The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Research Institute, in partnership with the University of Colorado, has released, “Design-Build State of Practice: Recommendations for Agencies and Industry on Effective Project Delivery,” a landmark study that examines design-build project delivery features and challenges that affect the success of the project. More importantly, the report highlights recommendations... Continue Reading →
Hurricane Ian hit the west Florida coastline with winds in excess of 120 miles per hour. The hurricane flooded cities and devastated homes across Florida and coastal South Carolina. According to Enki Research, Hurricane Ian’s projected economic damage could be as high as $75 billion, and may end up among the five costliest to hit... Continue Reading →
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reported that 22 workers died in the first half of 2022 due to deadly hazards present in trenching and excavation work. In response, OSHA has launched an enhanced nationwide enforcement effort and additional oversight of construction sites to ensure that contractors properly implement federal workplace safety requirements for... Continue Reading →
Modular buildings are coming to the forefront as the US pays more attention to reducing waste and embodied carbon in building construction. Modular construction processes build a project off-site under controlled plant conditions and then transport the components to the site for assembly and construction. Owners who are particularly concerned about reducing waste and meeting... Continue Reading →
With the post-pandemic recovery and federal stimulus funding working its way through the economy, most economists expect inflation to be a concern for the next few years. As we have noted before, there is material price escalation in the construction industry due to material shortages and snarled supply chains, which can result in larger claims... Continue Reading →
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released the newly updated ASCE/SEI 7-22, Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Building Loads and Other Structures. This 2022 edition supersedes ASCE/SEI 7-16 and provides up-to-date and coordinated loading provisions for general structural design. This standard prescribes design loads for hazards such as tsunami, snow, rain, atmospheric... Continue Reading →
The Engineers Joint Committee on Contract Documents (EJCDC) released E‑525, Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Study and Report Professional Services, 2022 Edition. E-525 is for use when engaging a firm to prepare a study and report. The document addresses project feasibility studies, facility needs, or siting challenges without more detailed design services. The document... 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 →
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 →
Clients are increasingly using text messages to provide direction and relay important project information. This can be problematic for design firms that want to document such communications in their project files. Firms find that following up via email takes additional time, and the client may not respond to the email, which creates ambiguity. Firms that... Continue Reading →
