News release

A/E/C Insights webinar returns Dec. 3 with construction industry trends and forecasts

The A/E/C Insights collaboration between The Builders’ Association and American Institute of Architects (AIA) Kansas City continues with a free webinar Thursday, Dec. 3 from 10-11 a.m. Representatives from both associations will come together to discuss the coronavirus pandemic’s local and national impacts on the construction industry

Ken Simonson, Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist, and Michele Russo, LEED AP and AIA Managing Director of Research and Practice, will forecast what the ongoing pandemic means for architecture and construction, providing interaction and collecting real-time data during the event through live surveys to give a snapshot look at the economic state of the industry.

In addition to national data, Simonson and Russo will also review Kansas and Missouri data and projections. Ryan Warman, Chief Operating Officer/Senior Project Manager with Pearce Construction and AIA Kansas City Board President, will moderate.

“Our data shows that the months-long pandemic is undermining demand for projects, disrupting vital supply chains and clouding the industry’s outlook,” Simonson said. “We know that shedding a light on these trends, including what to expect on the horizon, is key for the industry to be able to plan and weather the storm.”

Warman’s company, Pearce Construction, is a member of both Builders’ and AIA KC, and he noted the importance of the two, closely tied industries working together toward growth.

“It’s great to see more events like this where architecture and construction collaborate and share resources for the benefit of helping all companies under the industry umbrella,” Warman said. “I’m looking forward to facilitating a great discussion with two of the leading data analysts in our field.”

Click here to register for this event.

About the panelists

Simonson has more than 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to over 50,000 subscribers.

Russo is responsible for advancing architectural research and practice prosperity, providing insights on disruptive trends and overseeing AIA's business intelligence and economic work. She previously worked for Dodge Data & Analytics, where she ran the SmartMarket market research program providing data and intelligence on AEC industry trends, most notably sustainable design and construction.

About the Builders’ Association

Since 1887, The Builders’ Association has been committed to improving people’s lives through construction. Builders’ is a nonprofit trade association on a mission to advance the industry and the broader community. Serving mid-America, the association’s hundreds of member companies employ over 25,000 people. As a catalyst for collaboration, Builders’ connects passionate people and businesses.

About the Kansas City Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America

The association’s sister organization, the Kansas City Chapter, Associated General Contractors of America, currently represents 120 firms in the heartland region and is part of the AGC of America, the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States.

Visit The Builders’ Association online at www.buildersassociation.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About American Institute of Architects Kansas City

In continuous operation since 1890, AIA Kansas City supports its members, advances the value of the architecture profession, and improves the quality of the built environment. With nearly 1,200 members and 75 Member Firms in the Kansas City region, AIA Kansas City provides services and benefits that empower architects to create environments that enhance quality of life and our collective future.