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.

Since early 2020, Americans have been forced to sequester themselves in their homes with outdoor activities, in most cases, being the sole respite for social distancing. And many of people are going back to the basics with a quintessential outdoor activity: biking. Bike sales absolutely skyrocketed during the pandemic, growing by 69% in 2020.

Senior Living Design | Aug 13, 2021

Designing with dignity for senior living, with Mike Rodebaugh, LEO A DALY

In this exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, Senior Living Sector Leader with LEO A DALY, describes how his firm applies "hospitality magic tricks" in its senior living communities, using design to lend dignity to residents, staff, and residents' families and social circles.

Architects | Aug 5, 2021

Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco

After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.