Skip to content
MarketScale
‹ Back to IndustriesEngineering & Construction

Why Steel is a Sturdy Contender for AEC’s Next Big Trend, with Kendal Carlson of FireRock

A&D professionals today have an abundance of information and options available to them when it comes to unique technology and specific building materials for every project, from product libraries to professional recommendations. So of course, they want to make the absolute best choices that are both architecturally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and financially responsible. Kendal…

This story was produced through MarketScale. See how Engineering & Construction teams put it to work with Partner & Channel Enablement.

Share

Get featured

Want MarketScale to feature Engineering & Construction?

Book a 15-minute demo and we'll map your Engineering & Construction expertise to the content buyers are searching for.

Book a demo

A&D professionals today have an abundance of information and options available to them when it comes to unique technology and specific building materials for every project, from product libraries to professional recommendations. So of course, they want to make the absolute best choices that are both architecturally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and financially responsible.

Kendal Carlson, vice president of new product development of FireRock Building Materials, is a building materials expert, and joined us on the podcast to explain why the trend toward creative steel use is checking all the A&D boxes for the next “big” material.

There has been significant growth in steel over the past several years and as the trend continues to rise, there are more suppliers, better price points, and products with better performance.

With all of the options available, “most people can figure out a way to incorporate this timeless look into their homes,” Carlson said. Both homeowners and business owners have started turning to steel as the aesthetic choice for their window frames.

Although steel may seem like a new window material to some, it has actually been a popular choice since Frank Lloyd Wright first used steel windows in the 1930s in Falling Water. Steel was the standard for single-pane glass, but as glass itself advanced and many started using dual pane glass for climate control, steel had to adapt to support the thicker glass, and still continues to improve every day.

Today’s steel can be thermally broken to prevent the conduction of temperature from outside the building to the inside, and has a little bit of a leg up on wood for several reasons. It can pass energy codes nationwide, especially with thermally broken profiles, and can be galvanized to prevent rust with just light bathing required to keep it looking beautiful and preventing harm.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL

Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Your experts belong here

Every story in MarketScale Engineering & Construction starts with a company putting its project engineers, superintendents, and estimators on the record. Buyers are already reading this topic. The only question is whose experts they find.

Owners shortlist firms they already trust, and your field leaders become the reason your name is on that list.

Get your team featuredSee how it works15 minutes, straight to a calendar.

Follow Engineering & Construction Insights

Get new expert content in your inbox.

Engineering & Construction: are you visible to AI?

Before they reach out, Engineering & Construction buyers ask AI engines which vendors to trust. See how AI describes your company today, and where competitors show up instead.

Free workspace

You just read one Engineering & Construction expert. Your company is full of them.

This article was produced through MarketScale. The same platform turns your project engineers, superintendents, and estimators into the articles, video, and social content Engineering & Construction buyers are searching for. Create a free workspace and see it with your own people. No credit card, no demo required.

NPS +73 · 1,000+ creators · 38+ countries

What you get, free

Your own MarketScale Studio workspace
One video edit a month, on us
AI writing, editing, and publishing tools
In-platform coaching to learn the system

More Engineering & Construction Insights

Most MES programs are stuck at pilot scale, and that’s now an AI and cyber risk decision

Most MES programs are stuck at pilot scale, and that’s now an AI and cyber risk decision

A significant number of manufacturers have adopted Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) but the majority are only in the pilot stage. According to Rockwell, 93% of these manufacturers implement MES, yet only 23% have achieved full integration across all sites, potentially increasing AI and cybersecurity risks. The operational gap between those who have fully integrated MES and those who haven't continues to grow.

  • 0193% of manufacturers have adopted MES technology.
  • 02Only 23% of manufacturers have fully integrated MES across all sites.
  • 03The lack of full MES integration may elevate AI and cybersecurity risks.

Aug 24, 2026

Community college engineering programs can lift persistence by 16 points, but state funding swings are becoming an operational risk for employers

Community college engineering programs can lift persistence by 16 points, but state funding swings are becoming an operational risk for employers

Community college engineering programs have shown a significant improvement in student persistence, with a reported 16-point increase. However, fluctuations in state funding, as evidenced by North Carolina's budget cuts, pose a risk to this progress. These budgetary changes can affect the stability and operational efficiency of such educational programs.

  • 01Community college engineering programs can increase student persistence by 16 points.
  • 02State funding swings, like North Carolina's budget cuts, are an operational risk for educational programs.
  • 0315 campuses reported enrollment and persistence gains in their engineering pathways.

Aug 24, 2026

Let's Get to Know Your Product - Donald Hillman

Let's Get to Know Your Product - Donald Hillman

Donald Hillman from Multi-Plastics discusses the importance of understanding the product fully. A deep knowledge of the product aids in better marketing and customer satisfaction.

  • 01Understanding a product deeply can enhance its marketability and improve customer satisfaction.
  • 02Product knowledge can play a critical role in identifying unique selling propositions and competitive advantages.

Aug 19, 2026

Explore More Engineering & Construction Insights

Read more expert perspectives from across Engineering & Construction.

Browse Engineering & Construction Hub

For B2B teams

Your experts could be publishing here

Stories like this one run on content MarketScale captures from real practitioners. See how your team's expertise becomes coverage in Engineering & Construction and beyond.

Book a 15-minute demo

Or call us. No forms required. We pick up. 214-945-2512