The DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) recently introduced a rating system for architects, interior designers, general contractors, and home improvement contractors who submit applications to the DCRA. DCRA assigns a rating from one to five stars. For architects and interior designers, the rating is based on the quality of their plans that... Continue Reading →
The White House will release the first part of their multi-trillion-dollar economic recovery package this week. This initiative is focused on rebuilding roads, bridges, and other infrastructure that will be of interest to design and construction firms. The White House's hope is that a bill that is solely focused on roads and bridges will get... Continue Reading →
The ACEC Research Institute has released a report detailing the impact of the A&E services economic contribution to the overall US economy. The study reports that 2019 revenue for the A&E services sector totaled $386 billion. The total economic contribution of A&E services in 2019 reached nearly $600 billion, and the industry's analogous contribution to the economy... Continue Reading →
The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Environmental Health Association have established a new task force on pandemics. The task force will analyze all aspects of the built environment to find solutions that reduce the risks posed by pandemics. The group will complete a comprehensive review of current code requirements, guides, and regulations related... Continue Reading →
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) adopted a rule effective December 1, 2020, which allows licensed professionals to certify correction of certain fire alarm system defects. The certification program eliminates the need for FDNY re-inspection in specific instances, and is intended to reduce delays. The FDNY is responsible for approving the installation of fire... Continue Reading →
(Above photo by the Bureau of Land Management) There is great uncertainty for state agencies in the upcoming year as finances are battered by the current recession. It is unclear whether there will be meaningful support from the federal government. As states decide what programs to cut, it is likely that capital improvement projects will... Continue Reading →
To a remarkable degree, consulting firms have adjusted to the new norm under COVID-19 fairly well. The adage that “Necessity is the mother of invention” has been proven true in the last few months. All consulting firms were forced to reimagine and reorganize their business operations when the pandemic forced firms to shut down office... Continue Reading →
Using independent contractors to perform discrete, well-defined tasks on your project is one way to tap into existing talent without adding employees to your payroll. Firms typically tap their existing networks; however, they are increasingly using online platforms that function as a marketplace for firms and freelancers to find each other and strike a mutually... Continue Reading →
A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shows that the adoption of modern building codes is averting over a billion dollars a year in structural damage in California and Florida alone. The preliminary findings of this first-of-its-kind study are expected to be formally released in August.The study calculates how much damage has been... Continue Reading →
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) recently published revised versions of E-500, Standard Form Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services, and E-570, Agreement Between Engineer and Subconsultant for Professional Services.E-500 Main Agreement UpdatesE-500 is a comprehensive standard contract for engineering design services and related construction phase engineering and administrative services. The terms... Continue Reading →
