“It is the first time that a number of 100-plus-year-old construction firms are waking up in a cold sweat and saying, ‘We might get Uber’d.’ Instead of innovating to improve productivity, there is a sense of urgency and need to innovate to survive, let alone thrive.” — Darren Bechtel, Founder, Managing Director, Brick & Mortar Ventures (as told to BuiltWorlds)
“One of the biggest risks today is not leveraging technology, or refusing to be an early adopter of the ‘next big thing.’ There will be major technological disrupters in this market, and the company that’s slow to pick up on them is essentially diminishing its position in a very competitive industry.” — Patrick O’Connor, Vice President of Risk Management and Counsel, The Walsh Group (as told to FMI Corp.)
Declarations like these are not hyperbole, nor are they specific to the AEC industry. Leaders in almost all business sectors—if they are half-way competent—operate their organizations with a sense of angst and a healthy dose of paranoia, preparing for what’s around the corner.
Well, there is plenty around the corner these days, and AEC firms are scrambling to adjust to the coming “new normal” of commercial design and construction.
Are we ready for technological disruption? What tools and processes can we employ to gain efficiencies and eliminate waste? Who are our future leaders? What skills are required for the next generation of practitioners? What are the short- and long-term needs of our clients, and their building assets? Is Google going to take our jobs? (No joke. I’ve heard this one more than once.)
These are among the litany of considerations that AEC firms must address to future-proof their organizations.
But while talk of the disruptive nature of technology and innovation captures the headlines, what’s really keeping the leaders of the nation’s largest general contractor and construction management firms up at night is people.
In a new survey by FMI Corp. of C-suite and risk management professionals at GC and CM firms, 80% of respondents identified a “limited supply of skilled craftworkers” as a top risk for 2019, and 44% cited a “limited supply of experienced field supervisors” as a primary concern. Exacerbating the talent shortage is the coming mass exodus of baby boomers as they reach retirement age.
In response, firms are placing priority on bringing craftworkers and design professionals in-house; strengthening training and development programs; and bolstering talent recruitment efforts by giving HR managers a seat at the executive table. Is it enough? That remains to be seen, but it’s a good start.
Download the free report at: tinyurl.com/FMIrisk19.
Related Stories
| Feb 21, 2012
SMPS announces Build Business 2012 keynote speakers
National conference set for July 11–13 in San Francisco.
| Feb 20, 2012
Comment period for update to USGBC's LEED Green Building Program now open
This third draft of LEED has been refined to address technical stringency and rigor, measurement and performance tools, and an enhanced user experience.
| Feb 20, 2012
Sto Corp. announces new technical director for Canada
Edgar will have full responsibility of specifications, details, website technical content, testing and approvals, and will support the Canada sales team.
| Feb 20, 2012
GAF introduces web portal for architects and specifiers
The new portal offers a clean look with minimal clutter to make it easier to find the technical information and product data that architects need.
| Feb 20, 2012
All Steel names Breagy director of metro New York
Breagy is responsible for overseeing this region’s sales team while strategically coordinating the sales efforts of Allsteel dealers and representatives in the tri-state area.
| Feb 17, 2012
Tremco Inc. headquarters achieves LEED Gold certification
Changes were so extensive that the certification is for new construction and not for renovation; officially, the building is LEED-NC.
| Feb 17, 2012
MacInnis joins Gilbane board of directors
MacInnis is the chairman and recently retired CEO of Connecticut-based EMCOR Group, Inc.
| Feb 16, 2012
Gain greater agility and profitability with ArchiCAD BIM software
White paper was written with the sole purpose of providing accurate, reliable information about critical issues related to BIM and what ArchiCAD with advanced technology such as the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server provide as an answer to address these issues.
| Feb 16, 2012
TLC Engineering for Architecture opens Chattanooga office
TLC Engineering for Architecture provides mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, fire protection, communication, technology, LEED, commissioning and energy auditing services.