Opinion

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders

If you are interested in having your voice heard on Construction Dive's Opinion page, please read our editorial guidelines and fill out the submission form here.

  • A diverse group of project stakeholders discuss construction plans.
    Image attribution tooltip
    skynesher via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • A group of construction workers stand around on a jobsite having a meeting.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sneksy via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • A construction worker operates an earth mover on a construction site.
    Image attribution tooltip
    kali9 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • schneider-electric-compass-data-center-texas
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Schneider Electric
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • a close up of green and red apples
    Image attribution tooltip
    irem01 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • A group of construction workers lined up on a construction jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Closeup of a handshake with architectural drawings in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • A construction worker with a vest on and a sledgehammer on his shoulder.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Mark Makela via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • a construction work stands with his helmet in his hands
    Image attribution tooltip
    ljubaphoto via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom motions from behind a podium.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    From red tape to green light: How California’s CEQA reforms will speed up projects

    Two new laws, which went into effect at the end of June, should fast track infill and other high-priority projects, writes a land use and environmental policy attorney.

    William Sloan • July 23, 2025
  • A rendering shows a modern office space.
    Image attribution tooltip
    alvarez/E+ via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why companies are doubling down on upgraded offices

    As return-to-office momentum takes hold, employers are emphasizing quality and usability in reinvented spaces to entice employees.

    Louis Molinini • July 17, 2025
  • a closeup view of a man in a hard hat shaking hands
    Image attribution tooltip
    andresr via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Win more work by bidding less

    Escape the low-bid trap by focusing on winning the right jobs, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • July 10, 2025
  • a software developer writes code while using an external monitor in an office setting
    Image attribution tooltip
    Nattakorn Maneerat via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why agentic AI may herald golden age for procurement

    Procurement is an ideal use case for agentic AI because it’s inherently complex, data-driven and prone to human error, writes Globality’s Keith McFarlane.

    Keith McFarlane • June 20, 2025
  • A security scanner extracts the code of a computer virus from a string of binary code (1s and 0s).
    Image attribution tooltip
    Hailshadow via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why cybersecurity matters for construction

    As the building industry digitizes, cyber hygiene, training and insurance are critical, a construction attorney writes.

    Jason Kosek • June 17, 2025
  • Aerial view of flooded homes following Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Win McNamee via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    New ASCE codes aim to provide vital flood protection

    The updated standards mark a major shift in approach for design and construction in flood hazard areas, according to a floodplain manager.

    Tom Little • June 13, 2025
  • a group of construction workers on break
    Image attribution tooltip
    Ivan Pantic via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Strive for more than work-life balance

    A construction career can be deeply rewarding, not an experience to be dreaded, writes consultant Chad Prinkey.

    Chad Prinkey • June 12, 2025
  • A seasoned professional gives advice to an early career worker.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Skender Construction
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why construction needs to lean into better mentorships

    Teaching early-career professionals should go beyond technical know-how to give future leaders critical thinking and problem-solving skills, writes a senior project manager.

    Nelson Frech • June 6, 2025
  • President Donald Trump addresses the press at the White House on Jan. 21, 2025.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How should construction companies handle DEI under Trump?

    Given the president’s order targeting “illegal” equity programs, firms need to prepare for challenges from both the government and workers, writes an employment attorney.

    Neil C. Schur • June 5, 2025
  • A wide shot of a solar panel production line with robot arms in a factory.
    Image attribution tooltip
    SweetBunFactory via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    IRA tax credits spur construction, manufacturing in red and blue states

    Repealing the Inflation Reduction Act could slow our ability to build more power generation and increase the risk of rolling blackouts and higher energy costs.

    Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer • May 30, 2025
  • In an aerial view, shipping containers are stacked on a dock at the Port of Oakland on December 09, 2024 in Oakland, California.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    It’s not too late to offset tariffs on existing jobs

    Though increased costs seem inevitable, there are steps owners can take to mitigate potential impacts, even on current projects, write two attorneys.

    Stacy Bercun Bohm and Trav Clark • May 28, 2025
  • A construction worker in a hard hat uses steel rebar during the building of a condo tower.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Navigating the impact of new Buy America requirements on FHWA projects

    With the Manufactured Products General Waiver gone, contractors must prepare for potential cost, schedule and quality control issues, legal experts say.

    Michael Peloso & Dan McCrave-Bessette • May 27, 2025
  • Two construction workers wear respirators on a jobsite.
    Image attribution tooltip
    coffeekai via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Worker safety is in jeopardy if we don’t protect NIOSH

    The agency that has been gutted by recent federal cuts provides the construction industry with vital support, writes a community health professor.

    Sandra J. Domeracki • May 21, 2025
  • accounting
    Image attribution tooltip
    atiatiati via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cash isn’t king. Cash flow is.

    Smart contractors know how long it takes for money to transform from an outgoing expense to an incoming payment, writes data scientist Bruce Orr.

    Bruce Orr • May 14, 2025
  • A man stands in a board room, looking out on the horizon
    Image attribution tooltip
    brightstars via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How new construction execs can set themselves up to succeed

    Emerging leaders must be flexible in the face of change while also speaking up for what they need, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.

    Matt Verderamo • May 14, 2025