News Briefs: Design firms say they need more project management training... Jones named director of GSA's Design Excellence program... Carbon prices running out of gas in Northeast cap and trade market

Design firms say they need more project management training. Nearly one-third (32%) of design and environmental firms report that project management training is their biggest training need, according to a survey in The Zweig HR Letter. Next in importance: marketing and business development training (19%) and leadership training (16%).Carbon prices running out of gas in Northeast cap and trade market. The price of carbon permits plummeted 8% for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which requires utilities in the Northeast to purchase carbon permits for each ton of carbon they emit. Lower demand for electricity as a result of the recession was the cause of the price plummet. More than 30 million permits (or allowances) had cleared at $3.23 each in a sale on June 17, 8% lower than the auction price in March.First green roof professionals certified. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announced the first wave of accredited green roof professionals. These individuals have successfully completed a multidisciplinary exam encompassing five areas of concentration, including pre-design, design, contract management, quality assurance and support, and maintenance.Jones named director of GSA's Design Excellence program. Casey Jones, a principal at jones¦kroloff, has been named the next director of the General Services Administration's Design Excellence program, according to sources at the GSA. Jones will replace Thomas Grooms, the program's current head. As director of Design Excellence, Jones will oversee the architect selection and design process for the GSA.

Last September, AIA San Francisco awarded the Professional Category in its 2021 Future Classroom Competition to a five-person team from Culver City, Calif.-based Berliner Architects. The firm was selected for its “Learning Everywhere” idea that features a mobile strategy for education at school, home, on field trips, and in transit. BD+C's John Caulfield discuss that concept with Richard Berliner, AIA, Principal, Berliner Architects.

Download BD+C’s 2021 Design Innovations Report

Architects | Nov 9, 2021

Download BD+C’s 2021 Design Innovation Report

AEC and development firms share where new ideas come from, and what makes them click.

Architects | Nov 9, 2021

Download BD+C’s 10 Predictions for the Construction Industry in 2022

Our prognostications focus on how AEC firms will streamline and modernize their projects and operations.

Architects | Nov 9, 2021

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects announces renaming

Founded by Cesar Pelli with partners Fred Clarke and Diana Balmori in 1977, the firm began its legacy as Cesar Pelli & Associates at its first office in New Haven, Connecticut.