Dear Friends …
January is a good month to look forward and to anticipate exciting future advancements. As I enter my 46th year practicing architecture, I reflect backward and project forward to where the architectural and construction industries will be in 46 years. It is important to anticipate change to prepare for future trends.
When I started in the profession, calculators had just made slide rules obsolete, drawing with plastic lead on mylar had surpassed graphite on vellum, and large print copying had replaced the ammonia-based blueprint machines. Within years, such marvels as fax machines, voicemail, VCR’s, and bag phones were introduced to the market. Rapid technological evolutions included personal computers, email, iPhones, iPads, smart watches, and advanced CAD software.
Presently, construction costs are rapidly increasing with labor costs contributing to 35%-45% of the total cost of new construction. To combat this rise in labor costs, robotics are rapidly becoming necessary for laying brick, tying rebar, and painting. Buildings are being “printed” and modular construction is becoming a necessity.
Reflecting forward, buildings designed using artificial intelligence will become popular by 2036, forcing architects to become more knowledgeable in all aspects of the construction industry. Clients will still be expecting their architects to provide customization and uniquely designed buildings that reflect their visions and aspirations, as building designs rooted in AI algorithms will create homogeneity throughout urban landscapes.
In 2072, the 4,500-year old architectural profession will be still viable. In lieu of generalists, Architects will be interdisciplinary specialists, providing the customized designs demanded by their clients. Architects will be the “lever-pullers” for this Brave New Artificially Intelligent World.
The contracting industry will be more difficult to sustain. Buildings will be completely built by robotics. Construction equipment will be automated. Robots will roam the construction sites detecting technological malfunctions. Robots will follow the AI generated drawings with minimal tolerances and exacting code compliances. Synthetic construction materials will be made from waste and recycled products, reducing dependency on availability from foreign markets. Construction will progress to 24-hour workdays, cutting construction schedules in half. Robots will submit zero RFI’s and zero change orders. There will be no construction errors, no schedule delays and no complaints about work-life balance.
TAKING SHAPE
Windhaven Building 3
Tega Cay, South Carolina
The Windhaven development continues to take shape in Tega Cay with the development of its third building. This one-story office shell adds 9 new lease spaces to the growing campus, creating flexible opportunities for future tenants. Each new building brings Windhaven closer to its full vision, and we’re excited to see this next phase come to life.
Owner: R. Joe Harris & Associates | Civil: R. Joe Harris & Associates | Structural: Taylor & Viola
PME: Wilde Engineering | Contractor: Simon & Watson Construction, Inc.
Birkdale Place Building B
Huntersville, North Carolina
A new addition is coming to Birkdale Place with a 1 story retail shell building offering more than 12,000 square feet of retail space. Designed with flexibility in mind, the building includes a rooftop terrace ideal for a future restaurant, adding another dynamic destination to this new development in Huntersville.
Owner: Gustafson Partners | Civil: Bolton & Menk | Structural: Taylor & Viola | PME: Wilde Engineering
GOING UP
Exterior rendering by RIOS
The Scoundrel
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A little grit and a little spirit – The Scoundrel, a Tribute by Marriott hotel, is officially underway in the heart of Gatlinburg. This five-story, 111-guestroom property draws inspiration from the city’s rich moon-shining heritage, blending industrial-rustic design with modern comfort. Guests will enjoy a full restaurant and bar, flexible meeting space, a fitness center, and inviting outdoor courtyards and dining patios. Horner Building Co. is making great progress as this unique addition to Gatlinburg’s hospitality scene comes to life.
Owner: ATMOS | Civil: Robert Campbell & Associates | Landscape: RIOS | Structural: Martin/Martin
M&P: Kelso-Regen Associates | Elec: Vreeland Engineers | Interior Design: Flick Mars
Contractor: Horner Building Co.
Morningstar Huntersville
Huntersville, North Carolina
Dirt is flying in Huntersville! Morningstar’s newest facility has officially gone vertical and is making great progress with Metrolina Builders. This 98,775-square-foot project will bring 679 storage units in a wide variety of sizes, thoughtfully designed to flex with the evolving needs of future customers. The team is moving full steam ahead, and we’re excited to watch this location take shape as a modern, convenient addition to the community.
Owner: Morningstar Storage | Civil/Landscape: American Engineering | Structural: Karins Engineering
PME: Shultz Engineering Group | Contractor: Metrolina Builders
BOOKSTORE CORNER
Be the Unicorn
Be the Unicorn by William Vanderbloemen summarizes research on the 12 key teachable soft skills that make exceptional and irreplaceable leaders. Anyone who can develop these 12 traits will help you stand out and differentiate the top 1% of performers.
Carolina Mills
Carolina Mills a Story of reinvention by Kathleen Rose. This book features the history of textile mills in the Carolinas and how they were deeply intertwined with the economic and social development of the region.
If you would like your own copy of Carolina Mills, contact Kathleen through her website: Rose Associates or email: admin@roseassociates.com
