Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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Data center volatility, batteries and the electric grid’s new reality
Every data center is about to play a role in grid stability whether it wants to or not, writes TerraFlow Energy’s Amanda Simonian.
Amanda Simonian • Nov. 17, 2025 -
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4 ways contractors can lock in year-end tax wins in 2025
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, decisions made before Dec. 31 can have long-term impacts on cash flow, project pricing and capital budgets, writes a construction accountant.
Chris Coleman • Nov. 14, 2025 -
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There’s no skilled labor shortage in construction. There’s a shortage of good jobs.
The issue is not a lack of willing people, but a lack of steady, quality jobs, writes an Iron Workers union business manager.
Gary R. Armstrong Jr. • Nov. 6, 2025 -
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Why ESG matters for multifamily developers, investors
Investment companies are increasingly using environmental criteria in evaluating multifamily opportunities, two real estate pros write.
Brad Siegal and Heather Wright • Nov. 4, 2025 -
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What it takes to build the infrastructure building AI today
Traditional approaches to data center construction have become outdated seemingly overnight, writes one construction VP.
Tony Qorri • Oct. 20, 2025 -
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3 questions to ask yourself to build your construction career
Figuring out your plans and the company’s can help determine your future in the building industry, writes one consultant.
Matt Verderamo • Oct. 16, 2025 -
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Dismantling inclusion puts infrastructure at risk
In the wake of the DOT gutting its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, an infrastructure consultant writes about why the move may backfire.
Sri Kumar • Oct. 14, 2025 -
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Port infrastructure has made progress. It shouldn’t stop now.
The U.S. government needs to build on recent port improvements and usage to make sure we don’t squander already achieved gains, write two infrastructure experts.
Tom Smith and Cary Davis • Oct. 14, 2025 -
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In recruiting, construction needs to pitch being a leader, not a laborer
Boyd Worsham, president and CEO of the National Center for Construction Education and Research, writes that the industry should emphasize the top, not the bottom, of building’s career ladder.
Boyd Worsham • Oct. 7, 2025 -
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Empowering jobsite leaders starts with breaking down barriers
Dubbing all foreman on projects as “frontliners” has led to an increase in commitment and collaboration, writes Rachel Neal, vice president of global safety for Compass Datacenters.
Rachel Neal • Oct. 3, 2025 -
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Construction must continue to adopt new tools
The most successful contractors balance speed and risk as they assess and implement new technology, writes a senior construction consultant.
Josh LaSharr • Sept. 26, 2025 -
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Why employers can’t afford to wait for an I-9 audit or an ICE raid
The dignity of workers, the legal security of the business and the integrity of the employer-employee relationship is at stake, writes Alejandro Pérez, partner at Pierson Ferdinand.
Alejandro Pérez • Sept. 25, 2025 -
Permission granted by Stacy Witbeck
Why builders should focus on the ‘tone’ of a project from the start
By assessing language and communicating clearly about public project costs, builders can vastly improve project delivery, writes Clayton Gilliland, president of Stacy Witbeck.
Clayton Gilliland • Sept. 23, 2025 -
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Why relationships matter more than titles or pedigree
When everyone is highly qualified, clients pick partners based on trust. It takes time and attention to detail to cultivate it, writes one construction executive.
Jennifer Kinsey • Sept. 22, 2025 -
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The 8 mistakes I see most in construction contracts
Lack of clarity over payment, change orders, timelines and quality of work all contribute to projects ending up in litigation, writes a consultant.
James Gallagher • Sept. 19, 2025 -
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Why design-build is the key to building smart and stronger
The design-bid-build delivery model has been the backbone of U.S. construction for decades, but today’s more complex projects need a different approach, writes a contractor CEO.
Robert Brown • Sept. 16, 2025 -
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Why preconstruction should start before the bid
Continuing economic and pricing uncertainty in 2025 mean diligent preconstruction reviews are more important than ever for project success, a construction executive writes.
Andy Cushman • Aug. 27, 2025 -
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3 DEI approaches employers must reconsider to avoid federal ire
The principles set forth in a recent DOJ memo are likely to be applied by the EEOC to all employers under Title VII, attorney Jonathan Segal writes.
Jonathan Segal • Aug. 25, 2025 -
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How to write the next chapter for women in construction
Women leaders have made progress in the industry. Now it’s time for them to bring up the next generation, writes one project executive.
Stacy Roman • Aug. 20, 2025 -
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Why we need to rethink RFPs in construction
Too often, this “request” draws the legal battle lines of a project early on. For owners and GCs to win, they need to become partners instead, writes Compass Datacenters’ Nancy Novak.
Nancy Novak • Aug. 18, 2025 -
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Don’t fall into the apples-to-apples trap
When clients use black-and-white comparisons, low bids always win, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • Aug. 13, 2025 -
Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
ICE raids worsen construction’s labor shortage. Contractors must respond.
I-9 audits, tapping labor groups and cross-training existing employees can help builders stay on track, a construction accountant writes.
Chris Coleman • Aug. 7, 2025 -
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How AI can be used in construction bidding, negotiation
Artificial intelligence offers contractors new ways to remain competitive and profitable before projects even start, writes a consultant.
Brian Kassalen • Aug. 6, 2025 -
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Construction knows where its workers are. It’s time to bring them back.
The industry’s talent pipeline is drying up, but there are many places to look for new workers, writes Atlanta-based construction pro Ratan Lal.
Ratan Lal • July 31, 2025 -
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Don’t settle: Why to hire top construction talent
High-performing employees are the most valuable investment a contractor can make, writes construction executive Kevin French.
Kevin French • July 30, 2025
