Archinect

In his "Letter to an Architecture Student," writer and long-time Archinect contributor Sean Joyner reflects on his journey to professionalism, emphasizing self-awareness, intrinsic motivation, and the pursuit of mastery. "Rather than offer prescriptive wisdom, I prefer to share some reflections from my own often uncertain path—observations that didn’t arrive all at once, but over time, and usually the hard way," he writes.

As global trade dynamics continue to shift, architects serving as contract administrators are facing a new reality: what was once routine legal boilerplate has become a critical line of defense against financial risk. A recent Harvard Business Review article by Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Robert Handfield, and Jason Miller offers valuable insights on how construction contracts must adapt to rising tariff volatility and trade uncertainty. 🔑 Key strategies for architects include: 1. Strengthening force majeure clauses to cite material trade changes 2. Adding cost-sharing thresholds for tariff spikes 3. Building in multi-sourcing flexibility to switch suppliers 4. Using “should-cost” mechanisms to prevent profit exploitation 5. Leveraging trade agreements (like USMCA) to mitigate exposure With examples from major players like Walmart, Hasbro, and Stanley Black & Decker, the authors outline how industries are already adapting—offering a timely roadmap for architecture and construction professionals navigating today’s complex procurement landscape. How is your firm adapting contract strategies in response to trade risks? Comment below.

Our Meet Your Next Employer series this week explores the work of Joseph Vance Architects. The firm is currently hiring an Intermediate Architect/Designer in NYC on Archinect Jobs. Learn more and apply now! https://lnkd.in/gQysVpa4

Today's Employer of the Day is ParkFowler Plus. They're currently hiring an Intermediate Architect/Intermediate Architectural Designer in Chicago. https://lnkd.in/gnBTMdMb #ArchinectJobs #ArchinectEOTD #ArchitectureJobs #ChicagoJobs

This week's curated architecture & design competitions from Bustler include eVolo's Skyscraper Competition, BLT Built Design Awards, Milan Design District, and GOOD DESIGN. Which competitions are you currently working on? Comment below. https://lnkd.in/gP53dkC2

Today's Employer of the Day is Perkins Eastman. They're currently hiring a Designer II in Los Angeles and Marketing Coordinators in Washington, DC. https://lnkd.in/dfUByamf #ArchinectJobs #ArchinectEOTD #ArchitectureJobs #LosAngelesJobs #LAJobs #WashingtonJobs

Disappointing AEC economic data today 📉: The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) dropped 6.9% in March, with commercial and institutional planning falling 7.8% and 5.0%, respectively. A slowdown in warehouse, data center, and retail activity led the decline. Despite the monthly dip, the DMI remains 30% higher than March 2024—commercial planning is up 32% YoY, and institutional is up 27%. “Increased uncertainty around material prices and fiscal policies may have begun to factor into planning decisions,” said Sarah Martin of Dodge Construction Network. Still, the outlook points to stable construction activity through mid-2026. Notable projects entering planning: – $500M Scripps San Marcos Medical Center building – $400M Alabama data center – $340M Ontario Convention Center & Hotel expansion The market may be cooling slightly, but long-term momentum remains strong. What trends are you seeing in your region? Share in the comments!

Looking for architecture jobs in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area? 🚀 Our latest curated jobs roundup highlights 20 architecture and design firms currently hiring on Archinect Jobs, including Walker Warner, BCV, Obata Noblin, Hibser Yamauchi, YC+D, Dumican Mosey, Bull Stockwell Allen, Figure, Ratcliff, Aaron Lim, AvroKO, Quattrocchi Kwok, OpenScope, STUDIOS, PBK, Herman Coliver Locus, Studio Terpeluk, TCA, and Flad (plus Pacific Gas and Electric as a non-design firm seeking a 3D modeling specialist). Interested? Apply now! https://lnkd.in/guyfuDzz

What does the future of construction look like? Procore’s new Future State of Construction report offers a powerful snapshot of where the industry is headed—and it’s driven by tech, talent, and data. Here are a few key takeaways: 🤖 AI & Automation: 55% of leaders expect automation to disrupt construction in the next 5 years. Why? Rework and data retrieval currently waste nearly half of project time. 👷♂️ Generational Shift: With 53% of the workforce set to retire by 2036, companies are investing in upskilling and tackling burnout through wellness programs. 📊 Data as a Tool: 80% of execs see value in historical project data—but few are using it fully. AI may soon optimize everything from scheduling to site logistics. 📐 Design Evolution: BIM, digital twins, and AI simulations are enabling more collaborative and predictive design processes before breaking ground. The future is coming fast—and the industry is getting ready. Read the full report to see what’s next (link on Archinect https://lnkd.in/er6e2aVH)

Markets rebound after the Trump Admin cuts planned tariffs to 10% (except China) for 90 days. With Chinese tariffs jumping to 125%, AEC suppliers and homebuilder stocks are seeing big swings. We take a look at some of the key movers. https://lnkd.in/gxQMtNGa