For the long holiday weekend, I’ve got a supersized episode of the From the Fabricator podcast with some seriously interesting people and angles shared throughout. We kick things off with good friends Tom O’Malley of Clover Architectural and Kevin Mayer of PurOptima. Those two are working together and bringing a great approach to the demountable/interior space. Tons of insight and learning nuggets from them- especially on the growth aspect. Good stuff and watch me cringe when I accidently age Tom up 30+ years. Ouch.
In all climates and conditions, high-performance fenestration and glazing systems give healthcare facilities a clear advantage. In 2023, 41% of hospitals invested in, upgraded or improved their building envelope according to American Society of Health Care Engineers’ Hospital Construction Survey. Of hospitals’ capital budgets allocated to construction projects, 30% was designated for new construction and 30% for facility renovation, the 2024 survey reported.
Fun industry week as both the events in Texas and Washington D.C. were massively successful. Texas Glass Conference IV raised the bar again. From having 45 people and 4 sessions in 2017 to 155+ and 8 sessions, this event is on a rocket ship. I am honored to still be on it! Congratulations to the Board and Membership of the TGA for an awesome effort. Some highlights and people sightings…
Big week ahead as the 4th Texas Glass Conference kicks off this week outside of Austin. The Texas Glass Association once again has put together an amazing agenda, and the speaking group/subject matter is top-notch. I can’t wait to be there to participate! I am very curious to get some insight from the attendees on the various product trends, too. Even though that is one area I am talking about, I am looking forward to some feedback on what other people are seeing and experiencing. I’ll have the recap with pertinent details next week here on the blog!
As an aluminum window and curtain wall manufacturer, we assist the design team with technical product information and guidance on products’ proper application in their buildings. Our industry has the knowledge to answer architects’ questions and product solutions to address their needs.
Finally, we have a new podcast episode for you! The latest From the Fabricator podcast is now live with two insanely talented guys. First up, maybe you caught my hint last week on a guest being “sharp.” Well, this one is…both for real and in name. Kyle Sharp from Sharp Glass gets us going. It is interesting to run through his past and present. Also great looks at the market, doing things the right way, and, of course, the awesome and upcoming Texas Glass Con IV. Which is open for more than just folks in Texas by the way- good event!.
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings offer standardization, and cost-effectiveness, to construction. While the systems have had historical difficulty incorporating effective daylighting options, new solar illumination products offer the potential to ensure both sustainability and lower cost.
Automation is reshaping the workforce landscape, necessitating quality control systems capable of maintaining peak efficiency with fewer experienced workers on the line. Amidst these shifts, the pursuit of higher throughput underscores the critical importance of advanced quality control solutions.
Last month when the Architectural Billings Index (ABI) came in with a stunning “positive” number, there were two thoughts. Is this the start of the comeback, or is it a fluke? Welp. We got our answer this week, and it came with authority. The ABI checked in at a horrendous 43.6. Or, as the main analyst from the AIA called it, “A fairly major disappointment.” This is the lowest rating since December of 2020. The analysis of this low score pointed to interest rate growth fear and, thus, the cost of money. A month ago, things seemed like they were stabilizing on that front. It’s changed.
Labor is the number one pain point for industry companies. In the recent Thirsty Thursday webinar, “Recruitment Resources for Installers,” hosted by the National Glass Association, Jodi Martinez, vice president of AllStar Glass and NGA board member, and Jenni Chase, vice president of workforce development for the National Glass Association address how to interest the next generation in a glass industry career, and what free resources exist to get companies started.