Opinion: Page 2

The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders

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  • Immigration court
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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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
  • A group of construction workers stand for a discussion in a parking lot.
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    Permission granted by Stacy Witbeck
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    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
  • Two women shake hands on a construction site.
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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
  • A photo illustration shows a judge's gavel among construction blueprints.
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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
  • A diverse group of project stakeholders discuss construction plans.
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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
  • A group of construction workers stand around on a jobsite having a meeting.
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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
  • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi
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    Alex Wong via Getty Images
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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
  • A construction worker operates an earth mover on a construction site.
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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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    Courtesy of Schneider Electric
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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
  • a close up of green and red apples
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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
  • A group of construction workers lined up on a construction jobsite.
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    Courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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    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
  • A construction worker with a vest on and a sledgehammer on his shoulder.
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    Mark Makela via Getty Images
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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
  • a construction work stands with his helmet in his hands
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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
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom motions from behind a podium.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    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.
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    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
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    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
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    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).
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    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.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    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
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    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.
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    Courtesy of Skender Construction
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    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.
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    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.
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    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.
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    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