“Make it a rule of life never to regret and never to look back. Regret is an appalling waste of energy; you can’t build on it; it’s only good for wallowing.”

—Katherine Mansfield

The haunting phrase "I wish I had done" lingers in the minds of countless individuals across generations, all yearning for the chance to take a different path. Regret, undoubtedly, is one of the most formidable obstacles to overcome. However, let us embrace the fact that decisions are made in our lives based on the best information we have at the time. Truth be told, the choices we regret from the past are never entirely negative, nor are they entirely positive. It is crucial to recognize that allowing regret to paralyze us from making future decisions based on the best available information would be a grave mistake. Let us not succumb to the notion that everything must be perfect, for it is through these imperfect decisions that we learn and grow.

— Wayne Jensen

Presented by:

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Currently In The News

Arizona Limits Construction Around Phoenix as Its Water Supply Dwindles

In what could be a glimpse of the future as climate change batters the West, officials ruled there’s not enough groundwater for projects already approved.

Arizona will halt the construction of new subdivisions in the Phoenix area due to a shortage of groundwater. This decision marks the end of rapid development in the region, which has been the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country. Existing building permits will not be revoked, but the state will implement water conservation measures and seek alternative sources to meet the water needs of approved housing developments. Governor Katie Hobbs assured that Arizona is not running out of water and that construction will continue in major cities like Phoenix. However, the restriction on groundwater reliance will impact housing affordability and may lead to higher home prices. Developers and cities will need to find alternative water sources, such as purchasing water from farmers or Native American tribes. The announcement reflects the impact of climate change on water supplies in the American Southwest. The declining Colorado River, which supplies water to Arizona, is facing reduced levels due to drought and rising temperatures. The state's water supply is being squeezed by both groundwater depletion and the shrinking Colorado River. The restriction on new permits will primarily affect small towns and desert areas on the outskirts of Phoenix, where lower-cost homes are typically built. The situation highlights the need for tighter controls on groundwater use and the search for additional water sources to support future growth.

Deadly fire breaks out at construction site in SouthPark area of Charlotte

A massive fire broke out Thursday morning at an apartment complex under construction in the South Park area of Charlotte, killing at least one person.

Firefighters rescued 15 workers, including one on a crane, from a building in Charlotte. One person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Two others were evaluated but not transported. The fire department could not confirm any fatalities. The fire started on the second floor and quickly spread due to exposed wood. Construction workers tried to put out the fire but had to evacuate when it became uncontrollable. Roads were closed and some reopened later. The fire was expected to impact transportation routes and many construction workers lost their jobs and tools. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles urged residents to stay safe and let first responders work. A reunification site was set up at the police sky tower.

Materials prices continue to fall

The price of construction materials is continuing to fall, according to the latest government figures – but there are still concerns over “critical shortages” in key areas.

The material-price index for construction work fell by 1.8% in September compared to the same month in 2022. This followed a decrease of 2.3% in August compared to the previous year. Prices for materials used in repair and maintenance dropped by 1.7%, while prices for materials in new housing rose by 1.2%. The largest price increases in the past year were for metal doors and windows (19.0%), screws (14.8%), and ready-mixed concrete (14.4%). The biggest decreases were in concrete reinforcing bars (-29.0%), fabricated structural steel (-28.4%), and imported sawn or planed wood (-16.7%). Brick deliveries fell by 32.8%, and deliveries of concrete blocks by 19.5%. The construction industry is facing economic challenges and critical shortages in key materials like bricks and concrete blocks. These shortages are causing project delays and a decline in industry output. Inflation, rising living costs, increased interest rates, labor shortages, and rising wages are factors likely to impact material demand. Despite these challenges, the industry remains positive and plays a vital role in the UK economy. Construction businesses need to optimize their financial resources and grow sensibly to continue delivering projects.

Marketplace

AI Will Revolutionize Construction... If We Let It

A significant advance in machine learning will require humans to let go of it to make construction more efficient

AI is a significant advancement in technology that has impacted industries like healthcare, finance, and transportation. However, the construction industry has been slower to adopt AI due to its traditional nature and reliance on paper-based processes. By using AI-powered project management tools, capital owners can analyze real-time data from various sources and optimize their projects. AI can also improve performance reporting, identify high-risk areas, generate predictive analytics, and analyze historical data to develop strategies for future projects. In terms of safety, AI can predict hazards, provide real-time alerts, monitor equipment, and provide feedback on worker behavior. AI-enabled collaboration tools can improve communication, reduce errors, automate tasks, and streamline project management. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team used AI tools to manage drawing package revisions effectively. As the construction industry continues to adopt AI, we are committed to helping clients achieve their goals by staying at the forefront of these advancements.

DIG INTO THIS ONE

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Direction Of The Business

Warehouse surge drives construction planning higher

A total of 21 projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning stages in October, including a $215 million Google data center, according to Dodge.

Martin recently stated that high-interest rates, supply chain issues, and stricter lending standards will continue to impact the commercial sector, specifically office, retail, and warehouse projects. While warehouse planning has led to a 2% increase in the overall commercial component in October, concerns remain about the segment's future. The Dodge report shows that the DMI for the commercial segment is down 14% yearly. On the institutional side, which includes education, life sciences, and healthcare projects, planning also decreased by 1.4% in October. However, the sector has been resilient to market challenges, with the institutional segment up 7% year over year. Martin explains that while there may be fluctuations in the index, the overall trend shows a decrease in commercial projects offset by more institutional projects in the planning stage. The Architectural Billings Index (ABI), which predicts future construction work, has continued to decline, reaching its lowest score since December 2020. The AIA report highlights that owners want to proceed with construction, but inflation is causing financial challenges and cost-cutting measures. In October, 21 projects valued at $100 million or more entered the planning stages, including the $215 million Google data center in Kansas City the $180 million Mauna Kea Beach Hotel in Hawaii for commercial projects, and the $400 million Grand Sierra Resort Arena in Nevada and the $267 million Keller Auditorium renovation in Oregon for institutional projects.

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