62 Health hazards in the building process Essential strategies for addressing health risks and promoting construction safety
38 A bold step forward How api(+) transformed Chamberlin’s retail store design
68 Driving creative solutions Inside the restoration of Davidge Hall at the University of Maryland, Baltimore
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Giving with gratitude
The storm's path was as violent as it was unexpected, as devastating as it was methodical. As Hurricane Helene made its way through the regions of Western North Carolina, few were spared of its fury. Communities, nestled in the foothills and mountains, were ill equipped for flash floods, landslides and road collapses.
In the wake of the storms, food service workers needed help.
Times like this call for the legacy that Jen Hidinger-Kendrick and her late husband, Ryan Hidinger, created. Giving Kitchen is a nonprofit that helps food service workers in crisis by providing stability through referrals to a network of low or no-cost community resources. Food service workers who have experienced an injury, illness, housing disaster or death of a family member also receive financial assistance to cover living expenses. The non profit also offers free QPR suicide prevention training to food service across the country. The 45-minute course comes with a certificate that encourages food service workers to question, persuade or refer a teammate experiencing suicidal thoughts.
During the crisis in North Carolina, which is still unfolding in the aftermath of its recovery, Giving Kitchen has served more than 3,500 clients over the past three months since the storm hit—nearly 70% of all the food service workers the organization helped in 2023. Since inception Giving Kitchen has served over 25,000 food service workers and awarded over $13 million dollars in financial assistance to food service workers in crisis. The grant assistance provided by the non profit helped reduce stress as businesses and families navigated different government agencies for help.
Giving Kitchen was founded after Ryan's devastating stagefour cancer diagnosis. The well-known Atlanta chef Ryan Hidinger and his wife, Jen, were aided by the help of his colleagues and mentors. A fundraiser Ryan's friends orchestrated, which they called Team Hidi, raised almost $300,000 from the nearly 1,000 members of the Atlanta restaurant community.
The moment Ryan took to the stage, Jen recalls how his fight would be one that outlasted his life. Jen, Giving Kitchen's Founder, says the journey was never just about helping Ryan, but by using the funds to help others like him. In its continued pledge to support
restaurateurs everywhere, Giving Kitchen encourages the restaurant community—like those who are members of CCR's community—to participate in initiatives like Giving Kitchen's "Dining with Gratitude." The program works to increase community awareness of Giving Kitchen and educates employees about the services it offers. It also has downloadable posters and flyers for restaurant managers to post and share with their teams. In addition, supporters are encouraged to make a donation or spread the word about Giving Kitchen to food service workers.
The fight, like any fight, should not be fought alone. As communities like North Carolina continue to forge on, there will be other battles to come. And, like Giving Kitchen, it is up to each of us to make a difference in any way that we can.
If you and your company have done something else, we want to tell your story. Please reach out to us so we can spread the word, and keep the generosity pushing forward.
Michael J. Pallerino is the editor of Commercial Construction & Renovation. You can reach him at 678.513.2397 or via email at mikep@ccr-mag.com.
We want to hear from
At Commercial Construction & Renovation, we’re always looking to showcase the best of what our industry is doing. If you have a project profile or a fresh perspective on how to keep our industry positively moving forward, shoot me an email at mikep@ccr-mag.com. We’d love to take a look.
CCR EDITORIAL BOARD
ACADEMIA
DR. MARK LEE LEVINE
Professor Burns School/ Daniels College University of Denver
ADA
BRAD GASKINS Principal The McIntosh Group
ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS
MICHAEL MAGEE
Studio Leader Retail, Store Design Senior Associate Little
FRED MARGULIES Director of Retail Architecture Onyx Creative
STEVEN MCKAY
Managing Principal, Global Design Leader DLR Group
STEVEN R. OLSON, AIA President CESO, Inc.
CONSULTANT
GINA MARIE ROMEO Chief Heart Officer & Principal Consultant, Allied RDI
DEVELOPMENT/PROJECT MANAGEMENT
JIM SHEUCHENKO
President Property Management Advisors LLC
CHRIS VARNEY Principal, Executive Vice President Bureau Veritas
STEPHEN HEKMAN Executive VP Kingsmen Retail Services US
KEN DEMSKE Vice President Jones Lang LaSalle
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
DAVID THOMPSON Vice President TCB Construction Group LLC.
MATT SCHIMENTI President Schimenti Construction
JOHN STALLMAN Marketing Manager Lakeview Construction
JEFFREY D. MAHLER RCA Advisory Board Member
HEALTHCARE
CLINTON “BROOKS” HERMAN Principal Facilities Project Manager, MD Anderson Cancer Center
HOSPITALITY
GARY RALL Vice President of Design and Development Holiday Inn Club Vacations
ROBERT RAUCH Chairman Brick Hospitality
JOE THOMAS Vice President Engineering Loews Hotels
LU SACHARSKI Vice President of Operations and Project Management Interserv Hospitality
ANDY BRIGGS, CHA Managing Principal A14 Capital Management
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CRAIG WEBER Director of Business Prime Retail Services, US Prime 3 Retail Canada, Inc.
REAL ESTATE
ROB ADKINS, LEED AP CDP Senior Tenant Coordinator, Retail Peterson Companies
KAY BARRETT
NCIDQ, CDP
Senior Vice President Cushman & Wakefield
PAM GOODWIN Goodwin Advisors, LLC Goodwin Commercial The Pam Goodwin Show
JOHN COOPER Principal Executive Vice President Stormont Hospitality Group LLC
SAMUEL D. BUCKINGHAM, RS AMS CMCA President of Construction Devco Development
RESTAURANTS
RON BIDINOST Vice President of Construction Bubbakoo’s Burritos
DAVID SHOTWELL The Wills Group Sr. Construction Manager
RON VOLSKE Development Director Focus Brands
BOB WITKEN Senior Project Manager Fox Restaurant Concepts
RETAILERS
AARON ANCELLO Facilities Asset Management Public Storage
MEGAN HAGGERTY Founder Legacy Capital Investment
MARIE ANTONETTE G. WAITE Founder and CEO Finest Women in Real Estate
DEDRICK KIRKEM Facilities Manager Alice + Olivia
BOB MEZA Senior Construction Project Manager Target
DAVID D. DILLON Director, Facility Standards Store Planning & Design Development Walgreens Company
LAURA GROSS Retail Facilities Manager American Signature Furniture
KELLY RADFORD VP Retail Construction and Development Ascend Wellness Holdings
VAUN PODLOGAR CEO, Owner, Founder State Permits, Inc.
NO ENTRY NO HARM
Stop Smash and Grab
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PROTECTION FROM SMASH AND GRAB
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PROTECTION FROM VANDALISM
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DefenseLite® is a patented, retrofit glazing system designed for advanced forced entry protection. Manufactured by Impact Security, this proven technology provides a cost-effective solution, installed by authorized dealers located throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.defenselite.com
Contact
AroundtheIndustry
RETAIL
Walmart
Walmart will open five pet services centers offering veterinary care and grooming in partnership with PetIQ, after testing the format at a location in Atlanta. The new centers are designed to create a halo effect that drives sales of pet food and supplies and wins over younger and higher-income shoppers.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is expanding rapidly with 522 stores in 31 states, capitalizing on closeout merchandise and overstocks. Ollie’s, which opened its first store in Pennsylvania 42 years ago, has eschewed ecommerce in favor of physical stores to maintain its “treasure hunt” shopping experience.
Rothy’s
Rothy’s will add three new stores by the end of 2024, toward a target of 50 to 75 stores in the US. Although ecommerce is still the brand’s primary sales channel, physical stores are attracting new customers, and they also serve to promote the brand’s sustainability efforts and product range, including accessories and men’s shoes.
Skims
Skims is launching its first men’s pop-up at Nordstrom’s New York City flagship, part of the intimate wear brand’s ongoing strategy to expand beyond its direct-to-consumer roots into physical retail and experiential shopping through temporary and permanent stores. The brand’s strategic partnerships with retailers like Nordstrom have played a key role and will continue to be crucial as the brand further expands in the US and international markets.
Schiaparelli/Neiman Marcus
The luxury fashion house Schiaparelli is opening a pop-up boutique at Neiman Marcus in Dallas’ NorthPark Center, featuring its latest collections of jewelry, leather goods and accessories. The pop-up will operate through January.
Mejuri/Holt Renfrew
Mejuri has announced its expansion into Holt Renfrew, marking its first retail presence in Canada outside of standalone boutiques at the Toronto Bloor Street location. The partnership highlights Mejuri’s continued growth in the luxury retail space.
Moncler
Italian luxury brand Moncler will open a flagship in the General Motors building on New York City’s Fifth Avenue in early 2026 as part of its ongoing push to expand in the US. The new location will be its largest to date at 21,000 square feet.
Ann Taylor/Loft
Fashion retailers Ann Taylor and Loft have reopened in Canada via a deal with Hudson’s Bay and Centric Brands, launching 30 Ann Taylor and 60 Loft shops in Hudson’s Bay stores and online. The collaboration is part of Hudson’s Bay’s efforts to enhance its product range.
RESTAURANTS
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill has expanded into the UAE with the opening of its first unit in Dubai, following the brand’s entry into Kuwait earlier this year. The Dubai outlet, managed by Alshaya Group, is strategically positioned in a bustling beachside area and is part of Chipotle’s efforts to grow its international presence.
The Melting Pot
Fondue chain The Melting Pot is leveraging restaurant conversions and modernized designs to expand its footprint amid a soft market. The chain is targeting operators of failing casual dining spaces, offering them a chance to become franchisees with reduced costs due to the brand’s non-traditional kitchen model. This approach is part of the chain’s broader strategy to capitalize on available prime real estate and raise brand awareness.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A will open five restaurants in the UK over the next two years as part of a $100 million investment in the market, with plans for initial locations in London, Liverpool, Leeds and Belfast. This expansion marks the company’s first permanent presence outside North America, following earlier attempts in London and South Africa. The company plans to source chicken locally and use free-range eggs, and each new restaurant will also support local nonprofits and participate in the chain’s Shared Table program.
P.F. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s is expanding its presence in airports globally, with five new locations opened since March 2023 in cities like Seattle, Salt Lake City and Bengaluru, India, to leverage strong post pandemic travel demand. The chain adapts its menu to local tastes, such as offering more vegetarian options in India, and airport units are streamlined for efficiency, offering grab-and-go options for travelers.
Whole Hog BBQ
With a focus on maintaining authenticity, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ continues to grow beyond its South Carolina roots with locations in Alabama, the recent opening of a unit in Nashville plans to expand to Miami. Co-founded by Rodney Scott and Nick Pihakis, the chain is known for traditional cooking methods and balancing familiar barbecue with new and innovative offerings like pork skin nachos to meet evolving customer demands.
Taste of Gold
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will open a restaurant called Taste of Gold at Houston, Texas’ George Bush Intercontinental Airport early next year in partnership with The Playmakers Group. The menu, curated by restaurateur Mark Brezinski, is a work in progress and is expected to reflect Biles’ passion for food. Airport restaurant operator SSP America will run the eatery after its debut.
Twisted Egg Shack
The team behind Toasted Yolk is exploring new market opportunities with the introduction of Twisted Egg Shack, which offers a drive-thru breakfast and lunch experience. The concept focuses on providing high-quality, portable meals and beverages at a price point similar to Starbucks to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient dining options in less populated areas.
Insomnia Cookies
Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain Insomnia Cookies has opened its 300th store and has ambitious plans to roll out 1,500 more over the next 10 years. The company, which was majority-owned by Krispy Kreme until recently, has been acquired by Verlinvest and Mistral Equity Partner, and the brand has also expanded internationally, with new stores in the UK and Canada.
HOSPITALITY
Hyatt Hotels Corp
Hyatt Hotels Corp.’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the Americas will grow by more than 20 properties by the end of next year. Among the hotels set to open by the end of 2024 are the 168-room Thompson Palm Springs in California, the 161-room Hyatt Centric San Jose Escazu in Costa Rica, 436-room Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah and 67-room Maison Metier in New Orleans.
Full House Resorts
Nevada-based Full House Resorts has publicly presented a proposal to build a casino in New Haven, Ind. The gaming company said it would commit at least $500 million to the project, which would include a 200-room hotel, spa and various dining and entertainment options.
B&B Hotels
B&B Hotels has completed a deal to add 30 hotels totaling 2,308 rooms to its portfolio in Germany. The budget hotel brand, which aims to grow to 3,000 hotels around the world by 2030, will lease the new properties from investor BC Partners Real Estate and Hova Hospitality will manage 120 hotels.
Auberge Resorts Collection
A 68-room luxury oceanfront resort will be built by the Auberge Resorts Collection in Moncayo, an 1,100-acre private community in Fajardo,
Puerto Rico. The Moncayo project, which will be completed in 2027, will also include 400 residences, a 100-acre organic farm and nursery, a private club with an 18-hole Mackenzie & Ebert-designed golf course, and a village with offices, retail, a school and a medical clinic.
Mandarin Oriental
The 120-room Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya in Mexico is slated for a 2028 debut in a 680-acre master planned community that houses several other luxury hotels. The beachfront resort, which will also offer 50 branded residences, will include three outdoor pools, a spa, beach club, kid’s club and multiple dining venues.
Moxy Hotels
Moxy Hotels plans to add 17 properties in Europe by the end of next year, bringing its portfolio on the continent up to 100. Among the openings will be the first Moxy hotels in Luxembourg, Spain and Turkey, as well as additions in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal and Serbia.
Field & Stream
The new 179-room Field & Stream Bozeman in Montana is the flagship property for Field & Stream Lodge Co., a branded hospitality platform from AJ Capital Partners and Starwood Capital Group that focuses on US locations near mountains, national parks and other popular spots for outdoor adventures. The hotel has the aesthetic of a classic hunting and fishing lodge and features an outdoor hot tub, indoor pool, gym, 29,000-square-foot courtyard and 5,800 square feet of meeting and event space.
Marriott International
California’s W Hollywood has completed a major renovation that included a refresh of the 319 guestrooms, restaurants, a fitness center and gathering spaces. The hotel is part of Marriott International’s W Hotels brand, and the revamp comes amid the company’s strategy to prioritize its luxury portfolio.
GROCERS
Sprouts
Sprouts is set to open 35 locations this year and is looking to expand in California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Colorado and the Midwest as it builds on its mission to offer products that can’t be found elsewhere.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s expects to open two dozen stores nationwide this year, including eight new stores in Southern California. Four of the new California stores will be in Los Angeles County, with the others popping up in Orange, Riverside, and San Diego counties. The locations will be in South Pasadena, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, Santa Clarita, Ladera Ranch, Murrieta and Poway.
Table for two
Survey shows dining in wins over takeout in 2024
Don't look now, but it looks as if dining out has overtaken takeout this year.
According to a Diner Dispatch survey conducted by US Foods, 55% of consumers say they prefer eating in a restaurant compared to 43% in 2023. Women are leading the way by spending 33% more than men on dining out.
The survey also shows that diners are spending more, with the average monthly spend at $191 in 2024 compared to $166 in 2023.
While fast-casual restaurants are outperforming other sectors in the industry, the survey finds that casual dining continues to be the most popular restaurant choice when dining out, climbing up to 69% in 2024 from 63% in 2023.
The numbers game
The percent of residents who believe their buildings could benefit from sustainable HVAC practices, with 57% willing to pay higher rent for energyefficient features, according to AIIR Products’ first HVAC research study. In addition, 76% would be interested in receiving incentives for reducing energy and water usage, the data showed. 69
44
The percent of professionals who work in construction who have encountered the problem of their hotel being too far from the place of work, according to the “Powering Travel Trends Report,” which analyzes business travel’s economic drivers and social impacts.
The study also shows that 44% say they would consider switching to a new employer if they kept the same job and income, but had more flexibility on work travel dates and could choose when they were away from home.
2.36
The amount, in trillions, that the US travel industry contributed to the economy in 2023, according to a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council. The all-time high number is significantly higher than the $1.3 trillion generated by the second-place market in China. Coming in third place was Germany with $487.6 billion, followed by Japan at $297 billion and the UK at $295.2 billion.
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They said it...
“The interesting part about our business and being targeted in and around national parks is that we never see steep increases, and we never see steep decreases.”
— Delaware North CEO Derek Zwickey on why hotels near national and state parks resist downturns
“We are confident that our innovative menu and unique culture will resonate with customers as we expand the offer in the United States.”
— Wagamama CEO Thomas Heier on the restaurant chains U.S. growth initiative
“Brick and mortar is never going to be dead, and you have to invest in your stores to make them exciting for your customers.”
— Foot Locker CEO Mary Dillon on why the iconic retailer is betting on physical retail’s relevance
They're an All Star
3 US hotels earn AAA's 5 Diamond status
The Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Waldorf Astoria Chicago. The Setai, Miami Beach, Florida. Each has earned AAA's Five Diamond status, the Diamond Program's highest ranking. As part of the rankings, properties throughout North America, the Caribbean and Costa Rica are evaluated for comfort, cuisine, cleanliness and consistency and awarded for maintaining exceptional standards in luxury and hospitality.
In addition to these standout hotels, more than a dozen other properties have joined the ranks of AAA Four Diamond establishments, a category that recognizes upscale amenities and exceptional fine dining.
Updated on a monthly basis, there are now approximately 140 Five Diamond hotels and 60 Five Diamond restaurants, along with 1,750 Four Diamond hotels and 500 Four Diamond restaurants in the AAA program.
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CIRCLE
Deep Fakes
Deep Fakes
Is this article even real?
By Jon Armour
No, a deep fake isn’t a football play, but it probably should be. It could be a painting, an internet story or post, or a social media influence. Deep fakes use AI to simulate real images of persons or events to create fake news stories and misleading social media audio and video posts. Deep fake media can get people into trouble, create lawsuits and social disputes and even influence politics.
Deep fakes literally circumvent reality and porport events that didn’t happen. Increasingly, these AI generated images and stories are permeating our society to a point where people don’t know anymore what to believe. “Fake news” is more than the media, politicians and government lying to gain political advantages and control of people, or cover for ill conceived wealth, or to spin stories in a favorable direction.
It literally is aimed at getting people to be confused about real issues, and cause the element of conspiracy theories, and distention, anger and even violence amongst readers. Literally the truth becomes lies and lies become truth. It is so pervasive in our society now that a person finds having to research every post or story to determine what is reality and what is not.
Let’s talk about what a deep fake is and how it gets that name. Deep fakes, or “deep learning algorithyms” teach themselves to crack problems from large data sets from thousands of existing pictures to create a false but realistic media content or images of people.
Once the program collects relevant information from multiple angles, it then maps the image onto another facial image finding commonalities between them. To fine tune the image and make it less distinguishable from the original, another type of machine learning is employed called (GANs) or Generative Adversarial Networks. Through multiple scanning and passes over the images GANs finds flaws and makes improvements until it is very difficult to tell the real from the fake.
Deep fakes have a notoriety for being used exclusively in the commission of crimes. “Sextortion” is a common use, you may have heard of revenge porn. Numerous depictions of famous people have been grafted into pornography settings to extort money and or disqualify their targets from political positions, gain leverage in high profile court cases or smear an opponent. It has even been used to emulate presidential speeches and in official proceedings to skew opinions and damage political reputations.
Deep fake technology is relatively easy to obtain. There are a number of software programs that can make an incredibly complex process easy for the beginner. Programs like DeepFaceLab and FaceSwap are just the tip of the iceberg in AI software technology to begin your career, probably in crime. It was reported in 2019 that 96 percent of deep fakes were of a pornographic nature. But there are organizations utilizing the technology for good also.
Deep fakes are being extensively used in filmmaking. Disruptions in multi-million dollar productions sometimes occur when actors are injured, have serious illness and even die. Deep fakes can aid in recreating facial features transposed onto stand-in actors to create continuity in production and save costs. Examples of this are the “Fast and Furious Series 7” and “Blade Runner 2049.”
Each film used deep fakes to recreate the likenesses of either the main actor in
one case who died in a horrific car accident, and the other an actress that was aged beyond the original films timeline.
So, in effect deep fakes are useful in these situations whereby creators can fill in the blanks of lost characters, depict younger versions of actors for flashbacks, and also create wholly new content saving thousands of dollars in having real actors travel to filming sites and in crew costs for filming. I can see deep fakes displacing the need for
super-star actors and possibly endangering these high paid careers.
After all, money talks, and it is what drives the ability to make movies. Cost cutting the human element for the AI and deep fake insertions in films could be a move of the future to control or cheapen production costs.
The industry could move from the high paid actors to high paid AI and deep fake technologists that are specifically skilled in
creating this content. This technology is also attractive to young programmers and digital film makers. I predict that it will progress into completely studio based films with a lesser need to travel to foreign sets and elaborate outdoor venues.
If the majority of work can be accomplished within the bounds of a computer screen and in studio sets, more small format film makers will latch onto the opportunity to leverage this technology to beat out the big guys.
While deep fake technology may take a chunk out of the movie making process, we are still humans and enjoy the reality of live programming and TV shows. We will likely always embrace the acting talents of certain people, as long as they can keep their mouths about them on their political views.
unless it’s depicting some historical content or bibliographical story, who cares. It is all about entertainment. A good portion of the stuff you watch is fake anyway. Fake storylines, fake characters, and yes, fake news.
Learning to discern what is real and fake is becoming more and more difficult, but with a keen eye and a good grasp on reality you usually can tell the real thing from a fake. FBI agents trained in counterfeit bill detecting don’t study the fake bills, they study the real thing so that it is easier to spot the fake one when they see it.
The same should apply to deep fakes. If it seems a facial expression isn’t right or a character’s movements are not natural then it is probably a fake. In other words if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. There is no trick under the sun that hasn’t been
Learning to discern what is real and fake is becoming more and more difficult, but with a keen eye and a good grasp on reality you usually can tell the real thing from a fake.
Acting is an art form and is greatly appreciated knowing that it is real and we know that we are viewing a person we can identify with on either a personal or professional level. It’s hard to identify with a machine generated character. I could never watch the “Fast and Furious 7” scenes where they deep faked Paul Walker into the movie without also knowing that it is fake. Is it possible that we were “deep faked” on the moon landing? I don’t think so, but some conspiracists will tell you that the whole thing was filmed in a NASA studio or on a back lot behind the Johnson Space Center. To those, I’d have to say, “come out of the basement” every once in a while. We may never know what is a deep fake and what is not in a movie, but
tried already. Study history and you will find the same patterns in people over the entire existence of our world.
You might wonder. How do I spot a deep fake? As they get better and better at tricking our minds with all kinds of technological apparatus, I believe that you will still be able to spot deep fakes no matter how advanced they get. A lot of times it’s common sense, a good eye, and observing the original. Look for original sources of photos, video and audio recordings.
We live in a digital world where everything is stored out there somewhere. Unless the FBI, CIA or some other government entity has had this information intentionally scrubbed from the internet or destroyed (a popular ploy amongst some politicians) then
it is out there somewhere. Whoever created the deep fake used an original of something that can be found on the internet.
The “mouth” usually shouts out a deep fake. Take notice of audio attempted to match what the mouth is saying. It seems to be the hardest part of creating a deep fake to master, mouth movement to audio. Just looking at the deep fake without comparing it to an original might not give you many clues, but skin tone, wrinkles, facial perimeters, coloration differences from face to neck or other visible body parts are all good indications that what you are viewing is likely created on the keypad of a deep fake instigator.
And I say instigator because that is what they are trying to do is instigate a problem, and cause a flurry of discussion, conversation, and contention with the viewer. If it is for entertainment value, righteous creators will give a disclaimer to that effect.
To be certain, you can do reverse image searches. I’m not going to go into detail about that, however you can download programs that will perform these searches from a still image that you have screenshot and you can determine from the origin of the photo if it has made the circle of discussion about it being used in deep fake creation. You can gain more context as to how the photo has been previously used, how many times it has been posted, etc.
Deep fakes can be fun or dangerous. Increasingly they are being used for more nefarious purposes. Our political scene is littered with this type of media attacking candidates, current political figures, governments, supreme court Justices and other governing structures to the point of eroding our country’s efficacy in running the government to the will of the people. Be mindful of this technology, don’t believe everything you see.
Question everything, and by all means, be fair in judging what is real or not, as for the sake of truth and liberty, we count on that.
Jon Armour is a contributing editor/author to the line of Design and Construction publications and has 35 years of combined experience across the construction, real estate, and IT Infrastructure industry. He is certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager, IT Program Manager, and a published author of a popular Western genre fiction novel. He lives in Magnolia, Texas.
Student Insider
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Dear Skills Trade Student
While construction and technical skills are your primary focus, ConstructEDU Student Insider (CEDU) is designed to supplement your education by providing content that dives into the business of the commercial construction and renovation industry. The bi-monthly newsletter covers areas such as emerging technologies, regulatory issues and other factors shaping the diverse industry’s future. CEDU also features insights and profiles from industry thought leaders on the trends and challenges affecting the marketplace.
Delivered at no charge, we not only encourage you to make CEDU a part of your educational consumption, but also to share it with your peers.
Engineering, public works leaders unite to tackle workforce shortage
Addressing the critical shortage of skilled professionals in infrastructure development, top engineering and public works associations have joined forces to launch the Engineering Workforce Consortium (EWC). The formation of the Engineering Workforce Consortium follows a landmark workforce summit convened by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
ADP: Construction careers trending among Gen Zers
According to ADP’s “Today at Work” report, between 2019 and spring 2024, enrollment of bachelor’s degree students fell by 3.6% and associate’s degree enrollment fell by 15.9%. Vocational enrollment rose by 4.6% during the same period. Between January 2019 and May 2024, blue-collar employment rose faster for workers in their early 20s than aged 25 to 39.
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Clark unites DC high school educators for ‘Crafting Futures’ event
This past October, Clark Construction Group hosted an event for high school educators titled, “Crafting Futures.” Planned in partnership with Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), the event was an impactful step toward addressing the projected workforce shortage facing our nation’s construction and infrastructure market.
Read More HERE
The Big Build: Helping to build future careers in construction
The Big Build returned to The National Building Museum in Washington D.C. this past October with the help of sponsors, including 84 Lumber, the nation’s largest privately held building materials supplier. This free, hands-on community day invites visitors of all ages to channel their inner builder and discover what it’s like to wear a hard hat, hammer a nail or drill a hole.
Read More HERE
Philly, Oh Philly
RCA rolls through the City of Brotherly Love
With the City of Brotherly Love as its backdrop, the Retail Contractors Association (RCA) hit the trail with a tour and Q&A session with fixtures, displays and architectural millwork provider KRG Enterprises and a reception at Chickie’s & Pete’s. The vaunted Philly sports bar, which holds the distinction of being ESPN’s No. 1 Sports Bar on the East Coast, played host to a night of networking. The latest monthly regional meeting of commercial construction professionals was sponsored by KRG Enterprises, Connor Construction, LLC and Genesis Global Inc. View the video from the event by clicking here.
1o. Bill Holzworth, KRG Enterprises; Dominick Giuffrida, Dezigns Construction Inc
Behind the Design in Dallas
The recent Behind the Design event, held by the Retail Design Institute (Texas Chapter) on October 23, brought together professionals from the retail design community for an inspiring evening at Ylang 23, a fine jewelry store in Dallas. Guests enjoyed appetizers, wine, and refreshments as Maori Hughes, Principal at MAOarch Architecture, and Bruce Russo, President of B. Russo Designs, shared an exclusive look into the creative process behind the store’s striking design. The Teichman family, owners of Ylang 23, shared insights into the store’s evolution and vision for their new retail space, making the night a blend of thoughtful design exploration and industry interaction.
The Texas Chapter of the Retail Design Institute continues to foster meaningful relationships and showcase design excellence, inspiring our industry to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration in retail.
To learn more about RDI Texas and become a member, scan the QR code.
Hosted by:
Attendees networking during the first half of the event. Samuel Newberry, president, Solais Lighting;
Veronica Bonniver, Travelstead; Chris Varney, EVP of Bureau Veritas; Andrew Brezina, principal, Arcadis.
Retail Design Institute Texas Chapter Board Members (from left to right: Stephen Hekman of Kingsmen Projects US (events chair), Sarah Wooldridge of Nelson (membership chair), Kate Kuykendall (communications chair), Marissa Loftin of Kingsmen Projects US (creative and communications chair), Cyndi Brezina of Tracon Construction (secretary), Jeff Dunn of GoTo Foods (president), Chadrick Spencer of Bureau Veritas Group (vice president), and Abidel Gonzales (treasurer).
1. Cyndi Brezina and Maori Hughes converse over a glass of wine.
2. Attendees listening to the presentation by Mao, Bruce and the owners of Ylang. Emily Trevino, Brix Holdings; Matthew Uzbek, Arcadis; Chris Varney, Bureau Veritas; Samuel Newberry, Solais Lighting; Jeremy Armstrong, LDK Logistics; Veronica Bonniver, Travelstead; Megan Brezina, Rogue Architects; Ebony J.
3. (From left to right) Sarah Odom, idGroup; Leslie Killebrew, idGroup; Cyndi Brezina, Tracon Construction and RDI board member.
5. (From left to right) Bruce Russo, founder and president, B. Russo Designs; Charles Teichman, owner, Ylang 23; Alysa Teichman, Owner, Ylang 23; Joanne Teichman, owner, Ylang 23.
6. Mao (left) and Bruce (right) giving their presentation.
7. Steve Hekman and Heidi Hekman, Kingsmen Projects US. provided all the fixtures and displays for the store.
8. Attendees listening to presentation. One of which is board member Abdiel Gonzales.
9. Andrew Brezina, Arcadis winning a raffle prize; Alysa Teichman; Cyndi Brezina, Tracon Construction and board member.
10. Board members Kate Kuykendall (left) and Cyndi Brezina (center) presenting raffle prize to winner, Kolenda Pink, Le Duff.
11. (From left to right) Ebony J; Veronica Bonnivier, Travelstead; Marissa Loftin, Kingsmen Projects US and board member; Sarah Wooldridge, Nelson and board member.
Porcelanosa’s new Buckhead showroom brings Spanish elegance to the heart of Atlanta
Porcelanosa, the big spanish tile manufacturer has relocated and opened its doors in a new location in the center of Buckhead district. This new 6,900 sq. ft. showroom offers eight bathroom settings, three kitchen displays, a living space, a fireplace area, a technical area and a water zone. The new location allows the firm to cater both trade and private clients allowing for the opportunity to discover the latest trends with high quality materials and customize solutions for every space in commercial or residential projects. View a video of the event, click here.
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Next one up...
Why apprenticeships are the key to industry's recovery
WBy Matt DiBara
ith more than 400,000 job openings unfilled across the country in 2022, construction companies struggled to meet demand, delaying major infrastructure projects and driving up costs. The number jumped to about 650,000 workers in 2023, highlighting the worsening situation.
About 94% of U.S. construction companies face significant challenges in finding workers to hire. Businesses are using a variety of ways to fill the gap, including introducing apprenticeship programs. According to the latest data, there were 340,000 registered apprentices in the construction industry in 2023, an increase of about 28% over the last five years.
We
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These programs offer a structured pathway for young adults, particularly recent high school graduates, to acquire technical skills while earning a wage—effectively closing the skills gap that has hindered the sector's growth. Even platforms like SkillsUSA are understanding the growing skills gap.
There are several reasons why this is happening:
Many individuals are exploring new roles and better ways to earn a living, drawn by opportunities offering more flexibility, higher wages, and enhanced safety. While today’s labor shortage has reached a critical level, it isn't a new phenomenon. By 2012, industries such as construction in states like Texas, Arizona and Florida were already experiencing pressure following the Great Recession.
But the problem escalated post-pandemic when employers realized that workers were not returning to their jobs as expected.
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of individuals actively considering a career in construction plummeted by 40%, and that figure has yet to recover. Many workers have shifted their focus toward industries that offer more security, flexibility and better perks. Meanwhile, another pressing issue looms: retirement.
The average age of a construction worker today is 42.5 years, and nearly half of the current workforce plans to retire within the next eight years. With fewer than 3% of recent college graduates showing interest in the construction field, the shortage is set to deepen.
In addition, the diminishing emphasis on vocational training is also leading to this problem. Over the last few decades, educational systems across the U.S. have placed a growing emphasis on college degrees, often at the expense of trade education. As a result, many young adults graduate with the perception that a four-year college is the only path to success, neglecting opportunities in trades like construction.
Platforms like SkillsUSA are playing a vital role in preparing students for careers in the construction industry through technical
training and skill-building competitions. Events like the Eastern Region Carpentry Competition, give students the opportunity to showcase their skills in areas such as carpentry, electrical work and other trades, which are highly valued in construction apprenticeships.
Plus, there are apprenticeship programs that offer an alternative route where individuals can "earn while they learn." Participants receive pay during their training and graduate with valuable certifications, free of student debt, leading to stable, well-paying jobs. It is no surprise that around 75% of Americans find these types of apprenticeships appealing.
Moreover, the construction industry has begun investing heavily in such programs, with trade organizations and unions offering incentives to encourage participation. In 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor allocated $113 million to expand apprenticeship programs across industries, with a significant focus on construction, given its pivotal role in the economy.
This movement also ties into broader industry activities. With the Biden administration's $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law, the demand for skilled construction workers has skyrocketed as projects to repair roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure are rolled out nationwide.
Apprenticeship programs provide a steady pipeline of workers who are trained in accordance with industry standards, ensuring that companies can meet the demand for skilled labor.
Apprenticeships as a Lifeline for the Industry
Apprenticeship programs provide a steady pipeline of workers who are trained in accordance with industry standards, ensuring that companies can meet the demand for skilled labor. Apprenticeships typically combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, providing a comprehensive education that is directly aligned with industry needs.
By embedding practical, hands-on learning in real-world construction environments, these programs help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
For recent high school graduates, apprenticeship programs offer an immediate entry point into a career. Many apprenticeships lead to certifications in high-demand fields like carpentry, welding and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, giving young adults a solid foundation in technical skills.
The Payoff Without the Price Tag
While many college graduates enter the workforce saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, construction apprentices are taking a different path—and one that doesn’t involve hefty tuition fees. They are not just learning; they’re earning. The average starting wage for a construction apprentice is around $16 per hour, and by the time they complete their program, many earn upwards of $50,000 a year, with significant growth potential as they gain more experience.
In a time when the cost of higher education continues to rise, and the job market grows increasingly competitive, apprenticeship programs in construction offer an alternative that provides both immediate financial security and long-term career growth. As the demand for skilled workers in the construction industry shows no signs of slowing down, more young adults are realizing that there’s more than one path to success. CCR
Matt
DiBara is the founder of Contractor Consultants. thecontractorconsultants.com
A bold step forward
How api(+) transformed Chamberlin’s retail store design
Contemporary. Open and airy. Bold, yet natural in scope.
When Chamberlin’s was looking to reposition the look of its regional chain of healthy specialty grocery stores, it turned to the team at ArchitecturePlus International, api(+).
The transformation, when completed, would serve as a big step in showcasing the brand’s latest 10,000-square-foot, ground-up location in CASTO Southeast’s Center Point at Waterside retail development in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
api(+) partnered with CASTO Southeast and Chamberlin’s owner, Healthy Edge Retail Group, to create an inviting and elevated shopping environment aimed to appeal to a discerning clientele. The new design embodies the brand’s ethos with a contemporary, open, and airy space, enhanced by natural wood finishes, bold graphic statements and nature-inspired elements that create a welcoming atmosphere.
Strategically placed multi-directional lighting and carefully designed seating areas further enhance the uplifting ambiance, making the shopping experience more engaging and memorable. The comprehensive redesign reflects api(+)’s expertise across a wide range of services, including store planning, prototype design, interior design, architecture, graphics and branding. api(+) is also designer and architect of record for CASTO Southeast’s brand new Center Point at Waterside retail development, which the store is located within.
Commercial Construction & Renovation sat down with VP & Director of Design Tom Henken to get his thoughts on the firm’s approach to today’s retail landscape.
Give us a snapshot of Chamberlin’s brand?
Natural, wholesome, and trustworthy since 1935, Chamberlin’s has been recognized as one of the most innovative retailers of natural foods in the U.S., with a dedication to providing thoughtfully selected, responsibly sourced food and products. Chamberlin’s is Central Florida’s trusted resource for all-natural vitamins and groceries, organic and local produce, cruelty-free cosmetics, and organic pet food and baby care.
What type of consumers is Chamberlin’s targeting?
Health minded, vitality-seeking people of all ages and in all stages of health. This location targets residents of Lakewood Ranch, in Southwest Florida. It is the country’s No. 1 best-selling multi-generational community for more than six consecutive years.
Chamberlin’s unique brand stems from the simple and effectively curated approach to the product assortment, as well as the simple and unified environment that makes the store enjoyable and easy to shop.
How does the design cater to what today’s consumers are looking for?
The design supports the product quality and freshness by integrating natural materials and finishes, an emphasized connection to the outdoors with plenty of natural light. The Chamberlin’s core customer lifestyle is reflected in the atmosphere that embodies health and wellness with a light, vibrant and energetic look and feel.
Walk us through how and why the store is designed the way it is?
The architecture begins the experience with a corner entry that seems to reach out to customers in an inviting and open way. This entry is flanked by a tall glass storefront that blurs the line between outside and inside creating a friendly open and inviting appeal to customers.
To one side is an outdoor dining area that announces the significant array of prepared
foods that await customers entering the store. Once inside the entire store is visible and easy to navigate through the use of ceiling heights and changes denoting destinations within the shopping pattern. Graphic communications around the perimeter draw attention to the variety of food offerings as well as deliver the Chamberlin’s brand differentiating tenets.
The lighting includes a percentage of uplight which is combined with a brightened perimeter to create an open airy and healthy aura to the shopping experience. A horizontal wood lattice surrounds the store emulating the crates of fresh products that surround the customer. This doubles as a flexible sign mount allowing the Chamberlin’s staff to move products and associated signage around the store either seasonally or as new product categories develop in the future.
Format trends have been an interesting trend during the last decade. We are working on grocery concepts that range in size from 18,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet.
Luxury vinyl wood floors throughout are punctuated with darker areas to feature stand apart departments. This technique is combined with a dropped graphic ceiling to define a shop within the store. Health inspired patterns and textures combined with a primarily earth toned color pallet to embody the customer lifestyle and enhance the shopping experience.
What are some of the trends you saw that inspired the shop?
We have been developing some trends over the years that are evident here. The exposed ceiling structure with floating graphic ceilings is becoming part of our design signature. The large-scale macro patterned wall covering coupled with layers of three-dimensional elements and signage has become a strong part of our repertoire. We have always used lighting for creating atmosphere, providing scale positioning and product enhancement which are all present in the Chamberlin’s project.
What do you want customers to walk away with?
A basket full of healthy products and a smile on their face knowing they had an enjoyable and educational experience finding the items they were looking for as well as discovering new and interesting products they were unaware existed.
In today’s complicated landscape, what type of opportunities do you see moving ahead?
Smaller format curated lifestyle assortment stores are more convenient and easier to shop. By tailoring the merchandise mix to a shopper’s lifestyle, the retailer becomes the expert which provides an opportunity to become a valuable asset in the guests mind resulting in brand loyalty.
Talk about sustainability. What are you doing?
We incorporate the principles of sustainability into all our projects. We are using materials sourced locally whenever
possible, we specify low V.O.C. paints and adhesives throughout the project and our signature design aesthetic that uses the base architectural structure and equipment as the finished space minimizes the extent of construction.
Are you optimistic about what you are seeing out there?
I have been in the retail design business for 40 years and the only thing constant is change. I love that retail is constantly being reinvented and the unique and interesting challenges to our profession that come with that opportunity. I think we are past the belief that bricks and mortar retail is dead. It has become about the experience and the exposure to new things as well as the human connection that COVID proved was so important. I am very optimistic.
What trends are you seeing in the grocery area?
Format trends have been an interesting trend during the last decade. We are working on grocery concepts that range in
size from 18,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet. They range from local and regional retailers to national and international retailers. With that said, brand consolidation has reduced competition and taken a toll on customer price and selection options in the marketplace.
One-on-One with… api(+)’s Tom Henken
Describe a typical day.
I usually wake with an idea or solution to a project I have been working on. I program my dreams before drifting off to sleep by going over all the projects in the office and visualizing the issues. With practice it has become surprisingly useful.
After a double espresso and a long walk with the dogs I’m fully charged when I reach the office and usually excited to share the solutions with the teams. I do drive-by reviews with those who may need my direction on a project.
I always have a game plan that I wish to accomplish by the end of the day
but I leave flexibility in my schedule to allow for interruptions. I must admit that the interruptions can sometimes fill the day. I feel best when I go home feeling that I accomplished my goals for that day.
What’s the biggest item on your to-do list right now?
We are developing a new branded waterfront restaurant concept for a pair of local celebrity chef/restaurateurs that is as full of challenges as you might expect. It has been occupying my every thought for the past few weeks as well as my dreams.
What’s the secret to creating a “must visit” store in today’s competitive landscape?
The secrets in creating a must visit store lie in focusing on the customer experience and providing surprise and delight at every turn of the shopping occasion.
In addition, it is very important to provide thoughtful merchandising that tells a story and helps customers explore fresh new ideas all under the umbrella of providing value to the customer at any price level. The atmosphere should support and elevate this experience through lighting, texture, finishes, architecture and unique appropriate display fixtures.
Tell us what makes the Chamberlin’s brand so unique?
Chamberlin’s unique brand stems from the simple and effectively curated approach to the product assortment, as well as the simple and unified environment that makes the store enjoyable and easy to shop. CCR
What’s the best thing a customer ever said to you?
I hear “great presentation, great design” often from our clients yet a customer visiting a new store we designed told me that “this store really gets me; it knows how busy I am and places everything I need frequently in the most convenient place. I love it.” That customer thanked me for being empathetic to her life situation. That really made my day.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE
We’re a company with a fresh approach. We are highly skilled and passionate design and construction experts brought together and bonded by mutual trust and respect.
Every member of the PMC team stands ready to deliver, regardless of location, complexity or challenge. We will bring your projects to market with a focus on quality, performance and speed.
Professional Design and Project Management Services for the Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Entertainment and the Commercial Markets.
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HVAC/Energy firms highlighted in annual report
When i t comes to HVAC systems, finding the one that can create safe and comfortable environments for employees, customers and visitors is paramount. Our annual HVAC listing provides the latest on the leaders in the retail, restaurant, hospitality, healthcare (and other) fields. In addition, the report provides the contact information and contact person for each firm. If you didn’t make the list, contact Publisher David Corson at davidc@ccr-mag.com.
A. O. Smith
Marketing Department
106 Adkisson Street
Ashland City, TN 37015
contactus@hotwater.com www.hotwater.com
Product Type: Tank Water Heaters,Tankless Water Heaters
Aircuity, Inc.
Sarah Callahan, VP, Marketing
128 Carnegie Row, Suite 110 Norwood, MA 02062 (617) 641-8848
info@aircuity.com www.aircuity.com
Product Type: Controls/Monitoring
American Plant Maintenance
Ricardo Aguirre, CEO 10-B Commerce Way Woburn, MA 01801 (781) 281-2420
Product Type: Steam Trap Surveys and Repairs, Heat Exchanger Assessment and Testing, Heat Exchanger Cleaning, HVAC Insulation, HVAC Cleaning, Compressed Air Survey
American Standard Water Heaters
Ansley Houston, Vice President of Sales 225 dyer Street Providence, RI 02903 (800) 323-9651 ansley.houston@ariston.com www.americanstandardwaterheaters.com
Airius
Christian Avedon, Director of Sales and Marketing 811 S. Sherman St. Longmont, CO 80501 (888)-247-7327
info@airiusfans.com www.airiusfans.com
Product Type: Destratification Fans
Product Type: Heat Pumps,Tank Water Heaters
ASHRAE
Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President 180 Technology Parkway NW Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (404) 636-8400 marketing@ashrae.org www.ashrae.org
Product Type: Membership Association for HVAC Professionals
Product Type: Boilers, Tankless Water Heaters, Water Treatment
NTI Boilers
Nate Arendt, Vice President of Sales 225 Dyer Street Providence, RI 02903 (800) 323-9651
Nathan.Arendt@ariston.com www.ntiboilers.com
Product Type: Heat Pumps,Boilers,Tank Water Heaters
Nyle Water
Heating Systems
Chris Ebener, Director of Sales 690 Maine Ave Bangor, ME 04401 (800) 777-6953
cebener@nyle.com
www.heatwater.com
Product Type: Heat Pumps,Tankless Water Heaters
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Systemair
Rick Caldwell, Director of Marketing 10048 Industrial Blvd. Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 752-6000
sales@systemair.net www.systemair.com
Product Type: VAV Systens,Air Handlers,Packaged Roof Top Units,Controls/Monitoring,Filters
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Eric Balt, Technical Sales Manager 5100 Silver Star Road Vernon, British Columbia V1B 3K4 (250) 545-7749 (250) 317-9869
eric.balt@wattswater.com www.tekmarcontrols.com
Product Type: Controls/Monitoring,Ductwork /Accessories,Other: Air Measurement Devices, Dampers, Energy Recovery Ventilators, Fire/ Life Safety, Louvers, Sound Control
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Product Type: Packaged Roof Top Units,Other: rooftop mounting solutions for Metal and Single Ply roofing
SunTouch - A Watts Brand
Shashwat Nath, Sr. Product Manager
815 Chestnut St North Andover, MA 01845
shashwat.nath@wattswater.com
www.suntouch.com
Product Type: Electric FloorHheating or Snow Melting
Product Type: Controls/Monitoring
The Propane Education & Research Council
Jim Bunsey, Director of Commercial Business Development 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1075 Washington, DC 20036 jim.bunsey@propane.com www.propane.com
Product Type: Propane
Titus
Rob Copeland, Director of Business Operations 605 Shiloh Rd. Plano, TX 75074 (972) 212-4800
Melissa Talbott, Manager, Public Relations & Media, Global Products
5757 N. Green Bay Ave. P.O. Box 591 Milwaukee, WI 53201 (414) 524-8687
media@jci.com
www.york.com
Product Type: Air Handlers, Furnaces/Duct Furnaces, Packaged Roof Top Units, Controls/Monitoring, Heat Pumps, Refrigeration Equipment|Chillers
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Health hazards in the building process
Essential strategies for addressing health risks and promoting construction safety
By Talia Sager
Hard hats are the quintessential symbol of safety in the construction industry, but falling debris is only one risk workers face on a job site. The potential for exposure to hazardous materials present in the building process makes health a crucial consideration on construction sites.
Effective control of these threats to health and safety is paramount for protecting employees and keeping projects on track.
Understanding Health Hazards in Construction
In addition to traditional construction hazards, the industry presents various health hazards that stem from settled building dust, ultrafine particles (UFP) and chemical exposures. This combination of particulates
and toxic substances can create an unsafe working environment and lead to health implications for those exposed. Construction crews aren’t the only ones affected though. The impact of construction activities extends beyond the worksite, affecting local residents. Dust and chemical emissions can
drift into nearby neighborhoods, potentially leading to health concerns among those living in proximity to construction sites. Factors such as the types of materials, the duration of exposure, and the effectiveness of safety measures all play a role in determining health outcomes.
Common Health Hazards
Settled building dust, ultrafine particles (UFP), and chemical exposures pose significant risks as they can exacerbate preexisting health conditions or lead to new complaints when steps to reduce exposure aren’t taken.
Exposure to Building Dust
Building dust is a common byproduct of construction activities, and it can contain many toxic substances that are hazardous to people. Dust can include particles such as fine particles, glass wool, asbestos, silica, as well as various chemicals. Chemicals may be integral to the material dust, or they may be airborne chemicals from other sources that have attached to the dust.
Common chemical contaminants found in building dust include flame retardants, plasticizers and pesticides. Studies indicate that exposure to these contaminants can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, hormonal disruptions, cancer, and developmental disorders in children. Dust and its associated chemicals can enter the body through inhalation of airborne particles, ingestion of settled dust and skin contact.
Ultrafine Particles (UFPs)
There’s a basic principle when considering the health risks from exposure – the smaller the particle, the greater the risk. UFPs are tiny particles, less than 100 nanometers in size (or about 1/1000th of a human hair), that are generated during construction processes such as cutting, grinding and demolition.
Due to their small nature, it is easy for these particles to be inhaled and travel deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing cardiovascular and respiratory problems or worsening currently existing issues.
Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposures on construction sites often arise from the use of solvents, paints and coatings, adhesives and other materials that contain hazardous substances. Many of these materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethylene, methylene chloride, formaldehyde and dioxane and pose serious health risks, including respiratory irritation, neurological effects and long-term chronic diseases.
Supporting and Protecting Human Health
Protecting the health and safety of those in construction is vital because it not only
ensures the well-being of workers, but also enhances productivity, reduces healthcare costs, cuts down on sick days, and promotes a culture of safety that benefits the whole industry.
Risk Assessment and Management
During planning stages, construction leadership should conduct a thorough safety review to identify any materials and/ or processes that may pose health risks, and identify mitigation approaches to reduce worker and community exposure. Try to engage workers in risk identification exercises since they may be able to provide insights based on past experiences.
During the construction process, there are many methods that can be utilized to ensure worker and community safety:
> Monitor the site regularly. Throughout the building process, employ comprehensive monitoring strategies, such as air quality assessments and measurement of dust levels to gather valuable data to inform safety protocols.
> Control dust and UFPs from transporting or resuspending into the air. For large-scale projects this may require a bit more planning, but it’s doable whether constructing a new building or bringing new life with renovation.
> In some projects, water is sprayed over the area to stop dust and UFPs from floating back up into the air, making it harder for them to be inhaled. There are also polymers that can be used for a similar effect but be sure to opt for a non-toxic choice for continued health protection.
> Seal off the construction site with plastic sheeting to hinder dust and UFPs from leaving the site and affecting local residents.
> Depending on the type of flooring present, it may be important to cover the floor so dust and UFPs don’t get trapped in the flooring or get tracked
into other rooms. This can also be helped by using walk off mats between rooms or sections.
> Use portable air cleaners to remove dust from key areas.
> Promote good air quality. The three main steps to foster good indoor air quality are ventilation, filtration and source control. Most people in the field are probably familiar with the importance of ventilation and filtration, but source control is by far the most effective way to minimize exposure risks.
Using low emission building materials that emit minimal VOCs reduces the opportunity for chemical exposure. Another form of source control is to make sure processes that result in dust and debris production are done in areas with local ventilation, and use portable industrial HEPA filtration units.
> Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is the last line of defense against exposure to hazards. Even with all the proper safety measures in place, it is imperative to always wear the appropriate PPE tailored to specific tasks. PPE can include respirators, protective clothing such as coveralls and gloves, and eye protection such as safety goggles and face shields.
Addressing health hazards in the building process is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of workers and the surrounding community. By implementing effective dust control processes, monitoring air quality and prioritizing the use of safer materials, the construction industry can mitigate these risks. Proactive strategies not only enhance worker safety but also contribute to the overall health of the environment. As we advance towards more sustainable building practices, it is essential to remain vigilant about these hazards to ensure a safer and healthier future for all involved in the construction process. FC
Talia Sager is a Content Specialist at Chemical Insights Research Institute. She leverages her experience in healthcare and digital marketing to translate research findings into impactful messages.
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Inside the restoration of Davidge Hall at the University of Maryland, Baltimore
By Richard Heim
Constructed in 1812, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB)
Davidge Hall is the oldest building in the Western Hemisphere that has been continuously used for medical education. Home to the University of Maryland School of Medicine, the fifth-oldest medical school in the US, Davidge Hall was showing signs of age that signaled the need for updates, including improvements to its mechanical and electrical equipment.
RMF Engineering embraced the rare opportunity to help restore this National Historic Landmark for modern teaching purposes. From the circular geometry of the architecture to the out-of-code HVAC systems, Davidge Hall presented a variety of challenges to the RMF team, driving creative solutions to bring the building into the future of medical education.
The History
Named after Baltimore physician Dr. John Davidge, who founded the medical school and served as its first dean, Davidge Hall is the original building of UMB and the entire University System of Maryland. Davidge and other founding clinicians paid for the facility with their own money, which resulted in the commanding Pantheonic architecture—intended to signal the importance of
To preserve Davidge Hall and prepare it for future medical students, the building’s HVAC system needed to be replaced.
formalized medicine. Famous physicians such as James Carroll, who discovered that mosquitoes were carriers of yellow fever, walked through its halls. Adding to its colorful past, the top floor was once a secret dissection lab with stolen cadavers.
Chemical Hall, a 200-seat amphitheater with kiln-like niches in its front wall for chemical experiments, occupies most of the first floor. Directly above it is the oldest known anatomical hall in the US, a similar amphitheater with a unique decorative ceiling where Marquis de Lafayette received an
honorary doctorate in 1824. Both theaters include surrounding galleries, stadium seating, and stepped aisles, with concealed spiral staircases. Because of its single exit, Anatomical Hall is no longer in use. The rest of the building now houses offices, conference rooms, and a museum.
In 2011, an earthquake shook the 200-year-old building, tearing copper seams apart and exposing design flaws in the roof and windows. Rainwater repeatedly seeped from the faulty roof into the glass-domed
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lecture hall, staining the ornate plaster wall with brown streaks and cracks. Because of the building’s storied history, it was important that Davidge Hall be preserved and remain relevant and useful for students to come.
The Challenge
To preserve Davidge Hall and prepare it for future medical students, the building’s HVAC system needed to be replaced. When originally constructed, it was designed only to be heated by stoves close to the ceiling in the winter. In 1979, a new HVAC system was installed to keep up with modern technology.
The building was connected to the campus’ central chilled water and steam systems—with steam being converted locally to heating water—for heating and cooling. Nearly half a century later, the HVAC systems could no longer provide adequate environmental control and did not meet modern code.
RMF’s mechanical and electrical design teams prioritized the historical significance of Davidge Hall and worked to limit the
impact of the new equipment as much as possible. The circular building’s tight spaces and curved walls created a number of obstacles when deciding where to place new equipment and how to best run connections.
After evaluation of equipment types and arrangements, the only viable approach that allowed the majority of the architectural elements and intent to remain intact was to design the system to be housed where the existing systems were.
As such, RMF’s design aimed to reuse locations where piping bulkheads and
enclosures were already in place for the new system. Supply and return distribution re-used existing diffusers and grilles, keeping the look from inside the building as close to original as possible. A semicircular louver was added to minimize impact to the exterior walls and keep with the existing architectural design.
The Process
Before the renovation, the outside air ventilation in Davidge Hall was limited, which was highlighted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising concerns
Before the renovation, the outside air ventilation in Davidge Hall was limited, which was highlighted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising concerns about the spread of the virus.
about the spread of the virus. Outside air ventilation took a front seat more broadly during this time, and options to increase outside air came into focus on the project. Water leaks and high humidity caused by the inability of the existing system to properly dehumidify had further contributed to the deterioration of the property.
Instead of replacing the mechanical equipment with the same system that failed, the University sought a new, more efficient approach that would not only improve Davidge Hall’s condition but also limit the potential for future water leaks.
RMF’s design for the building’s HVAC replacement removed 10 air handling units as well as ductwork, chilled water piping, and hot water piping from service, and exchanged them for a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system. This system allows each space in the building to have individual control. Sixteen large units of 3-ton to 4-ton capacity each
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were designed to condition Anatomical Hall and Chemical Hall, with eight units providing the required ventilation air.
The use of several units versus a single unit for each space was driven by the existing mechanical space constraints for fitting the equipment. Smaller units of less than 1 ton of capacity were used to heat and cool various offices, with one unit providing the required ventilation air.
These are served by air-cooled condensing units (air-source heat pumps) mounted on the adjacent roof of the Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry. Careful consideration was given to ensuring that the existing structure could accommodate these units, as well as to providing proper piping penetrations in the new roof to minimize future water leak potential.
The air-cooled condensing units were strategically split into five systems, with two assigned to Anatomical Hall, two assigned to Chemical Hall, and the fifth to support the various offices.
To bring the new VRF system online, RMF designed a series of electrical improvements, including upgrades to the distribution equipment, as well as new panels, breakers, disconnectors, conduits and wiring to power the VRF units and heat pipes. In addition to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades, RMF facilitated the connection of new fire alarm devices to the fire alarm system and implemented a new fire protection and egress plan.
All of these upgrades came together in a new Siemens building automation system. This provided the ability to monitor and control space temperature, occupied/unoc-
cupied modes, and monitor drain pans for water accumulation.
Throughout the project, RMF handled construction administration for articles like requests for information responses and shop drawing reviews. The construction administration process remained efficient largely because of the project’s highly engaged and technical owner.
The new equipment allows Davidge Hall to maintain a 72-degree temperature and comfortable levels of humidity across each space and has been noted to be very quiet. According to UMB’s Office of Operations and Maintenance, the building’s overall energy usage has decreased by about 20% due to these mechanical upgrades, and occupants report that the building has never felt more comfortable. CCR
Richard Heim is a Professional Engineer at RMF Engineering.
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How Grant Allgood is continuing his family life’s work in construction
The Good Son G
How Grant Allgood is continuing his family life’s work in construction
rant Allgood’s whole family was in the construction business. So, there he was, starting at age 13, driving nails during the summers and weekends. His construction apprenticeship included a little bit of everything, from framing crews, siding crews, trim crews and building decks.
As the owner and President of Dual Construction LLC in Loganville, Georgia, Allgood continues to live the construction life. He even expanded his wares into the adjuster’s business by getting a license during the 2008 housing crisis.
After writing insurance estimates for a couple years, he decided to get into the insurance restoration and water mitigation business. In late 2010, Allgood and his friend, Bucky Smith, started Dual Construction LLC. Since 2011, they have remained busy in construction, fire, water, storm damage, remodeling and new construction of custom homes.
We sat down with him to get a glimpse of today’s residential construction market.
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?
Honing by construction skills as a teenager in the family business, I ended up attending Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Georgia for drafting in the late ’80s, early ’90s. I also learned basic property adjusting and Xactimate training at the Amcat School of Adjusting in Coppell, Texas, and 40 hours of property and casualty training from R.S. Thomas Training Associates in Atlanta.
Over the years, I learned the trade as a Construction Superintendent at Meridian Homes; Inspector for Havens Trust Bank; salesman for Absolute Best Construction; and the owner and President of Stonebrook Homes.
I eventually started Dual Construction with Bucky Smith, and we have been building our legacy ever since.
Give us a snapshot on Dual Construction?
We are a midsized residential construction company specializing in custom homes, remodeling, and insurance restoration.
What trends are you seeing in the residential construction market today?
The uptick in rental communities and increasing cost of material.
How are they shaping the industry?
Increased pricing means less home for our client’s budget. This forces many homeowners to down scale in order to build their dream home.
Are trends like sustainable and energy-efficient homes influencing building decisions today?
Yes, the cost of energy mandates directly affects how much home a client can afford.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in the building trade today?
Increased material costs often cause clients to change their mind. What they once could afford is no longer attainable with the same
budget. In addition, the labor force is harder to retain. Both of these areas have caused the remodel and new home sides of our company to lessen.
What does the labor pool look like? Very poor.
How are you attracting and retaining skilled workers for your projects?
We are having a hard time finding and keeping skilled labor. We need workers that can work hard, sometimes in harsh conditions. High schools for the last few decades have
One-on-One with... Dual Construction’s Grant Allgood
Describe a typical day.
Early morning responding to emails, reviewing bills and working on estimates. Meeting with suppliers, subcontractors, crews and clients on jobs. Evenings we schedule projects and reply to emails.
What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?
Estimating and budgeting.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job? The excitement of the client when their project is completed.
What was the best advice you ever received? Pick your client.
What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?
We always strive for our customers to say they are proud of their home. In addition, because we also do insurance restoration, we frequently have customers who are very emotional when we finish their project, most very thankful.
pushed college over a vocational career causing the pool of new workers to diminish. Attracting new talent is often a burden.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in the residential construction sector?
Currently, we see most of the technology with energy efficiency demands.
How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new building materials and techniques?
Mostly through suppliers. In addition, we are always looking for products that are more energy efficient and durable from our peers, trade magazines and the internet.
What advice would you give to homeowners looking to embark on a new construction or renovation project?
Because material costs are increasingly high, we recommend that customers stay away from trendy products that may not stand the test of time and focus on using high quality materials that will last.
We encourage our potential clients to make sure they like their contractor. All projects require a partnership between the contractor and the client. The client should pick a contractor that they feel comfortable with because there needs to be a good line of communication.
Can you share a story about the uniqueness of the project you have worked on? What made it stand out?
Most recently, we have built several small custom homes. Both customers had to scale down the size of their home, due to cost, and focused on building an energy efficient home with durable materials.
What do you believe is the future of residential construction? Rental.
How are you preparing your business to meet those changes? We are focusing on remodels and insurance restoration.
'We built that'
We have been building our empty nester house since we gained our building permit approvals from the county just before Memorial Day weekend. Then, a hiatus due to a change in our plans with the driveway being too sloped and then a few weeks' worth of wet weather. Finally, Mother Nature cooperated with dry weather and finished the beginning stages of the build on our Lake Lanier house build.
My wife, an interior residential designer/contractor, had never done a ground up build. We decided to build this house acting as GC so we knew how the beginning building stages were accomplished with clearing, land preparation, concrete footings, retaining walls, slab & framing.
Clearing a lot of trees in the Georgia clay is no easy task, which is why hiring the right grader with a full resume of completed projects is crucial to getting things going on various fronts. First, they know the process of the county along with contacts. They also will know what to expect in terms of obstacles that come up when clearing the land. Lastly, they had done 75% of the clearing/ grading in our subdivision, so there was a familiarity with the land topography as well as the HOA construction regulations.
The father and son team we hired did an awesome job, as well taught all the ins and outs of what needed to be done correctly to get the lot prepped. We had a storm drain easement on the front corner of our lot and if it was not fixed, would not have allowed us to have a flat front yard. They came up with a solution to raise the storm drain to land level.
Our neighbor's gutter water also was running into our yard, which needed to be redirected. So, after talking with our neighbor, we came up with a plan to put in some drainage pipes and direct the gutter water to a new storm drain we had to purchase and then run another drainpipe to the raised storm drain.
We had to gain approval from the county inspector, who came out and approved our plan. For a little more investment, we have a flat front yard. Sometimes, it's worth spending a little more money to get the job done right and glad we made this decision from the graders' feedback. Even the inspector who had seen many projects over the years said that was a great idea to solve multiple issues with a simple solution to keep everyone happy campers, including the HOA.
We have now completed lot clearing, installed concrete foundation, framing, house wrap, roof, windows and doors installed so the house is dry as well finished rough inside with HVAC, electrical and plumbing. Now it is time for the most important inspection and if all goes well with approval, we will begin drywall and building out the interior of the home.
View my video on “Outwork Everyone.” CLICK HERE!
If you do not know, ask a question and you will get the answer and then implement accordingly. And we have asked many questions with all the subs we have hired that have been accommodating with their knowledge of what needs to be done.
Bottom line: If you do not know, ask a question and you will get the answer and then implement accordingly. And we have asked many questions with all the subs we have hired that have been accommodating with their knowledge of what needs to be done.
Most important is to stay positive as any house build will have obstacles to overcome. There is a solution to keep things moving forward to your completion date and when that day comes, you can proudly say, "We built that," just like we say every month when we produce each issue of CCR magazine. It never gets old being able to say that with a smile.
Dual Construction, LLC.
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From vision to reality
The secret to Mosaic Construction’s success
Ira Singer, co-founder and CMO
Mosaic Construction
From vision to reality
The secret to Mosaic Construction’s success
If you ask one of the leadership team members to describe the success Mosaic Construction has been able to sustain the past 30-plus years you will find a commonality in their answers.
In the world of turning visions into realities, each of them will agree that it all starts with the team. The Northbrook, Illinois company has built a team of professionals who all pull in the same direction, guided by a set of tenets they aspire to every day. Called the “Mosaic Actions,” the tenets include require the company to:
> Anticipate Needs
> Communicate the Story
> Do It the Right Way
> Contribute to a Positive Environment
> Close the Loop
> Build Relationships
Ira Singer, co-founder and CMO, says the list of values are part of its culture and DNA—beliefs each team member can rally around every day. Every bit of their success can be traced back to the creed, making
the national, award-winning, construction and renovation firm specializing in commercial, multifamily, residential and cannabis design-build a model of consistency.
Working in 17 states across the country, Mosaic provides turnkey services for all real estate and construction-related needs, from site assessments to zoning and permitting, equipment recommendations to security, and construction to certificates of occupancy. Its team, led by Singer, Andy
Poticha, Mike Frazin and Kevin Kasten, supports the process along with other experts throughout the process.
We sat down with Singer to get a snapshot into Mosaic Construction’s continued success.
Give us a snapshot of your brand.
Mosaic Construction, LLC believes that everyone should enjoy the spaces where
We know that clear, consistent and candid communication (written or spoken, and always documented) is critically important to properly setting expectations and running a successful project.
they work and live. We also understand that the definition of beauty is unique to each owner, so we create living and working environments that align with our clients’ wants and needs.
Through our consultative approach, we focus on learning about our clients and their plans for their new spaces. Our goal is to make their vision into a reality. We pride ourselves in being team-centric, client-focused, relationship-based and opportunity-driven.
Mosaic Construction goes to market with three different brands that each have its own unique portfolio focus.
Mosaic Construction provides outstanding renovation, remodeling and construction services for commercial projects and multi-family properties.
Design Construction Concepts is an industry leader in curated, custom design-build projects in the residential and retail sectors.
Cannabis Facility Construction is a full-service design-build, general contractor in the cannabis industry. It provides best-in-class construction management services that target the cannabis national marketplace, including the completion of
cultivation facilities, processing centers and dispensaries.
What type of clients and markets are you targeting?
We can mobilize nationally while sourcing local trade partners. Therefore, we target owners, operators, developers, and managers who are looking to grow their business in a specific regional market and expand their brand across multiple states.
We are trusted advisors and collaborators, so we seek clients who see the value in a partnership mentality so we can execute their plan and garner long term client relationships. This can include clients in multifamily, commercial, residential, government and non-profit and cannabis sectors, amongst others.
While we have nationwide reach, we have completed most of our projects in the Midwest and East Coast regions.
How does your work cater to today’s end-users
Today’s business market is much more focused on building and maintaining trust and relationships, so we do not limit ourselves by project location, asset class or type, project type—or even project size. Along with our expertise and experience, we are transparent and flexible—and focus on delivering candid and timely communication to ensure we are meeting our clients’ expectations.
Today, the end-user is more educated and informed about what they are seeking in a construction partner. Knowing this, we ask ourselves, “What does today’s client want and need?” when interacting with a potential client. This ensures that we are continuously providing new and existing clients with a valued service, instead of a transactional sale.
How is your construction strategy based?
We are a design-build firm. It is in our firm’s DNA and engrained in our daily actions. Our strategy is anchored in three tactics: consult, construct, and transform.
Consult – We provide counsel to understand and clarify our clients’ needs so their project can be built to suit. A site visit and assessment are often our first step so we
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can gain key insights critical to being a resource partner and leading the discovery and design portion of the project.
We focus on building standards and compliance to ensure the project is buildable and has long term value. As a part of this consultative process, our team of professional construction and design experts collaborate with our clients on all phases of the design and construction process.
Construct – We are design-build project experts that are focused on maximizing our clients’ property’s functionality, aesthetics and long-term value. We manage and oversee all areas of construction, from bidding the project with our trade and vendor partners, through pre-construction, project launch, construction, punch list and project completion.
We build the project successfully by anticipating needs, closing open items, sourcing solutions, managing the project daily and being a timely and candid communicator with our clients.
Transform – Bringing the project to life through the construction process and seeing the transformation take place is the ultimate reward when working so closely with our clients.
Our team is fully invested in the project from the onset, even at the design and/or bidding phases. The completion of a project is a transformative experience and provides a front row seat for our clients to see their vision become a reality.
What are some of today’s biggest challenges?
The skilled labor pool is shrinking, making it challenging to find qualified trade com-
panies that are competitive on pricing and have the resources to staff the projects on a timely basis.
Challenges remain when sourcing certain materials for the projects, and long lead times remain for certain products that can affect the project delivery dates.
What are the biggest challenges in construction or renovating a project?
Construction projects possess a myriad of potential challenges beyond the client’s control.
That is why, as professional construction managers, we focus on the items we can control that have profound impact on all areas of a project. We accomplish this by providing honest and timely communication with our client.
We know that clear, consistent and candid communication (written or spoken,
IR THERMOGRAPHY & ARC FLASH TESTS
t
and always documented) is critically important to properly setting expectations and running a successful project.
Challenges beyond the control of the client, the general contractor, the vendors or the trades will always exist despite technology advancements and material improvements. Items that present challenges include project schedule changes, hidden conditions that affect pricing and timing, product delivery delays, weather delays, municipal inspection delays and trade issues, among many others.
We have found that effective communication can help overcome these challenges that exist within a project’s lifecycle. By offering alternative solutions and communicating throughout the entirety of the project lifecycle, we can mitigate the impact of delays and keep the project on track.
How are you working to promote sustainability?
Via our consultative approach as GCs, we contact local municipalities to learn about programs that our clients can take advantage of in the form of opportunity zone savings and/or other sustainability and energy efficiency-related incentives.
We are in the business of constructing healthy and sustainable buildings that operate smartly and reduce costs. As much as possible, we look to reuse existing materials that are able to be salvaged to reduce waste. Paint and other finish materials are typically specified as being Low volatile organic compounds, which cuts down on environmentally harmful gases as well as LED lighting and smart plumbing fixtures that reduce electric and water costs.
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges in construction, moving ahead?
Long lead times continue to be common within the construction industry. In addition to material arrival delays, supply chain issues have also impacted our ability to hold pricing from the bid stage to product delivery. Longer than usual lead times still exist on steel, switch gear materials, HVAC equipment (cannabis industry specific) and generators.
To address this, we have implemented a two-phased, estimating approach to combat price escalation of materials and equipment. First, during the early planning phase, we provide preliminary budget range estimates so the client can underwrite the project. Then, we provide project-specific bidding once all materials selections have been made.
Pricing may escalate, so it is our responsibility to keep clients informed of their options so they can make educated decisions. We also source alternate material options so the budget can be maintained as close to its original as possible as price
escalation threatens other decisions about that project that need to be made.
Are you optimistic about what you see in your building and construction sectors?
Mosaic Construction remains upbeat and confident about the construction industry in the sectors we have historically served. We are seeing opportunities in cannabis, boutique commercial, retail, hospitality, entertainment venues, multifamily, industrial and healthcare. These include retail dispensaries and indoor manufacturing (grow) facilities within the cannabis sector, student housing
within multifamily, and veterinary within the healthcare sector.
What trends are you seeing?
Real estate projects have become more user focused, as there is an increased emphasis on the user’s needs and wants integrated in the design and subsequent building.
Therefore, we are seeing an increased emphasis on incorporating community, physical and mental wellness, security and technology in our projects. This includes fitness classes and yoga classes for physical and mental wellness, as well as cameras and card readers for security.
Where is your business headed?
We continue to work in traditional asset classes like multifamily, commercial, residential, government and non-profit— which will always be part of our portfolio. We are also involved in building within niche markets such as cannabis, pickleball clubs and veterinary/pet focused businesses, which allow us to leverage our design-build expertise.
Tell
us what makes your brand unique?
Mosaic’s brand promise of “It all comes together” is supported by our shared values, ethics and actions that promote project excellence and satisfaction. The goal is to create an elevated experience for our clients and teams.
At our core, Mosaic focuses on building relationships with our clients, team, trades and industry professionals, which is key to delivering successful project goals and visions. We accomplish this by doing the project the right way, closing the loop with clients, contributing to a positive environment, anticipating client needs, and, of course, communicating.
Is there a story you can share about a client/job/etc. you did that really shows off your work and ability to engage with the industry?
A client hired us to design-build an indoor cannabis cultivation facility in rural Illinois. Through the relationship we built with the local municipality, we proactively discov -
ered that the building was in fact being built in an enterprise zone and that the property was subject to a $250,000.00 tax refund. We informed our client and made sure they received the entire refund. Another case study reinforcing the importance of Mosaic’s relationships was when we bid on a project and were not initially selected as a general contractor. Despite not winning the contract, we continued to possess a strong relationship with the potential client.
Once the project was underway, we received a call from the client saying that the contractor he hired in lieu of Mosaic was
not working out, and they wanted to hire us to complete the project as GC. Not only did we have to correct poorly built work, but the original timeframe for project completion was not going to be met.
We leveraged our trade partners to work overtime and on weekends to get the project completed on time. We completed the project on time and to the highest quality, resulting in the client hiring Mosaic for multiple projects afterwards. This is a shining example of how communicating openly and rescuing a disastrous project can form a strong relationship for life.
One-on-One with ... Mosaic Construction’s Ira Singer
Describe a typical day.
I arrive at the office at 6:00 am most days to work on proposals or other business initiatives before the projects start. By 7:00 am, project work has started, so there is a series of check-ins with our project teams and trades to ensure the day is set up for success.
Most days include some level of proposal writing, trade outreach for new projects being bid, project meetings, business development work and working on the strategic initiatives of the business.
What was the best advice you ever received?
Asking for help is a sign of strength and typically results in a shared positive experience, proving you don’t have to know it all to be successful.
What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?
What was the job and why?
“Mosaic Construction provided efficient service which led to a completed task with limited in-depth specifications. Their communication abilities are refreshing in the General Contractor world. They contacted us multiple times to ensure we were satisfied and notified of all updates.”
This was the manager of a Class A, multifamily property where Mosaic was hired to provide amenity upgrades. We especially appreciated this feedback as it did not focus on the specific details of the project and the upgrades we made, but rather on the value the client placed on our effective communication and relationship-building.
Steeped in excellence
Why this $22.5 million Manhattan Townhouse is one of NYC’s latest gems
Donal McIntyre President Wesbuilt
Steeped in excellence
Why this $22.5 million Manhattan Townhouse is one of NYC’s latest gems
By Peter Wilk
Urban infill projects in densely populated areas are notoriously challenging to design and construct due to complex zoning and code regulations, limited staging space and difficult access. Add a very high level of luxury to realize the magnitude of challenges faced by the team of architect-designer Andrea Steele Architecture (ASA) and general contractor Wesbuilt Construction Managers on their recently completed $22.5 million luxury residential townhouse in New York City’s fashionable Chelsea District.
Located at 217 West 20th Street, the 9,132-square-foot, single-family residence, features seven floors of living space. The building’s design recently received the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from the Society of American Registered Architects. Maverick Real Estate was the developer. Mae H. Bagai, Sotheby’s International Realty’s Senior Global Real Estate Advisor and Associate Broker, leads the marketing efforts for the property
“This project began as a personal development for an individual and later converted into a commercial project, once Maverick acquired the property,” says Andrea Steele, AIA, Principal at Andrea Steele Architecture. “While the goals changed from designing a custom private residence to creating a residential development for sale, both the new owner and the design team agreed that numerous innovative features of the original design
The designers converted a stair from a utilitarian feature into a stunning, integral element of the interior design that ties all parts of the home together and allows more natural light into all spaces. This internal, steel-structured floating stair runs through the center of the building, which frees up a significant amount of space within the limited footprint of a Manhattan townhouse. The floating stair features open risers for additional light penetration and a white oak finish with a light stain, on wooden handrail and treads. The stair is partially glazed to allow even more natural light into the fifth and sixth floors.
would be attractive to a buyer looking for an exclusive residence. This included very open and airy spaces, a rare luxury in Manhattan and an unusual façade system.”
“The townhouse offers numerous features that are typically nearly impossible to achieve in New York City for either technical, budgetary or regulatory reasons. For example, the rear patio incorporates an oversized, walkable skylight that floods the two levels below it with natural light. While challenging from the technical perspective, this element created an incredible living space,” said Wesbuilt President Donal McIntyre.
The building was designed with a minimal amount of internal walls to offer abundant open space. The major interior feature is the internal, steel-structured floating stair.
The project team also included structural engineer KBN, MEP engineer Altieri S.W., and architect-of-record John Saracco Architecture.
Amenities
The townhouse includes four bedrooms and nine full and half bathrooms. As you enter, a
vestibule’s fire-rated glass wall provides visual access into the private, 27-foot-long garage on the right. To the left is a glass railing that looks down over the atrium and leads to an elevator that reaches all six above-ground floors.
The highlight of the backyard is a former carriage house that has been transformed
Photo by The Real Estate Production Network
Simons Galeries de la Capitale, Québec, QC, Canada
into a guest bedroom or artist studio. This fully glass-enclosed space has a bathroom, laundry room and wet bar. The studio is accessible via a structural steel bridge over the lower level, clad in wood. The bridge overlooks a double-height space.
“The prior owner wished to maintain the carriage house as a separate residence in the backyard,” Steele says. “However, that’s not allowed under New York City building code, so we redesigned that structure to be a part of the main house, thus accommodating the building code requirements. The carriage house was redeveloped into a floating pavilion, which is partially recessed into the ground, while the concept of ‘ground’ in the backyard is represented by the second floor yard.”
Below the ground level is a recreation room/entertaining gallery with a 20-foot ceiling, a gas fireplace, wet bar, two bathrooms, a cedar-paneled sauna, a gym and yoga studios and a glass-walled atrium.
On the second floor, there is a main living room designed for formal entertaining, a home office, and a terrace that’s nearly 30 feet deep. The space has a two-story glass curtain wall and a double-height ceiling with a mezzanine that creates a very large, open space.
The third floor mezzanine houses a dining area, a kitchen and a seating area. The fourth floor features two secondary bedrooms with full-sized bathrooms, an open seating area, and a laundry closet.
The entire fifth floor is a 25-foot x 60-foot master suite that features a 1,500-square-foot master bedroom. The master bathroom, lined with travertine, has a tub and walk-in shower. The sixth floor serves as a children’s playroom and lounge area but could also be reconfigured to serve as one or two additional bedrooms.
On the rooftop is an outdoor dining and lounge area with a gas grill, planters and glass railings. It provides views of the city to the north, south and west.
Architecture and Construction
Steele says buildings must be designed for flexibility, so their functionality can change
The rear patio incorporates an oversized, walkable skylight that floods the two levels below it with natural light at all times of the day. While challenging from the technical perspective, this element created an incredible living space.
Photo by The Real Estate Production Network
stainless steel panels. Both the front
The rear patio incorporates an oversized, walkable skylight that floods the two levels below it with natural light at all times of the day. While challenging from the technical perspective, this element created an incredible living space.
with the wishes and lifestyles of users. Any building, but particularly someone’s residence, should also be designed to create a sense of place and belonging as well as relating to its surroundings. “These were the design goals for this home.”
“Buyers of luxury residences in Manhattan choose this location because of the energy taking place outside, yet many buildings focus too heavily on interior design and end up being disconnected from the cityscape,” Steele says. “It was important to ensure that the townhouse’s architecture allowed the life within to be connected to the outside. Inspired by the openness of contemporary public and museum architecture I combined the two typologies—residential and public—into the design that provides privacy, while opening the interiors out to the city outside.”
The building’s concrete structure is 25 feet wide at the street front, 80 feet deep on the cellar and ground floor levels and 60 feet deep on the main floors from the second floor to the roof.
The front facade at the street level features 12-foot-high custom fabricated blackened
entrance door and garage door also have matching blackened stainless steel panels. Inside, a vestibule hallway lined in gray slate tiles leads past a glass-enclosed, private, 27-foot-long one-car garage all the way to the backyard. The vestibule’s firerated glass wall provides visual access into the garage, which has an automatic bifolding door that leads directly to the street.
Photo by The Real Estate Production Network
Photo by The Real Estate Production Network
The front facade at the street level features 12-foot-high custom fabricated blackened stainless steel panels, with matching panels on the entrance and garage gate. The curtain wall consists of slabto-slab sliding glass panels on each floor that can be easily moved manually to open up the space completely to the outside. Stainless steel slab covers are fastened to the concrete slabs and have matching soffit and fascia panels, fabricated by Sperro Fabrication, that span the entire height of the building.
“Both the front and back façades feature a dramatic Levolux Screen System manufactured in France that spans the curtain walls from the second to the sixth floors,” says Wesbuilt Project Executive
Alexander Santacroce. “This vertical louver system consists of 2”x3” horizontal aluminum fins that are mounted to the structural stainless steel support brackets.”
The screen system allows the sun to penetrate into the interior space without sacrificing the residents’ privacy,” Steele says.
Interior Design
The building was designed with a minimal amount of internal walls to offer abundant open space. The major interior feature is the internal, steel-structured floating stair. It runs through the center of the building, which frees up a significant amount of space within the typical narrow footprint of a Manhattan townhouse. This floating stair features open risers and a white oak finish with a light
stain, on wooden handrail and treads. The stair is partially glazed to allow even more natural light into the fifth and sixth floors.
The building’s second floor skylight and ample amount of glazed walls were designed to help add even more light to the interiors. “Every space has access to natural light and greenery outside. The floating stair extends to the roof through a 10’x10’ bulkhead that’s clad in blackened stainless steel panels and features a full-height glass panel on the north side,” says Wesbuilt Project Manager Gianna Avallone. “The south side is a full-height sliding glass door that leads to the private rooftop patio.”
The team installed radiant floor heating on every level. The flooring throughout much of the townhouse is six-inch hardwood oak
The rooftop houses an outdoor dining and lounge area with a grill and planters. The roof features Urbatek ROX pavers in gray, and provides views of the city to the north, south and west. Glass railings at the north and south roof edges provide views below to the backyard and 20th Street. The internal floating stair extends to the roof through a 10’x10’ bulkhead that’s clad in blackened stainless steel panels and features a full-height glass panel on the north side. The south side is a full-height sliding glass door that leads to the private rooftop patio. Photo by The Real Estate Production Network
planks. The exceptions are the ceramic tiles found in the entrance vestibule and the garage, which feature 24”x12” gray tiles.
Challenges
Wesbuilt solved several technical and logistical challenges during the project, most notably to install the skylight. Avallone says the glass delivery process was a challenge, especially transporting it through the building’s entrance and the internal walkable bridge, because it was a single glass panel that weighed 2,000 pounds. “The construction team used a hydraulic lift that attached suction cups to the glass that allowed it to be transported in a vertical position through the ground floor.”
The glass was delivered in a vertical position, then the machine turned it horizontally and lifted it up for installation. The glazing came from France, while the aluminum frame was fabricated in Canada.
The Wesbuilt team also ensured the smooth progress through activities not directly related to construction. “Since the townhouse is in a densely-built street block, the design and construction teams made a significant effort to develop friendly relationships with the building’s neighbors to accommodate their concerns and allow the construction to proceed without interruptions,” Santacroce says.
This has allowed some of the more disruptive activities to proceed smoothly. “One of the logistically difficult operations was installing the 10-foot x 10-foot glass bulkhead panel on the roof level. We had to obtain a permit to close the street in order to use a crane. This was a challenge as a police station located on the same block and we had to allow controlled access at each end of the street even during the crane operation. We visited the NYPD precinct and they were very accommodating, as were other neighbors.
Peter Wilk is founder and President of Wilk Marketing Communications, a boutique PR and marketing communications agency serving the AEC industry and operating nationally and internationally. Wilk has been frequently published and quoted in national and foreign media, including The New York Times, WBBR Bloomberg Radio, New York Real Estate Journal, and Warsaw Business Journal.
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Bridging Gulfport
Innovative glass railing elevates safety and style for multimodal overpass
Bridging Gulfport
Innovative glass railing elevates safety and style for multimodal overpass
By Jared Frach
In February 2024, the City of Gulfport, Mississippi and the Coastal Transit Authority (CTA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new 1,100-foot CTA Tram Bridge over US Highway 90. Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes called the development, which connects the Gulfport Transit Center to the Mississippi Aquarium and Jones Park, a “remarkable project” intended to drastically improve safety and quality-of-life for area pedestrians and cyclists year-round, particularly for the more than 100,000 people who cross Highway 90 to attend Gulfport’s yearly Harbor Lights Winter Festival.
Sightline Commercial Solutions, a leading fabricator and global supplier of architectural railing, worked closely with Eley Guild Hardy (EGH) Architects to bring this project to life, from planning, design and budgeting to project completion.
Turning a Simple Concept into a Stunning Reality
At first glance, the completed bridge, with its impressive 2,000 feet of sleek glass railing, appears to be a project where aesthetics took center stage from the outset. But the reality was more complex.
As an add-on to a major, highly traveled highway, the pedestrian bridge needed to prioritize functionality and durability for decades to come. Concerns about the maintenance challenges associated with glass installations sparked early discussions about more practical alternatives.
The team at Sightline collaborated with its partners at EGH to propose a refined and visually appealing solution without compro-
mising the functional goals necessary to such a project. Working with glass manufacturer Cardinal, the company proposed a solution that elevated the bridge’s aesthetic appeal while ensuring it met the necessary functional and safety standards.
Central to this solution was the incorporation of Sightline’s Track Rail™, a frameless glass railing system that utilizes an aluminum base shoe to completely eliminate the need for vertical balusters or posts between the glass infill panels. For this high-traffic installation, the system was custom-engineered with double-laminated glass and a triple pane for structural integrity, ensuring the railing could withstand the strong wind loads characteristic of the nearby Gulf of Mexico.
To further reduce maintenance concerns, the glass was treated with Neat+, a special coating that renders the glass
a conductive surface capable of repelling dust particles, minimizing the frequency of required cleanings. Prior to installation, the glass also underwent rigorous testing, including impact tests to ensure it could endure the harsh conditions and potential hazards posed by its location.
Engineering Success: Adaptive Solutions to Installation Challenges
As with any major transit infrastructure project, the impact on the community needed to be minimized, keeping the highway as operational as possible throughout installation while staying on schedule. Sightline and its local Gulfport installation partner, Glass Inc., worked diligently to ensure these goals were met, even as unforeseen problems arose.
The completion of the CTA Tram Bridge marked a major milestone and achievement for the entire Gulfport community.
Due to the amount of reinforcement that was in the bridge structure, the Sightline team engineered a creative work around solution for anchoring the base shoe. Thanks to its customization capabilities, Sightline was able to fabricate shoes with flexible hole spacing to allow leeway for navigating around rebar in the bridge structure.
Entirely unobservable in the final product, this adjustment was critical for keeping the project on schedule and preserving the aesthetic vision of the bridge.
Another challenge arose from the complexity of the glass used in the railing system. The unique design, featuring the Neat+ coating, triple pane construction and double lamination, resulted in a longer than usual lead time for the glass to be manufactured.
Additionally, the glass’s increased weight, due to its robust construction, necessitated a re-evaluation of the installation
As with any major transit infrastructure project, the impact on the community needed to be minimized, keeping the highway as operational as possible throughout installation while staying on schedule.
plan, so Sightline employed a glass manipulator—a specialized, crane-like remote-controlled device equipped with suction cups capable of lifting and precisely placing heavy glass panels. These manipulators can lift more than 2,500 pounds, making them essential for safely and accurately placing the hefty glass panels into the railing system.
Despite these two major, mid-project adjustments— ranging from the re-engi-
neering of installation components to the incorporation of advanced machinery—the project was completed three months ahead of schedule and on budget.
The Future of Transit Innovations
Originally conceived as a straightforward, solely utilitarian structure, the modern and visually compelling CTA Pedestrian Bridge
is a testament to Sightline’s experience and commitment to innovation and collaboration. Although this was EGH’s first transit project, Sightline is no stranger to the transportation industry.
Drawing on experiences with railing and glass installations at other transit locales, including Union Depot Transportation Hub in St. Paul, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Charlotte-Douglas
International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Sightline was wellequipped to handle the challenges faced throughout the construction of the bridge.
The completion of the CTA Tram Bridge marked a major milestone and achievement for the entire Gulfport community. In addition to ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the bridge also accommodates a fuel-free trolley that runs from the CTA Gulfport Transit Center and Mississippi Aquarium, linking together some of the city’s main attractions in a unique way while shortening travel times and improving safety and access for area residents and visitors. FC
Jared Frach, Senior Manager of Project Operations at Sightline Commercial Solutions, served as Project Manager for the CTA Tram Bridge railing installation. Based in Minneapolis, Sightline Commercial Solutions is a leading fabricator and global supplier of architectural railing, metal, glazing and portable platform solutions for the commercial, sports venue, live entertainment and performing arts industries. For more information visit www.sightlinecommercial.com.
CCCT sat down with Joe Scaretta, Co-Founder & Co-CEO for CS Hudson that provides innovative facility, project and program management services for clients with dispersed portfolios in all commercial sectors. When they started in this business, they set out to change the way multi-site portfolios are managed — to excel at being customer-centric, solution-driven and dependable. Today, their clients view them not just as another vendor, but as a trusted advisor and partner. They pride themselves in building long-term relationships based on integrity, respect and a genuine commitment to exceeding expectations.
CCCT sat down with Tyler Cerny, an International Keynote, TEDx, and Award-Winning Speaker. His viral TEDx talk, “How to Find Your Life’s Purpose Instantly with 3 Powerful Questions,” has impacted millions of people around the globe and is one of the Top 500 Most Watched TEDx Talks of All Time. Tyler is also known as an International Brand Consultant by working with some of the world’s most iconic organizations and personal brands. Tyler’s life purpose of helping personal and professional brands find their message, identity, and purpose eventually led to the creation of the EPIC Growth Conference (EGC). EGC has served as a launch pad for up-and-coming entrepreneurs and taught young professionals “the things college should have taught us.”
CCCT sat down with Maren Reepmeyer, VP at SGA out of the Boston, MA office. SGA is an architecture, interior design, planning, Virtual Design and Construction, and branded environments practice founded in 1991. With over 100 people in Boston and New York City, SGA pioneers tech-forward design that redefines how projects are visualized and delivered. SGA’s team-first approach and trademark creativity has resulted in over 450M SF of successful, innovative commissions.
CCCT with Donna Coneley, VP of Marketing from Triad Retail Construction, Inc. that specializes in nation-wide retail and commercial construction. They also offer other construction services such as design-build and construction management. At Triad Retail Construction, their project managers are intimately involved in all aspects of your project, from the initial stages of design, conceptual budgets, value engineering, estimating, bidding, contracting of trades, daily construction, project delivery, and project closeout. If you want your project completed on time and on budget, reach out to Triad Retail Construction, a proud member of the Retail Contractors Association. Enjoy the conversation.
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An interview podcast that talks to guests that will have business titles in design, construction, facilities, real estate, procurement, development, etc. in retail, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, federal, multi-family, shopping center owners, developers, cannabis, mixed-use along with the A/E/C sectors plus vendor service suppliers & mfcs who’s products and services are specified, recommend and purchased by enduser brands to build and maintain their facilities in the Commercial Construction Building industry.
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Clearing all hurdles
How Cushing Terrell created the Ferdinand in Austin
Clearing all hurdles
How Cushing Terrell created the Ferdinand in Austin
By Sarah Shearer
Photography by Andrea Calo
Nestled in a vibrant, walkable area of East Austin on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, steeped in history and local neighborhood amenities, the Ferdinand is a unique structure that is a testament to sustainability and wellness in building design. The office building at Ferdinand Street and Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd. in Austin, Texas, was something of a design challenge sandwich. We started with some tricky existing site conditions, were then met with a global pandemic, and later faced unexpected site conditions, on top of those present from the start.
But, as a good design team knows, some of the greatest success stories are born of the hurdles you clear.
The initial request from the client was familiar. They asked that we design an office structure that would attract their ideal clientele, make the most of the small site footprint, and keep design within the budget. They relied on our expertise to make the project shine.
The location itself would prove to be one of the most challenging aspects of the design process. The East Austin neighborhood
is a historic area that—like the rest of the city—has been fast-changing. As such, there aren’t many available, easy-to-buildon sites, and this project was no exception. Not only was the site small for what the client hoped to accomplish, but there were also zoning restrictions and traffic considerations. Plus, the location had a grade that ran diagonally across the site, which could complicate parking options.
We began with the top priority: maximize the square footage of available office spaces. We used modeling software
The location itself would prove to be one of the most challenging aspects of the design process. The East Austin neighborhood is a historic area that—like the rest of the city—has been fast-changing.
to design options that took into account the zoning-required setbacks from the street and building height restrictions (the office is located near a residential area). Our client chose a unique design that features an unusual corner core. Whereas you would typically find the lobby, circulation, and elevator space in the center of the building, this building situates those components in the corner, set in from where MLK Boulevard and Ferdinand Street meet.
This concept can be tricky for a space meant to accommodate more than one tenant. We had to be particularly thoughtful when implementing an efficient circulating path that would get tenants to their suites without needing to travel through another’s space. We also had to consider convenient exits so everyone could safely leave the premises without compromising the other project goals.
Once again, to maximize space, we located the west egress stairs on the
exterior of the building so they wouldn’t cut into the floor plate. Located in a bikeable and walkable part of the city, we made a point to consider the space needed for those commuting to the office and leaned into city incentives that allow for reduced parking. We built a level and a half of subgrade parking, in addition to cyclist-friendly amenities such as bike lockers, a bike path and showers.
Bring it on...
But even this set of creative solutions was not without some challenges. Upon digging into the site to build the parking facility and foundation, the team was met with water intrusion. We quickly came up with options for the client, who chose to install a water pump, at which time the team began collaborating directly with the general contractor to adjust the foundation design so it would accommodate the limited area on the site for the contractors to work.
With those literal groundwork solutions in place, we could look upward. The East Austin neighborhood is fairly eclectic, so we didn’t need to conform to a particular
“look” to blend in with the neighboring architecture. And as the building doesn’t quite have a true front or back, we were able to address unique facade conditions around the structure without the need to adhere to traditional notions of front- or back-facing elements.
Because we hold ourselves to certain environmental standards, even if not expressly requested by the client, we created an energy model to guide where to place glazing and to support building functions such as solar heat gain or quality of light. The choices we made here were guided by the best practices of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Framework for Design Excellence and the WELL Building Standard, which also sets the building apart from similar structures.
In an effort to be authentic with how we expressed the building’s steel structure, the floor plates are clad in actual steel channels, which make for an interesting horizontal element on each floor of the project. Another interesting metal element is the parking wrap.
Exposed parking garages are not permitted along this particular corridor, so we designed a decorative, perforated metal screen wrap that—while acting as a barrier—also allows for ventilation and light. The site materials we chose have longer lifespans and require minimal maintenance, and we selected many locally sourced materials to support the local economy, workforce and ecology.
Air flow became a much larger concern than we could have anticipated at the start of this project, as COVID-19 began while we were designing the space. We put everything on hold and asked ourselves tough questions about the future of office design. At the time, there was no precedent, no other success stories to compare this project to, and no leading trends for this challenge.
As we took a beat to consider the options, we landed on the need to provide as much space and ventilation for the eventual building tenants as possible. For example, we widened movement spaces such as stairways so people wouldn’t feel crowded
as they made their way throughout the building, and we incorporated outdoor areas on each level.
The result of our “design challenge sandwich” was a building that prioritizes occupant health and wellness. There’s a monument stair leading to the building that faces MLK Boulevard, which is lined with plants and dotted with bike racks. You might pause for a moment in the small courtyard as you approach the lobby, perhaps to check your phone or wait for someone before heading inside.
The lobby itself includes a plant wall as another biophilic feature that we added in an effort to bring a little bit of the outside in. Moving through the building, you have the option to take a wide grand staircase and to pop outside on any floor for a breather.
Whether you bike or drive to work, pause near a window or on a balcony, or enter the building at the side of the nearby residences or streetside, the structure encourages movement, flexibility and connection.
Sarah Shearer is a licensed Architect and creative designer focused on innovative work in the commercial, retail, hospitality and educational sectors. Currently, She co-leads Cushing Terrell’s architecture studio in Austin, Texas.
Breaking Barriers
Empowering women in the sheet metal industry
By Carol Duncan
It all started with a phone call from my dad. I was working in real estate when the housing interest rates reached an all-time high of almost 19%, and I was refurbishing rental properties on the side to make ends meet. When my dad called and offered me an opportunity to come work as a controller for General Sheet Metal, I immediately jumped.
Carol Duncan
And what a jump that was. Forty-two years later, I have helped grow General Sheet Metal as its CEO and owner—building a positive corporate culture and keeping both employees and clients satisfied. Additionally, as the newly appointed president of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), I plan to extend that impact, inspiring members to replicate these positive practices across our industry as well as contribute to fostering an inclusive, diverse and empowering environment among SMACNA members. SMACNA is an international trade and standards-setting organization dedicated to promoting quality in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.
As a proud member of the sheet metal industry, I have seen the trade evolve, specifically for women. Though the industry has been historically male-dominated, I’m witnessing the rise of female leaders making their mark and inspiring future generations.
for local women in leadership positions, to find support, guidance, and a sense of belonging. With a network of over ten women, we are dedicated to bridging gaps and encouraging mentorship and advocacy for both current professionals and future generations of women seeking to make their mark in this industry.
As a woman stepping into the sheet metal industry, securing a seat at the table in a traditionally male-dominated field demands proactive involvement and unwavering dedication. Across the board, it’s crucial to celebrate the unique perspectives that diversity brings. By amplifying and recognizing personal strengths, women are not just earning a seat at the table but reshaping expectations within the sheet metal industry.
Reflecting on my own journey and how I got to where I am today, I recall a pivotal piece of advice from a former SMACNA chapter executive. At a time when I was a young mother raising my children while also running
My journey stands as a testament to resilience, dedication and the belief that one can navigate and thrive in the sheet metal industry with the right mindset. In addition, it serves as an inspiration for women seeking to leave their mark in an everevolving industry, showcasing the immense opportunities for women within the industry.
With an evolving focus on diversifying our industry, women have the opportunity, more than ever before, to break barriers, reshape traditional norms, and bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas and invaluable skills to the sheet metal industry. Whether it’s in project management, fabrication, installation, or leadership roles, the industry is creating pathways for women to leverage their expertise and excel in the workforce.
To cultivate a more inclusive environment within the industry for women, I and a colleague of mine established a women’s leadership group that serves as a valuable platform
General Sheet Metal with my husband, I hesitated to become fully involved in SMACNA.
But the individual’s words resonated deeply: “You can always find time to do the things you really want to do.” This ethos has been my guiding principle, enabling me to navigate through times when it seemed my time was thinly stretched. It’s the advice I give to those entering the workforce—if it’s your passion, you’ll find a way.
Furthermore, the advice I share with those entering the workforce, especially women, is rooted in the belief that following your passions knows no bounds.
In the sheet metal industry, the opportunities are vast and varied. As one of the many mentors at SMACNA within a group of intelligent, dedicated women, we are eager to support each other and guide other women within the industry.
My journey stands as a testament to resilience, dedication and the belief that one can navigate and thrive in the sheet metal industry with the right mindset. In addition, it serves as an inspiration for women seeking to leave their mark in an ever-evolving industry, showcasing the immense opportunities for women within the industry.
As I continue contributing to shaping industry standards through SMACNA, my commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse and empowering environment remains unwavering. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to focus my efforts on the BE4ALL initiative, a joint effort of SMACNA, SMART, and the International Training Institute (iTi). BE4ALL seeks to positively impact the industry’s work culture so that contractors can attract and retain the best and most skilled workforce possible regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality.
My primary focus surrounding the initiative is to engage in discussions among contractors, delving into the nuances of the business case for BE4ALL and addressing common misconceptions. This initiative will enable SMACNA to meet the industry’s need for a highly skilled workforce.
Expanding our industry’s horizons to embrace diversity is a collective effort— one that requires breaking barriers and nurturing an inclusive environment. My mission as the president of SMACNA is to ensure that women stepping into the industry find the support, guidance and opportunities they deserve.
We must pave the way for the next generation to actively participate in these discussions and my hope for the BE4ALL initiative is to do exactly that—inspire the next wave of voices to foster a diverse and inclusive environment within the industry.
As I continue on this journey, I remain committed to advocating for and empowering women in the sheet metal industry. CCR
Carol Duncan is CEO of General Sheet Metal and President of SMACNA.
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To the journey’s end
Iam six weeks out from completing my year’s long treks of running 5-plus miles a day, depending on my route. Back at the end of June, I did a six-month assessment. My goal was to complete 1,680 miles by the end of the year, which is the distance from Atlanta to Denver.
Well, I added up my miles and was more than 1,000 to my astonishment. When I saw this, I knew I could add some distance and will for sure go past 2,000-plus miles for the year.
Has it been easy? Nope. There are days you don’t feel like getting out there on the asphalt and others where you really want to. Battling your mind is a daily occurrence and your body hears everything your mind says. Your mind is both your friend and foe in getting things done, so we must train it to stop hindering us in reaching our goals. Consistency, determination, “get-r-done” attitude and thinking positive is crucial to staying on track.
I have always been an underdog with a champion attitude in the way I have lived my life, and during this year’s long journey has been no different. Underdogs become champions because they do not quit, are fearless, not afraid of the impossible, and know you win or learn. Losing is not in my vocabulary.
Remember, life is a rollercoaster. Not every day is going to be easy. Some will be rough seas where you feel you might not make it, but you must maintain a positive attitude.
I always do a short video after each trek, and yesterday found a saying that really hit home with me. It goes like this: “Champions believe in themselves when no one else does.” That is so true in whatever you are doing in business, athletics, personal or life in general.
Remember, life is a rollercoaster. Not every day is going to be easy. Some will be rough seas where you feel you might not make it, but you must maintain a positive mindset. You can look at those who are successful in what they do. Believing in yourself is the most important thing you can do to keep moving forward to the finish line.
If you do not believe in yourself, how will people believe in you to get the job done? That is what separates champions from their competitors—their belief in themselves; the feeling they can and will get to the top of the mountain and do it again and again. That’s what legends are made of—plain and simple.
Winning is addicting. It’s what keeps me going every day. Champions do not always win in the regular season, but get it done in the playoffs when it really counts. As far as I am concerned, no matter if you win or lose, it’s how you play the game with passion, professionalism, and learn from both wins and losses. Losing is learning how not to win. The day you stop learning is the day you should go and do something else. And this old dog learns every day.
View my video on “Champions Believe In Themselves When No One Else Does.” CLICK HERE!
As you go into the last six weeks of 2024 and into 2025, think like a champion and believe in yourself. Have fun. Smile. Go for it. There is a champion in all of us; you just need to believe and then execute.
So, enjoy Thanksgiving and the holiday season ahead.
Here’s to prosperity, good health and safe travels. And as always, “Keep the Faith.”
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