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 →
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 →
Some firms worry that their professional liability insurance might not cover them for drone usage. The Victor and CNA professional liability program provides coverage when professionals use drones as tools to perform their professional obligations. Firms using unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the drones often used to document new construction for evaluation by the design... Continue Reading →
The Mississippi Board of Professional Engineers and Surveyors (Board) sued Vizaline in September 2017, alleging that Vizaline is offering services that require a surveyors license. Vizaline’s computer program takes the metes and bounds description of property and draws the polygon on a map for banks that need accurate property descriptions. The Board is alleging that... Continue Reading →
While the conventional wisdom around blockchain is that it’s a technology only affecting financial markets, design and construction stakeholders ought to pay attention to new developments, too. If you don’t, you risk falling behind on an important trend that potentially presents a competitive challenge for your firm, but also missing the opportunity the technology presents... Continue Reading →
Design professionals frequently use drones (unmanned aerial systems) to help provide professional services. A recent article by Mark A. Dombroff, “Lessons in Liability: Drones 101,” reminds us to consider the regulatory and risk management issues that can arise from your relationship with a third-party drone provider. First, consider that accidents, while rare, do occur. Drones... Continue Reading →
