McCarthy Projects Receive CMAA Achievement Awards

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. — The Construction Management Association of America (Southern California Chapter recently awarded Project Achievement Awards to four McCarthy Building Company projects. The awards were presented at CMAA's 20th Annual Awards Banquet in Los Angeles, Calif. to the firms responsible for managing the construction process of each respective project. The purpose of this industry award is to recognize and promote professionalism and excellence in the management of the construction process. Awards are given to the projects that best reflect this mission. The McCarthy projects that were honored by the CMAA include : Soka University Performing Arts Center and Associated … Read more

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AIA Releases Latest Architecture Billings Index

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index saw more poor conditions last month, indicating a drop in design activity at U.S. architecture firms, and suggesting upcoming weakness in spending on nonresidential construction projects. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the June ABI score was 45.9, nearly identical to the mark of 45.8 in May. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects … Read more

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FMI Releases Q2-2012 Construction Outlook Report

RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI released the second quarter 2012 Construction Outlook Report. FMI's forecast calls for 3 percent growth for construction put in place by the end of 2012 and another 7 percent in 2013 for a total of $882.4 billion. This is $92.6 billion more than the lows of 2011. Despite the constant confusion of news from Europe and uncertainty and inaction in the U.S. Congress, there are some positive signs in the economy. As one might expect, improving housing construction is helping to lead the way, especially multi-family housing. However, power construction is another strong point, and even … Read more

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‘Topcon is Everywhere’ Photo Contest Launched

LIVERMORE, Calif. — Topcon Positioning Systems announces the “Topcon is Everywhere” photo contest — inviting participants from around the world to share a look at where and how Topcon products are being used. “Topcon is a global company and our equipment is "everywhere" from high-accuracy monitoring in a large-scale London tunneling project, to mapping flood-affected areas in Australia to leveling a field in South Carolina,” said Scott Langbein, TPS director of product marketing. “Topcon products can be found on the jobsite, saving time and increasing productivity around the globe and we invite the public to share those photos with cash … Read more

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Construction Materials Prices Slip for Second Consecutive Month in June

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials decreased for the second consecutive month in June and inched up by just 0.5 percent from a year earlier, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the amount contractors charge to construct projects was virtually unchanged for the month and rose only between 3.2 and 4.4 percent from a year ago. “Contractors are finally seeing sustained relief from the outsized cost increases that buffeted them last year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The half-percent rise in … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News