Graul Appointed Executive VP of Design-Build at Parsons Construction

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PASADENA, Calif. — Donald Graul has been appointed executive vice president of Design-Build Construction with Parsons Construction Group. In this role, he will plan, direct and manage all activities of the design-build function of the firm’s North American organization. Graul rejoins Parsons after a brief tenure outside the firm as a senior vice president of global alternative delivery. “We welcome Don back to Parsons and are confident his extensive experience will further enhance Parsons” leadership in the area of design-build construction,” said Garry Higdem, Parsons Group president. “He has proven management and strategic capabilities, plus a strong record of success … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Softens in January

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a nine-month stretch of positive billings, the Architecture Billings Index showed no increase in design activity in January. 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 January ABI score was 49.9, down from a mark of 52.7 in December. This score reflects a very modest decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.7, down from the reading of 59.1 the previous month. “This … Read more

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OSHA, NIOSH Issue Hazard Alert on Protecting Workers from Silica Exposure

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health jointly issued a hazard alert about protecting workers from significant crystalline silica exposure during manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone countertops. The hazard alert follows reports of 46 workers in Spain and 25 workers in Israel who developed silicosis — an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease — as a result of exposure to crystalline silica in their work manufacturing stone countertops. Ten of the workers in Israel required lung transplants as a result … Read more

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Craig Glenn joins Rogers-O’Brien as Houston Director of Field Operations

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  Craig Glenn has been hired as director of field operations for general contractor Rogers-O’Brien’s Houston, Texas office. Glenn is responsible for overseeing staffing, quality and safety for the company’s project sites throughout Southeast Texas. <!—more—>With 28 years of experience in the construction industry, Glenn has overseen the construction of commercial, healthcare, government and renovation projects throughout the Houston area. Some of his recent major projects include several M.D. Anderson research laboratory buildings, the Harris County Civil Justice Center, the Houston First Office Tower/Garage and the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion. Over the course of his career, Glenn has … Read more

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McCarthy Awarded West-MEC Southwest Campus Project in Arizona

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McCarthy recently began a $50-million new construction project, including site plan and infrastructure layout, for Western Maricopa Education Center in conjunction with architect DLR Group. The West-MEC Southwest Campus project, which will be located at I-10 and Verrado Way in Buckeye, Arizona, will eventually serve 650 students in 12-14 different programs (including secondary education, post-secondary education and industry training). The first phase of construction began in January and will be completed in December 2015. Phase I includes a 32,000-square-foot, two-story Sustainable Energy building. Programs taught in this building may include energy programs that have a curriculum focused on electrical, mechanical, … Read more

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