The 2027 Construction Outlook: A K-Shaped Horizon
As the construction industry looks toward 2027, the outlook is neither a traditional boom nor a broad downturn. Instead, the market is following what economists describe as a K-shaped path—some sectors are expanding rapidly while [...]
DEI and What Now? The New St. Louis AEC Inclusion Playbook
For years, many people across the St. Louis architecture, engineering and construction industry have worked to create a more equitable marketplace—one in which qualified minority- and women-owned firms have a fair opportunity to compete, grow [...]
Your Best Training Program May Already Work for You
Some of the most valuable construction knowledge has never appeared in a manual. It lives in the superintendent who can walk onto a project and immediately sense that sequencing is going to become a problem. [...]
From Attendance to Application: Did the Training Actually Change Anything?
We measure training in familiar ways. How many people attended? Did they like the speaker? How did they rate the program? Did they receive a professional development hour or learning unit? Those measurements matter. But [...]
Stop Training for Yesterday’s Job: The Skills AEC Teams Need Next
The construction industry has always trained people to do their jobs better. But there is a new question worth asking: Are we training people for the jobs they have today, or for the jobs those [...]
Is It Urgent—or Did It Just Arrive?
Your email notification pops up. You look. A Teams message comes in. You answer. Someone texts. You respond. Then you return to what you were doing and try to remember exactly where you left off. [...]
Owner Perspective Series | Week 5
Risk Management: Solving Tomorrow’s Problems Before They Happen Every construction project carries risk. The difference between successful projects and struggling ones often isn’t the number of risks—they all have them. The difference is how early [...]
Building the Workforce Before the Work Begins
A New St. Louis Program Is Preparing Participants for Building-Trades Apprenticeships The construction industry cannot deliver tomorrow’s projects without building tomorrow’s workforce. That effort gained new momentum this month as the Missouri Works Initiative launched [...]
A New $5 Billion Financing Window Could Unlock Challenging St. Louis Projects
Why Construction Owners Should Pay Attention to the 2026 New Markets Tax Credit Round Some projects with the greatest potential community impact are also the hardest to finance. On September 17, the U.S. Treasury Department’s [...]
St. Louis Sets New Ground Rules for Data Center Development
What the City’s New Regulatory Framework Means for Owners, Developers and Project Teams As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services grows, communities across the country are preparing for a new wave of [...]
The Data Center Ripple Effect: What St. Louis’ AEC Industry Needs to Know
Data centers can represent significant construction and economic-development opportunities. These highly specialized facilities require substantial investments in electrical systems, backup power, cooling infrastructure, security, telecommunications, and building controls. They can also place unusual demands on [...]
The Capacity Reset
When Everything Is a Priority, Nothing Is Have you ever started your morning with a plan—and by 9:30 a.m. you were already working on something completely different? Welcome to the modern workday. An email arrives. [...]
Owner Perspective Series | Week 4
Materials Management: Procurement Has Become a Strategic Advantage Not long ago, procurement was viewed primarily as an administrative function—order the materials, track delivery, and keep the project moving. Today, it has become one of the [...]
SLC3 Emerging Leaders Connect at Night at the Ballpark
There’s something about a Cardinals game that brings St. Louis together — and last night, SLC3’s Emerging Leaders had the opportunity to experience it together from the Cardinals Nation Rooftop. On Tuesday, September 15, SLC3 [...]
Second Friday Coffee at JEMA
Coffee, Connections and a Great Start to Friday SLC3 members came together on Friday, September 11, for another successful Second Friday Coffee & Networking, generously sponsored and hosted by JEMA at its St. Louis office. [...]
Owner Perspective Series | Week 3
Alignment: The Best Projects Start with Everyone Moving in the Same Direction A well-planned project can still struggle if the project team isn’t aligned. That’s why the Construction Industry Institute (CII) identifies Alignment as one [...]
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
$114M Lambert Maintenance Complex Takes Shape A major infrastructure investment is underway at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, where construction is progressing on a new $114.9 million Airfield Maintenance and Snow Removal Equipment Facility. The 285,000-square-foot [...]
Owner Perspective Series | Week 2
Constructability: Designing Projects That Are Easier to Build Last week, we explored how Front-End Planning helps owners reduce risk before construction begins. This week, we turn to another Construction Industry Institute (CII) Best Practice that [...]
Concrete Secrets: Three Things You May Not Know About the World’s Most Used Building Material
Concrete is everywhere—from sidewalks and bridges to hospitals, schools, and skyscrapers. Yet despite being one of the most common construction materials on Earth, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Here are three fascinating facts [...]
Legacy Farms Park: St. Charles’ Next Destination Park Takes Shape
The City of St. Charles is moving forward with Legacy Farms Park, a new 97-acre community park that will become one of the region's premier recreational destinations. Located near Missouri Route 94 and Highway B, [...]
Know Your Industry
Greater St. Louis, Inc. – The Organization Working Behind the Scenes to Grow Our Region When a major corporate headquarters announces an expansion…when a manufacturer selects St. Louis for a new facility…or when a billion-dollar development project breaks [...]
Is Workforce Mobility the Weak Link in Your Labor Strategy?
For years, the construction industry has relied on one simple assumption: when the work moves, the workforce will follow. That assumption is becoming less reliable. Owners, contractors, and design firms are all feeling the pressure [...]
The “Fatal Four” Hazards — and How to Prevent Them
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the majority of construction fatalities stem from four preventable hazards known as the Fatal Four. Understanding the risks is important—but taking proactive steps to eliminate them [...]
CONSTRUCTION CURIOSITIES
Did You Know? Construction is Full of Surprises. The Machines That Build Our World How Many Steps Does a Construction Worker Take? A busy commercial jobsite is like a small city. Between attending meetings, checking [...]
Owner Perspective Series | Week 1
The New Competitive Advantage: Front-End Planning For decades, construction owners have viewed cost as the greatest threat to project success. Today, however, many owners are pointing to a different concern: having the workforce available to [...]
“What Should I Do?” and Start Thinking Like a Leader
One of the biggest differences between emerging leaders and everyone else isn't intelligence or experience—it's how they approach problems. When faced with a challenge, many people immediately ask: "What should I do?" "Can someone tell [...]
City Centre Complex (C3) Project Update
The City of St. Charles continues to make significant progress on the City Centre Complex (C3), one of the most transformative redevelopment initiatives in the community's history. Located on the former American Car & Foundry [...]
STL GROWTH REPORT
Tracking the projects, businesses, and investments shaping the St. Louis metro region. The St. Louis metro region continues to build momentum with major redevelopment projects, commercial investment, and business expansion. From transformative downtown construction to new business [...]
Beyond Cost Savings: Why Construction Is Redefining the Value of Prefabrication
The industry is moving beyond one simple question. For years, every new construction innovation has had to answer one thing: Will it save money? Today, owners, contractors, and procurement teams are asking a much different [...]
Evolving Equity: Building Opportunity Through Inclusive Partnerships
The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many organizations have restructured or eliminated dedicated DEI roles, leaving professionals across industries wondering what comes next. In the architecture, [...]
Leadership Connect Series
Leadership Foundations: Great Leaders Are Built, Not Born Leadership is often associated with titles, authority, or years of experience. In reality, leadership begins long before a promotion. It starts with the daily choices we make—how [...]
Leadership Isn’t a Title—It’s a Daily Habit
Why the strongest leaders start practicing leadership long before the promotion. The construction industry often talks about developing leaders as if leadership begins the day someone receives a promotion. The reality is much different. Leadership [...]
The Visionaries Behind St. Louis Centre
St. Louis Centre was far more than another shopping mall—it was one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects undertaken in America during the 1980s. Conceived as the centerpiece of downtown St. Louis' revival, it [...]
Don’t Be SLC3’s Best-Kept Secret
You joined SLC3 because you believe in the power of relationships, collaboration, and community. But here’s a question: If our members don’t know what you do, how can they refer you, hire you, partner with [...]
Career Blueprint | Building Better Professionals: BREAKING THE REVOLVING DOOR
By: Kelly Jackson Why AEC Business Development Keeps Starting Over If you’ve been in the AEC industry for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced this scenario… You receive an email introducing yet another new [...]
$23 Billion and Counting: The Momentum Behind St. Louis Construction
If it feels like construction activity is everywhere across the St. Louis region, the numbers confirm it. According to the STL 2030 Progress initiative, nearly 400 major development projects and more than 600 infrastructure investments [...]
The AI Jobsite Has Arrived
Eight Technologies Already Changing Construction Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the hottest topics in business, but in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, the conversation has already moved beyond theory. AI and [...]
Coming Next Month: Introducing Career Blueprint
At SLC3, we’re committed to building more than better projects—we’re committed to helping build better careers. Beginning next month, we’re launching a new series called Career Blueprint, designed to tackle the real workplace challenges professionals [...]
The Talent Arms Race: Why Construction Firms Are Investing in the Employee Experience
There was a time when construction companies competed primarily on the projects they built. Today, they’re also competing on something far less visible—but equally important. They’re competing for people. Across the country, and here in [...]
From Cubicles to Concierge: Hospitality Is Changing the Workplace
Walk into a newly designed corporate office today, and you might wonder if you’ve entered a boutique hotel rather than a workplace. Comfortable lounges. Coffee cafés. Outdoor terraces. Wellness rooms. Concierge-style amenities. Flexible collaboration spaces. [...]
Summer Road Trips: The Best Memories Start with Getting There Safely
Summer has a way of calling us to the open road. Whether it's a weekend at the lake, a cross-country adventure, visiting grandparents, or simply escaping for a few days, millions of families will pack [...]
What the Grandparent Generation Wishes the Next Generation Knew
Every generation believes it is living through unique challenges. In many ways, that's true. Today's parents are balancing demanding careers, rising childcare costs, constant digital connectivity, and a world that seems to expect them to [...]
When a Building Buckles: What the Former Pfizer Headquarters Can Teach Construction Owners
A major structural scare in Midtown Manhattan is putting a national spotlight on a topic that matters far beyond New York: what happens when older buildings are asked to do new things. Earlier this month, [...]
The Lost Art of True Tolerance
What if the greatest act of tolerance isn't agreeing with someone—but choosing to understand them? Over the weekend, I listened to Dr. Robert Jeffress speak about the meaning of true tolerance. It challenged me to [...]
The Lost Art of De-escalation: Why Restraint May Be Our Greatest Strength
In just the past few weeks, we've watched another heartbreaking tragedy unfold after a road rage incident claimed the life of a young man. It began, as so many of these stories do, with something [...]
The AI Leaders of Construction: What the Nation’s Top Builders Are Doing Differently
Author: Kelly Jackson Artificial Intelligence has moved well beyond being the latest buzzword. Across the construction industry, some of the nation's largest contractors are no longer asking whether AI belongs in their business—they're asking how [...]
Saying Goodbye to Richard (Rich) Unverferth, Director of Engineering (Retired) -MSD
Rich was surrounded by colleagues, friends and family last week as he said farewell after 42 years of employment with MSD. Rich served as Director of Engineering for 13 years and held various other roles [...]
Behind the Sinkhole: How St. Louis’ Construction Teams Are Rebuilding Critical Infrastructure
When a massive sinkhole suddenly opened beneath Interstate 44 in downtown St. Louis earlier this month, it quickly became one of the region's most talked-about news stories. Thousands of commuters experienced detours, businesses felt the [...]
The Grace We Want, But Often Forget to Give
By: Kelly Jackson As women, many of us have spent years asking for understanding. We want people to see beyond appearances. We want them to recognize our character, our intentions, our struggles, and our contributions. [...]
Looking Out for One Another: Mental Well-Being in Our Industry
When we talk about safety in construction, architecture, engineering, and development, we often think about hard hats, fall protection, job site procedures, and risk management. Those things matter. But there is another aspect of safety [...]
The Great Market Shift: Where Will Design Firms Find Their Next Opportunity? by: Kelly Jackson
Manufacturing and Industrial If I were advising a design firm today, manufacturing would be at the top of my list. Nationally, manufacturing investment continues to be driven by reshoring, supply-chain resilience, automation, and federal incentives. [...]
Midyear Construction Outlook: Cautious Momentum, Local Opportunity
At the halfway point of the year, the construction industry appears to be moving forward with cautious momentum. Nationally, contractors continue to face familiar challenges: elevated interest rates, higher material costs, labor constraints and tighter [...]
What If?
Lately, I have found myself thinking about two simple words: What if? Most of us use those words when we worry about the future. What if I fail? What if it doesn't work? What if [...]
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Across many industries today, there is a growing concern that a leadership gap is forming. Experienced professionals are retiring faster than new leaders are being prepared to replace them. Decades of institutional knowledge, relationship-building skills, [...]
Why Everyone Seems So Abrupt Lately
Something feels different in the way people are communicating. Emails are sharper. Texts are shorter. Small misunderstandings escalate quickly. Many people seem ready to assume the worst. The data suggests this is not just imagination. [...]
Member Spotlight: LNB Studio
For more than three decades, LNB Studio has built a reputation in the St. Louis region for thoughtful, client-centered architecture and interior design that blends creativity, technical expertise, and community impact. Founded in 1991 by [...]
St. Louis Construction Market Shifts Toward Infrastructure & Adaptive Reuse
As the St. Louis design and construction market enters a more cautious phase, one trend is becoming increasingly clear: the industry is pivoting away from speculative new construction and toward infrastructure, adaptive reuse, and publicly [...]
The Next Era of Architecture
1. Regenerative Design (Beyond Sustainability) What it is: Buildings designed not just to reduce harm but to improve ecosystems—restoring soil, water systems, biodiversity, and even generating energy. Examples Buildings that produce more energy than they [...]
How Do We Approach Generational Communication: 9 Steps to Better Communication
1. Reframe the Problem: It’s Usually Style, Not Character Many conflicts are framed as personality or work ethic problems when they are really differences. Examples: Perception Often Actually Happening “Gen Z is soft” They expect psychological [...]
U.S. Construction Materials Most Likely to Rise in Price
Steel (rebar, structural steel, studs) Risk level: Very high Steel is one of the most exposed materials because: Steel production is energy-intensive Global steel markets react quickly to shipping disruptions Tariffs and supply constraints are [...]
How the Iran conflict affects U.S. construction materials
Higher energy costs raise the price of almost every material The biggest transmission channel is oil and fuel prices. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20% of [...]
What Commercial Construction Owners Really Need from Their Service Providers
Corporate and public-sector owners approach commercial construction projects with high stakes and little margin for error. Whether developing a headquarters, healthcare facility, school, industrial plant, or municipal building, these projects represent significant financial investment, public [...]
Generation Z And Work-Life Balance
Generation Z And Work-Life Balance Generation Z is changing the landscape of the work environment. These youngest employees will comprise a quarter of the global workforce by 2025. They are born between the mid-1990s and [...]
2026 AEC Market Intelligence: Strategic Realignment and the St. Louis MSA Deep-Dive – Cody Ballah (Nexorra Group)
LINK TO SLIDE DECK The United States Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry in 2026 is characterized by a "Great Realignment," shifting focus from volume-based growth to capacity-constrained margin preservation. A persistent structural labor deficit, [...]
Big Goals Don’t Fail—Small Systems Do
At the beginning of a new year, goals are easy to set and hard to keep. We start with good intentions, clear plans, and optimism—only to find ourselves overwhelmed a few weeks in, wondering where [...]
What 2025 Revealed About the Future of Construction Leadership
As this year comes to a close, it’s tempting to summarize it in familiar industry terms: challenging, unpredictable, demanding. And while all of that is true, it’s also incomplete. Because this year didn’t just test [...]
Why Mental Health Support Matters More Than Ever in Winter
Winter’s Unique Impact on the AEC Workforce Winter brings a distinct set of challenges for those working in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. As daylight hours shrink and weather conditions become hazardous, the season places additional [...]
Cold-Weather Safety: What To Do—and What To Avoid
As temperatures drop, jobsite risks increase. Cold stress, reduced visibility, and hazardous surfaces can quickly turn routine tasks into dangerous ones. A proactive approach to winter safety helps protect crews, maintain productivity, and prevent costly [...]
What’s Really Going Wrong with QA/QC in Construction—And How We Fix It
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) have been core pillars of project delivery for decades, yet the industry continues to face costly rework, schedule delays, safety incidents, and warranty disputes. Despite better technology, more [...]
Storytelling in AEC: Turning Complex Projects into Compelling Wins
In an industry built on precision, technical excellence has long been the hallmark of success. But today’s AEC landscape demands more. As owners shift toward relationship-based procurement and value-driven decision-making, firms must do more than [...]
What Downtown Chesterfield Can Learn From WingHaven’s 20-Year Experiment
As you know, infrastructure work on the $2 billion Downtown Chesterfield project is officially underway, marking the next big bet on a “true downtown” in West St. Louis County. The former Chesterfield Mall site will [...]
The Productivity Gap in Construction: Why Tech Adoption Can’t Wait Any Longer
By Kelly Jackson For years, our industry has been talking about digital transformation—BIM adoption, robotics on jobsites, prefab and modular, AI-enhanced project planning, data-driven safety programs, etc. Yet despite the buzz, construction continues to lag [...]
Building a Culture Around Service
Strengthening Safety Through Care, Stewardship, and Support by Chuck Twellmann In a leadership meeting earlier this year, our company president introduced Quint Studer’s Nine Principles for Organizational Excellence and invited leaders across the organization to [...]
Seasonal Safety: Preparing Teams for Winter Work Conditions
As winter approaches, AEC teams face a unique set of challenges that can affect everything from worker well-being to project schedules. Cold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and icy conditions require a heightened focus on safety [...]
Winter Means Budget Season: Planning Resources, Staffing, and Project Pipelines for the Year Ahead
As temperatures drop and the pace of outdoor work shifts, winter becomes more than just a change in weather for AEC firms—it signals the beginning of budget season. This is the time when leaders assess [...]
Thankful for the Hands That Build: AEC Appreciation Ideas
As we enter the Thanksgiving, it’s a natural moment for showing appreciation to the people who help move our industry forward. The AEC community is built on teamwork, trust, and an incredible amount of hard [...]
Keep Your Pipes Flowing This Holiday Season: Illinois American Water Shares Safe Disposal Tips for Fats, Oils & Grease
With holiday cooking in full swing, Illinois American Water is reminding residents to take simple steps to protect their home plumbing and community wastewater systems. The key? Properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease—commonly known [...]
Midwest Construction Outlook: From Record Highs to Realignment
The Midwest’s nonresidential construction market is on track for a historic peak in 2025, with total starts projected to reach $145.5 billion before moderating to $126.9 billion in 2026 and stabilizing near $131.5 billion [...]
2026 AEC Readiness Closer to Home
Here are some of the greatest threats facing the construction industry heading into 2026 — especially relevant for the AEC world you move in — along with how firms (and you, as a leader) might [...]
Avoiding the “Recency Trap” During End Of Year Reviews
Performance reviews are supposed to reflect an employee’s work over an entire year—yet, all too often, they mostly reflect the last few weeks or months. That’s the recency trap: when the most recent wins (or [...]
Building Strong AEC Teams for the Year Ahead
As the year winds down, many Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms are taking a hard look at their project pipelines, workforce needs, and strategic plans for the new year. With bids being prepared, new [...]
How to Turn Mistakes into Momentum
In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, precision is everything. From early design sketches to the final project punch list, each decision carries weight. Yet even with the most detailed planning, mistakes can — [...]
Succession Planning in Construction: Passing the Torch Effectively
In an industry built on precision, collaboration, and experience, one of the greatest challenges facing construction and design firms today isn’t just supply chain issues or new technology—it’s people. Across the country, the construction workforce [...]
Why Workers Take Risks: Behavioral Insights for Safer Construction Sites
Even the most experienced construction professionals sometimes take unnecessary risks on the job site. While safety protocols, PPE, and equipment inspections are crucial, human behavior plays a massive role in workplace safety. Understanding why workers [...]
Bringing Nature In: How Biophilic Design Is Shaping the Future of Architecture
We spend nearly 90% of our lives indoors—but our minds and bodies are hardwired for nature. That disconnect has fueled one of the most powerful movements in modern architecture: biophilic design. In 2025, this human-centered [...]
Designing the Neighborhoods of Tomorrow: Trends Shaping 2025 and Beyond
Neighborhoods are evolving faster than ever. Changing lifestyles, rapid urbanization, and technological innovation are reshaping how we live, work, and move through our communities. For architects, planners, and developers, understanding these trends is essential to [...]
Managing Year-End Burnout and How to Recharge
For professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction, the end of the year can feel like a sprint to the finish line. Tight project deadlines, client presentations, permit approvals, and year-end reporting often pile up just [...]
When “Control the Message” Becomes “Muzzle the Conversation”
By Kelly Jackson It’s ironic, isn’t it? In an age when everyone preaches transparency and collaboration, some organizations still think they can control every word that gets said about them. Lately, I’ve noticed an uptick [...]
Spooky Career Mistakes to Avoid: A Halloween Guide to Professional Growth in AEC
The ghosts and ghouls aren’t the only things that can haunt you this season—career missteps can be just as frightening. Whether it’s cobwebs in your résumé, a vanished network, or getting too cozy in your [...]
The Most In-Demand Skills for AEC Professionals in 2026
The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is in the middle of a massive transformation. Rapid technological innovation, evolving sustainability goals, and shifting workforce dynamics are redefining what it means to be a modern professional. [...]
Cold Season’s Coming — Don’t Let Your Team Go Down With It
It’s officially that time of year — when one person sneezes in the office and suddenly everyone’s drinking tea and pretending it’s “just allergies.” Between fall pollen, temperature swings, and the germs that seem to [...]
The Great Handoff: Making Project Turnover Less Painful
The moment a construction project wraps and turns over to operations should be a victory lap — not a wrestling match. Yet, in commercial construction, the handover phase is often where things unravel. Missing documentation, [...]
Networking for Introverts — How to Build Genuine Connections
When most people think about networking, they imagine loud conference rooms, boisterous cocktail hours, and crowds of people competing to make the biggest impression. But here’s the truth: networking isn’t about being the loudest voice—it’s [...]
How to Get the Most Out of Industry Events and Roundtables
If you’ve attended an SLC3 event—like our Owners Roundtable or Networking Happy Hour—you already know how powerful in-person connections can be. These gatherings bring together professionals across the AEC industry to share ideas, exchange insights, [...]
HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY OR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY?
Here’s the scoop (no sugar-coating): whether Missouri or Illinois “observe” Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day is a mixed bag. It depends on which “level” you mean (state, local, school districts), and “observe” can [...]
Lessons Learned from Complex Infrastructure Projects
Infrastructure projects—whether sprawling highways, cutting-edge airports, or iconic bridges—are among the most challenging undertakings in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. Their scale, complexity, and impact mean that the success or failure of these [...]
How Sustainable Design Is Transforming Urban Development
Cities are evolving—and sustainability is leading the way. Around the world, architects, engineers, and builders are reimagining how communities can grow responsibly, balancing development with environmental stewardship. The result is a new era of urban [...]
PROJECTS REQUIRE TEAMWORK, BUT ARE YOU REQUIRED TO KNOW HOW?
Okay, I know you know what teamwork is but is your team working? Could it work better? Is it new? Is it adversarial? Is it effective? Here are three key steps for a more successful [...]
5 Macro Trends Impacting the Future of the Building Materials Industry
The building materials industry isn’t what it was even five years ago—and the next five will be more transformational than most realize. Between climate imperatives, labor challenges, tech leaps, and shifting economics, materials makers, distributors, [...]
