Climate change risks may seem too colossal and global for most businesses to be relatable, especially for non-publicly traded companies. Soon enough, however, all businesses will need to take stock and internalize business model impacts of climate change—the transition risks and opportunities— and climate change impacts on business—the physical risks of rising temperatures and related... Continue Reading →
The world is changing, especially for design firms. The two-year disruption caused by the unpredictable impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic has forced both design firm management and employees to reassess how they provide services. A resurgent economy—provided an extra stimulus by the historic investment by the federal government in the revitalization and expansion of the nation’s... Continue Reading →
It is that time of year when gifts among friends are common, but if those friends are in private firms and public agencies, those gifts can cost both parties their careers. Even the appearance of impropriety can create a public relations nightmare. It is vital that firms act in compliance with applicable laws. Gift-giving laws... Continue Reading →
Now that we have a global agreement in place on climate change, which more definitively sets greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and timelines, all eyes are set on the question as to how each country, including the US, will achieve its commitments. For the US, legislation and executive agency action are two important pieces to... Continue Reading →
With the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure act, design firms across the board can anticipate more work in the next few years. While the prognosis for the industry is positive, firms should take the time to establish meaningful fee collection practices so that they can remain financially solvent. Avoiding fee disputes with clients helps... Continue Reading →
On November 1, ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) published a revised version of its Phase l Environmental Site Assessment Standard, now known as E1527-21. ASTM first published a standard for Phase I Environmental Site Assessments in 1993, with revisions in 1994, 1997, 2000, 2005, and 2013. The previous... Continue Reading →
The COP26 (Conference of the Parties) climate talks took place in Glasgow over the first two weeks of November. These meetings between heads of state around the world may seem far removed from your daily business concerns, but in reality, the actions taken and resulting agreements may have far-reaching consequences for your business model, including... Continue Reading →
Professional service firms should strive for continuous improvement. Firms that systematically review project outcomes and decision-making processes and then make the necessary improvements in policies and procedures will improve their chances of a more favorable outcome the next time they encounter a challenging situation. Firms should consider developing a “Lessons Learned” program that is intended... Continue Reading →
In light of the sudden collapse of the condominium building in Surfside, Florida in June of this year, every design firm should think about what they would do in a crisis. While sudden catastrophic failures are very rare, each firm should go through the steps of planning different scenarios that are specific to their practices.... Continue Reading →
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is now recommending that everyone — including fully vaccinated individuals — wear masks in indoor public settings in all areas with substantial and high transmission of the COVID-19 virus. They also recommend testing following exposure to someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19. The CDC made this... Continue Reading →
