As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the lessons of 2024 and look forward to 2025. This year has been marked by significant shifts in technology and a continuation of trends previously observed. The articles published on this blog are a testament to the evolving challenges and innovations shaping our work. Let’s take a look back and see how these insights will guide us into the future.
Transparency in Artificial Intelligence
The integration of AI has been a game-changer. In November, we explored the importance of clear and ethical AI use in public procurement. As noted in Best Practices – How to Achieve Transparency in the Use of Artificial Intelligence, “Traditional methods must adapt to accommodate AI…” Transparency and responsibility are critical to the success of this technological evolution.
I continue to embrace Artificial Intelligence in my practice. I have created several GPT’s (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) that support my daily work. This blog is an example of one which I have coded to match my writing style and follow my blog formula. However, ensuring that the content of this blog is genuine and preventing it from becoming stale is an ongoing and strictly human effort. I expect to continue to evolve my use of AI, but I do not anticipate it replacing good old fashioned human thought.
Living a Principled Life in Business
In October, we turned inward to examine the role of values in professional life. As highlighted in Commentary – The Importance of Living a Principled Life, “Deciding the values by which you want to make every decision” is crucial for navigating challenges and staying true to one’s mission. This ethos will remain a guiding star as we confront the uncertainties of 2025.
I have been truly touched by the response I received from this article. I appreciate those that reached out and shared with me how they dealt with the same or similar struggles. Recently my oldest Daughter asked me, “how can I always do the right thing even when doing so does not seem to be in my best interest?”. My answer to her was, “resolving to do what is right is strictly a selfish thing. We do it because we cherish our peace of mind over everything else.” Living a principled like will never be easy, but it is an ongoing and essential daily task.
Managing Value Engineering
October also brought a practical perspective on project management. In Best Practices – How Architects Can Proactively Manage Value Engineering and Avoid Budget Overruns, we discussed that “including an independent construction cost estimator as part of the design team… should be a standard practice.” It’s an essential strategy to maintain financial discipline and prevent budget surprises.
My entire practice is based on the concept of relieving and mitigating risk. Recognizing where conflicts of interest exist and navigating away from them is a simple but powerful step towards relieving and mitigating risk. Architects need to begin thinking like Owners. I recently stumbled upon this Youtube short from Enoch Bartlett Sears founder of the Business of Architecture where he advocates this very thing. I could not agree with him more, but that thought process does not end with winning business, it extends to your contract and how you structure your team. You can expect this blog to continue to promote that mindset in 2025 and beyond.
Addressing Construction Claims
In September, we explored how to minimize construction claims through better procurement strategies. The article Industry Watch – Why Construction Claims Happen and What Procurement Can Do About It emphasized that “changes in scope are the most common cause of claims.” Clear communication and detailed planning are essential tools for avoiding costly disputes.
Along with promoting that Architects needing to think like Owners, I will continue to promote that Owners need to spend more time in discovery, design, and planning. The biggest and most common cause of construction claims are related to accelerated or limited time planning the work. Investing the time to plan the work is the single most effective method of limiting or avoiding conflicts in the field and this blog will continue to promote that thinking.
Managing Payments for Modular Construction
Off-site construction presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to payments. In August’s Best Practices – Managing Payments for Off-Site Construction, we learned that “payments should be tied to specific milestones and inspections” to ensure accountability and reduce risks. This insight is invaluable as modular construction continues to grow.
We have been talking about modular construction since I first began practicing Architecture in the late 90’s. It remains the single most promising method of construction to accelerate schedules, reduce costs, and improve quality, but this method of construction also brings new challenges that elevate the risk of both builders and owners. Navigating the nuances of this method requires a new way of thinking that impacts both parties. As more and more projects an opportunities to deploy modular construction emerge, I will continue to seek out ways to manage these risks for both parties.
New Zealand’s Progressive Construction Law
In July, we turned our attention internationally with a deep dive into New Zealand’s Construction Contracts Act. The Amendment to New Zealand’s Construction Contracts Act of 2002 noted that “retention money must now be held in trust,” offering better financial protection for subcontractors. It’s a model worth examining in other markets as we seek fairer practices.
In concert with nuanced construction methods, Prompt Payment laws continue to take hold worldwide. The challenges and added risks that these two trends pose to Owners need to be front-of-mind for procurement professionals. As these laws become more pervasive we need to bear in mind their intent and support our Owners so they remain in compliance. I will continue to monitor this trend and share developments wherever they appear.
Highlights from the AIA Conference
Finally, in August 2023, we celebrated the innovative ideas shared at the AIA Conference in San Francisco. In Review – This Year’s AIA Conference was Amazing. Here are Highlights from A’23, we learned that “the evolution of architectural practice” is a central theme as the industry embraces AI and other advanced technologies. The discussions at the conference underscored the need for adaptability and forward thinking.
This conference kicked off my interest and exploration of Artificial Intelligence. I love attending the AIA conference. Each year this is where I get to connect with fellow Architects and take the pulse of the industry. In June of 2025 the conference will be in Boston. If you plan to attend, let me know and lets connect. Hope to see you there.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Reflecting on 2024, one thing is clear: the construction industry is an ever-evolving dynamic thing and we simply must remain vigilant and aware. Despite it’s long history there are still many lessons to be learned. The themes of transparency, principled leadership, proactive planning, and innovation will continue to shape our work in 2025. The growing emphasis on Artificial Intelligence and nuanced construction methods, signals a future where efficiency and responsibility go hand in hand.
What lessons from 2024 resonate most with you? How do you plan to embrace these trends in your own work? Tell me your stories.
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