Three Strategic Resources to Accelerate Your Construction Business Success

By Roy Rasmussen

The construction industry is booming, with 75 percent of firms expanding their payrolls this year in light of optimism over falling taxes and regulatory burdens, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

However, offsetting this is concerns that steel tariffs will increase the overall costs of construction and infrastructure projects, thereby raising the cost of raw materials and causing layoffs.

As construction firms grapple with this sense of optimism and challenge, experts say it's important to do everything in your power to capitalize on opportunities and offset costs. Here are three strategic resources that can help propel your construction business to the next level.

Conti Solar

 Photo credit: Brightsfield Development LLC

 Conti Solar, a leader in distributed generation (DG) solar facility construction, announces 44.5MW of DG projects now underway in Massachusetts. 

By Alan Dorich, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Media

With a large market presence in the Northeast, Conti has found a great deal of success building distributed generation solar facilities. DG facilities are generally under 20 megawatts (MW) in size. “The DG market is unique in New England. Conti’s ability to leverage its extensive infrastructure, deep solar expertise and flexibility has expanded our opportunities,” Regional Manager Sean Harrington said.

“Contractors entering the DG market may struggle with inherent fast pace of solar projects [with] their intricate complexities,” he says. “Our turnkey services, $1.2 billion bonding capacity, cost management and seasoned leadership has led to The Conti Group’s leading position within this market. It has also spurred our growth into newer DG and utility scale solar markets in Minnesota, the West Coast and Southeastern United States.”

Spotlight on Heavy Civil Construction

By Brian Binke

It’s a good time to be involved with the construction industry. Members of Congress have been discussing legislation that could lead to spending $1.5 trillion on improving the country’s infrastructure. Candidates with the right skills will continue to be in high demand as a number of significant projects have been announced or are already underway. Heavy civil construction recruiters are partnering with relevant companies to find people who are skilled in building everything from roads and bridges to dams and sewers. Here are a few heavy civil construction projects from around the country.

Guide to the New Revenue Recognition Standard

It is common to have many questions about how the New Guidance applies to your contracts. The New Guidance is principles based and requires the application of all five steps to make a final determination on how revenue is recognized.

One common question is whether the New Guidance continues to allow the percentage of completion accounting methodology that is commonly used by construction companies for long term contracts. You will be happy to hear that the New Guidance does allow this type of approach.

Which Approach is Right for Your Business?

There are two options available for adoption of the New Guidance:
1. Full Retrospective Method (Cumulative Effect Adjustment to Retained Earnings in the Earliest Period Presented)

2. Simplified Approach (Modified Retrospective Application with a Cumulative Effect Adjustment to Retained Earnings in the Year of Adoption)

Construction companies should decide which option is a better fit for their businesses after a careful review of their contracts. Should there not be any substantial changes in revenue recognition for a given business, that organization is able to implement either of these methodologies.

Click here to download guide.

LCS Facility Group’s 3 CIA Student Scholarships

LCS Facility Group, the region’s most experienced and largest provider of facilities solutions, recently awarded scholarships to three students at the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premier culinary college. The recipients of the 2018-2019 Giuseppe and Maria Lepore Scholarship are Olivia Allen, Dominick Miller and Bruna Parmezan.
“LCS is proud to salute these three talented and passionate CIA students,” said LCS Facility Group Owner Joe Lepore. “We are proud to continue our support of the Culinary Institute of America and its students as they work to achieve their culinary dreams.”

The Giuseppe and Maria Lepore Scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing an associate degree in culinary or baking and pastry arts with priority consideration given to students of first generation-Italian families who are studying internationally or have a need for financial support. Since launching its scholarship program in 2014, LCS has helped support 11 Culinary Institute of America students in pursuit of their culinary degrees.

A total of four (4) $5,000 scholarships are awarded to students at the CIA’s Hyde Park, N.Y., San Antonio, T.X. and St. Helena, C.A. campuses.

“I came to the CIA because I wanted the best education possible here in America,” said Olivia Allen, Class of 2018. “This scholarship isn’t just helping me with my short-term financial challenges, but is also helping me in my long-term finances by reducing my student loan debt, which will impact my credit score when I apply for a loan to open my first restaurant.”

Allen is a student at the CIA’s San Antonio campus. She is expected to graduate this April with an associate’s degree in culinary arts.

“I cannot wait to continue to learn and grow in this field that I am pursuing; and thanks to this scholarship, I am only even more motivated to persist beyond my limits,” said Dominick Miller, Class of 2018. “This scholarship reminded me of the impact my Italian heritage, and my love for my family, had on my career choice.”

Miller is entering his fifth semester at the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus. He recently completed an externship at The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. and is expected to graduate with an associate’s degree in May 2018.

“I dream of becoming an amazing pastry chef one day. Thanks to this scholarship, I am one step closer to that dream,” said Bruna Parmezan, Class of 2019. “My educational pursuits would not be possible without the generous support of scholarship sponsors like Mr. and Mrs. Lepore.”

Parmezan is a student at the Culinary Institute of America’s Hyde Park campus. She is expected to graduate from the CIA with an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts in February 2019.

About LCS
As the preferred outsourcing partner, LCS Facility Group is an industry leader in providing the highest quality expertise, professional and full-service facilities maintenance, and specialty services to the commercial sector. LCS Facility Group’s services include cleaning and facility maintenance; landscaping and property maintenance; snow and ice removal; hospitality and stewarding services; specialty services and more. For additional information, visit: http://www.lcsfacilitygroup.com.

Federal Security Construction Insights

At the onset of a project, every project leaders goal is to maximize the function of a building with available funds. At the minimum, the building must meet the requirements laid out by qualifying authorities. Aesthetics play a role, and there can be challenges related to square footage in some cases.

Increasingly, however, the importance of security in optimizing and preserving a building is becoming ever more prevalent. This is especially true for military and government buildings.

Whether stateside or overseas, firing ranges, ammunition storage and handling buildings, or barracks: each building has a specific security requirement and forms a unique piece of the security landscape.

While the security landscape has changed over the past years due to terrorism and cyber threats, this landscape goes a step further with physical and digital security planning and risk assessments used to determine the need for and effectiveness of various security protocols.

Here are insights.

Define Physical + Technical

Physical Security is defined as the protection of personnel, hardware, software, networks, and data from physical actions and events that could cause serious loss or damage to an enterprise, agency or institution. This includes protections from fire, flood, natural disasters, burglary, theft, vandalism, and terrorism.

Physical security manifests itself in some of the more traditional protections, such as perimeter fencing and access control, bollards, crash-rated barriers to protect from vehicular attacks, or earthen berms. There is a also procedural element to physical security. Each installation has its own physical security plan, including emergency evacuation protocols.

Blast design is one example of physical security planning challenges. Variables in blast design deal with the unique topography of the site and how much setback distance there is between parking and roadways. For external blasts, the plan is based on the hypothetical distance a blast would be from the building. If there is a shorter setback, the blast may a take out a wall section. Reinforced walls to combat such effects drive up costs.

Internal blast design is even more complex. For load-bearing walls, the locations of doors and windows are critical. Windows tend to be the weakest link, and those designed to withstand blast pressures can associated cost. Blast design can apply to any building, whereas other physical security measures are specific to the project or facility type.

One of the biggest challenges in physical security planning is prioritizing the needs for planning based on the unique needs of the facility and its application. In some cases, the biggest asset may be having a project team member with a background in a specific area.

For example, an Army base has much different security needs than an overseas embassy compound. Having a design/security professional with the right experience to assess the security needs based on the location and facility type can be critical. In any project dealing with an existing site, there is additional redevelopment beyond the original impetus for the renovation. For entry control points, in particular, there can be spatial challenges related to having room for vehicles to queue, undergo inspection in a timely fashion, and back up or turn around if rejected.

Consider a project example. A project team planned a new route that manipulated the roadway, introducing curves and obstacles to reduce speed before vehicles reached the final denial barrier. A crash-rated popup barrier was also added. Space was at a premium around the base, where there had been subsequent real estate development in the 30 years since the original entry was built. In addition to restructuring the roadway to meet the requirements of function and security, the project also had aesthetic considerations, using ornamental fencing that was also crash rated. Such conditions and considerations are exemplary of the complexity of physical security.

Technical Security deals with the underlying systems that enhance the effectiveness of the physical barriers. Exterior technical features include elements such as video surveillance systems that monitor activity outside the building. Intrusion detection systems indicate for users which doors were opened, when, and even by whom. For regular users of the facility, access control is still required. Elements such as metal detectors at the entrance, and sophisticated locks and other hardware manage entry. Within the building, there is a separate set of requirements to control access to the most secure areas of the facility.

To create the most effective technical security plan, it is key to understand the user’s requirements and their operating protocol, especially as it relates to the design standards. It can be challenging to find solutions that work for the client while still meeting the requirements. It helps to guide project decision makers through various scenarios, including specific examples of security risks to decide how these aspects should be handled, not only from a security standpoint, but also how many security personnel will be required, and other concerns that will affect the budget and the overall plan.

Cyber Security is a growing concern. In the digital age, cyber terrorism poses a real threat to infrastructure, and has become and emerging concern for security design. Mason and Hanger supports the Army Cyber Command in designing secure buildings, including a current project to build training spaces for cyber warfare. With more and more components of building infrastructure connected to wi-fi, each piece of equipment—including HVAC and lighting—must be safeguarded from cyber threats.

It takes experience to specify the right equipment and ensure that it is installed properly to prevent attacks and threats. The design planning effort is ensuring that the required network infrastructure is in place—cabling, data centers, etc., and that each component connected to the network can resist potential attacks. The rigors of cyber security planning vary by building type and each engineering discipline has a role to play in ensuring the cyber security of the facility.

While planning for security presents a host of challenges, assessing the risks prior to planning is even more difficult.

Risk assessments – Identifying Vulnerabilities

The assessment process is comprised of multiple phases. Effective assessment starts with gathering data to define the current state of operations. This includes identifying potential hazards and developing an assessment of the response plan in place. Insights to this process include identifying what control measures project stakeholders plan to implement to address threats and making a recommendation based on these needs. To specify things like blast-resistant windows to withstand a certain charge, or the best surveillance cameras, a thorough, up-to-date knowledge of products and their applications is required.

Not all risks are equal, which leads to the next step in the assessment process which is risk characterization. Weigh how the identified hazards relate to individual risks and try to hypothesize which are the most and least likely to occur. To do this accurately, it is critical to engage the participation of security personnel. When the potential risks have been outlined, they are categorized and prioritized based on the severity of the threat. A response or control mechanism is assigned to each risk, and, ultimately, the entire account is documented and an action plan developed to implement the control measures, both physical and procedural.

Elements of the assessment include a categorical study of vulnerabilities, security, and planning for implementation of the findings. There are government guidelines that can help determine the tipping point for whether to upgrade or replace problematic elements. It takes longstanding and in-depth experience with security assessments to give project leaders the key information needed to make the best decision.

Identify the threats unique to the location, such as the political climate, and the responsibility of the facility to protect the life and wellbeing of people, infrastructure, and information. For anti-terrorism/force protection, specifically, site design is a consideration. Where dumpsters are located, how close trees are planted, and other details related to access can be shown graphically as part of the assessment.

Creating a new security plan based on the risk assessment findings is the key outcome. Good planning practices are vital in this stage. First, identify the primary function of the facilities and related requirements for location and site parameters. Meet with project decision makers and users/occupants of the facility to understand and address their concerns. Create conceptual or preliminary plans and a strategy for roll out. Address concerns immediately as they come up to make the entire process smoother.

Cost Insights

Cost is a major consideration in any project, but with security as the focus, certain elements cannot go unaddressed. It can be challenging to balance these in the context of the project budget. Security does not carry the cache of a more attractive façade, or added square footage to justify the cost, it is simply a necessity. While security always affects the budget, location impacts how significant a factor it is.

In remote island locations, availability of materials and time to ship can increase the budget impact over a similar project where resources are more readily available. For planning, it is important to know the costs of materials in the area, and use a location factor when creating the budget, but there are many variables related to shipping that make it difficult to predict.

Staying within the defined budget for a project is always an important project condition. Security can involve significant investment and is of critical importance. Factoring these investments into the plan for security early in the project avoids unwanted and often costly surprises later on.

To develop a comprehensive plan, it is important to factor in physical, technical, and cyber security elements and the effect they have on one another in the project planning and execution. Detailed risk assessments provide the information required to make an effective plan, but the successful combination of all these elements can only be achieved with an experienced team comprised of key players from all the affected areas and a client who understands the importance of the process.

_________________________________________________________________
Richard Heap, Associate AIA, IABC
Director

Arate Communications Consulting, Inc.
MARKET-FOCUSED VISIBILITY. ANALYTICAL

RL Baxter Building Corp.

Credit: dKol Photography (www.dkolphotography.com)

RL Baxter builds long-term relationships with clients by listening and responding to their needs.
By Jim Harris, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Media

RL Baxter Building Corp. does much more than its name indicates. “We really see ourselves as a customer service business that just happens to do construction,” says Eric Baxter, vice president of the Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. “We believe in providing custom service, listening to our clients’ needs and wants, and executing to their vision.”

Eric Baxter makes himself readily available to clients. “Every client has my cell phone number,” he says. “I’m always available and able to drop anything to go on a work site.

“People enjoy working with us because they know we will do the right thing,” Baxter adds. “We don’t just want to do one job with our clients, we want their next five to 10 jobs.”

8 Things to know to set up a Temporary Structure

There are a variety of reasons why you may need a temporary shelter. Construction companies may use them to protect workers and equipment. Sports complexes may use them for indoor playing fields, skating rinks, and the like. Even parties, weddings, and concerts may need a temporary shelter. However, before building one, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Know the Size and Specifications
Before you move forward with the space, you’ll want to know the basics about the square requirements. How large does the space need to be? Does the space need to be lit? These are just a few of the basics you’ll want to consider.

Consider also the fabric or materials needed for the space. Is the purpose of the structure to be functional, decorative or both? The covering for the space may need to be windproof and waterproof. Although most temporary spaces are not going to be the same as a permanent structure, temperature control may also be important. Think about whether the space will need to keep in the heat or cold and if air conditioning units or heating units will need to be installed.

You can find some useful free building guides at https://smart-space.co.uk/ which may help you to figure out what type of building (and what features) you’re going to need. Once you have that figured out, you can proceed to the planning stage.

2. Create a Site Plan and Layout
After you know the basics of the structure, you’ll need to find the land and plan out the layout. It’s likely that temporary buildings will have a main entrance and you’ll need to consider which direction that it should face. The exits and windows should also be planned to allow for appearance and safety. Parking is also important, especially if the structure is for an event. The parking will need to be close to the structure without adding to the noise in the structure.

In order to plan the land and structure appropriately, it may be best to use a diagram. A diagram will allow you to consider a few different layouts and make it easier to build the structure without running into any problems. Temporary buildings contractors can guide you through this whole process and give you different options and recommendations.

3. Plan a Budget
When it comes to temporary structures, many people already have an idea of what they want. However, you may not have the funds to pay for the structure in mind. When it comes to this type of project, you can expect to pay a significant amount if you’re not careful. Review your budget to decide on what you can afford to pay for the building. Avoid cutting any costs that will affect the quality of the building as you’ll need to have basic safety regulations met.

4. Check Zoning and Building Codes
Although many people don’t think about zoning and building regulations for temporary spaces, any type of building is subject to regulations in your area. You’ll want to check on what types of permits you need for temporary buildings. Additionally, some areas may even have planning laws about what the building can be used for, so check with your local planning department.

If you don’t take the time to check the local planning rules or you build the structure in violation of these codes, you can find yourself in a fair amount of trouble and face heavy fines. Always check before building and follow the regulations in your area. You can do this by visiting https://www.gov.uk/search-register-planning-decisions.

5. Consider Framing Materials
When you talk to the company building the structure, discuss the framing materials to use. The more common materials to use include aluminum or steel which are lightweight and strong without adding much weight. These may not be the best for your structure depending on the needs of the structure, the weather, or other concerns. Make sure to review the materials and how they will last up to the elements over time. This is especially important if the temporary structure is anticipated to be needed for a longer period of time.

6. Check Utilities and Facilities
Having access to the basic utilities is important. Even if you don’t need these for the space, there’s always the possibility of needing electricity, water, and plumbing. Check with the local electric and water companies if these are not present. Even if they’re not present, you’ll want to check and see if you can get access if needed. If the temporary space is for a party or other event, you’ll need to make sure that water and plumbing are available on site and working properly.

When you create the layout for the building, ensure that you have designated the areas for restrooms, running water, and electrical outlets. You may need an electrician to consult with for the structure. Since electricity has the potential to cause accidents if not handled properly, this professional will ensure that electricity is distributed appropriately throughout the structure.

7. Lighting Options
Once you have more of the larger questions answered, you’ll want to take a look at the interior and consider how the space needs to be lit. There are multiple choices for lighting available. If the space is industrial, you will probably want lighting that is energy efficient. However, if the space is going to be used for a party or other event, you’ll want lighting that is softer. There are translucent fabrics available that can be used to let natural sunlight in as well, so you can use this to save on lighting costs.

8. Review Safety and Security

The safety of the temporary structure is incredibly important. Temporary structures may be more prone to accidents and usually don’t have the same safety standards as a permanent building, so ensure that the building is safe for its intended use.
If the building is going to be used for an event that will host multiple people, you’ll want to ensure that fire safety is addressed. Consider whether the materials used in the structure are flammable, especially if the event will have any fire in or around the building. Plan the exit plan and ensure that there are multiple exists available as well as adequate fire extinguishers. Ask the electrician to inspect the wiring to ensure that the electrical outlets are not overloaded.

Any wires or pipes that are exposed should be covered or flagged. This step will keep them safe from any guests or keep them visible to reduce the chance of injury.
Security is also important, even for a temporary structure. If the structure is in a remote location or the building is going to be used to store expensive or important structures, plan on how the structure will be secured. Motion lighting outside the structure can help by deterring thieves. Locks are the basics needed to protect the space and temporary alarm systems may be a good idea as well. Even a fence around the perimeter of the building can be used to avoid any problems. Although you may not need to take this additional step, having a security guard to monitor the space may be a good idea.

Conclusion
Temporary buildings are a great choice for events or other needs when a permanent space is not needed. They can be used to meet a variety of requirements and are a versatile choice. Make sure to plan well ahead of time to get the space you need and avoid having any accidents or problems along the way.

Svigals+Partners New Director of Bus Dev/Mkt

Reflecting recent growth and new plans to broaden its market sectors and client base, the innovative architecture, art and advisory firm, Svigals + Partners has announced that Crystal Grim, an experienced and respected marketing and branding professional and Connecticut native, has joined the firm as Director of Business Development and Marketing.

“We’re fortunate to have someone with Crystal’s experience and drive joining our team,” says Jay Brotman, AIA, managing partner with Svigals + Partners. “This is a critical time for us: Recent successes and new challenges have opened the door for the firm to reach new markets. Crystal’s skills and business development savvy will help us to convert our strengths into new projects and new clients.”

Grim’s experience in the fields of marketing, branding and business development comprises successful work in key positions across a wide swath of diverse industries across the U.S. and internationally, including positions with Fortune 100 companies. Passionate about engaging in her community as well as nurturing longstanding and authentic client relationships, Grim brings to Svigals + Partners a deep understanding of long-term strategic planning and data-driven research.

These areas of experience stand to help position Svigals + Partners — recently named by Fast Company Magazine as one of the 10 Most Innovative Architecture Firms — as a national and global leader in architecture, interiors, and consultation for the workplace, residential, academic, mixed-use development and research science sectors, and beyond.

“My work is the most satisfying when I see tangible results, such as increased exposure for my company or elevated public perception of the talented and consummate creative professionals I work with,” says Grim, who is expanding the firm’s footprint in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and in Florida, where she recently served as Chief Marketing Officer of International Construction Consultants.

“The design innovators and thought leaders at Svigals + Partners present the most exciting opportunities for my career yet. I could not be prouder than to be back in my home state, working for a team that incorporates their passion for contributing to the community into anything and everything they do.”

Grim received her Bachelor’s in Marketing from Hofstra University and went on to earn multiple trade certifications in the commercial real estate field. She commits much of her time to volunteer work, serving on multiple boards and committees and recently co-founding a charity organization dedicated to the celebration of cancer survivors and supporting research to eradicate the disease.

“Svigals + Partners demonstrates the utmost dedication to the community and to serving their clients’ interests, bar none,” says Grim. “In my opinion, they are setting the industry standards for best practices and innovation and I’m honored to be joining the ranks of these highly talented and hardworking individuals.”

About Svigals + Partners
Based in New Haven, Connecticut, Svigals+Partners is a full-service architecture, art and planning firm dedicated to building sustainable communities that uplift and inspire people. The firm is known for its success in the design and construction of educational facilities, community projects, research and science buildings and corporate workplaces since its inception in 1983. Known for their original and imaginative integration of planning, design, and artwork in the service of broad client goals, the firm is committed to creating meaningful change in the world. For more information, visit www.svigals.com.

ASSA ABLOY: Security Tips Infographic

ASSA ABLOY has recently developed an infographic that breaks down tips on how a building can keep people safe.

While some situations overwhelm even the sturdiest properties, you still have plenty of ways to protect your space and its occupants.

Installing hurricane shutters and storm panels, for example, can help if a natural disaster ever hits.

To see all seven tips, you can view the infographic here.

More info at www.assaabloy.com.

RL Baxter Building Corp.

Credit: dKol Photography (www.dkolphotography.com)

RL Baxter builds long-term relationships with clients by listening and responding to their needs.
By Jim Harris, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Media

RL Baxter Building Corp. does much more than its name indicates. “We really see ourselves as a customer service business that just happens to do construction,” says Eric Baxter, vice president of the Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company. “We believe in providing custom service, listening to our clients’ needs and wants, and executing to their vision.”

Eric Baxter makes himself readily available to clients. “Every client has my cell phone number,” he says. “I’m always available and able to drop anything to go on a work site.

“People enjoy working with us because they know we will do the right thing,” Baxter adds. “We don’t just want to do one job with our clients, we want their next five to 10 jobs.”

Conti Enterprises – Volvo Interchange

Conti Enterprises is part of building a key interchange project in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

By Tim O’Connor, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Media

When car manufacturer Volvo broke ground on its first American factory in 2015 it was a major win for Berkeley County, S.C. The facility, which will open in late 2018, is expected to produce as many as 100,000 cars annually and could create 4,000 jobs in the long term. In all, the project is expected to generate $4.8 billion in annual economic output.

The Volvo plant has the potential to be a major economic engine for Berkeley County and all of South Carolina, but first, it needs to connect to the state’s larger transportation systems. In late 2016, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) awarded a contract to Conti Enterprises to design-build a new interchange that will create an access point to the Volvo facility from I-26 near mile marker 189. “The construction of this interchange is an important step in providing an interconnected system for driving the state’s economic engine,” South Carolina Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall says.

Conti’s experience with similar high-profile projects made it the ideal general contractor for the Volvo interchange project. “We have an extensive resume when it comes to bridge and interchange construction,” Senior Project Manager Mike Prudente says. 

Turner Construction Company – The Milstein Center

The Milstein Center will be an academic hub in the heart of New York City’s Barnard College

By Knighthouse Media Editorial Staff

Founded in 1889, Barnard College has been known for its distinctive academic culture.  Located in New York City, it is dedicated to women’s education and the liberal arts. The school was actually founded as aresponse to neighboring Columbia University’s refusal to admit women.

Although today’s Barnard students are allowed to use the libraries of Columbia, Barnard has always maintained a library of its own. Lehman Hall was the site of Barnard’s Wollman Library from 1959 until 2015. In 2016, that building was demolished to make way for a new library: The Cheryl and Philip Milstein Teaching and Learning Center.

Vertix Builders

Vertix Builders offers clients the capabilities and experience of a large general contractor with the personal service of a smaller company.

By Tim O’Connor, Senior Editor at Knighthouse Media

The construction market today is often volatile. It’s a face-paced environment where labor is in short supply and everyone is pushing to get things done faster. Those competing forces can easily create tension among owners, contractors and subs, leading to an unpleasant and contentious building experience where someone is destined to leave unsatisfied.

Vertix Builders was founded in 2014 with a focus on reversing that trend and taking the culture back 30 years to when a person’ word meant something. “The idea behind our company is we wanted to get back to providing a high level of service and getting back to working with our clients in person as opposed to managing from afar,” Vice President Ted Laszlo says.

SiliconSage Builders

SiliconSage Builders specializes in condo and mixed-use developments that meet the needs of its target demographic in Silicon Valley.

By Janice Hoppe-Spiers

SiliconSage Builders became the pioneers for urban infill condominium and mixed-use projects in Silicon Valley after the 2008 recession and today the firm helps alleviate the area’s housing shortage. The company prides itself on developing game-changing properties that are uniquely designed and always innovative.

“Silicon Valley is transitioning from being suburban to urban,” says Sanjeev Acharya, founder, president and CEO. “We saw an opportunity to meet a growing need for urban housing in underutilized downtown areas. We moved quickly to acquire and entitle properties just as Google, Facebook and Apple were expanding their staffs.”

Building for High-Impact Weather

By Kim Slowey

After a year of devastating weather events, building owners are evaluating how resilient their existing structures are. Builders who face reconstruction must make sure the properties are more resistant to the impact of wind-driven objects.

Denham-Blythe Company

Fast-growing Denham-Blythe Company is building new offices to sustain its growth.   

By Kat Zeman

When it comes to design/build, Denham-Blythe Company is in its element. The Lexington, K.Y.-based design/builder specializes in industrial construction from the initial concept of a project through completion, taking on the role of both designer and constructor.

“That gives us a significant competitive edge,” CEO Bill Quenemoen says. ”We have architects, engineers, designers and construction managers all under one umbrella. Frequently, many companies will call themselves design/build but in reality they are a design firm or contractor that has to partner with other companies to be able to provide a complete design/build package.”

Mod Pizza to grow to more than 400 units this year

Fast-casual Mod Pizza aims to open about 100 new units in 2018, after adding 110 locations last year. The chain ended 2017 with 302 restaurants in 27 states. Read the Chain Store Age story here

A new look for Noah’s New York Bagels

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group has unveiled a new prototype for Noah’s New York Bagels in Oakland, Calif. The chain’s first new unit in several years is a 2,300-square-foot restaurant with features including cold-brew coffee and tea on tap and a new ordering and payment system designed to speed service. Read the Nation’s Restaurant News story here

Southeastern Grocers to restructure debt, close 94 stores

Southeastern Grocers will restructure its debt and close 94 under-performing stores. The company says the debt savings of $500 million will let it continue to operate nearly 600 stores. Read the Reuters story here

Hudson, FAO Schwarz team up on airport toy and candy shops

Hudson Group has signed an agreement with FAO Schwartz to open toy and candy shops in U.S. airports. The first stores are expected to launch by the end of 2019. Read the MarketWatch story here

Perera Construction

Perera Construction’s team culture allows it to take the lead on complex projects and deliver remarkable results.

By Janice Hoppe-Spiers

Hank Perera relocated from Anchorage, Alaska to Los Angeles in 1989, leaving behind his residential construction company to start a new firm focused on commercial and institutional construction. Perera knew starting over in a city with 10 million people that the competition would be fierce. To differentiate himself he took on complex projects in the niche specialties of healthcare, telecommunications, higher education and energy.

“Those were my primary focuses when I came to California and I was able to penetrate that market pretty well,” Perera remembers. “The clients I developed in the early ’90s are the same ones we serve today. It’s all about building long-term relationships. City of Hope has been a client since 1990, Southern California Edison has been a client since 1992, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been a client since 1993 and Verizon has been a client since 1994, and we are still doing work with our original clients.”

PAVESTONE UNVEILS NEW CITYSTONE™ DESIGNS

Pavestone®, a Keystone Hardscapes® producer and leading manufacturer of segmental concrete products for the residential, commercial, institutional, retail and government markets, is expanding its popular CityStone series with four new products.

Joint patterns are what give CityStone pavements their recognizable surface texture and classic appeal. The CityStone additions are proven on projects including patios, sidewalks, residential driveways and parking spaces. Modulating with the comprehensive line of CityStone pavers, the new additions can be used in a variety of size and shape combinations to create timeless designs with enduring beauty and durability.

New CityStone Products
• CityStone Demi 6cm –An artful combination of equal quantities of 4” x 8”, 8” x 8” and 8” x 12” units. Designed for light vehicular applications in fast-installing repeating runner or ashlar patterns.
• CityStone XL Supra 6cm – Combines equal quantities of 8” x 16”, 16” x 16” and 16” x 24” units with stunning results. Designed for pedestrian applications in fast-installing repeating runner or ashlar patterns. Combine with CityStone Demi to form an industry-leading six-piece system that delivers luxurious scale and a fast installation.
• CityStone XL 12” x 24” 6cm – Large format paver designed for pedestrian applications adds an element of sophistication to any project with stacked, runner, basketweave and herringbone installation patterns.
• CityStone XL 24” x 24” 6cm – Striking large format paver designed for pedestrian applications in traditional stacked and runner patterns.

More information on the CityStone series and other Keystone Hardscapes® products by Pavestone® is available at www.keystonehardscapes.com.

Pavestone®
Founded in 1980, Pavestone® is a leading manufacturer and supplier of concrete pavers, retaining walls, clay brick pavers and permeable pavers. With manufacturing facilities across the country, Pavestone® serves the residential, commercial, institutional, retail and government markets. Part of Keystone Hardscapes®, The QUIKRETE® Companies’ professional hardscapes division, Pavestone® fulfills its brand promise for “Creating Beautiful Landscapes® every day. For more information about Pavestone® visit www.pavestone.com.

Keystone Hardscapes®
The first segmental retaining wall company in the United States, Keystone Hardscapes® is the preferred hardscape solution provider to the residential, commercial, institutional, retail and government markets. Keystone Hardscapes® is the commercial concrete paver and wall distribution and licensing division of The QUIKRETE Companies, which manufactures and distributes products from more than 200 facilities in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and South America. Keystone Hardscapes® is committed to helping architects, specifiers, contractors and homeowners bring landscape, structural support and outdoor living projects to life. For more information about Keystone Hardscapes® visit www.keystonehardscapes.com.

Trimble Acquires e-Builder to Expand CM Solutions

Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced it has acquired privately-held e-Builder, a leading SaaS-based construction program management solution for capital program owners and program management firms. e-Builder extends Trimble’s ability to accelerate industry transformation by providing an integrated project delivery solution for owners, program managers and contractors across the design, construct and operate lifecycle.

e-Builder currently manages more than $300 billion of construction project value and over 200,000 projects from some of the most influential owners in North America. Owners benefit from the e-Builder solution through improved transparency and accountability while contractors benefit from faster payments, increased productivity and improved competitive advantage. The e-Builder solution is uniquely designed to measure and manage every step of the capital project delivery process including planning, design, procurement, construction and operations.

Trimble’s wide range of construction hardware and software solutions significantly improve project cost, schedule and effectiveness—beneficially impacting owners, architects, engineers, and contractors. The Trimble presence in construction has two points of focus, one on civil engineering projects and the other on the construction of buildings and structures. Both will benefit from the e-Builder acquisition.

Trimble solutions leverage constructible Building Information Model (BIM) workflows to integrate processes, improve information fidelity, reduce rework, establish transparency and deliver higher productivity. By using Trimble technologies, contractors and owners are realizing substantial reductions in total project cost.

The combination of Trimble and e-Builder accelerates value creation for both owners and contractors by combining e-Builder’s best practice solutions for owners with Trimble’s construction lifecycle solutions, access to contractors and global reach. The combined solution portfolio will accelerate the integration of field operations with enterprise needs, enabling additional productivity gains. The tangible benefits include more consistent on-time and within-budget project delivery that is enabled by improved visibility, clear accountability for outcomes and the ability to convert large volumes of disparate data into actionable workflows and measurable outcomes.

“e-Builder has always recognized that owners play a key role in the construction lifecycle and that their influence will be key to the adoption of transformative construction technology,” said Steven Berglund, president and CEO of Trimble. “Trimble will extend its reach into the owner community by leveraging e-Builder’s presence. In turn, we intend to aggressively bring e-Builder solutions to civil and building contractors and the international market. We see a significant opportunity in leveraging data and intelligence gained through design-construct workflows across the full infrastructure lifecycle. e-Builder’s solutions and, more importantly, its organization provide a strong platform for significant growth.”

“e-Builder’s mission is to improve project execution to make construction faster, less expensive and more reliable,” said Ron Antevy, president and CEO of e-Builder. “The addition of our solutions to Trimble’s broad portfolio extends our collective ability to best support owners and contractors with project delivery and management. e-Builder current and future customers will benefit from Trimble’s construction management expertise, culture of innovation and global reach to take e-Builder solutions to the next level.”
The e-Builder business will be reported as part of the Buildings and Infrastructure Segment.

Financial Terms
The all cash purchase price of $500 million will be financed through a new $300 million credit facility and cash. The new facility has terms and conditions similar to the existing revolver with a 364 day term.

e-Builder’s reported trailing twelve month revenue is approximately $53 million. In recent years, e-Builder’s revenue growth rate has exceeded 20 percent annually, with greater than 65 percent subscription revenue as a percentage of total revenue. The transaction is expected to be dilutive to Trimble’s first quarter non-GAAP net income per share by $0.01 per share and dilutive to full year 2018 non-GAAP net income per share by $0.02 to $0.03 per share, due to the impact of fair value accounting of e-Builder’s deferred revenue and interest expense. Trimble expects the acquisition to be accretive to 2019 non-GAAP net income per share.

An overview of e-Builder and the strategic rationale for the acquisition is available on Trimble’s Investor Relations website at http://investor.trimble.com.

About e-Builder
Founded in 1995, e-Builder is the leading provider of integrated, cloud-based construction program management software for top facility owners and the companies that act on their behalf. The company’s flagship product, e-Builder Enterprise, improves capital project execution, resulting in increased productivity and quality, reduced cost and faster project delivery. Since 1995, e-Builder’s technology leadership and construction industry focus have helped thousands of global companies, government agencies, and health care and educational institutions manage billions of dollars in capital programs with solutions to improve the plan, build and operate lifecycle. The company is based in Plantation, Florida. For more information, visit: www.e-Builder.net.

About Trimble
Trimble is transforming the way the world works by delivering products and services that connect the physical and digital worlds. Core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics enable customers to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. From purpose built products to enterprise lifecycle solutions, Trimble software, hardware and services are transforming a broad range of industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation and logistics. For more information about Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB), visit: www.trimble.com.

Duro-Last, Inc. 25 and 30-Year Commercial Warranty

Duro-Last, Inc. is pleased to introduce 25 and 30-Year No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty options for select Duro-Last Roofing System installations. Accessible to authorized Duro-Last Contractors with Platinum, Elite or Master level certification, these new warranties offer extended coverage opportunities for commercial projects.

The 25 and 30-year warranties may be utilized on new construction and tear-off projects with approved roof decks, and are issued with an accompanying Owner Maintenance Checklist. They are also fully transferable.

“We are excited to now offer these warranties for qualifying installations,” said Duro-Last Director of Quality Assurance Mitch Guettler. “Duro-Last is known for our comprehensive selection of warranty options, and these new 25 and 30-year warranties enhance our coverage availability to meet even more of our customers’ needs.”

Duro-Last is proud to offer comprehensive warranty coverage. With a wide variety of warranty options, including Supreme, Ultra, Basic and Residential, we offer the right level of coverage for any roofing project. For more information and to view samples of all available Duro-Last warranties, including the new 25 and 30-year options, visit www.duro-last.com/warranty or call the Quality Assurance Department at 800-248-0280.
About Duro-Last®, Inc.

Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts.

For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit www.duro-last.com.

NEW DALLAS CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE

After a rigorous process, the Dallas Chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA Dallas) and its partner organization, Dallas Center for Architecture (DCFA), have selected a multidisciplinary team to design their new facility, which is slated to open August of 2018. After shortlisting based on qualifications and extensive interviews, the boards of both AIA Dallas and DCFA have tasked OMNIPLAN, lauckgroup, Aurora, Better Block, RSM Design, Studio Outside, LUM Lighting Design and Telios with crafting a dynamic, engaging and community-friendly space in downtown Dallas.

“We considered talent, experience, ideas, collaboration and creative spirit in the selection of our design partner, and we loved the approach of the multidisciplinary team led by Omniplan. We look forward to working together to create a space that champions architecture and demonstrates the impact of design on community livability,” says Jan Blackmon, FAIA, executive director of AIA Dallas and the Dallas Center for Architecture.

The new Center for Architecture will be located in the mid-century architectural icon Republic Center at the northwest corner of St. Paul and Pacific. This location within the core of the city will allow AIA Dallas and DCFA to be more visible, pedestrian-friendly, and engaged with the larger community. The design team is tasked with creating a physical space that elevates public awareness of the important impact architecture can have on the health, equity, welfare and economic development in a community.

“OMNIPLAN could not be more excited about the selection of our team to design the new Dallas Center for Architecture,” says Tip Housewright, Principal and CEO of OMNIPLAN. “The selection of our team is significant to us on many levels. First, to be chosen by our peers to design the new home of architecture in Dallas is an honor. The leaders of AIA Dallas had many talented firms they could select from and we are honored to be entrusted with the design of this very important new home for architects in Dallas.”

The facility itself will be flexible to meet the variety of needs of AIA Dallas and DCFA’s ever-changing and dynamic organizations. The street level will take advantage of floor-to-ceiling glass windows that connect the constant stream of activities and events within the space to the hustle and bustle street life. It will also utilize a large outdoor plaza for diverse programming—lectures, exhibitions, town hall meetings and other community events.

Since the new Center for Architecture will be adjacent to the second largest park in downtown Dallas, the design team has conceptualized inventive ideas as to what the space can become. For example, as part of the RFQ process, the team developed “Pop-Up PARKitecture,” where they activated a sidewalk downtown with café seating, games, and kiosks. A musician played, a sketch artist created art, and they invited passersby in. View the results here.

“More than ever, interior architecture, design, and community partnerships play a considerable role in shaping and revitalizing existing built environments and therefore empowering communities to promote the growth of healthy and vibrant neighborhoods within changing dynamics,” says Brigitte Preston, Co-owner and Principal of Design at lauckgroup. “We’re beyond thrilled to have been selected to participate in this project and we’re excited to work with AIA Dallas and DCFA to create an architecture hub of activity for both design professionals and the community.”

Ultimately, the new Center for Architecture will serve as an educational hub that raises the stature of the architecture profession in the public eye with a high profile, “24 hour” space and open public programming.

About AIA Dallas
AIA Dallas, the sixth largest chapter of The American Institute of Architects, empowers architects to excel and impact their practice, profession, and community. AIA Dallas has a membership base of more than 2,300 members and 300 architectural firms. Member efforts support professional development, education, advocacy, thought-provoking programming, and seven signature events. For more information, visit www.aiadallas.org.

About The Dallas Center For Architecture
The Dallas Center for Architecture works to encourage the conversation about why architecture matters to YOU. The Center seeks to foster the public’s understanding of the power of architecture to enrich our city and our lives through the programs, exhibits, and tours that the Center presents. For more information, visit www.DallasCFA.com.

OMNIPLAN
OMNIPLAN is an award-winning practice which encompasses architecture, planning, interior design, and graphic design. The firm’s expertise is in both commercial and institutional arenas including large-scale commercial and mixed-use planned developments, urban and suburban office buildings, facilities for institutions of higher education, research laboratories, and places of community and worship. Founded in Dallas more than 54 years ago, the firm believes in the potential of every project to contribute to the built environment in a meaningful and powerful way.

About lauckgroup
lauckgroup is a full-service interior architecture firm serving corporate clients in the technology, legal, government and higher education sectors, as well as the retail and hospitality industries. The firm employs roughly 50 people and is headquartered in Dallas with additional offices in Austin and Houston. lauckgroup projects typify design solutions that satisfy human, technical, aesthetic, environmental and functional needs.

Tectura Designs Quattro Series of Architectural Pavers

Tectura Designs is expanding its vast selection of concrete rooftop and on-grade pavers for commercial architecture with the all-new Quattro Series, which will provide specifiers with unmatched strength and design flexibility – including Tectura’s exclusive four-color blending technology that makes each paver a unique work of art.

The new Quattro Series pavers combine the elegant looks of porcelain with the proven performance of Tectura Designs’ American-made concrete architectural pavers, continually trusted and on the cutting edge of what’s possible for more than 60 years.

The Quattro Series’ advanced aesthetic and performance features include:

• Four-color blending for one-of-a-kind custom gradients and a stock palette of 10 unique four-color blends
• Unprecedented compressive strength and weight, rated at a minimum of 9,500 PSI and 22 lbs. per sq. foot and offering exceptional load capacity
• Four distinct finishes, including blasted, unblasted, slate and wood grain
• Industry-leading security from the dangers of wind uplift, backed by full-scale hurricane condition testing
• Custom size and color capabilities, offered with a solutions-oriented commitment to executing big, outside-the-box visions and design challenges

“Installing contemporary porcelain or porcelain-like flooring has historically meant compromising strength and durability,” said Rodney Dombrowski, head of research and development for Tectura Designs. “We’ve heard our partners express a need for a product with elegant natural looks and concrete toughness, for both on-grade and pedestal-set paver applications, and the Quattro Series answers that call.”

In addition to manufacturing premier architectural pavers – many of which offer sustainable design elements such as actual recycled porcelain and glass – Tectura Designs has established the educational hub, “Tectura U,” to share its wealth of knowledge and best practices on the installation and maintenance of pavers and other architectural products. Included in Tectura U is a drop-test demonstration video that pits a Quattro Series paver against a typical porcelain product, with smashing results.

A brand of Wausau Tile Inc., Tectura Designs also proudly manufactures American-made terrazzo and terrazzo tile, custom precast concrete and a diverse line of mixed-material site furnishings. Its products can be found on Main Streets across the country and at iconic destinations ranging from Cleveland Public Square, to New York City’s Times Square and Hudson Yards, to Saint Louis’s Gateway Arch plaza and the U.S. Capitol.
Visit tecturadesigns.com to see Tectura Designs’ complete portfolio of premier paver styles and other architectural products.

About Tectura Designs
Tectura Designs is the premier provider of architectural products, including site furnishings, concrete pavers, custom precast concrete, custom precast terrazzo and terrazzo tile. Its premier products help the world’s leading architects and designers bring their visions to life – and its custom capabilities offer near-endless solutions. Tectura Designs is a Wausau Tile Inc. brand. Learn more at tecturadesigns.com.
About Wausau Tile Inc.

Wausau Tile Inc. manufactures and markets architectural products under the brands Wausau Made – which manufactures long-lasting, high-quality concrete and metal site furnishings – and Tectura Designs – which manufactures premium site furnishings, pavers, custom precast concrete, custom precast terrazzo, and terrazzo tile. The company is guided by the legacy and values of founder Ed Creske, whose commitment to quality and unwavering dedication to personalized customer service helped forge lasting partnerships with many of the world’s leading companies, architects and designers. For more than 60 years, Wausau Tile has shipped products from its headquarters near Wausau, Wisconsin, to nearly every corner the country – from Main Street U.S.A. to Times Square, from college campuses to professional sports facilities, and everywhere in between.

Learn more at wausautile.com.

Navien Celebrates 1 Million Condensing Units Sold

On January 4th, Navien accomplished a “first in the industry” by selling 1 Million Condensing units. An eco-conscious company focused on energy-saving and highly efficient condensing products, Navien is proud to participate in the reduction of CO2 and NOx in North America and worldwide. “The energy savings of one million condensing units operating in North America since 2009 vs non-condensing units sold by other manufacturers, would be roughly equivalent to planting 645,000,000 trees”, said Eric Moffroid, VP Sales & Marketing for Navien.

The rapidly growing company, in a relatively short period of time, has become an innovation leader in the North American plumbing and HVAC sector. Core products are tankless water heaters, combi-boilers and boilers sold exclusively through wholesale distribution.

On January 25, with dignitaries and VIP guests present, Navien held a celebration of this accomplishment for all employees. Congratulations and toasts of appreciation contributed to the upbeat event. The CEO and President of KD Navien worldwide, Joon Kee Hong, started off the evening referencing Navien’s innovative NPE Series tankless water heaters and NCB combi-boiler series by saying,

”Despite the level of competition, as well as being a product that was unfamiliar to the market due to its no previously existing market sector, Navien America successfully broke down these barriers with the great support from all of the customers and partners in America.

Now, let’s congratulate ourselves on earning the great trust from our customers and let us return with our best quality products with our passion and faith. Tonight, each one of you is a MVP. Once again, thank you everyone for all of you have done and for showing us our spirit of persistence. I cannot wait to hear about your future accomplishments in the years to come.”

Xplore, a local California “hip hop” martial arts group, using the flags of South Korea and North America, provided an energetic and upbeat performance that concluded the evening and mirrored the happy spirit of Navien’s accomplishment.
For additional information on Navien Inc., visit NavienInc.com

Navien is the recognized leader in condensing technology. The company name is derived from three words: Navigator / Energy / Environment, with a mission to provide customers with the ultimate comfortable living environment through energy efficient products by using innovative technology to create a healthier environment for our future generations. Navien tankless water heaters, combi-boilers and boilers are available in the United States and Canada through a selected network of wholesale distributors.
For more information, visit navieninc.com.

Hanwha Surfaces HanStone Rewards Program

Hanwha Surfaces, the American subsidiary of the international conglomerate Hanwha L&C, announced today the launch of HanStone Rewards, a program that allows surfacing fabricators, kitchen & bath dealers, designers, remodeling contractors and other design and construction professionals to earn points and airline miles when they purchase or specify HanStone Quartz and Hanex Solid Surfaces products. The program launched at KBIS 2018 in Orlando, Florida and already more than 100 design and construction professionals have enrolled in the program.

Hanwha partnered with leading rewards company, Lift & Shift to create a program that is tailored to the unique needs of the company’s customers. “We wanted to create a program that offered rewards that would appeal to everyone and allow individual customers to select the rewards that are most important to them,” says Hanwha’s Marketing Director Mark Abbas. “During KBIS, fabricators and designers expressed their excitement about being able to participate in the program. Our distributors and sales team are excited about being able to offer just one more reason for customers to work with us, in addition to our focus on product quality, color expansion, and service.”

There is no charge to sign up for the program, and registered members start earning airline miles, points for top hotels or great merchandise such as electronics and gift cards as soon as they purchase any HanStone Quartz or Hanex Solid Surface products. Customers who join now will also receive 500 bonus points for signing up. Additionally, the company is offering double points for purchases of the ten new HanStone colors debuted at KBIS, including the Boutique Collection and three new leather finish styles. For more information about the program visit: https://www.hanstonerewards.com/.

HanStone Quartz. HanStone is easy to maintain, eco-friendly, stain resistant, durable, nonporous and heat resistant. HanStone’s innovative approach enables the company to deliver the most consistent quality of product on the market today. Offering beauty that’s tough enough to stand up to everyday life, with classic hues and movements, HanStone Quartz celebrates the natural world around us, while being on trend and appealing for all interior aspirations. To learn more about HanStone Quartz please visit www.hanstonequartz.com.

Hanex Solid Surfaces. Hanex is one of the most durable, affordable surfaces on the market – which is as versatile as it is gorgeous. Hanex is stain resistant and nonporous, making it the ideal surface for commercial applications. To view the entire spectrum of Hanex Solid Surfaces colors and styles visit www.hanexsolidsurfaces.com.

About Hanwha Surfaces
Hanwha Surfaces, based in Atlanta, GA, sells and markets high-quality surfacing products under HanStone Quartz and Hanex Solid Surfaces brand names. HanStone Quartz is the company’s flagship product that led to the opening of a state-of-the-art 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility in London, Ontario, Canada. Hanwha Surfaces will also be opening a 125,000 square foot Hanex Solid Surface manufacturing facility in Texas during the summer of 2018. Hanwha Surfaces is the North American subsidiary of Hanwha Living & Creative (Hanwha L&C), a South Korea based corporation. The entire collection of Hanwha Surfaces products can be viewed by visiting the Hanwha Surfaces website at www.hanwhasurfaces.com.

PixelFLEX poolside at The Nine via The ESB Group

Operated by The Scion Group, The Nine at Tuscaloosa is a high-quality apartment community with a full set of innovative and luxurious amenities. Located only a short distance from the University of Alabama, The Nine also includes a resort-style pool complex where the residents and their guests can enjoy the finest in outdoor living. Wanting a high-definition visual element to complete the poolside environment, especially on game day, the management team called upon the design specialists at The ESB Group who installed an IP-65 rated FLEXStorm LED video display from PixelFLEX.

“The Nine is a privately-owned, upscale apartment complex located near the University of Alabama that has created a truly unique living environment,” began Drew Breland, Solutions Architect and Design Engineer, The ESB Group, Inc. “Inside there is a spacious lobby where tenants can enjoy a luxury clubhouse, a Starbucks Internet café, or even a virtual golf course. Outside, the property has a beautiful resort-style pool complex which is completed by the HD FLEXStorm LED video display.”

Built to withstand adverse weather conditions while still providing a truly breathtaking experience, the fully IP-65 rated FLEXStorm LED can be utilized for outdoor advertising, entertainment, and much more. With its adjustable sensors that communicate directly with the cabinets control system, FLEXStorm has variable brightness offerings between 6500-7500 Nits to look its best day or night. Additionally, using cloud-based content management, updating the FLEXStorm is simple and easy with the click of a button, and the fully front-serviceable panels allow for quick access to the electronics and data control for any onsite service.

Breland continued, “The FLEXStorm LED measures about 20-feet wide, and it’s positioned so that no matter where you are in the courtyard, you can easily see the screen. We then prewired for a dedicated poolside audio system that can work in conjunction with the FLEXStorm for a complete outdoor A/V design.”

With the LED video solution now identified, the team at The ESB Group was ready to begin the build-out of the retrofitted, poolside LED video display. Knowing the ideal placement, a permanent structure was created prior to their arrival, which made for a quick and easy install.

“To create the permanent mounting structure for the FLEXStorm, the management team brought in an engineer who welded together an aluminum frame that anchors directly to the concrete patio,” explained Breland. “From an installation standpoint, I really like how the FLEXStorm comes ready to assemble in the back box, which allowed us to quickly assemble the first row. Once we got that first-row level to the aluminum backing frame, it was as simple as stacking blocks.”

As the final LED panel was put into place, it was time to run the controls that would bring the new outdoor living experience at The Nine to life. Benefitting from the AV system control room that already existed in the luxurious lobby, it was a simple power and data cable run that made the FLEXStorm LED fully operational.

“The controls for the FLEXStorm system are coming off a tuner box that is located inside the clubhouse control room where they also control all of the interior A/V as well,” added Breland. “This really was an ideal location, so we connected the NovaStar processor to the TV tuner and it allows them to use the FLEXStorm LED video display in a traditional TV format.”

With University of Alabama football season quickly approaching, the outdoor FLEXStorm LED video display was now complete. Designed specifically to enhance the poolside experience as the Crimson Tide takes the field, the FLEXStorm LED is ready to play, no matter if it’s an afternoon or nighttime kick-off.

“All the guests absolutely love it and they keep calling it their outdoor big screen,” concluded Breland. “Additionally, no one has to ever worry about changing the brightness of the display since the FLEXStorm technology will automatically adjust to the optimum viewing brightness. It really does provide a great living experience when everyone is outside, with the grill’s fired up, in a community tailgate-party watching the University of Alabama football game on a 20-foot LED TV.”

An American-based LED manufacturer, PixelFLEX offers creative solutions, reliable products, and dependable service for our industry-leading LED display technologies and solutions. Driven towards excellence to meet your standards, PixelFLEX offers a one-of-a-kind design for your tour, event or installation through our award-winning line of LED video walls and video screens. Working with architects, designers, engineers and consultants, PixelFLEX is proud to develop custom LED solutions for each and every customer while also providing top-tier customer support throughout the entire experience. For more information on the complete line of PixelFLEX LED video walls and video screens, visit PixelFLEX at pixelflexled.com, follow us on Twitter at @pixelflexled or find us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

LIGHTING CONTROLS ASSOCIATION NEW MEMBER

The Lighting Controls Association (LCA) (www.LightingControlsAssociation.org), the industry organization dedicated to promoting adoption of advanced lighting controls in commercial buildings, has announced that Audacy Wireless Lighting Control has joined the association.

A division of IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC., Audacy Wireless Lighting Control (www.audacywireless.com) offers an innovative wireless solution that can reduce lighting energy costs by up to 50 percent. Enabled for both Apple® and Android platforms, this solution integrates easily into existing BAS, provides 24/7 communication between the operator and the lighting system, and is readily scalable.

For more information about the Lighting Controls Association, visit www.LightingControlsAssociation.org.

For nearly two decades, the Lighting Controls Association, a council of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has educated the professional lighting community about lighting control technology and application.

The William Thomas Agency: Partner Announcement

The  William  Thomas  Agency  proudly  announces  three  new  additional  partners  to   the  their  roster  of  high  performance  vendors.  Artco  Group,  ECI  Communications   and  F&R  General  Interiors  are  medium  size  independent  American  manufacturers   providing  innovative  services  and  creating  transformative  products  for  unique   interior  design  projects.

By  joining  The  William  Thomas  Agency,  the  agency  will  be   providing  Business  Development  services  for  future  assignments.  By  blending   traditional  agency  standards  of  project  management  with  a  boutique  ethos,  The   William  Thomas  Agency  connects  the  most  cutting-­‐edge  lighting,  landscape  lighting   and  furnishings,  AV  technologies,  and  architectural  millwork  for  the  high-­‐end  retail,   hospitality,  public  art  fabrication  and  for  urban  realm  projects  with  coveted   industry  professionals.

Together  they  are  creating  front-­‐line  interior  and  exterior   spaces.     Artco  Group   Based  out  of  Miami,  Florida,  Artco  Group  is  made  up  of  more  than  100  dedicated  and   highly  skilled  professionals.  Comprised  of  both  domestic  and  international   architects,  interior  designers,  structural  engineers,  project  managers,  CAD   operators,  artisans,  craftsmen  and  expert  installers,  Artco  Group  provides  the   highest  quality  and  skilled  experts.

With  their  award  winning  design  team,  Artco   Group  provides  the  highest  quality  manufacturing  as  well  as  professional  service   and  installation.       ECI  Communications     ECI  Communications  has  been  designing  and  installing  award-­‐winning  Audio-­‐Video   systems  for  more  than  40  years  for  various  industries.

Their  expertise  and  talents  in   the  Audio-­‐Video  realm  has  lead  them  to  work  with  iconic  brands  such  as  the  Hilton   Hotel,  McDonalds,  AT&T,  Texaco,  Ralph  Lauren,  Armani,  Chanel,  Nordstorm  and   many  more.  Based  out  of  Florida,  ECI  Communications  is  a  one-­‐stop  shop  for  audio-­‐ visual  needs.  ECI  communications  will  design  custom  Audio-­‐Video  equipment  for   any  environment,  partner  with  all  major  equipment  manufacturers  for  products  and   provide  installation.

F&R  General  Interiors   For  over  30  years,  F&R  General  Interiors  has  been  creating  custom  millwork  and   custom  products  for  their  clients.  With  unmatched  quality  and  design,  F&R  General   Interiors  has  the  highest  reputation  for  their  work  as  they  create  a  myriad  of   products  including  but  not  limited  to:  custom  restaurant  booths  and  seating,  custom   architectural  millwork,  custom  hospitality  furniture  and  custom  table  tops  and   bases.

The  William  Thomas  Agency   The  William  Thomas  Agency  represents  small  to  medium  sized  creative  and   independent  manufacturers  that  require  exceptional  fit  and  placement  within  the   Architectural  and  Lighting  agency  model.  Performing  custom  design  and  project   management  for  each  of  their  clients,  The  William  Thomas  Agency  provides  an   intimate  boutique  agency  approach  to  large-­‐scale  contract  interior  design  and   architectural  projects.  The  William  Thomas  Agency  is  a  one-­‐stop-­‐shop  for  all   development  needs  as  they  provide  lighting  solutions  for  both  indoor  and  outdoor, landscaping furnishings, architectural expressions and turnkey solutions.

More info at www.thewilliamthomasagency.com.

DroneDeploy Real-Time Mapping, Aerial Data/Analysis

DroneDeploy, the leading drone mapping software platform in the world, today announced the release of Live Map—a first-of-its-kind feature that allows any drone operator to create real-time maps in the field with their iOS device. Users plan a flight, take off, and see maps render on-screen during flight—without the need for internet or cell connection. Customers no longer need to experience image upload and processing times traditionally required with mapping and photogrammetry software. They get an aerial view of their jobsite, field, or project in seconds, which enables them to make real-time decisions.

Putting State-of-the-Art Mobile Technology in the Hands of Every Drone Operator

“Live Map is really the re-imagining of Drone Mapping. There’s no SD cards, no uploads and no waiting,” said Mike Winn, CEO of DroneDeploy. “Now our customers, from across any industry, can get the data they need, immediately providing the instant insights and enabling them to make real time decisions, right in the field.”

Since the original Live Map inception, mobile devices have doubled in computational power—allowing DroneDeploy to improve map quality 400% by leveraging the latest devices and state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms. Customers can now instantly turn hundreds of acres into consumable maps and share with collaborators without going back to the office, thanks to instant cloud-syncing across devices. If deeper analysis is necessary, users can also create higher-resolution 2D maps from the same flight data.

Instant Insights in the Field and on the Jobsite

Live Map makes high quality, daily mapping feasible. Growers and agronomists can examine crop health, spot stress, and identify storm damage for immediate investigation. Construction professionals can now monitor job sites in real time and instantly create maps for better reporting, planning, and safety.

“By producing a real-time map of a large construction or solar project, I can stay on top of site progress by counting solar arrays or monitoring progress,” said Ryan Moret, a field solutions manager at McCarthy Building Companies. “Live Map helps me end each day with confidence knowing where a project stands and what our subcontractors have completed so that we can provide the best product for our clients.”

Giving Professionals Aerial Awareness When It Matters Most

Live Maps can be helpful anytime aerial awareness matters. Use cases range from coordinating disaster response to assisting police, fire, and rescue efforts for locating missing persons, to documenting conservation efforts. There is no limit to the real-world application of this technology.

Live Map is the future of mapping—mobile, real-time, and in-the-field. As drones and devices continue to improve, Live Map will evolve to enable even faster, higher-quality mapping and analysis for any terrain.

ABOUT DRONEDEPLOY

DroneDeploy is the leading cloud software platform for commercial drones and is making the power of aerial data accessible and productive for everyone.

Trusted by leading brands globally, DroneDeploy is transforming the way businesses leverage drones and aerial data across industries, including agriculture, construction, solar, roofing and surveying. Simple by design, DroneDeploy enables professional-grade imagery and analysis, 3D modeling and more from any drone on any device.

DroneDeploy customers have mapped and analyzed more than 25 million acres in over 160 countries. DroneDeploy is located in the heart of San Francisco. To learn more visit www.dronedeploy.com and join the conversation on Twitter @DroneDeploy.

79 % of U.S. Consumers Expect Tech Savviness

Two out of three consumers won’t use a home service professional again if they aren’t technologically savvy, according to a new survey of 1,026 U.S. consumers. The survey was commissioned by Verizon Telematics to raise awareness of how technology benefits service-based businesses and their end customers.

In partnership with Verizon Telematics, KRC Research surveyed service professionals across five industries (heating, ventilation and air conditioning; construction; landscaping; plumbing and trucking/delivery) with the following results:

• 70 percent of service professionals recognize that technology adoption needs to be a top priority in order to ensure future business success
• 78 percent of service professionals who utilize mobile technology, which includes work applications or software available on a phone, tablet or laptop, reported an increase in customer satisfaction
• 69 percent said that sales have grown as a result of mobile technology use

Some of the most common issues consumers encounter when working with service professionals include unexpected costs (34 percent), projects taking longer than planned (31 percent), quality of work (26 percent) and late arrivals or missed appointments (25 percent).

“In an age where nearly everyone has a smartphone, customers expect that mobility, connectivity and tech savviness will extend to the home service vendors they choose to work with,” said Jay Jaffin, chief marketing officer at Verizon Telematics. “By simply connecting their vehicles and technicians, businesses can anticipate changes to schedules, handle more last-minute jobs, send a different technician to the next job if one is running late and most importantly, drive huge gains in customer satisfaction.”

Additional survey statistics can be found here.

To learn more about how Verizon Telematics is helping guide a connected world on the go, visit www.verizontelematics.com.

This information was gathered by KRC Research through an online survey on 506 of service professionals working in five key service industries from Sept. 28 to Oct. 9, 2017. At least 100 professionals were included in each of the five industries. The survey of U.S. consumers was conducted between Nov. 2 and Nov. 6, 2017 using an online survey of 1,026 individuals who were at least 18 years of age.

About Verizon Telematics
Verizon Telematics is guiding a connected world on the go by automating, optimizing and revolutionizing the way people, vehicles and things move through the world. We ensure that the things our customers care about most – from people and vehicles to equipment and data – run smoothly and flow seamlessly. Our full suite of industry-defining solutions and services put innovation, automation and connected data to work for customers and help them be safer, smarter, more efficient and more compliant. With more than 3,500 dedicated employees in 15 countries, we deliver the world’s leading mobile technology platform.

For more on Verizon Telematics, visit verizontelematics.com.

Banker Wire Relocates Mukwonago Mfc Facility

Banker Wire, the world’s leading manufacturer of woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications, has announced plans to relocate its Mukwonago-based manufacturing facility. The company has purchased land in what will be the new Bear Industrial Park in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, located along I-43 and Highway 83 — the connection point between Milwaukee and Beloit.

“As we’ve grown and evolved, we reached a point where we had to decide whether we should add on to our current facility or build a new one,” said Dave Stout, President of Banker Wire. “In the end, we decided to push forward into a new facility. My goal is to build the best, most efficient wire mesh manufacturing location in the world.”

Banker Wire has an extensive history in the greater Milwaukee area. Established by Charles Banker in 1896 as C.I. Banker Wire & Iron Works, the company flourished in Milwaukee as one of many early metal fabricators making use of the new engineering marvel — inexpensive steel. By the mid 1970’s, changing times and new ownership transitioned the business from a reselling operation to a manufacturer. Today, Banker Wire has emerged as the expert source for pre-crimped woven or welded wire mesh following several decades of developing new processes and designing new equipment.

In 2009, after acquiring a new building and 20 acres of land, Banker Wire relocated from Muskego to its present location in Mukwonago. In 2012, the company added a 50,000-square-foot addition expanding the facility to a total of 152,000 square feet. “A new facility, built from the ground up, will give us the opportunity to gain efficiency and tailor the overall layout in a way that will enhance the work environment for our employees,” said Stout.

Banker Wire has selected Briohn, a full-service design/build construction company, to oversee the design and construction of its new 182,000-square-foot facility, which is just two miles away from their current space. The new location will house all Banker Wire employees and equipment. In addition, a new wire mesh welding machine will join the fleet of state-of-the-art equipment. This welder will be the widest wire mesh machine in the United States.

Banker Wire currently has 135 employees and plans to hire more staff with the addition of the new welder. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by March 2019.

About Banker Wire
Banker Wire is the world’s leading manufacturer of woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications. With the most modern and productive mill in the U.S., Banker Wire provides custom-weaved material for any aesthetic on any scale – from intricate design highlights to expansive building facades. Founded in 1896, Banker Wire’s manufacturing expertise has been refined for more than a century, bringing unmatched customization, quality, and service to customers. State-of-the-art grid welding equipment provide a wide variety of wire alloy, spacing and diameter configurations, trimmed or untrimmed.

For more information visit www.bankerwire.com.

Wagner Meters: RH Test Results in Just 24 Hours

The international standards organization, ASTM International, published today its revised ASTM F2170 (Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes). The updated standard reduces, from 72 hours to a scant 24 hours, the mandatory wait period before obtaining official, documentable results from an in situ relative humidity (RH) moisture test performed in concrete floor slabs.

This significant reduction in wait time allows contractors and flooring installers to take action on RH test results a full two days earlier than the ASTM F2170 standard previously allowed. It also should enable contractors and flooring professionals to accelerate their construction and remodeling projects accordingly.

ASTM International updated the industry standard for measuring the moisture condition of concrete slabs in response to an ASTM-commissioned Precision and Bias (P&B) interlaboratory study conducted in 2014. That study documented the temperature and RH readings of in situ RH probes at various times within the old 72-hour window, including at the 24-hour mark. The study’s findings confirmed that the readings obtained at 24 hours were statistically equivalent to readings taken at 72 hours.

“Everyone at Wagner Meters is excited about the change to 24 hours, but we weren’t that surprised,” said Jason Spangler, Flooring Division manager at Wagner Meters. “Our own internal testing with the Rapid RH® system has long shown essentially identical results between the 72-hour and earlier readings.”

“What’s a game changer for flooring professionals is that with the revised F2170 standard, they can now take action after just one day instead of having to wait three days,” emphasized Spangler. “No other industry-accepted test method for concrete moisture offers such fast results, and certainly none are more reliable or accurate than the RH test.”

The F2170 Update Further Supports RH Testing as the Preferred Concrete Moisture Test

ASTM first published its F2170 standard in 2002, in response to Scandinavian research that detailed many of the significant advantages of using RH testing to prevent moisture-related flooring failures. The P&B study results lends further credence to the scientific superiority of RH testing over surface-based moisture condition test methods.

Now, the RH test is shown to be not only more scientifically accurate and reliable, but also more actionable, providing contractors with usable results in a fraction of the time of other test methods.

ASTM International is an international standards organization that has developed and published over 12,000 standards covering a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

About Wagner Meters
Wagner Meters is the respected world leader in moisture measurement solutions for wood, concrete, and other building materials. For more than 50 years, Wagner’s field-proven moisture meter technology has helped thousands of valued customers improve profits and eliminate moisture-related problems.

For more info, please visit www.wagnermeters.com.