From building prefab factories in the sky to incubating the next generation of AEC tech startups, our 2019 class of AEC Innovators demonstrates that the industry is poised for a shakeup. Meet BD+C’s 2019 AEC Innovators.
1. Jennifer Abuzeid, Senior Director–Global Design Strategies, Marriott International
Marriott International embraces modular construction: The hotel giant has more than 50 projects in the works that incorporate prefab guestrooms or bathrooms. READ STORY
2. BuroHappold’s Computational Collective
How engineering giant BuroHappold democratizes tech innovation: The firm's Computational Collective initiative presents employees with “a different way of thinking and working.” READ THE STORY
3. Bob Clark, Chairman and CEO, Clayco
Clayco seeks the cutting edge as a competitive advantage: Innovation has been in Clayco’s DNA since this general contractor was founded in 1984. READ STORY
4. Matt Gough, Director of Innovation and Work Winning, Mace Group
Mace Group built working factories on top of under-construction skyscrapers: The six-story factories eliminated the need for tower cranes, and increased productivity to the point where crews could complete 18 floors in 18 weeks. READ STORY
5. Dane Stokes, Design Technology Specialist, ZGF Architects
Improving architectural designs through iteration: Computational design lets ZGF Architects see patterns that renderings and even models can’t show. READ STORY
6. Ron Klemencic, PE, SE, Hon. AIA, Chairman and CEO, Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Structural engineer speeds skyscraper construction with novel building core design: With its Speed Core composite core wall system, Magnusson Klemencic Associates thinks it’s found a faster way to complete high-rise buildings. READ STORY
7. Burcin Kaplanoglu, PhD, Co-founder, Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab
Oracle’s replica of a construction jobsite creates an immersive environment for AEC professionals: The Oracle Construction and Engineering Innovation Lab allows visitors to walk through five different stages of construction work, to test new AEC technologies and training techniques. READ STORY
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Reaping the benefits of offsite construction, with ICC's Ryan Colker
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AEC Innovators | Mar 3, 2023
Meet BD+C's 2023 AEC Innovators
More than ever, AEC firms and their suppliers are wedding innovation with corporate responsibility. How they are addressing climate change usually gets the headlines. But as the following articles in our AEC Innovators package chronicle, companies are attempting to make an impact as well on the integrity of their supply chains, the reduction of construction waste, and answering calls for more affordable housing and homeless shelters. As often as not, these companies are partnering with municipalities and nonprofit interest groups to help guide their production.
Modular Building | Mar 3, 2023
Pallet Shelter is fighting homelessness, one person and modular pod at a time
Everett, Wash.-based Pallet Inc. helped the City of Burlington, Vt., turn a municipal parking lot into an emergency shelter community, complete with 30 modular “sleeping cabins” for the homeless.
AEC Innovators | Mar 2, 2023
Turner Construction extends its ESG commitment to thwarting forced labor in its supply chain
Turner Construction joins a growing AEC industry movement, inspired by the Design for Freedom initiative, to eliminate forced labor and child labor from the production and distribution of building products.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 1, 2023
Multifamily construction startup Cassette takes a different approach to modular building
Prefabricated modular design and construction have made notable inroads into such sectors as industrial, residential, hospitality and, more recently, office and healthcare. But Dafna Kaplan thinks that what’s held back the modular building industry from even greater market penetration has been suppliers’ insistence that they do everything: design, manufacture, logistics, land prep, assembly, even onsite construction. Kaplan is CEO and Founder of Cassette, a Los Angeles-based modular building startup.
