As architects and engineers seek to design in alignment with ESG goals, wood offers immense potential. Learn why wood from sustainably managed forests is not just renewable but actually aids in fighting climate change.

Key Points:

• Silviculture protects native forests by providing a sustainable, renewable source of building materials

• Engineered wood products (mass timber) lock in carbon, providing a carbon-negative construction solution

• Responsibly managed forests promote biodiversity, restore degraded landscapes, and improve overall environmental health

Why It Matters: Choosing sustainable materials like engineered wood empowers you to design beautiful, innovative structures that also leave a lighter footprint. It's a solution that benefits both your clients and the planet too.

Ever struggle to bridge the gap between your design vision and the practical realities of construction? 

Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D models provide a complete pre-construction view of your project, down to the smallest details. This level of visualization drastically improves coordination between architects, engineers, and contractors.

Early-stage collaboration with BIM reveals potential conflicts and inconsistencies before construction begins. The result? Fewer costly change orders, smoother construction processes, and happier clients. BIM gives you the foresight to optimize your designs while controlling costs and timelines.

Successful leadership isn't about always being right or having all the answers. It's about creating an environment of collaboration, trust, and learning from failure. This requires ditching rigid mindsets and embracing vulnerability within your team.

The notion of a single "best" way to lead is flawed. Your leadership style should be adaptable and focused on empowering your team. As architects and engineers, we thrive on problem-solving and refining solutions – apply that same principle to growing as a leader.

As entrepreneurs, we often focus on building our skillset - but what about building the right team? This "Who Not How" philosophy is changing the game for businesses.

Key Points:

• Define project goals, then find the right specialists ("Whos") to achieve them, freeing you up for bigger-picture strategies

• Delegate meaningful challenges tailored to each team member's strengths, creating growth and loyalty

• The "Who Not How" approach accelerates innovation within your team and supercharges partnerships across the industry

Why It Matters: In the design and construction world, complex projects demand specialized expertise. Welcoming collaboration puts the best talent at your fingertips, improving project outcomes and client satisfaction. 

In a world of constant distractions, maintaining focus is critical to avoiding burnout and maximizing productivity. Technology can be both an asset and a drain on our time. The pressure to always be "on" is taking a toll, especially in deadline-driven industries like design and engineering.

This piece outlines six practical time management hacks to regain control of your workday. From strategic task grouping to simple techniques like "airplane mode," these strategies can help you create a more focused and balanced work environment.