Nominations Now Open: 40 Under 40: Construction Champions of 2021

Submit a Nomination by September 17

The people working in AEC truly are the backbone of our industry. This was made abundantly clear by the events of last year, as well as the first half of 2021. The construction industry has gone through incredible change, and we’ve come out stronger than ever because of the creativity, innovation, and hard work of construction professionals all over the world.

Here at Autodesk, we’re honored to celebrate and spotlight the innovators and changemakers helping to advance the AEC industry. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the fourth annual 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction!

From August 17 to September 17, we encourage you to nominate AEC professionals who you believe have made a tremendous impact on the industry. Forty nominees will then be selected and included in Autodesk’s 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction list. 

NOMINATE TODAY

Who to Nominate: 40 Under 40 Nomination Criteria

Autodesk’s 40 Under 40 will be a list of shining (and rising) stars in the industry. It will recognize construction professionals under the age of 40 who are making waves in the AEC field for their creativity, forward-thinking, and dedication, particularly over the last several months.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Someone who has made a big impact in their role in 2021. 
  • A professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership. 
  • An industry pioneer who has implemented or managed technology with a major impact on a project and their company. 

Got someone in mind? Be sure to hit that nominate button on or before the 17th of September!

Please note that a panel of unbiased experts review hundreds of nominations every year for 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction. Every nomination is carefully reviewed against the program criteria, however, only 40 of the most exceptional nominations will be chosen.

SUBMIT a NOMINATION

When Will the 40 Under 40 Winners Be Announced?

The list will be announced before the end of the year, so keep an eye out in your email. Better yet, subscribe to the Autodesk blog to get alerted about news and updates. 

A Look at Previous Winners


Whoever makes it to this year’s list will be in great company! The 40 Under 40 alumni have done — and are continuing to do — some amazing things to take the industry to new heights. Have a look below. 

  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018

Your relatives, colleagues, and even yourself could be a part of this year’s list, so get those nominations in while you have time!

And be sure to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss any updates on this year’s 40 Under 40: Champions of Construction list.

We love reading the stories in every submission and can’t wait to see who you nominate!

NOMINATE NOW

The post Nominations Now Open: 40 Under 40: Construction Champions of 2021 appeared first on Digital Builder.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.clarkeconstructioncreations.com/?p=322

Industrial Flooring: What Should You Do Before Polishing Your Concrete?

Concrete polishing is a multi-step procedure in which coarse concrete is manually polished, ground, and honed by bonded abrasive particles to remove the topmost layer of the concrete’s surface. It is then polished using each cut to attain a specific desired degree of appearance. Polished concrete will be smoother and give better detail than newly poured concrete. All imperfections in the concrete will be removed so that the floor looks like it has been professionally installed. If you are considering laying concrete foundations, you must use a professional concrete polishing company like https://www.concretecontractorstampa.net/. They will work in close conjunction with the floor contractors to make sure all floorings have been applied correctly and look incredible.concrete polishing

There are many different types of concrete polishing that are used today. The first step to getting a polished finish on a concrete floor is to remove the first layer of old concrete that will be laid onto the floor. This will ensure that the new polished concrete will have the same appearance as the rest of the floor. It will also make it easier to see the different features in the floor. After the old concrete has been removed, you can start the polishing process.

In order for concrete polishing to be successful, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration. The first is that you must use coarse grinding stones that have a diamond core. The diamond core allows the particles to be driven deeper into the concrete, which helps to remove all of the previous grout lines and create a much finer surface to create the shiny and stunning effects that can be seen through professional concrete polishing. You can find both fine grit and larger grit abrasive grinding stones that will help to create the best shine possible.

Another important thing that needs to be taken into consideration when getting concrete polishing services is that you must make sure to only use a chemical that is safe for your floors and not cause any damage or wear that will further compromise the floors. There are many chemicals that can be used when getting concrete polishing services, but the most important one to use is one that contains hydrochloric acid. This chemical is very powerful and will break down the toughest stains and is the most commonly used chemical that is used when getting new concrete surfaces polished.

When getting your polished concrete floors polished, you want to be sure to choose a good sealer that will protect the floors from future spills and stains. There are several sealers that are used for this purpose, but the most popular is polyurethane. This substance will protect against water damage, stains, and spills of all sizes. If you decide to use polyurethane sealer on your flooring, it is important to ensure that it is applied properly. There are some things that you can do to ensure that the sealer will be applied properly, such as placing an extra coat of polyurethane between coats of sealer or an extra couple of coats if there are thicker areas. If the polyurethane is not applied correctly, the finished product will not look smooth and may have small bubbles and lines in it.

One of the most important things to remember about getting your polished concrete floor polished is that it must be done in the proper order. If it is done in the wrong order, the finished surface will not be smooth and will look uneven. When choosing a professional for your concrete polishing, you want to make sure that they have been trained and know how to do the multi-step process that is necessary to get the best looking result. The more experience a person has, the better quality you will get from the job.

One of the most durable benefits of getting your polished concrete surfaces polished is the durability. Polished concrete is far more durable than regular concrete. Because it is durable, it will stand up to years of wear and tear much better than regular concrete, and it will last longer. These types of finishes will also increase the durability of the floor itself by creating a thicker surface and more cushion. In fact most state engineers require that the concrete polishing of a floor must have a higher R-value than other floors because of the increased durability.

When choosing a concrete polishing contractor, it is important that you take the time to check out what type of certification they have. The best way to do this is by contacting one of the better business bureau accredited agencies such as the BBB or the AEC. These types of agencies will be able to provide you with the information needed to make an educated decision on which concrete polishing contractor to use. If you do not feel comfortable checking with these agencies directly, I would recommend that you use a website that allows you to search for a contractor either by zip code area of expertise, or some other criteria. By doing so, you will be able to eliminate those companies that may not be the best choice for your industrial flooring needs.

Firms called to register for £3.5bn Kent theme park

The London Resort has opened pre-procurement registration of firms interested in helping to deliver its planned 500-acre theme park on the Swanscombe peninsular in Kent.

Billed as one of the most ambitious theme park projects ever in Europe, the London Resort will be the first European development of its kind to be built from scratch since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992.

The ambitious project, which would cover the area of 136 Wembley stadiums, is being delivered by London Resort Company Holdings, which is owned by the Kuwaiti European Holding Company Group.

With over £1bn due to be invested in the scheme, it has been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and was accepted for examination by the inspectorate at the start of this year.

Since then London Resort has requested an extension to submit revised proposals following Natural England’s decision to apply to designate 250ha of the Swanscombe Peninsula as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Provided its Development Consent Order application is granted, London Resort said works could start in 2022, with a view to the London Resort opening in 2024.

Click here for supplier registration.

Canary Wharf Group plans next resi skyscraper

Canary Wharf Group has revealed plans for its next major residental tower at the western end of the Docklands Estate.

The Park Place build to rent tower has been designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and will rise to 55 storeys, just a few floors lower than the neighbouring Newfoundland residential building at 58 storeys.

Place Place build to rent tower will be built next to Westferry Circus

The slender high-rise will rise from a four-floor mixed-use pavilion containing shops, restaurants and workspace next to a new waterside public square. 

The site is currently vacant but was previously occupied by a 1980s building, which was the former HQ of Littlejohn Frazer demolished some time ago.

The Park Place site has been the subject of a number of previous planning consents all office-led schemes.

The latest plan is for 624 homes specifically built for rent only and would include both market rent and affordable homes.

The new residential tower will extend the retail and restaurant trade through the weekend at the Western end of Canary Wharf

Subject to receiving planning permission, it would be the intention to start enabling works on site in 2023.

Building fit-out is planned for 2025 with the building, which is to be built by Canary Wharf Contractors, handed over in 2028.

The new homes would be managed through Vertus, Canary Wharf Group’s specialist rental organisation

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.clarkeconstructioncreations.com/?p=307

Firm wanted for £77m Cumbria Uni Citadel project

The hunt is starting for a design and build contractor to transform the Grade 1 listed Citadel buildings into a new Carlisle city centre campus for the University of Cumbria.

The £77m project proposes a comprehensive redevelopment of the adjacent site led by the delivery of the new 13,800 sqm campus for the University of Cumbria as the anchor occupier with associated leisure and cultural elements to increase vitality into the city centre.

It is being developed jointly by Cumbria County Council, Carlisle City Council and the University of Cumbria working with Cumbria LEP as a key partner.

As part of the planned transformation of the Citadel, demolition has just started on Paton House Buildings at the rear of the site.

Demolition of the Paton House buildings is a key part of setting the groundworks for the ambitious city centre redevelopment project.

For more information click here or email Dawn Davidson.

Rail website launch to improve infrastructure delivery

The Better Value Rail Toolkit has been launched to bring together the best ideas for rail schemes and make the delivery of transport infrastructure projects faster and cheaper.

The website can be used by those sponsoring rail schemes and their advisors to help make the right decisions early on in rail projects.

The brainchild of the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Office of Rail and Road is designed to help deliver infrastrucrure more quickly, save money and make sure that rail is the best fit for any given project.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “This is a brilliant new website that brings together the best thinking and ideas from across the rail industry and allows everyone to access it.

“We have created a toolkit for early-stage thinking that will make the delivery of transport infrastructure projects faster and cheaper as we build back better on our railways.”

Network Rail’s chief executive Andrew Haines said: “The Better Value Rail toolkit has been developed based on listening extensively to stakeholders about how we can provide clear advice and support, be easier to do business with and help ensure focus on schemes that have a good chance of being delivered.

“That’s why we believe the toolkit will help us turn good ideas into great schemes, delivering for passengers, local communities and the taxpayer.”

John Larkinson, chief executive at ORR, said: “We have to make sure that money available to develop new rail schemes is used wisely. I’m pleased that the rail industry has worked closely together here, and as a joint team, to help people develop projects.

“The toolkit is a one-stop shop to help make better decisions earlier and identify the right solutions to drive better value by saving time and money.”

Plans in for £155m Cambridge Devonshire Gardens scheme

Developer First Base and RPMI Railpen, the investment manager for the £35bn railways pension scheme, have submitted plans for Devonshire Gardens, a new sustainable neighbourhood in the heart of Cambridge.

The mixed-use scheme designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman will transform a three-acre Travis Perkins depot into a new neighbourhood set around a new public park.

It will consist of 120,000 sq ft of workspace across two new buildings, 100 build-to-rent homes and various community facilities, including a creche, pavilion and artists’ studios.

The new homes will comprise a mix of apartments, all available to rent at market or discounted rates. The homes are designed to meet the city’s net-zero carbon ambitions and will be powered by electricity from renewable sources, with no reliance on fossil fuels.

Barry Jessup, chief executive of First Base, said: “We have been working hard with Railpen to create a best-in-class long-term investment that will have very strong environmental credentials, provide excellent health and wellbeing facilities to both our residential and commercial tenants, and create real value for the existing local community.”

 

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.clarkeconstructioncreations.com/?p=295

William Hare profit drops 60% to £1.4m

Constructional steelwork contractor William Hare saw pre-tax profit drop to £1.4m last year from £3.6m previously as the pandemic raised costs.

Revenue slipped by 5% to £134m at the steelwork contractor which forms a major part of the group.

Chief executive and chair Susan Hodgkiss said that despite a tough year William Hare was looking forward to a strong pipeline of work for this year and next.

“The order book position for the business is extremely strong at the balance sheet date and further sigificant contracts have been awarded in 2021.

“While the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic is being closely monitored it is encouraging to note that quality projects continue to come to market and the company’s pipeline of opportunities remains healthy.”

Cash at bank remained stable at £18m with average staff numbers last year marginally ahead at 673.

The wider group business, which incorporates international subsidiaries and employs 1,781 staff, reported pre-tax profit of £2.4m down from £5.3m on revenue of £192m.

 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.clarkeconstructioncreations.com/?p=294

Behind the Build: Interview with Jeff Thomas III, Design/Workflow Technology Lead, AO

“The AO team believes in the mantra ‘better together.’ It’s more than just architecture for us.”

The construction industry is known for its capacity to build, and its very foundation is built on relationships. Industry leaders continuously maximize the value of long-lasting relationships, particularly in partnerships, to improve business outcomes, secure more projects, and foster greater collaboration. 

Jeff Thomas III, Design/Workflow Technology Lead with leading architecture and design firm AO, understands how vital relationships are to advancing innovation and productivity in construction. We recently spoke to Jeff about his career in design and workflow technology, the evolution of the industry, how to handle relational challenges, and more. We encourage you to learn from his approach by reading his story below. 

Tell us a little bit about AO and what you specialize in.

AO is a full service architectural, master planning and design firm specializing in retail, residential and mixed-use projects. We’re based in Orange, California, with additional locations in Atlanta, Solana Beach, and Sunnyvale. We have expertise in interiors, multi-family, retail, hospitality, restaurant, mixed-use, office, and industrial parking. 

In addition to architecture, the AO team believes in the mantra “better together.” It’s more than just architecture for us. AO believes in the power of relationships. Everything we do is motivated by what it takes to be effective and successful for our clients. So we are indeed better together. 

As for my role, I’m an analytics junkie, which is weird for a designer. I’ve always related to an African proverb, “Ubuntu”, which means, “I am who I am because you are who you are.” When coming to AO about a year and a half ago now, it just lined up with my belief and their beliefs. 

Walk us through your career and what led you to become a Design/Workflow Technology Lead. 

In junior high, I used to paint fire escapes for my uncle who was a general contractor.  He would always tell me, “You don’t want to do physical labor. You want to be the one designing the buildings because they make more money.” That was always his thing. 

I got my degree in industrial design, not architecture.  I was working for an architectural firm in Colton, California, when I got my degree, and the architect gave me a promotion. I’ve been in the industry for 22 years now.

I’ve always been intrigued by architecture, but what I’ve found out over the years is that it was the creative problem-solving that really did it for me.

I’m less proud of the physical buildings I’ve helped create than I am of assisting my colleagues in coming to that “aha!” moment. -Jeff Thomas III, AO

It’s about the ability to find creative solutions to things that most people overlook and bring other people along for the ride. Using design, technology, workflow, processes, and guidelines help feed that for me.

As construction evolves, how do you see your role changing?

I see it being more collaborative. I also see other industries merging or converging into our industry. For example, the AEC space with the medical industry or even the internet of things.

As these developments become more prevalent and more cost-effective, I see that being the status quo. Eventually, every home will be a smart home because it’s just expected. I know a pastor who said, “What one generation does in moderation, the next does with reckless abandonment.” When you look at the internet of things, right now it’s done in moderation, but at some point, it’s just going to be done with reckless abandonment. I don’t mean this in a negative context, of course. The phrase resonated with me. 

What project are you most proud of working on in your career?

I like to believe my career is unique. I’ve done everything from residential to telecommunications to retail, and even storage facilities. I’m less proud of the physical buildings I’ve helped create than I am of assisting my colleagues in coming to that “aha!” moment. That’s what took me away from doing architecture to supporting architecture.

If I had to pick a single project, I’d choose Baker’s Burger, which is a fast food restaurant in the Inland Empire. I did a number of them. I see the location off of Waterman Avenue every single Sunday on my way to church. That was done more than 20 years ago. So I get to look at this building that I worked on when I was really just starting out as a young designer, and here it is 20 years later still being used. I was also fortunate enough to work with a great team that I’m still friends with today.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?

The biggest challenges for me are not technological challenges. They’re relational challenges. 

Every person is different, and sometimes building relationships with people will force you out of your comfort zone. Everyday I spend time outside my comfort zone. I believe it has helped me grow in terms of being able to relate to people and understand people. I try my best to be compassionate and understanding. 

I’ve always related to an African proverb, “Ubuntu”, which means, “I am who I am because you are who you are.” -Jeff Thomas III, AO

As for handling relational challenges, I do tell myself that I might be wrong and it forces me to listen to other people more or better. It causes me to have to hear what they’re saying, even beyond the frustration. 

The beauty of having worked in architecture, and now being on the support side, is that I understand the frustrations. I understand what it’s like when technology doesn’t work the way that it should or the way you expect it to. I understand what it’s like to have the pressure of a deadline. I understand what it’s like to not have enough time to get things done, but somehow you manage to figure it out. Even in all that, there’s still a need to learn new things because technology moves so quickly. What I’m trying to do in my role is to be that person for them so that they don’t have to take the extra time. I’ll take the extra time.

When you think about the future, what are your plans to advance innovation and productivity at AO? 

Automation is a word that just keeps coming up for me. With tools like Dynamo, Forge, Autodesk Construction Cloud, and BIM Collaborate Pro becoming more prevalent, automation’s the thing. If we can automate all of the monotonous things within the process and workflow in architecture, then the architect can focus on architecture. They can focus on the business of doing architecture and less on technology. That’s where I’d like to take us in the near future.

On the topic of productivity, one of the nice things about PlanGrid is that it’s just easy to use. On the design technology side, I’m also responsible for the workflow part of things. The learning curve is a big concern when you’ve got a group of people who are limited on time, and then you have to pull them away from work for multiple hours; that’s near impossible. But if you could pull them away for five, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes at a time, that would make learning new technology much more manageable. 

PlanGrid is so intuitive that I only have to teach people one feature at a time. That’s one of the challenges I think with a lot of the other construction tools that exist, because they come from the perspective of the contractor as opposed to the architect. I never felt this way about PlanGrid.

What advice would you give to the next generation of men and women entering and preparing for the future of the industry?

Be teachable. Don’t stress. Practice thinking differently; That’s something people can learn. Relentlessly pursue better.

The post Behind the Build: Interview with Jeff Thomas III, Design/Workflow Technology Lead, AO appeared first on Digital Builder.