After Some Encouraging Signs, Architecture Billings Index Drops

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High level of inquires for new projects, but competitive marketplace is adversely impacting billingsWashington, D.C. — Following its highest mark since August 2008, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped more than three points in November. 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 (AIA) reported the November ABI rating was 42.8, down from 46.1 in October. This score indicates a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new … Read more

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Ian Wood Joins McCownGordon Construction as Superintendent

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ian Wood joins the McCownGordon team as a superintendent overseeing the field operations of medium and large, complex projects. His responsibilities include leading and managing the logistics of a project, set-up, planning, schedule, budget management, materials and supplies, safety and quality control. Wood's experience includes more than 16 years in the construction industry, specializing in the renovation and new construction of healthcare and medical facilities. He has completed projects for all around the Kansas City Metro including the University of Kansas Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lee's Summit Medical Center and Research Medical Center. His experience and … Read more

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New Versatile, Lightweight 1/2″ Drill from Metabo Provides Extremely High Torque; Easy Handling

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WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, now offers a lightweight, rugged 1/2″ drill that provides up to 248 in-lbs of torque with an 8.2 A motor. With an ergonomic pistol-grip design and easily accessible trigger button, the new BE1020 1/2″ drill is especially ideal for joiners, fitters, HVAC installers or any user who requires a universal, high performance tool for drilling both large and small holes in almost any type of metal or wood material. For use in even more applications, … Read more

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Construction Costs Forecasts to Decline Further in Fourth Quarter

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Decreased demand for building and increased trade contractor competition continues to deflate construction pricing New York, N.Y., — Turner Construction Company announced that the Fourth Quarter 2009 Turner Building Cost Index, which measures non-residential building construction costs in the United States, has decreased by 2.07% from the Third Quarter, continuing the decline which began in the First Quarter of this year. Construction costs have decreased by 12.62% since the beginning of the year. The Turner Building Cost Index number for Fourth Quarter 2009 is 803. Karl F. Almstead, the Turner vice president responsible for the Turner Building Cost Index said, … Read more

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Skanska Creates Global Unit for Green Business – Cecilia Fasth Appointed Green Business Officer (GBO)

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Skanska is establishing a new global unit charged with supporting the Group’s worldwide operations in the rapid dispersal and commercialization of technology, solutions and business models for green construction. The venture is an extension of Skanska’s intensive work in recent years to map and develop various global solutions, methods and pilot projects to create buildings that are energy-efficient and have low environmental impact. The new unit for green business will be called Skanska Green Business and will be headed from Stockholm but will have employees throughout Skanska’s operations in Europe and the United States. Cecilia Fasth will head the new … Read more

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