Building Conversations

Taking the Lead to Return to the Workplace

As COVID-19 shifted what a “workplace” should look like, organizations across the globe have mobilized to pull together new protocols and practices for their workspaces as they consider when and how to bring back staff. In April, the Govan Brown team began discussing this very challenge with clients, many of whom really weren’t sure how to approach their return. Join Govan Brown’s SVP of corporate development, Trevor Howie, as he interviews VP of human resources and CSR, Sarah Paul, and special projects manager, Jordan Winter, about how they turned Govan Brown’s own COVID-19 playbook into a guide to help their clients and nonprofit partners return to the workplace.

A Look at AEC Remote Learning with ENR

In construction, the best education is the one you get on the job. But in a world where remote learning is the only option, how is the AEC industry—particularly the hands-on field of construction—teaching, mentoring, and hiring students and new graduates? That’s what Debra Rubin, ENR’s Editor-at-Large for management, business, and the workforce, was hoping to find out when she reached out to Greg Dunkle, CAO of STO Building Group, back in September. Now as the college semester is coming to a close, Greg and Debra reconnected to discuss her findings.

The Post-Pandemic Workplace

With millions still working from home, what does the post-pandemic workplace look like, and how is the corporate interiors market preparing for this new normal? Join Executive VP of STO’s Global Services group, Robert Leon, and STO’s Director of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, as they discuss the pandemic’s impact on commercial real estate, design, and construction—from short-term infection control measures and tech solution to new sustainability, wellness, and safety standards.

Construction Across the Tri-State

When New York shut down construction earlier this year, Connecticut and New Jersey followed suit—or so it seemed! With active projects in New York, New Jersey, and across Connecticut, Pavarini North East juggled three sets of state guidelines and continued building in several COVID hotspots. Join PNE’s director of operations, Brian Boyce and director of project administration, Katlyn Tracey, to find out what it was like to continue operating while surrounded by shutdowns. 

Mission Critical in the Age of Social Distancing

When the world transitioned to working, learning, and socializing from home in the blink of an eye, how did the internet—and its critical infrastructure—keep up? On this episode, we talk to Terence Deneny, VP of STO Mission Critical, about how internet providers, telecommunication firms, and social networking companies have handled the influx of traffic and how he thinks the pandemic will affect the future of mission critical real estate and construction.

Adapting to the New Normal On Site

What does a safe jobsite look like during a global pandemic? The construction industry has experienced mass shutdowns across several regions in the US but work in the Midwest and the South has ramped up. Layton Construction operates in both regions and is currently working at record volume. On this episode, join Paul Drecksel, COO, and Jeff Beecher, EVP of operations at Layton Construction to hear how they’ve been adapting their safety protocols on site and in real time.

Shutting Down and Gearing Up in Boston

From shutting down jobsites across entire cities in some regions, to working through the crisis in others, the construction industry has been turned upside down by the global pandemic. As the project community continues to navigate this new normal of heightened safety standards and mandated social distancing, we’re virtually interviewing construction leaders from across our markets to find out how they’ve responded to the changing circumstances. On this episode, the first in our new COVID series, join Mike Ryan, SVP of Structure Tone Boston, to hear what it was like to be the first city in the US to shutdown all jobsites.

The Evolution of Data

What’s changed in the European data center market since IBM opened its first international office in 1956? On this episode, join Jason Monks, Structure Tone Dublin’s in-house data center expert, and Garry Connolly, president and founder of Host in Ireland, as they discuss the evolution of data and data centers, the benefits of hosting digital assets in Ireland, and why Irish contractors are the top choice when it comes to designing, building, and operating data centers across Europe.

The Value of CRE Tech

In an age where landlords are more like hoteliers, how can commercial real estate technology enhance the tenant experience? On this episode, join Jonathan Schultz, an early-stage seed investor and thought leader in the CRE tech space, for a behind-the-scenes chat about the evolution of technology, opportunities for innovation within the AEC industry, and embracing change.

Bonus Episode: Building Hope with Make-A-Wish

How can the AEC industry band together to give back? Tune in to our special bonus episode to find out how NYC's real estate and construction community has joined forces with Make-A-Wish to bring joy to little New Yorkers living with critical illnesses.