AIA Unveils New Leading Indicator in Construction Research White Paper

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — By measuring the movement of design contracts in the monthly Architecture Billings Index, the American Institute of Architects is now able to trace the path of resources into the design and construction industry from the earliest conceptualization until it results in finished projects. This new indicator is being spotlighted in an AIA economic research white paper, Designing the Construction Future. “We have been tracking new project inquiries — bids, general solicitations, interview invitations — which tend to be rather subjective, so we began looking for a more precise way of estimating future levels of billings activity at … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News, Organizations

DBIA Releases 10 Best Practices for Design-Build Done Right

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Design-Build Institute of America has announced the release of “Design-Build Done Right Best Practices” guidebook. Based on research, case studies and extensive industry input for more than a year, DBIA has identified the design-build best practices and implementing techniques that directly impact project performance. “The 10 Design-Build Done Right Best Practices guidebook serves as a single source that clearly defines design-build fundamentals to significantly enhance superior project outcomes,” says Lisa Washington, CAE, executive director/CEO, DBIA. “With design-build currently at 40 percent of all non-residential design and construction, the impetus for owners to engage in Design-Build Done … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Begins $30M Construction Projects in Greenville

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Brasfield & Gorrie announced the start of construction on two projects in downtown Greenville, S.C., totaling $30 million. The general contractor recently began work on the Aloft Hotel, a seven-story, 144-room hotel with an amenity pool deck. Developed by McKibbon Hotel Group, the 90,100-square-foot hotel will be completed in late 2015. The hotel will sit atop a new city parking garage, which is also being constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie. Developed by a partnership between the City of Greenville and Hughes Development Corporation, the seven-story, cast-in-place parking deck will be completed in 2015 and will feature more … Read more

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Barton Malow-Hunt-White to Build New Detroit Events Center

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DETROIT, Mich. — The City of Detroit Downtown Development Authority Board approved the recommendation by Olympia Development of Michigan and the Downtown Development Authority staff to hire Barton Malow-Hunt-White as general contractor for construction of the new Detroit events center. Notable projects by team members include Ford Field, Comerica Park, the expansion and renovation of The University of Michigan Football Stadium, Detroit Riverfront, Detroit Medical Center Pediatric Specialty Center and Amway Arena in Orlando, Fla. “Barton Malow-Hunt-White has built some of the most innovative sports and entertainment venues across the country,” said Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. … Read more

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Construction Jobless Rate Declines, Reports AGC

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Construction employers added 19,000 workers to payrolls in March, bringing industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, while the industry's unemployment rate dropped to the lowest March level in seven years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that the pool of available workers is declining rapidly, raising the prospects for significant labor shortages if demand continues to expand. “The rate of construction hiring continues to outrun job growth in the overall economy for the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Furthermore, the pickup … Read more

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