has completed construction on a $100-million high school in Rancho Mirage for Palm Springs Unified School District. The 332,000-square-foot high school was built on more than 60 acres in the city of Rancho Mirage, Calif. The school's first open house was held in May at the new 2,300-student capacity high school. In September 2013, the full comprehensive high school will open with approximately 800 freshmen and sophomore students. By 2015/2016, it will serve grades nine through 12.   Built to relieve overcrowding from Palm Springs and Cathedral City high schools, the new … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Stays in Growth Mode

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index remained positive again in June after the first decline in ten months in April.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the June ABI score was 51.6, down from a mark of 52.9 in May.   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 62.6, up sharply from the … Read more

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