December 7, 2023
ABCG Partners deepens agriculture and construction OEM competence with Kendall Cross collaboration

ABCG Partners deepens agriculture and construction OEM competence with Kendall Cross collaboration

Kendall Cross, an accomplished consultant with a background in agribusiness, joins forces with leading consultancy ABCG Partners to drive international growth, particularly among agricultural and construction machinery OEMs. On-and-off highway commercial vehicle industry consultancy ABCG Partners has announced that it is to collaborate with Red River Ag Consulting, as part

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Getting ready for Net Zero: SKA announces new board and governance

Getting ready for Net Zero: SKA announces new board and governance

This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical

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How Managed Services Can Help Your Architectural Firm

How Managed Services Can Help Your Architectural Firm

Over time, the workflow in architectural firms has begun to rely more on digital input than traditional means. Of course, this often results in technical hiccups that are best addressed by professionals, which is where managed IT services enter the picture. These services are part of a third-party team that

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

December 7, 2023

ABCG Partners deepens agriculture and construction OEM competence with Kendall Cross collaboration

ABCG Partners deepens agriculture and construction OEM competence with Kendall Cross collaboration

Kendall Cross, an accomplished consultant with a background in agribusiness, joins forces with leading consultancy ABCG Partners to drive international growth, particularly among agricultural and construction machinery OEMs. On-and-off highway commercial vehicle industry consultancy ABCG Partners has announced that it is to collaborate with Red River Ag Consulting, as part of its policy to partner with specialist partner firms and early and mid-career practitioners.  Kendall Cross-Treadwell is the founder of Red River Ag Consulting. She is a forward-thinking beef producer and agricultural business advisor, with solid personal and professional experience up to enterprise level understanding. Kendall’s prior work in finance, labor relations and business development bring a diverse and holistic perspective to business strategy and operations. She focuses on actionable insights that distill complex principles into consumable and meaningful takeaways to a range of agribusiness and construction OEMs.  Kendall Cross/Red River Ag Consulting has now entered into an alliance with ABCG Partners, where she serves as head of engagement and success management, contributing her experience in CRM, client management, marketing and project management. Deep farming and ranching roots  Raised among the farming and ranching community of rural Oklahoma, USA, Kendall’s passion for agriculture and business led her to the prestigious Cornell University, where she earned a dual degree in industrial labor relations and agribusiness management. This was followed by experience in finance, before gaining a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University – and an MBA from Indiana University.  Kendall’s recent professional experience includes working for compact equipment leader Kubota, where she worked with ABCG Managing Partner Alan Berger, before she founded Red River Ag Consulting.  Commenting on their new collaboration Kendall says: “I am thrilled at this opportunity: it’s a great prospect to continue the great work Alan and I have done in the past – and to bring value to our clients on a global scale.” ABCG’s Managing Partner Alan Berger, himself the ex-CTO of CNH Construction and Volvo Construction Equipment, is equally pleased with the collaboration. “Kendall has a proven track record of success and is committed to the farming and construction communities. She and Red River Ag Consulting are a welcome addition to our resources and I’m confident our collaboration will deliver extensive value added to our clients.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Smart Spaces wins Santander Technology Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards 2023

Smart Spaces wins Santander Technology Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards 2023

Smart Spaces announces today that it has won the Santander Technology Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards 2023 – an annual event which honours the UK’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and high growth SME businesses. Smart Spaces won because the judges were impressed by how much it had grown in such a short period of time. Its smart building operating system (OS) is leading the market helping to support customers meet their ESG goals and has subsequently established the UK as a world leader in smart building delivery. Now in its 26th year, the Growing Business Awards took place at an exclusive gala and dinner ceremony on Wednesday 29 November at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in London. Dan Drogman, Smart Spaces’ chief executive officer, says, “Our ambition is to be the world’s leading smart building operating system for commercial real estate.  We’re rapidly realising this goal as evidenced by our recent business performance and the future pipeline of projects we’re working on. Winning the Santander Technology Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards makes us extremely proud given it’s a respected external third party highlighting and endorsing what we’ve achieved.” Key success highlights Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Getting ready for Net Zero: SKA announces new board and governance

Getting ready for Net Zero: SKA announces new board and governance

This month SKArating is announcing an exciting change in its leadership and governance, as well as new plans to scale up to support the growing need to reshape sustainability in the fit-out world. Developed in 2008 to help landlords and tenants systemise sustainability and assess fit-out projects against a practical sustainability rating system, SKA is unique in that it is driven exclusively to make a positive impact.  At the heart of SKA is a toolkit and assessment criteria that is free to use – costs are covered via training and certification.  The scheme has now supported more than 12,000 fit-out projects to make responsible decisions. SKArating was initially developed by a group of industry professionals led by Skansen and supported by RICS and AECOM to focus on sustainability in fit-out, primarily in the commercial office, higher education, and retail space.  The underlying philosophy of SKArating has always been to encourage all in the supply chain to make small changes in a practical way today.  To establish SKArating in the market, RICS provided a platform to incubate the scheme, host information, and support the rating and certification process.  The changes announced this week will see SkArating trade as an independent “not-for-profit” business. The new board is formed from people with a long-standing association with the scheme.  Elina Grigoriou has chaired the SKArating Technical Committee since the scheme was first launched in 2008, and served on the SKArating Development Board as well as delivering the training of SKArating assessors.  She is joined by Joe Croft, Charlie Law and Dave Wakelin who have been members of the Technical Committee for many years, and Iain McIlwee who has joined the board, cementing the Finishes and Interiors Sector’s strong association with the scheme.  The Board has supported SKArating through its incubation with RICS and provides continuity as the scheme takes its next steps.  SKA provides: The way SKArating operates will not be affected.  Assessments will continue to be certified as they were under RICS’s stewardship.  Assessors will continue to receive the same technical support that they have previously enjoyed through RICS, with updated processes for assessor accreditation and CPD.  However, the board has plans to update the SKArating schemes to respond to an increasingly climate-aware fit-out industry, and to expand the sectors that SKArating can be used in.  The board will be reaching out to industry experts, SKArating users, assessors, and clients to help develop the next iteration of the tool and the various schemes. Chairperson of the new SKA Board Elina Grigoriou stated: “This is an exciting time in the evolution of SKA. After 15 years developing the product and building awareness, we are now ready to step out on our own and work with our amazing community to take this scheme to the next level. With SKA now firmly established, it is time to take the next step and RICS has supported the leadership group to establish SKA as an independent social value business. “All of us on the new Board and our Technical advisors are passionate and committed to remaining true to the SKA values for its future direction. SKA will remain owned by the industry and run as a “not-for-profit” ensuring it is always acting in the best interest of the market.” Commenting on the changes, Janine Cole, Sustainability & Social Impact Director at Great Portland Estates plc stated: “GPE have used SKArating for several years and has supported the business in improving the sustainability performance of our smaller refurbishment projects. The flexible nature of the scheme makes it ideal for this type of project, as a result, it was recently included within “Our Brief for Creating Sustainable Spaces” as a requirement for our on floor fit out schemes. We look forward to working with the SKArating Board as they develop the scheme.” Ben Stubbs, Head of Sustainability (Built Environment) at UCL added: “At UCL, all our project teams are accountable for their impacts across a broad range of sustainability indicators. We recognise Ska’s potential to help us further reduce our impacts as we continue to update our institutional targets.” More details on the SKArating is available here: www.skarating.org Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How Managed Services Can Help Your Architectural Firm

How Managed Services Can Help Your Architectural Firm

Over time, the workflow in architectural firms has begun to rely more on digital input than traditional means. Of course, this often results in technical hiccups that are best addressed by professionals, which is where managed IT services enter the picture. These services are part of a third-party team that takes care of general tasks that would be handled by an in-house expert otherwise. Managed services operate on a subscription or contract basis and are often more well-equipped to tackle technological setbacks. After all, keeping up with the latest updates in the IT field can distract an architectural firm a little from its priority tasks, such as ensuring the security of their systems through solutions like Industrial VPN Routers. Here’s a complete breakdown of how managed services can be helpful for your architectural firm and why they are an essential part of the industry. 8 Ways A Managed Service Can Help Your Architectural Firm Statistics indicate that an organization may spend up to even $9,000 per minute due to system downtime. So, it’s paramount for an architectural firm to prevent their systems from losing functionality. That is where managed services can be helpful. Managed services primarily deal with technological updates and potential setbacks, allowing an architectural firm to stay competitive without having to worry about technological leaps and issues. One of the most prominent benefits of such services is that they allow architectural firms to focus on operation and administrative management instead. This makes managed services an effective way of saving time, effort, and money. Here are eight ways a managed service can help your architectural firm: Why Managed Services Are Essential For Architectural Firms You should look for the following qualities in a managed service provider: Final Words The shift from analog to digital tools in architectural firms has made it necessary for them to have a team dedicated to technological experts. A prominent benefit of hiring a managed service is its ability to take the weight of handling technical issues away from the management team. Not only does this help the top brass of the firm focus on more pressing matters, but it also helps streamline company operations. Moving forward, one can expect managed services to become a mainstay at architectural firms for their reliable nature and expertise. After all, as technology advances, so do the issues that accompany it.

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Building Resilient and Adaptive Commercial Structures in the Face of Climate Change

Building Resilient and Adaptive Commercial Structures in the Face of Climate Change

Architects and designers face a significant challenge in the ever-changing world due to climate change. They play a vital role not just in creating visually appealing structures but also in ensuring resilience and adaptability to environmental shifts.   Rising temperatures, heightened extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are becoming more evident and impactful. To address the global impact of climate change on our surroundings, architects’ and designers’ responsibility should also go beyond aesthetics.   Designing for Resilience  In architecture, resilience pertains to a structure’s capability to withstand and recover from unforeseen events. Amidst climate change, this entails constructing buildings that can withstand extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, floods, and heat waves. Key principles to consider include:  Site Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the building site, considering historical weather patterns and anticipated climate changes to inform design decisions.  Elevated Foundations: In flood-prone areas, contemplate elevating the building above potential water levels—providing protection from flooding and enhancing ventilation.  Natural Ventilation and Cooling: Integrate natural ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on energy-intensive mechanical systems. Passive cooling techniques, such as shading and reflective surfaces, contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment.  Durable Materials: Opt for materials capable of withstanding climate change impacts, such as high winds, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations—enhancing the building’s lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.  Adapting to Evolving Conditions  Adaptability is another crucial element in designing commercial structures amid climate change. A building’s ability to adapt to changing conditions ensures its longevity and relevance. Strategies for creating adaptable systems include:  Flexible Spaces: Design spaces that can easily adapt to changing needs, employing flexible floor plans and modular designs to facilitate adjustments without major renovations.  Green Roofs and Access Doors: Integrate green roofs and access doors like the XPA exterior flush access panel for easy access to maintenance, reduced heat absorption, and biodiversity promotion—contributing to energy efficiency and natural buffers against extreme temperatures.  Smart Building Systems: Incorporate smart building technologies responsive to real-time environmental conditions, optimizing energy usage for heating, cooling, and lighting based on the current climate.  Water Management: Implement efficient water management systems to address shifting precipitation patterns, incorporating rainwater harvesting, porous surfaces, and sustainable drainage solutions to mitigate heavy rainfall impacts and prevent flooding.  Collaboration and Innovation  Constructing resilient and adaptive commercial structures requires collaboration and ongoing innovation within the architectural and design community. Sharing best practices, learning from previous projects, and staying abreast of emerging technologies are crucial in addressing climate change challenges. Key considerations include:  Professional Networks: Active engagement in professional networks and industry conferences enables architects and designers to exchange ideas and experiences, learning from peers’ successes and failures to inform better design decisions.  Research and Development: Allocating resources to research and development fosters the exploration of new materials, construction methodologies, and technologies. This investment aims to enhance a building’s resilience, ensuring a proactive stance in an ever-evolving field.  Challenges in Designing Resilient and Adaptive Commercial Structures for Climate Change  Architects and designers face many challenges that encompass the realms of design, construction, and maintenance—all integral to developing buildings capable of enduring the impacts of a shifting climate.  Budget Constraints  Designing and constructing resilient structures often comes with additional costs. Using durable materials, advanced technologies, and sustainable features may require a higher initial investment. Striking a balance between creating a resilient building and staying within budget constraints is a continuous challenge for architects and designers.  Regulatory Hurdles  Navigating complex and ever-evolving building codes and regulations can pose a significant challenge. These codes may only sometimes align with the innovative and adaptive design strategies needed to address climate change. Advocating for and influencing regulatory changes to accommodate sustainable and resilient practices is an ongoing struggle.  Limited Data and Predictions  Climate change brings uncertainties and challenges related to predicting future weather patterns accurately. Architects and designers often need more data on the long-term effects of climate change in specific regions, making it challenging to anticipate the exact environmental challenges a building may encounter over its lifespan.  Educating Stakeholders  Convincing clients, developers, and other stakeholders of the long-term benefits of resilient design can take time and effort. The immediate costs and benefits often take precedence over the future-proofing aspects of a building. Architects must effectively communicate the value of resilient and adaptive features to gain support and approval.  Integration of New Technologies  Rapid advancements in technology offer promising solutions for creating resilient structures. Yet, seamlessly incorporating these technologies into building design and construction practices requires time and effort. Architects and designers must stay updated on technological advancements and devise effective strategies for their implementation.  Project Scale and Complexity  The scale and complexity of commercial projects can pose significant challenges in achieving resilience. Large-scale structures, such as shopping malls or office complexes, may require extensive planning and coordination to implement resilient features across the entire property. Coordinating various systems and components to work harmoniously can be a logistical challenge.  Long-Term Maintenance  Resilient design is not a one-time effort; it requires ongoing maintenance and adaptation. Ensuring that building owners and operators understand the importance of maintenance for the longevity of resilient features can be challenging. With proper upkeep, the effectiveness of these features may remain high over time.  Balancing Adaptability and Aesthetics  Striking a balance between creating aesthetically pleasing structures and incorporating adaptive features can be challenging. Some resilient design elements, such as elevated foundations or protective barriers, may impact the visual appeal of a building. Architects must find creative ways to integrate adaptive features seamlessly into the overall design.  Global Collaboration  Climate change is a global challenge that must have collaborative efforts. Architects and designers must collaborate across borders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices. Overcoming logistical and cultural differences to create a unified approach to resilient design is an ongoing challenge.  Conclusion  As architects and designers, the responsibility to create resilient and adaptive commercial structures in the face of climate change is significant. By integrating principles of resilience and adaptability into design practices, construction professionals can contribute significantly to a sustainable and enduring

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