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 →
Cushman & Wakefield, the Chicago-based global commercial real estate services firm, has published a series of resources to help offices adapt to the constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and look to the future in planning and operating office space. In September, we published a blog post on the company’s “Recovery Readiness Guide,” which provided... Continue Reading →
The FDA’s approval of COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use will result in employers considering the adoption of mandatory vaccination policies for their employees. Firms operating remotely may attempt to require employees to return to an office location by relying on a mandatory vaccination policy. However, the FDA’s position is that federal law prohibits mandatory use... Continue Reading →
An astonishing amount of research on the vectors for transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus that leads to Covid-19 infection) is available. Recent research may seem overwhelming to design professionals, but it can serve as a source for the prudent design or redesign of indoor spaces. At some point, the standard of care for... Continue Reading →
Cushman & Wakefield is a global commercial real estate services firm. While headquartered in Chicago, the company operates from approximately 400 offices in 60 countries. Its 53,000 employees manage about 4.1 billion square feet of commercial space. As part of its services, the firm has published information to help offices adapt to the constraints caused... Continue Reading →
Design firms vary in how they treat “side gig” or “moonlighting” efforts by professional service employees. Most firms simply prohibit such services. The activity may not stop, but the firm must state its policy and, if it becomes aware of such activity, go on record as not supporting or condoning it in any manner. But... 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 →
Because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the new normal for many design firms means using online video conferencing software. Most conferencing programs allow for easy recording and sharing of videos, creating an innovative tool for bringing others in on the conversation. But this function also raises a host of potential confidentiality, discovery,... Continue Reading →
“We are all in this together.” That was the refrain heard throughout society when the pandemic was finally recognized. But anyone who has experience in design and construction knows that such a maxim is not a truism in the construction industry. From the time the first disruptions and lockdowns occurred, attorneys representing construction firms have... Continue Reading →
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued new guidance for employers around testing protocols, “SARS-CoV-2 Testing Strategy: Considerations for Non-Healthcare Workplaces.” Design firms seeking to reopen offices or reunite all employees in a normal office setting should be aware of the guidance.The CDC recommends incorporating COVID-19 testing in these five scenarios:... Continue Reading →
