Brian Bergantine

The new Pierre Membrane Drinking Water Treatment Facility is scheduled to begin distributing water to residents at the end of October 2022. AE2S is excited to be part of the city of Pierre’s project that will deliver high-quality drinking water to South Dakota’s Capital City.

Brian Bergantine, PE Operations Director

Using your crystal ball, what do you see for the engineering field in the region over the next five years? Where is it going?

Technology is unquestionably changing the world around us, and our industry is no exception.

We have recently seen the use of technology increase exponentially to accommodate “social distancing” and a remote workforce.

Software systems are offering excit- ing opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness of working relationships with both internal teams, and collaboration with client and contractor partners. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are continuously advancing, allowing seemingly endless data collection to be actionable and, at times, automated. We are seeing the very beginnings of software that can complete the preliminary design of facilities and watching autonomous drones with the ability to 3D print building structures.

We have an incredible opportunity to embrace the accelerated technology advancement and use developing tools to support our clients and projects in ways that we can barely imagine today.

Grant Meyer, PE Chief Executive Officer

Architecture Incorporated

Name one industry trend you are noticing today and how it is impacting the company:

Over the past few years, clients seem to be transitioning to using the Construction Manager at Risk delivery method. There are pros and cons to every delivery method and we do our best to educate owners so that they can make an informed decision on which model is best for their unique needs. Regardless of which delivery method is selected, our team is comfortable with the process and relies on our strong industry partnerships and transparent communication to ensure a successful project.

What role does technology play at Architecture Incorporated?

We believe it is important to stay ahead of the curve with the continued on page 24

Asustainable approach: adapting existing buildings toprovide modern community and comfortable livingspaces. continued from page 23 latest technology to provide our clients with an excellent experience and allow our staff to efficiently manage their projects. Our team utilizes many different technologies, including high-quality rendering programs, a 3D printer, and virtual reality technology. This technology enables both the client and internal design team to immerse themselves into the proposed design and make design decisions early in the process, resulting in a better overall project.

What is the best thing about working in the architecture industry today?

There are a lot of exciting projects currently being designed and built that we are fortunate to be a part of! Our team has always appreciated the variety of project types that we are able to work on, as it allows us to flex our creative muscles and stay ahead of current industry trends.

On the flip side, what is the most challenging?

There are significant challenges currently with regard to supply chain management and cost inflation. Both require creativity and additional planning to collaboratively develop solutions and ensure that expectations are realistic. Some strategies that help to mitigate the risk include early preconstruction market-based estimating, incorporating multiple bid packages and add alternates, and working with contractors on early procurement.

Are there any design trends that came about because of the pandemic?

Following the pandemic, we have certainly noticed a desire to have more flexibility in the design to accommodate remote workers. There are more spaces where someone can touch down in the office versus having a dedicated office for that person. The hybrid work schedule trend has also led clients to try to blend the comforts of home within the commercial environment, incorporating a variety of lounge spaces for added comfort.

Lauren Deshler

Principal

Architect,

Sioux Falls office

Kilbourne Group

Name one industry trend you notice today and how it is impacting the company.

In residential property management, we’ve seen the industry trend toward proactive service. Instead of waiting to be alerted to a problem by a resident, we use the latest technologies and smart home systems to ensure we know about problems as soon as they start. We can now receive alerts earlier through multiple sensors throughout units that monitor moisture, temperature, etc. This technology offers incredible convenience for remote home management to our residents, and importantly, allows our maintenance team to address potentially damaging issues immediately.

With that trend in mind, and viewing your crystal ball, what do you foresee for the industry over the next three to five years? Where is it going?

This smart home trend ultimately drives transparency. Today, if a resident has an issue with their home, they are afforded access to the whole process, from receipt to complete. I also see self-showings shifting the industry. People want to be able to view and tour their choices online, then be able to visit in-person at their convenience. This evolution changes how we staff, train, and retain skilled professionals can leverage technology to provide the ultimate customer services and exponentially increase their productivity.

What, in your opinion, makes Centric Management stand out from other companies in the region?

Centric Management is a team of early adopters to new technologies. We welcome the challenge of integrating new platforms, which allows us to deliver an exceptional living experience for our customers. The location of our properties is a big differentiator, too. Each new project honors the history of its location, and is designed to contribute to downtown Fargo’s true walkability. Every resident is within blocks of services, entertainment, culture and daily errands.

What qualities or traits do you look for in potential hires to make sure the company continues to offer exceptional service?

We look for rockstars in customer service. No matter what industry someone is in, if they are delivering phenomenal customer service we will recruit. We’ve found we can’t really teach it, so we start with their service skill and then teach them our industry.

What is a project the company recently completed, or is working on now, that you are most excited about?

We are so excited to begin building Riverhouse this fall. Riverhouse will be more than 100 new living units in the walkable core of downtown Fargo, along the beautiful Red River. It will be at the corner of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street North, with completion anticipated in late 2024.

We designed the building and units with the proximity to the river and the love of outdoor recreation at the center of our decisions. It’s apartments with river views, some with windows on three sides, larger living rooms, rooms for kitchen tables, and customized storage for your canoe and cross-country skis! Fargo is poised to double down on recreation on the Red River and we’re excited to be part of that.

Jamie Hager

Vice President of Centric Management and Multifamily Asset Manager of Kilbourne Group, Fargo