This is the final newsletter for the year. I would like to wish all of you happy holidays and a happy new year.
I haven’t decided whether this newsletter will continue in 2024. I enjoy keeping myself (and you) updated about news in the architectural practice space. Is this something you appreciate receiving every couple of weeks? What would make this email better for you? Hit reply and let me know.
May 2024 treat you well…
-Michael
Dealing with Change
When I first started doing Construction Administration, a colleague encouraged me to read a book for contractors called Contractor’s Guide to Change Orders so that I would understand how contractors deal with change. I think collaboration between the owner, architect, and contractor is critical in limiting and managing change.
This article is written for contractors, but architects should also read it:
Change orders often spark conflict, but they don’t have to
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More Efficient Air Conditioning
Bechtel and Purdue are testing a new air conditioner that is 5% more efficient. This may not sound like much, but given the amount of energy spent on cooling, this could be huge. In addition, it may allow us to use more sustainable refrigerants.
Bechtel, Purdue Run Tests on ‘Regenerative’ Air Conditioning
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Making Licensure More Accessible
This is a motivating story for those of you (or someone you know) who aren’t able to get a license in the traditional way. It can be done and NCARB is working to make it easier.
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Will the Commercial Market Rebound?
Many economists are concerned that the office and commercial real estate market may never come back to pre-pandemic levels. This is something to think about for those of you in that market segment. How will your skills transfer to other markets?
Office construction may never return to pre-pandemic levels
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AI to Improve Decarbonization
I met with a client who manages a building I worked on. He has been using software tied into their Building Management System that automatically identifies opportunities for efficiency improvement. He was able to drop their post-opening EUI by 8 points. Designers will see the same software eventually assist in designing building systems.
AI-driven approaches can expedite building decarbonization: McKinsey
