Sheet metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association

Architecture firm billings growth slowed in October but remained positive for the 13th consecutive month, according to The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The first time Kansas City-based A. Zahner Company used robotics on one of its architectural metal work projects came nearly 10 years ago. The design of a high-end condominium building in New York included 300 stainless steel panels that measured two feet deep by four feet tall by 16 feet long.

When the University of Central Missouri partnered with local schools to build the new Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC), they wanted to create a distinctive building design that encompassed “innovation” to showcase the new educational program.

ASMS’s decision to make their own panels and Local 36’s support reflects a national SMART union trend to expand ACM and MCM paneling fabrication by sheet metal contractors.

MG McGrath Inc. recently completed the most visible, and stunning, elements of the new $524 million Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center, fabricating and installing a total of 317,000 square feet of metal panels on the unique exterior of the new Milwaukee landmark.

“Challenging” is a major understatement for the award-winning architectural work performed by SMACNA architectural contractor CMF Inc. of Orange, California, on Apple Inc.’s innovative $5 billion new Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Streamlining the process of designing building projects, virtual design and construction not only provides a greater sense of collaboration and common purpose among collaborators, it builds trust, improves communication, and simplifies information-sharing between stakeholders.

The International Training Institute’s Strike Force training delivers tailored instruction to increase craftspersons skill levels on the double.

Architecture firm billings rose for the seventh consecutive month, with the pace of growth in April increasing modestly from March, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) May Architecture Billings Index (ABI).

In recent years, sports stadiums have become showcases for green design. An added benefit of environmentally friendly arenas is they are cheaper to operate.

The Metal Construction Association recently presented the Chairman’s Award to SMACNA member MG McGrath, Maplewood, Minnesota, for their sleek wall panel work on the renovation to the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.

Even a company that specializes in artistic projects can tackle a demanding project that challenges the company to take it to a higher level of skill, artistry, and complexity.

Some projects bring a sense of personal achievement that goes beyond the satisfaction of a job well done. Providing sheet metal elements for the new Detroit Red Wings stadium, now Little Caesar’s Arena, was just such a project for Glenn Parvin, president of SMACNA member Custom Architectural Sheet Metal Specialists (CASS) in Detroit, and for members of Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 80 who worked on the job.

Virtual design and construction (VDC) is a revolutionary change in the way the construction industry does its work. It is as dramatic a change as when the industry switched from pen-and-paper blueprints to CAD drawing, however VDC brings widespread efficiency and quality improvements across all aspects of a project.

Recommended industry links from SMACNA's Architectural Council.