AEC
The present is fleeting. What consumers want today may not be the same tomorrow, so for retail strategists to stay on top, they must focus on the future ahead. Inflation and rising prices affect consumer spending today. Will those spending habits change long-term behaviors? What innovations will lead retailers to success from now until […]
Latest
Articles
Retail Innovations of Today and Tomorrow
The present is fleeting. What consumers want today may not be the same tomorrow, so for retail strategists to stay on top, they must focus on the future ahead. Inflation and rising prices affect consumer spending today. Will those spending habits change long-term behaviors? What innovations will lead retailers to success from now until […]
Accelerating Texas K12 Education
Accelerating Texas K12 education: The Future of Innovation in School Districts
In this episode of Accelerating Texas K12 Education, host, JW Marshall, of Summit K12, is joined by Doug Roberts, Founder/CEO of, the Institute for Education Innovation. The two discussed what dive into what it is that Robert’s organization does at both a local and national level. Robert’s also offereds insights on into the past, present, […]
Accelerating Texas K12 Education
Accelerating Texas K12 Education: The Future of K12 Education
Podcast host JW Marshall welcomed guest Dr. Melana Silvia, former curriculum Director of Pre-K through 12 Math and Science program for the Calallen Independent School District, Corpus Christi, TX to discuss the past, present, and future state of education on the popular podcast Accelerating Texas K12 Education. Dr. Silvia spent 33 years in education with […]
Cashing-In with Tidel
Cashing in from Tidel: TR180 Cash Recycler
Automating non-value adding functions is becoming a critical initiative in the retail sector, and cash handling can play a key role in such strategy. David Barclay, Vice President of Marketing at Tidel, joined host Tyler Kern to discuss Tidel’s newest cash recycler, the TR180, which was designed to help retailers automate back-office cash handling tasks. […]
AEC
The Resiliency of the Hospitality Industry
Jamie Bravo, General Manager of Hotel Bardo, a boutique hotel in Tulum, Mexico, joined us on Dirt Work to discuss the future of hospitality, picking up from a previous Dirt Work episode conversation when Global Architecture firm founder Scott Lowe said the future will be defined by hotels with less than 50 guest rooms. Hotels […]
AEC
3 Things to Look for at Construct 2019
Washington D.C. may have a reputation as a place where nothing actionable gets done, but that will not be the case from October 9-11. Construct Show 2019 will bring professionals from all aspects of the architecture and design industries together. Engineers, project managers, contractors and more will convene at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention […]
Latest
Biden Nears Win as Japan, Dutch Back China Chip Controls
For more on the West’s race to implement China chip controls, read Bloomberg’s explainer on the computer chip “arms race.” (Bloomberg) — Japan and the Netherlands are poised to join the US in limiting China’s access to advanced semiconductor machinery, forging a powerful alliance that will undercut Beijing’s ambitions to build its own domestic […]
NYSE Mayhem Traced to a Staffer Who Left a Backup System Running
(Bloomberg) — More than 700 miles from Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange’s backup data center on Cermak Road in Chicago is supposed to safeguard US markets, standing by at all hours in case disaster ever strikes the world’s largest venue for trading shares. When markets are closed, it participates in a well-worn routine, […]
California Storms Have Farmers Rushing to Avoid Crop Shortfall
(Bloomberg) — California farmers are facing costly damages from weeks of severe California storms that may trigger more expensive US fruits and vegetables in a time of massive food inflation. “The numbers are going to be somewhere in the hundreds of millions and perhaps in the billions,” Dave Puglia, head of the trade group Western […]
Latest Articles

AEC
3 Things to Look for at Construct 2019
Washington D.C. may have a reputation as a place where nothing actionable gets done, but that will not be the case from October 9-11. Construct Show 2019 will bring professionals from all aspects of the architecture and design industries together. Engineers, project managers, contractors and more will convene at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention […]
What Does the Last Year of Apartment Construction Tell Us About the Future?
For the first time since 2015 there will be fewer than 300,000 new apartment units completed this year. However, the 299,442 units forecast by Yardi Matrix market data does present positive news for the industry. Demand continues to grow but firms have run into a challenge of high construction costs and a labor shortage, both […]
What to Look For at MetroCon 2019 According to Keynote Speaker Paul Doherty
There is a workplace transformation happening across the United States today. Offices continue to change, and architects and designers play a key role in the future functionality of businesses across industries. The professionals responsible for implementing these changes will meet in Dallas, Texas Aug. 8-9 for MetroCon 2019. Keynote speaker Paul Doherty, CEO and President […]
What Architecture Firms Are Looking For in Young Employees
Millions of careers will start in the United States this summer. With one of the tightest labor markets in history though, it can be tough just to get a foot in the door with attractive companies. The AEC industry is no different. With the economy doing well, opportunities are everywhere, but so is the competition. […]

AEC
What Architecture Firms Are Looking For in Young Employees
Millions of careers will start in the United States this summer. With one of the tightest labor markets in history though, it can be tough just to get a foot in the door with attractive companies. The AEC industry is no different. With the economy doing well, opportunities are everywhere, but so is the competition. […]
What Does the Federal Reserve Rate Cut Mean for Builders?
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday cut interest rates for the first time since 2008. The quarter-percentage point reduction comes at a time of global economic slowdown and uncertainty in trade relations between the U.S. and its partners. However, in a press release, the central bank stated that the “labor market remains strong and that economic […]
Spice Up Your Kitchen With These Kitchen Island Trends
The kitchen is where food and memories are made. Having extra counter space is always a plus, which is why so many kitchens feature an island. If you’ve been dreaming of escalating the look and practicality of your kitchen with an island, you don’t want to miss out on these trending kitchen island ideas. How […]
ROGERS BROTHERS AND TENNESSEE GALVANIZING ACQUISITIONS/INFOGRAPHIC INTRODUCTION
AZZ Inc. is a proud provider of metal coating services, welding solutions, specialty electrical equipment and highly engineered services to the power generation, transmission, distribution and industrial markets, protecting metal and electrical systems used to build and enhance the world’s infrastructure. In recent months, AZZ has made two strategic acquisitions: Tennessee Galvanizing Inc., a metal […]

AEC
ROGERS BROTHERS AND TENNESSEE GALVANIZING ACQUISITIONS/INFOGRAPHIC INTRODUCTION
AZZ Inc. is a proud provider of metal coating services, welding solutions, specialty electrical equipment and highly engineered services to the power generation, transmission, distribution and industrial markets, protecting metal and electrical systems used to build and enhance the world’s infrastructure. In recent months, AZZ has made two strategic acquisitions: Tennessee Galvanizing Inc., a metal […]
Composites Offer a Superior Alternative to Metals: Find Out Why
Composites attain the best attributes of traditional materials by leveraging chemical processes. Typically, composites consist of two or more base components. The simplest composites are formed by combining some form of resin with a corresponding hardener. In combining these products, a chemical reaction occurs then, the final composite hardens and becomes stronger than the materials […]
Assessing the State of Architecture with Carlo Ratti
The world of architecture and design is faster moving and more connected than ever before. The exchange of trends and ideas can be shared across the globe in a matter of seconds. This brings with it excitement, but also uncertainty about the future. To understand where the industry is heading, and what is driving these […]
New York City Developers Lobby to Legalize Drones
Real-estate developers in Los Angeles and Chicago are embracing drone technology to help speed up the building process and reduce costs. But in New York City, a 71-year-old local statute is keeping drones grounded. Read the full article.
Latest Podcasts

Accelerating Texas K12 Education
Accelerating Texas K12 Education: The Future of K12 Education
Podcast host JW Marshall welcomed guest Dr. Melana Silvia, former curriculum Director of Pre-K through 12 Math and Science program for the Calallen Independent School District, Corpus Christi, TX to discuss the past, present, and future state of education on the popular podcast Accelerating Texas K12 Education. Dr. Silvia spent 33 years in education with […]
Cashing in from Tidel: TR180 Cash Recycler
Automating non-value adding functions is becoming a critical initiative in the retail sector, and cash handling can play a key role in such strategy. David Barclay, Vice President of Marketing at Tidel, joined host Tyler Kern to discuss Tidel’s newest cash recycler, the TR180, which was designed to help retailers automate back-office cash handling tasks. […]
The Resiliency of the Hospitality Industry
Jamie Bravo, General Manager of Hotel Bardo, a boutique hotel in Tulum, Mexico, joined us on Dirt Work to discuss the future of hospitality, picking up from a previous Dirt Work episode conversation when Global Architecture firm founder Scott Lowe said the future will be defined by hotels with less than 50 guest rooms. Hotels […]
From a Small Garage to Big Success: The Story of Arc Specialties
From its inception in 1983 to now, ARC Specialties has become a case study in the growth of an American entrepreneurial endeavor. Company President Dan Allford took the business out of a garage and has since turned the automated manufacturing systems provider into an international enterprise. On the first episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, […]

AEC
From a Small Garage to Big Success: The Story of Arc Specialties
From its inception in 1983 to now, ARC Specialties has become a case study in the growth of an American entrepreneurial endeavor. Company President Dan Allford took the business out of a garage and has since turned the automated manufacturing systems provider into an international enterprise. On the first episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, […]
U.S. and China Trade War, and Why Experts Disagree on its Impact
The ongoing trade war between the United States and China continues to make an impact on businesses even beyond the two nations’ borders. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are currently meeting with Chinese diplomats in Shanghai to find a resolution. Until an agreement is reached though, businesses and consumers […]
Element Sessions: Answering the Age-Old Question of What is Contemporary Design
How do you nail down the definition of contemporary? Ask an expert like Suzanne DeRusha, president of Suzanne Kimberly Design. In this episode of Element Sessions, an Element Designs podcast, host Sean Heath explored the fundamental principles of creating successful contemporary designs with the noted designer. So, does contemporary design have a firm or […]
Element Sessions: Software is Transforming Every Step of Design for the Better
Technology has changed the way products work and look, but what is often overlooked is the technology that puts these products in front of a buying audience. For the woodworking, cabinet, furniture, and store fixture industries, the most powerful technologies have been the ones making each aspect of the design process more efficient, straight-forward, […]

AEC
Element Sessions: Software is Transforming Every Step of Design for the Better
Technology has changed the way products work and look, but what is often overlooked is the technology that puts these products in front of a buying audience. For the woodworking, cabinet, furniture, and store fixture industries, the most powerful technologies have been the ones making each aspect of the design process more efficient, straight-forward, […]
Life in Polymers: Machining Plastics and Why Compression Molding Beats Out Extrusion
On the first episode of Life in Polymers, we’re breaking down the basics of machining plastics, and specifically the differences between extrusion and compression molding. Both are ways that plastics are machined, but it’s a different approach. To provide insight, we’re joined by Jody Walker, Western Region Business Development Manager, and Paul Hanson, Eastern […]
The Fourth Revolution: Is Industry 4.0 Changing Manufacturers’ Skill Sets for the Better?
In this episode of The Fourth Revolution by Bartell, Pettibone President and CEO Barbara Philibert went into detail on that, when it comes to Industry 4.0, the key to optimizing processes and performance in a global economy is data. “What a universal language data has become,” she said as she recalled a meeting in China […]
Finding the Overtime Sweet Spot in Manufacturing
Is overtime a good thing or a bad thing for a workforce and their employer? In this episode of the AEC Podcast, host Shelby Skrhak sat down with two experts — Frank Pereira and Ken Litke — to better understand the ins and outs of overtime and discover its elusive sweet spot. “Every plant has […]
Latest Videos

AEC
Can Social Media Redesign Global Cities?
Europe was devastated by World War II with large sections of cities completely destroyed. Soon after the conflict ended it was time to rebuild. The most popular material quickly became concrete. The material was sturdy enough to withstand future potential conflicts and cheap enough to rebuild quickly. Many buildings made nearly completely of concrete shot […]
Walker Zanger – One Stop Shop
Walker Zanger is a rich source for both trade professionals and homeowners searching for the right design style for their vision. With 13 curated showrooms and slab galleries and 200 authorized dealers nationwide, Walker Zanger is a valuable source for whole home design; a one-stop shop with a breadth of products – from inside to […]
MarketScale Mornings: What Bob Borson Says Every Young Architect Should Look For in a First Job
Bob Borson has been an architect his entire adult life. He’s designed houses, commercial properties and everything in between. Today he is perhaps best known for building up the design community online. His website, Life of an Architect, is among the most highly visited sites in the architecture space. Borson’s guidance and advice about […]
MarketScale Mornings: Is the Future of Manufacturing ‘Made In America’?
The manufacturing supply chain has become a completely global ecosystem. With that comes a wealth of trading partners, suppliers and customers, many of which have a helping hand in keeping prices low. However, international partners bring with them geopolitical forces that can throw a wrinkle in an entire business stream. Such is the case […]

AEC
MarketScale Mornings: Is the Future of Manufacturing ‘Made In America’?
The manufacturing supply chain has become a completely global ecosystem. With that comes a wealth of trading partners, suppliers and customers, many of which have a helping hand in keeping prices low. However, international partners bring with them geopolitical forces that can throw a wrinkle in an entire business stream. Such is the case […]
Inside the Trends that will Define Commercial Design in 2019
NeoCon 2019 offered a sneak peek at some of the latest commercial design trends and what leading brands are offering in their latest collections. Author and thought leader Rex Miller was in attendance at the Chicago Merchandise Mart for the conference last week. He explored the exhibits of some of the leading brands in the […]
Behind the Scenes at NeoCon 2019
NeoCon 2019 is officially in the books. Between the educational sessions, speaker opportunities and company exhibits, there was plenty to take in and to be encouraged by in the commercial design industry this week. In just three days at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, it may not have been possible to experience everything, but just because […]
What Wellness Means at HD Expo 2019
At HD Expo 2019 in Las Vegas, hospitality and design leaders have come together to discuss the latest trends in the marriage of the two industries. Last year the show hosted more than 12,000 attendees from 40 countries and this week is expected to be no different. One area often associated with the hospitality […]

AEC
What Wellness Means at HD Expo 2019
At HD Expo 2019 in Las Vegas, hospitality and design leaders have come together to discuss the latest trends in the marriage of the two industries. Last year the show hosted more than 12,000 attendees from 40 countries and this week is expected to be no different. One area often associated with the hospitality […]
How to Build a Hydraulic Hose
With the correct tools and materials, you can build a hydraulic hose in seven simple steps. Find out more here.
Ergo: Small Business, Big Glass Installation Solutions
There is no substitute for flexibility in any industry; yet most companies aren’t inherently nimble, able to deliver custom and unique solutions to each customer. At Ergo Robotic Solutions, however, we’ve made sure that our operations can do just that. Glass installation is rarely cookie cutter, so it’s essential to have the latest and greatest […]
Exciting Products Being Manufactured with Composites
Composites are being used in exciting ways across a wide range of industries, from Architecture and Construction, to Aerospace and Energy, to Sports and Recreation. Here are some of the hands-down coolest things being created from composites today. Hot tub and spas: Is there any better way to wind down than a relaxing soak in […]
Retail Innovations of Today and Tomorrow
The present is fleeting. What consumers want today may not be the same tomorrow, so for retail strategists to stay on top, they must focus on the future ahead. Inflation and rising prices affect consumer spending today. Will those spending habits change long-term behaviors? What innovations will lead retailers to success from now until […]
Accelerating Texas K12 education: The Future of Innovation in School Districts
In this episode of Accelerating Texas K12 Education, host, JW Marshall, of Summit K12, is joined by Doug Roberts, Founder/CEO of, the Institute for Education Innovation. The two discussed what dive into what it is that Robert’s organization does at both a local and national level. Robert’s also offereds insights on into the past, present, […]
Accelerating Texas K12 Education: The Future of K12 Education
Podcast host JW Marshall welcomed guest Dr. Melana Silvia, former curriculum Director of Pre-K through 12 Math and Science program for the Calallen Independent School District, Corpus Christi, TX to discuss the past, present, and future state of education on the popular podcast Accelerating Texas K12 Education. Dr. Silvia spent 33 years in education with […]
Cashing in from Tidel: TR180 Cash Recycler
Automating non-value adding functions is becoming a critical initiative in the retail sector, and cash handling can play a key role in such strategy. David Barclay, Vice President of Marketing at Tidel, joined host Tyler Kern to discuss Tidel’s newest cash recycler, the TR180, which was designed to help retailers automate back-office cash handling tasks. […]
The Resiliency of the Hospitality Industry
Jamie Bravo, General Manager of Hotel Bardo, a boutique hotel in Tulum, Mexico, joined us on Dirt Work to discuss the future of hospitality, picking up from a previous Dirt Work episode conversation when Global Architecture firm founder Scott Lowe said the future will be defined by hotels with less than 50 guest rooms. Hotels […]
3 Things to Look for at Construct 2019
Washington D.C. may have a reputation as a place where nothing actionable gets done, but that will not be the case from October 9-11. Construct Show 2019 will bring professionals from all aspects of the architecture and design industries together. Engineers, project managers, contractors and more will convene at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention […]
Made In America: Big Ass Fans in the Bluegrass State
When a consumer buys a product made in the United States, he or she is making an investment in more than just a physical product. The impact of that purchase ripples through a local economy and can stimulate an entire region. Big Ass Fans has been producing what its name suggests in Lexington, Kentucky […]
What Does the Last Year of Apartment Construction Tell Us About the Future?
For the first time since 2015 there will be fewer than 300,000 new apartment units completed this year. However, the 299,442 units forecast by Yardi Matrix market data does present positive news for the industry. Demand continues to grow but firms have run into a challenge of high construction costs and a labor shortage, both […]
Can Social Media Redesign Global Cities?
Europe was devastated by World War II with large sections of cities completely destroyed. Soon after the conflict ended it was time to rebuild. The most popular material quickly became concrete. The material was sturdy enough to withstand future potential conflicts and cheap enough to rebuild quickly. Many buildings made nearly completely of concrete shot […]