معلومــة

The employee-focused recruiting, retention, and compensation strategy. By Sara Karstetter, Advisor, Mergers & Acquisitions , Zweig Group From The Zweig Letter Stellar management usually consists of those who are great at making sure there are people and resources in the places where they are needed so work can be completed efficiently. Much like a conductor overseeing a world-class orchestra, they plan, direct, and oversee a cacophony of people and needs. But then there is mentorship. Compared to mentorship, even the best management can still cause people to feel like they are merely assets being placed where they are needed in order to produce an end-result (profit). You know the phrase: “Cogs in a wheel.” This environment can be emotionally draining and can easily lead to burnout. Mentorship, however, is not just developing a relationship with these cogs, it is a commitment to recognizing that they are people with career goals of their own. It is also the knowledge that nur...

Jay Aber, P.E., PTOE, a nationally recognized innovative leader in the transportation safety industry, has joined HDR’s traffic engineering practice. Aber, based in Kansas City, will build upon HDR’s commitment to progressive transportation safety, Complete Streets and multimodal planning solutions across all modes of transportation. “Jay’s dedication to helping clients identify, prioritize and implement solutions to create safer and more equitable transportation systems is inspirational,” said Bernie Arseneau, HDR’s highways and roads director. “His approach involves using the right technology and leveraging data to customize solutions that holistically address a community’s safety needs, increase accessibility and improve quality of life for all.” With more than 16 years of experience in transportation engineering and planning, Jay is a recognized leader on Vision Zero, an initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries for all road users. He worked as proje...

We are proud to commemorate French & Parrello Associates’ (FPA) 50th Anniversary today, March 29, 2024! Founded by four engineers in 1974, today our firm has grown to more than 200 employees, offering comprehensive engineering and consulting services across the East Coast.  “This is a moment to reflect on the firm’s success, while also focusing on the core values that have facilitated our longevity and growth and will continue guiding us into the future,” said President & CEO Steven A. Tardy, PE. “We believe in treating our employees with respect, serving our communities, and being responsive to our clients’ needs.” Founded in March of 1974 by Laurence French, PE, Argo Parrello, PE, James Heller, PE, and Joseph Edwards, PE, FPA quickly gained a distinguished reputation in geotechnical engineering, including related field and laboratory services, which supplemented its construction engineering offerings.  Learn more about our history by clicking here . “It’s a testam...

People in AEC Profile: Selasie Buatsi Selasie Buatsi has been a Project Manager for BOND Civil & Utility Construction for the past four years, but she has been around the AEC industry for her entire life.  Growing up in Ghana on the West Coast of Africa, Buatsi describes herself as a curious kid and often tagged along with her father to work.  Her father owns several construction companies, and Buatsi’s curiosity was her introduction to the AEC industry.  Of course, she wasn’t content with just hanging around; she wanted to know how things work, and this led to several engineers taking interest in her fascination.  They showed her plans for buildings, and explained the process of turning plans into actual things like buildings and water systems. Buatsi was determined to turn her childhood fascination into a lifelong career.  To make this a reality, she attended the University of Delaware–receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.  From there...

The building provides technical spaces to support hands-on learning and research activities that are critical to the field of engineering Prairie View, TX – Prairie View A&M University  recently opened their new Engineering Classroom and Research Building (EnCARB). The three-story building provides instructional and research laboratory space for the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering and supports undergraduate education, student innovation, and emerging areas of research across various engineering disciplines. Global integrated design and engineering firm  Stantec  provided architecture, interior design, and lab planning for this latest addition to the Prairie View A&M campus. Nearly two-thirds of EnCARB’s 106,000 square feet are dedicated to instructional laboratories, with more than 30 unique labs located between the three floors. Also included are flexible spaces to support a variety of teaching methods, and a maker space to promote interdisciplinary...

Faster Overall Workflow AARSCHOT, Belgium  – Virtual Surveyor has enhanced its popular smart drone surveying software with new planimetric survey capabilities. In addition to multiple performance modifications, Virtual Surveyor version 9.5 now enables users to quickly, easily, and accurately survey 2D features from drone orthophotos and add them to the 3D topographic model generated from the same data set. “The new planimetric tools significantly improve the speed with which users can survey the features that reside on top of the topography,” said Tom Op ‘t Eyndt, Virtual Surveyor CEO. “These include features that truly exist in 2D on the terrain, as well as 3D objects that can be represented in 2D for the purposes of the survey.” True 2D features, for example, include the paint striping that delineates parking lot spaces and road lanes. Other objects that exist in 3D on the ground but can be surveyed in two dimensions for many applications are building footprints and tree canop...

Reston, VA  – Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (the “Company” or “Bowman”) (NASDAQ: BWMN), a national engineering services firm delivering infrastructure solutions to customers who own, develop, and maintain the built environment, today announced the acquisition of Moore Consulting Engineers (“Moore”), a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection (“MEP/FP”) engineering firm based in Shamong, New Jersey.    Moore provides comprehensive MEP/FP engineering services to private and public sector clients throughout the United States. Founded in 2003 by current president Jeffrey Moore, PE, LEED AP, the firm provides specialized and generalized expertise in the areas of heating, ventilation, and air systems planning; electrical, lighting, photovoltaic (solar), and low voltage systems design; and fire protection and alarm system engineering. With multiple LEED-accredited professionals on staff, Moore designs projects that meet the highest standards of environment...

By Luke Carothers From the Zweig Letter Zweig Group experts share their insights on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small, entrepreneurial AEC firms. More than five decades of experience in AEC industry leadership and expertise were on display during Zweig Group’s recent Fireside Chat Webinar. Using the format of a classic fireside chat,  Mark Zweig, founder and chairman of Zweig Group , and  Chad Clinehens, president and CEO of Zweig Group , explored topics and questions centered around the unique challenges and opportunities specific to small firms in the AEC industry. In anticipation of  Zweig Group’s 2024 AEC Small Business & Entrepreneurship Forum , coming to Atlanta May 21, the pair discussed resources and opportunities that will help small, entrepreneurial firms navigate the complexities and challenges of the AEC industry. The event’s moderator,  Chad Coldiron, director of development and a principal at Zweig Group , set the stage for ...

Indianapolis – Schmidt Associates, a leading Midwest architectural and engineering firm, is thrilled to announce the addition of Cori Korn, CFRM to the position of business development representative. In her new role, Korn will play a crucial part in engaging with central Indiana’s business and community leaders to address their facility design needs, fostering growth and development within communities. With a Bachelor of Science in Environment, Textiles and Design from University of Wisconsin-Madison, Korn brings a wealth of diverse experience to Schmidt Associates, including expertise in customer service, product development, executive and retail management, municipal government, and fundraising. Her most recent roles have included serving as the chief of staff for Mayor Steve Collier in the City of Lawrence, and as the executive director for the Lawrence Township Education Foundation. These positions have honed her abilities to understand and meet community needs effectivel...

Ms. Stuber-Zukanovic brings experience as an architect and owner’s representative to SGH’s building enclosure consulting practice in Chicago Chicago, IL  – Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is pleased to welcome  Colleen Stuber-Zukanovic  as a Project Director, bolstering the firm’s building enclosure consulting practice with insights and experience from across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. She joins SGH’s Building Technology Division in Chicago, Illinois, partnering with SGH team members and clients across the Midwestern United States. Colleen brings nearly fifteen years of design and construction experience as an architect, specializing in building enclosure design consulting for new and existing buildings, as well as building enclosure commissioning (BECx) services for enhanced sustainability and performance. “One of the most compelling things about working at SGH is the commitment to continuing education and in-house knowledge s...

Dublin – Codling Wind Park is pleased to announce the appointment of the international engineering firm COWI for the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and Detailed Design of foundations. This significant milestone marks a crucial step forward in the development of Ireland’s largest phase one offshore energy project. Codling has a projected capacity of approximately 1300MW and is situated south-east of Dublin in the Irish Sea. The project will be among the first to tap the country’s considerable offshore energy potential, displacing 1,700,000 tonnes of CO2 annually and supplying over one million homes with clean, renewable energy. Codling Wind Park secured its grid connection agreement in 2022 and was successful in Ireland’s first Offshore Renewable Energy Support Scheme (ORESS) in 2023. The agreement means COWI will undertake the design of wind turbine generator foundations, associated components, and offshore substation foundations. The project will use COWI’s global engineering ...

The hidden signs your firm’s plan is neither strategic nor growth-driven. By Ying Liu, LEED AP BD+C From the Zweig Letter Despite good intentions, one of the most common pitfalls in strategic planning is the lack or absence of growth strategies, let alone being intentional and strategic about them. Growth strategies are like part and parcel of a strategic plan in which the ultimate value and impacts are driven by a firm’s ability to both clearly articulate and robustly execute its growth strategies; however, the growth imperatives could also be hazardous to strategy if they do not result in superior profitability and/or ultimately undermine competitive advantage. Deciding on what/where/how to grow requires making choices and trade-offs in competing – to choose what not to do; strategic choices must be fitting enough to achieve growth goals (quantitative and qualitative), and growth initiatives must preserve and reinforce strategic positioning. That said, what are some hidden, yet ...

Top Considerations for Construction Professionals When undertaking a new construction project, the mathematics involved are usually very complex. A large list of considerations is at play for architects, contractors, and installers to meet the requirements and demands of the project from beginning to end. The selection of material plays a big role in the success of the project, both in the short term and long term. Ensuring that the project can be completed on time, safely, and efficiently is also critical to a building’s overall performance.  Whether it is a large commercial project or an industrial project, scaffolding is a key piece of equipment on any construction site. That scaffolding becomes the critical infrastructure necessary for crews to gain safe access to the site, change levels, and do all the work necessary to take a building from drawings to completion. Because of this, contractors must weigh the pros and cons of renting versus owning scaffolding on an individual ...

Nationally recognized expert brings four decades of experience in the procurement, zero- emission transition and operation of bus fleets and maintenance facility design BOSTON – Paul Kaufmann has joined HNTB as senior director of bus fleets and associate vice president, serving the firm’s transit and rail practice. Recognized throughout the industry as a leading technical expert in the procurement of bus fleets, facilities and operations, Kaufmann will serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert to public transit agencies as they maintain and grow their bus fleets and facilities and examine conversion to zero-emission propulsion technologies. “The addition of Paul to our industry-leading experts in fleet and facilities enhances our ability to serve transit agencies as they assess options on how to best procure, manage and operate vehicle types and supporting facilities, including zero-emission bus technology options,” said David Diaz, fleet and facilities practice lea...

COLUMBUS, Ohio  –  Ware Malcomb , an award-winning international design firm, today announced that construction is complete on Castings Commerce Park, a three-building speculative industrial park developed on the site of the historic former  Columbus Castings  steel foundry. Ware Malcomb provided architecture and interior design services for the buildings, together offering approximately 862,000 square feet of distribution space and capacity for 171 loading positions. At one time the largest steel foundry in North America, the 71-acre site was redeveloped by its new owner,  Stonemont Financial . Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Stonemont is a private real estate investment firm managing diversified strategies on behalf of public and private institutions and private capital clients alike. “Stonemont had a clear vision for redeveloping the historic site, which had been vacant for quite a while,” said Jason Jordan, Regional Director for Ware M...

Under the board and Sanjiv Indran’s leadership, EWB-I will continue delivering critical  development across the engineering sector with 2024 culminating in the EWB Global Summit in his home country of Malaysia. Today, Engineers Without Borders International announced the appointment of the organisation’s new president, Sanjiv Indran. Alongside the appointment of President Sanjiv Indran, the annual board election concluded with four global members offered seats including: ●  Karl Ove Ingebrigtsen, EWB Norway, Chairman of the Board of Directors ●  Peter S Nzabanita, EWB East Africa, Executive Director ●  Kapil Dev Regmi, EWB Nepal, President ●  Rajeev Lal, EWB India, Director on the Board Showcasing EWB’s momentum for 2024 and beyond, these appointments emphasise EWB’s priority on global collaboration, with 2024 culminating in EWB’s Global Summit in Sanjiv Indran’s home country of Malaysia. EWB’s work has never been more crucial, as humanity continues to ...

The American Concrete Institute is a leading authority and resource worldwide for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, educational programs, and proven expertise. Founded in 1904, the Institute has been helping Individuals and organizations involved in concrete design, construction, and materials, who share a commitment to pursuing the best use of concrete, for more than a century. Publications Through various technical documents, the Institute produces hundreds of publications dedicated to improving the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of concrete structures. Ranging from codes and standards to guides, reports, handbooks, and manuals, ACI houses concrete knowledge that engineers can use to design innovative, safe, and lasting structures. Publications are available in various forms including printed hard copies, digital PDFs, and subscriptions; plus, translations in other languages in addition to SI and IN-LB...

The 26-story, mixed-use project will include 362 units, an amenity deck, and 16,000 square feet of retail space HOLLYWOOD, FL –   Stantec , a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has been selected to provide interior design services for the Bread Building Project—a mixed-use residential building on Young Circle in downtown Hollywood, Florida. Developed by Fort Lauderdale-based BTI Partners, the project is part of the revitalization program for the neighborhood that will include retail, restaurants, office space, and additional residential living. Situated on the former site of the historic Bread Building manufacturing plant, the 362-unit development will overlook ArtsPark and feature an amenity deck to provide panoramic views of the city. “The Bread Building’s interiors will combine modern influences and timeless materials to authentically reflect the original industrial buildings character. By combining chic sophistication with raw and natural elements, our desi...

$1.4 billion project to replace the Portage Bay Bridge, the last in a series of bridges that provide seismically resilient connections between the communities east of Lake Washington and Seattle. Seattle, WA – Skanska , a leading global construction and development firm, announced it has signed a contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation to replace the Portage Bay Bridge and create a lidded segment in the city of Seattle’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood. The $1.4 billion design-build project will construct two new parallel bridges that meet current seismic resiliency standards. The project also will build a landscaped lid over SR 520 between 10th Avenue East and Delmar Drive East and improve regional mobility by completing the SR 520 Program’s transit & HOV enhancements between Redmond and Seattle. The eastbound bridge span will extend the regional bicycle and pedestrian SR 520 Trail across Portage Bay, connecting to the city of Seattle’s non-motorized...

BINGHAM FARMS, MI — Ruby+Associates, a Degenkolb Company, is officially announcing that the firm’s former Chairman and Founding Principal David I. Ruby, PE, SE, has retired.  Mr. Ruby’s structural engineering career spans over 60 years working for steel fabricators, erectors, contractors, and architects, all the while developing his passion for constructability. His professional journey led him to founding Ruby+Associates in 1984 to fill a gap by providing structural engineering services to the construction industry, a firm mission which remains today. With an impressive resume of high-profile projects, articles, presentations, and as the author of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Design Guide #23, “Constructability of Structural Steel Buildings,” Mr. Ruby is a sought-after expert in steel construction. With many articles in between, Mr. Ruby also wrote a six- part series in the 2010s entitled, “But it Worked in the Model!” for Modern Steel Construction maga...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.,  —  Legacy Engineering, an integrated engineering services firm, is proud to welcome Anne Glubis to its rapidly growing organization. Glubis will draw on over two decades of industry expertise in her new role as Director of Geotechnical Operations and join Legacy’s leadership team in expanding the firm’s geotechnical capabilities.  “Anne’s arrival is a game-changer, and we’re excited to see the impact of her contributions in the coming weeks and months,” said John Ellis III, Legacy’s President. Glubis is a seasoned engineer with a proven record of leading complex geotechnical engineering projects to success. Her specialties include soils, foundations, construction materials testing and inspections, quality assurance, and quality control management. Glubis brings a breadth of experience to Legacy, having worked on project scopes ranging from commercial construction and military installations to environmental initiatives and power generation facilit...

May 21, Atlanta, GA Calling all entrepreneurs and small businesses – Zweig Group is excited to host the 2024 Small Business and Entrepreneurship Forum, a one-day event gathering of AEC industry leaders of small firms (fewer than 75 FTE/and or less than 18 million in gross revenue). The event is scheduled to take place on May 21 at the Kimpton in Atlanta.  Why Attend?  We all know that running a small business has pros and cons and this conference addresses all of that and more. Attendees will have an invaluable opportunity for growth, networking, and industry insight. Speakers will offer a deep dive into industry trends, challenges, and innovations and small businesses will have the chance to learn from leading experts and to stay ahead of technological advancements and regulatory changes that could impact their operations.  The conference will also provide a platform for connecting with peers, potential mentors and collaborators. Such networking can lead to partners...