Free Newsletter
Philosophies that motivate green building ethos
There’s much talk in architectural circles about the nuts and bolts of “integrated project delivery.”聽 But in an Oct. 24 presentation, IDC Architects Director and Design Principal Jeff Murray took […]
Amazon adventure inspires architect鈥檚 vision for community-wide eco ethos
CH2M HILL Urban Designer and Infrastructure Architect James McGrath recently savored a bucket list adventure 鈥� a week exploring the phenomenal biodiversity of the remote Amazon jungles of Brazil. This […]
The mistake of confusing poor communication with poor character
John Strickland has over 25 years of experience leading major design-build and construction management projects, is an active member of a Construction Industry Institute (CII) research team and serves as […]
Bonneville Dam celebrates 75th anniversary
The Bonneville Power Administration, which itself turns 75 this year, celebrated the 75th birthday of the Bonneville Dam this past weekend. The BPA is a large part of the identity […]
Stakeholder-based solutions smooth technology park planning
Roger Pearson, Director of Planning for CH2M HILL’s IDC Architects, has spent a lot of years (37+) as a master planner for industrial, commercial and technology manufacturing sites around the […]
Like peppers, some of the best data centers are green and hot
A 鈥渉ot server鈥� is a more robust device built to tolerate higher heat levels. An average data center using hot servers could reduce its electricity consumption by a third 鈥� a very significant savings in energy and cost.
Japanese engineers want to make buildings smarter by filling them with little robots
We have what we call "smart" buildings - they have, for example, sensors that detect when you walk into a room and can turn lights on an off. But a group of Japanese engineers want to make buildings more like living organisms. And they plan to do this with robots.
Getting lean between the ears
Achieving lean success in design and construction projects such as the China plant isn鈥檛 just about bricks and mortar. It starts with getting people on a project team lean between the ears.
Researchers developing self-healing concrete
A group of researchers at Northumbria University in England are working on a goo that could help ailing concrete buildings 鈥渟elf heal.鈥�
The sweet spot between mindreading and micro managing
As businesses grow, they need to expand. But constructing new space brings many owners outside their comfort zones. Suddenly they鈥檙e bombarded with the multiple risks of construction cost, schedule and quality. That鈥檚 in addition to the risks they face in their regular day jobs.
Reprographers: a dying industry in transition
Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to revisit the subject via a feature on the business of local reprographers and how they are responding to the digital systems (online plan rooms, digital files, electronic invitations to bid) that are taking the place of paper. While I think the meat and potatoes of that story were right on the money, the headline I suggested for Wednesday鈥檚 feature may [...]
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
