Architecture Billings Index Ends the First Quarter on Upswing

  • Posted on

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Architecture Billings Index reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the March ABI score was 51.9, up from the mark of 50.3 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.1, down from a reading of 59.5 the previous month. “The first quarter was somewhat disappointing … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: , , ,

Upgraded Asta Powerproject BIM Syncs Cost Estimating Data for 5-D Construction Planning

  • Posted on

DENVER, Colo. – Elecosoft just launched the latest version of Asta Powerproject BIM, which brings exciting new improvements in 4-D planning to help customers improve efficiency and win more business. This third iteration of the BIM product also boasts enriched cost estimation capabilities – working more closely with cost estimation systems to enable contractors to build a 5-D integrated project view. All changes were based on user requests and feedback, proving once again the company’s long-standing commitment to optimizing its products to align with user needs. “Our aim is to make sure our products continue to support our customers’ ability … Read more

Filed under: ProductsTagged with: , , ,

100+ Companies Salute Signing of Paris Agreement, Call For Action On Clean Power Plan

  • Posted on

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – More than 100 companies, including leading global giants, expressed their support recently for the Paris Agreement on climate change and called for swift action on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan, a proposal aimed at significantly cutting carbon pollution in the United States. The 110 companies, including IKEA, Mars Incorporated, PG&E, Salesforce, General Mills, Kellogg Company, HP and Starbucks, released a statement organized by a coalition of groups, including the nonprofit sustainability organization Ceres and World Wildlife Fund, during a teleconference. The statement comes two days before 150 world leaders gather at the United … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , ,

Skanska Converts Commercial Building in San Francisco into Hotel

  • Posted on

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Skanska has signed a contract with 1095 Market Street Owner to renovate 1095 Market St. in San Francisco, California, converting the historic structure into a hotel. The contract is worth $38 million. The project consists of rehabilitation of a historic commercial office building originally built in 1904. The existing eight story, approximately 22,000-square-foot building will receive a top-to-bottom renovation, including seismic structural upgrades. Additionally, a new story will be inserted within the ground floor level, resulting in a nine-story 25,600-square-foot high-rise building. The hotel that will occupy the building will include more than 200 rooms. The property … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: , ,

Turner, SOM Awarded Design-Build Contract at United States Naval Academy

  • Posted on

A Design-Build team comprised of Turner Construction Company and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has been selected to deliver the latest addition to the campus of the United States Naval Academy: the Center for Cyber Security Studies. The $114-million center is a 206,400-square-foot academic building, dedicated to the education of midshipmen in all areas of cyber warfare, and will include classrooms and lecture halls, teaching and research laboratories, a research and testing tank to support the engineering and weapons laboratories, an observatory, offices and multi-purpose collaborative space for students and faculty. Situated between Nimitz Library and Rickover Hall, the center will … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,