Architecture Billings Index Ends Year on Positive Note

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – There were a few occasions where demand for design services decreased from a month-to-month basis in 2015, but the Architecture Billings Index concluded the year in positive terrain and was so in 8-12 months of the year. 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 December ABI score was 50.9, up from the mark of 49.3 in the previous month. This score reflects a slight increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase … Read more

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Turner/STV Construction Oversee Landmark Police Training Complex Project

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — The ribbon has officially been cut on the $745-million New York City Police Academy, a state-of-the-art 720,000-square-foot training complex in College Point, New York, that was successfully built thanks to the construction management expertise of the Turner/STV joint venture team. Turner/STV was contracted by the New York City Department of Design and Construction to provide construction and program management services for this landmark initiative. Together, with architects Perkins + Will, this integrated project team delivered a campus that provides the New York City Police Department with the most advanced police training facility in the United States. … Read more

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U.S. Construction Industry in Best Shape Since Financial Crisis

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – Rider Levett Bucknall reports that the U.S. construction industry “is in the best shape that it has been since the depths of the financial crisis,” following continued upward trends in construction activity and steady growth in the last half of 2015. The firm notes that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics construction unemployment is down to 6.2 percent – nearly at economic full employment – and that its research shows that activity is up in virtually all areas with the possible exception of the oil centers. The firm reported its findings in its newly released Fourth … Read more

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Revised Training, Assessment Products Now Available for Construction Industry

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ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recently revised its Construction Craft Laborer Level 1 and Level 2 curricula as well as its Hydroblasting Technician assessment and Performance Verification. Construction craft laborers perform a variety of crafts and operate many types of tools, instruments and equipment as they travel to different jobsites. The Construction Craft Laborer curriculum introduces trainees to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course, trainees will have the basic knowledge needed on any jobsite. The curriculum covers subjects such as site layout, reinforcing concrete and electrical safety. … Read more

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Sundt Delivering Texas Project More than a Month Ahead of Schedule

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Sundt Construction reached substantial completion last month on U.S. Highway 84 and bridge reconstruction project near Abilene, the latest of several heavy civil jobs finished in Texas. Work included demolition and reconstruction of a 530-foot bridge over Union Pacific Railroad tracks, reconstruction of U.S. 84 and new lighting and roadway barrier improvements. The U.S. 84 project included around half a mile of roadway that was fully reconstructed and installation of 40,000 cubic yards of embankment used to bring the grade up to match the finish slab elevation of the new bridge, which was built by Sundt’s Concrete Division. Despite weather … Read more

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