Architecture Billings Index Experiences Slight Rebound

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After consecutive months of contracting demand for design services, there was a modest uptick in the Architecture Billings Index. 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 50.4, up from a mark of 48.5 in December.   This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.5, down a bit from the reading of 59.2 the previous … Read more

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Hill International Receives Contract from GSA Region 2

MARLTON, N.J. and NEW YORK, N.Y. — Hill International announced that the company, in association with WSP USA Corp., has received a task order contract from Region 2 of the U.S. General Services Administration to provide construction management services in support of GSA’s Energy Savings Performance Contracts for multiple federally owned buildings located in Manhattan, Brooklyn and White Plains, N.Y. The three-year contract has an estimated value to Hill of approximately $3.2 million. GSA Region 2 is seeking to implement a variety of energy conservation measures in 11 facilities covering a total area of approximately 8.6 million gross square feet … Read more

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FMI Releases Q4-2013 Construction Outlook Report

RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI released its Q4-2013 Construction Outlook. The forecast predicts 2013 to end with 7 percent growth for the construction industry as a whole. Final statistics for construction-put-in-place will be available April 2014. Select market predictions include : Residential — Forecasts show residential construction ending 2013 with 18 percent growth. Multifamily construction has been particularly strong in the past two years with growth of 48 percent in 2012 and 38 percent in 2013. With rents still high and household formations low, multifamily construction is expected to continue growing. Power — After a booming return in 2012, power construction slowed … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Construction

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Brasfield & Gorrie announced that the company received national recognition from the Associated Builders and Contractors. During an awards ceremony this week in Maui, Hawaii, Brasfield & Gorrie received six national Excellence in Construction awards, including four first-place Eagle awards and two second-place Pyramid awards.   “These projects embody Brasfield & Gorrie's commitment to excellence and are made possible by the hard work and dedication of our project teams, subcontractors, clients and business partners,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Chief Operating Officer Jeff Stone.   The four projects recognized by ABC with first-place Eagle awards are Raytheon Redstone … Read more

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Construction Safety Coalition Urges U.S. DOL to Withdraw Silica Proposal

The Construction Industry Safety Coalition, which represents twenty-five different construction trade associations, issued the following statement today as it filed comments regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed Crystalline Silica Rulemaking: “After an exhaustive analysis that involved hundreds of construction safety professionals, builders, construction managers and specialty trade contractors representing virtually every facet on the industry, it is our conclusion that the administration’s proposed new silica rule is significantly flawed and will do little to improve workplace health or safety. Specifically, the proposed rule sets a silica exposure standard that cannot be accurately measured or protected against with existing … Read more

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