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 →
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 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 →
As the resurgent economy demands more housing, private infrastructure, and other capital assets, a design firm faces the increased possibility that a client might encounter financial troubles. In addition to carefully vetting your client to determine their ability to successfully fund a project, you should understand your legal positions if a client experiences cash-flow problems.... Continue Reading →
Design firms have to be aware of the changing climate and variable weather patterns when providing services for new capital assets. Such awareness is especially vital when designing facilities in coastal areas. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) annually publishes information on “high-tide flooding.” That refers to tides that reach anywhere from 1.75 to 2 feet... Continue Reading →
Although most design firms are privately owned, they, too, are dramatically impacted by the demand for businesses to address and disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. Firms face increasing pressure not only from environmentalists and human rights activists, but also from elected officials, regulators, and even their lenders. ESG disclosure is becoming necessary because... Continue Reading →
As the US emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an increased demand for construction materials—a demand that will surge if Congress ever passes infrastructure revitalization investment legislation. Limited product inventory and ongoing supply change disruptions only compound the issue of swelling demand as this leads to increased construction costs and longer lead times for obtaining materials. In... Continue Reading →
Once again, economic factors have been pushing up the price of construction materials. In some cases, the increase means the costs of materials are soaring, and that means that construction contractors and subcontractors who submit a fixed-price bid are subject to the impact of escalating costs due to material shortages, snarled supply chains, continued tariffs... Continue Reading →
Websites are an integral part of the business of providing professional services. Often, architecture firms exhibit graphic creativity and challenge site visitors to spend time exploring and learning from the site. Engineering firms typically display accomplishments, document client satisfaction, and promote client interaction through their website's interface. However, websites can create problems for businesses ranging... Continue Reading →
