The most recent Architectural Billings Index was released, and as expected, the main number remains underwater —though slightly better than last month. The big key again was inquiries were positive, making that a nice trend, and even the AIA analyst is seeing some hope.
Most people walk into trade shows and walk out with a backpack full of catalogs and a few business cards they’ll never follow up on. Here’s how to walk out with momentum.
When I asked exhibiting companies what their advice was for attendees preparing for GlassBuild this year, the main takeaway was: plan your trip to get the most out of the show.
I’ve got a new episode of the “From the Fabricator” podcast loaded up for you, and as I mentioned last week, it’s a real dandy. This time out, I begin with Kevin Hardman of Hardman Glazing Management. You may know him from several different avenues, including his legendary Tools Tuesday pieces, but he goes much deeper than all of that. Really cool guy with some excellent stories, and his family's past is similar to mine, going back to the 1800s. Fun one all the way around.
When it comes to AI, there are no clear-cut answers—whether it’s choosing a major or continuing to provide glazing solutions to multiple building sectors.
From time to time, I do hit on “adaptive reuse” as I genuinely believe that is a must as we move forward. Old inventory with good bones and no one using it should be reset into housing. It was nice to see this article running down a great success story in San Antonio. This shows it can be done. This may not benefit our industry a ton, though usually windows need to be changed, and they can always use shower doors, but it’s critical for our world, and that takes priority here.
As more projects are referencing the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED v5, rating system, let’s review the updated Materials and Resources credits and the role of aluminum fenestration and framing.
As the building industry works to meet increasingly strenuous energy codes, façade systems are evolving to deliver better thermal performance, reduce operational carbon and improve occupant comfort. Triple-pane and even quad-pane insulating glass units, commonly found in European facades, are now seeing increased adoption in the North American market prompting glass fabricators, manufacturers, installers and glazing contractors to adapt to this trend.