The design and construction industry is a feat of multi-tasking. There are many participants that have different responsibilities, work for different companies, and have different contracts with the clients. These interests are aligned in the delivery of a structure, but can be complicated by the need to deliver faster, less expensive, and with different internal goals.

The design and construction industry is a feat of multi-tasking. There are many participants that have different responsibilities, work for different companies, and have different contracts with the clients. These interests are aligned in the delivery of a structure, but can be complicated by the need to deliver faster, less expensive, and with different internal goals.

October 18-19, 2016 | Atlanta, GA Registration is open for AGC of America’s premier Building Contractor’s event! BuildCon 2016 brings together high-level leaders in the building construction industry to share, learn and discuss the issues that are essential to them and their business.

Contributed by Thompson E. Penney, FAIA, LS3P and Ryan Abbott, Sundt Construction, Co-Chairs of the National AIA-AGC Joint Committee In an industry that is evolving at an exponential rate and growing increasingly complex and interrelated, the lines between architecture and construction are rapidly blurring.

Following a generally positive performance in 2015, the Architecture Billings Index has begun this year modestly dipping back into negative terrain. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.

In late February, the AIA-AGC Joint Committee, met in-person at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, CA to discuss the cross-pollination of architect and construction university programs. The ultimate goal of this dialogue is to build empathy between architect and contractor. By cross-pollinating these programs at the university level, students graduate with an understanding and appreciation for their industry associates.

Winners of the 2015 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Contest were recognized at the 97th Annual AGC Convention, during the Student Chapter Meeting, Wed., March 9. The winners demonstrated dedication to their community and public service through their winning projects. Three applications in particular stood out from the others and AGC of America was happy to honor the following winners of the 2015 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Contest during the Annual Convention: First Place: Iowa State University, AGC Student Chapter Second Place: Oregon State University Associated General Contractors Third Place: California State University, Chico AGC Student Chapter

During the 97th Annual AGC Convention in San Antonio, TX, the Building Division showcased two excellent sessions for members including a Building Division meeting and a session entitled “Lean Construction for Executives”. The Building Division meeting had two parts with the first presented by Ashley Phelps, Lean Practices Manager with Gilbane Building Company. The session reviewed Ashley’s transition as a scheduler to a Lean Champion where she launched the Last Planner system in under a year on projects in various stages of construction across Connecticut.

At the AGC Annual Convention in San Antonio, TX, the Building Division by acclimation elected Dave Pepper as Chairman for 2016-2017. Dave is Chairman and CEO of Pepper Construction Group in Chicago, Illinois and is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational success of the company. Dave is very active in local community and industry organizations.

Construction charity organization AGC Charities Inc. is partnering with local construction firms to help build Morgan's Inspiration Island, a new disabled-accessible water park addition to nonprofit Morgan's Wonderland. As part of the charitable organization's annual Operation Opening Doors effort, many construction firms will donate time, expertise and money to build a first-ever accessible water park in San Antonio.