While those early engineering concerns were perhaps more related to taming nature than protecting it, the more recent wholesale destruction of natural coastal ecosystems in countries around the world, where the financial aspects of land development potential and other economic drivers has often outweighed the future impact of such decisions, now leaves modern humans with a different challenge: the loss of land and the ensuing impact on communities. Looking at the United States alone, it is clear that action is needed.

At a time in human history when calculating the return on investment of protecting nature appears to be the latest free market trend (as if choosing between economy and ecology is an actual choice) unbridled population and industrial growth are speeding the deterioration of natural ecosystems. In some cases, that includes ecologies that hold the very soil beneath us in place. As the etymology of the root of both ecology and economy, oikos refers to any unit of land that is also a home—that includes buildings and all the humans connected to them. Within this context of the original meaning of economy, getting to the root of our challenge most likely means tidying up how we as a human family do our housekeeping.

According to estimates provided by the United States Climate Resilience Toolkit, courtesy of the Obama administration and made possible by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in collaboration with other federal agencies, the country pays around $150 million annually to help save beaches and protect shorelines from losing land mass. Moreover, the loss of coastal wetlands seems to be racing ahead, with losses amounting to around 80,000 acres per year. To help bring this image home, that equates turn-of-the-century losses to an area exceeding that of Rhode Island in just over a decade. Furthermore, its estimation of the monetary value of lost land due to shoreline destruction at the time of publication of this information was $500 million annually. In Africa, the loss of habitable land due to insufficient planning is reaping unwanted results, with displacement of human settlements and other adverse outcomes seriously affecting the social and economic welfare of communities.

The good news is that experts are working tirelessly to improve the situation globally, combining and applying their deep knowledge of a range of subjects to help salvage what can be saved. In the process, engineers and environmental specialists learned that creating “hard solutions” using concrete construction as the only flood and erosion control measures should be reserved as an extreme option, best avoided when possible. That is because hard construction often causes further damage due to sediment displacement following dispersed current energies causing beach erosion; interference with natural water courses; and the high cost of installation and maintenance.

As a result, experts stress the importance of combining such hard structures—where unavoidable—with the planting of effective vegetation like tidal marshes or plant-based options like coconut fiber rolls (coir logs), to create long-term, effective solutions. One of the positive outcomes of these findings is that mangroves are now back in the limelight after being considered economically worthless during the first half of the previous century. This time they feature as our true shoreline heroes, deserving protection as a top “soft solution” to coastal erosion.

Noted as being “the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the world” in an academic review by Choudhary, Dhar, and Pawase, the health and abundance of these complex systems are pivotal in climate management. Yet, according to conservation.org, over 60 percent of the planet’s mangroves have already been destroyed, alongside significant percentages of seagrass meadows and salt marshes—all life-giving carbon basins, storing what is referred to as blue carbon, without which some of the earth’s most valuable ecosystems are collapsing.

Mangroves flourish in high-saline waters and anoxic (oxygen-poor) soil that is regularly waterlogged, growing across 118 countries between 5°N and 5°S latitude in brackish water and intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coastal areas. “Mangroves are evolutionary marvels. They’re a critical part of most tropical, oceanic ecosystems,” Mark Huxham, an environmental biologist, told The Economist in a documentary on how scientists are saving a crucial mangrove forest in Gazi Bay, Kenya.

Mangroves have long been understood by aquatic botanists to play a crucial role in providing precious intertidal habitats that often act as nurseries for land and sea creatures, and oceanographers from around the world are tirelessly championing their cause. One such academic, Iyes Rahmani-Meraits, coastal and marine environment strategist, oceanographer, and subsea engineering expert, is passionate about raising awareness around the subject. “We need marine and coastal engineers and environmental engineers to protect [and restore] mangroves. It’s not only about protection; it’s also about how to include mangroves in planning when constructing,” he says.

“I can’t plan something, construct a hotel or something, without including mangroves’ environmental processes,” he continues. “This is the main difference between marine and coastal engineering and environmental engineering.” In his opinion, it would be good for universities to develop curricula that bring coastal/marine and environmental engineering together with an additional focus on the intertidal ecosystems.

As the possibility of establishing mangroves away from their original tropical and subtropical locations needs more research, the main focus of professionals in the field is to restore the damage done to existing swamps. Pointing out that habitat—rather than blue carbon—is their most priceless gift to the planet, Rahmani-Meraits is clear on the tremendous value that mangroves provide in terms of the fragile ecosystems they support. “The most important thing [about] mangroves is the habitat [they provide.] Some universities in the world focus their studies on blue carbon,” he says. Beyond the species such mangroves house, however, they also prevent erosion of coastlines caused by powerful weather events and ocean currents.

“With marine and coastal protection, we don’t need to be en vogue, or more concerned about what gets more [attention] at conferences. As a researcher, my target is classifying [issues] by importance,” he says.

As an environmental scientist working on the construction side of the field as partner and division manager for the visionary firm, Nelson Pope Voorhis, Brant Reiner is well-versed in the quandaries presented by such shoreline improvements. In his line of work around Long Island, New York, the issue of shoreline reclamation often involves properties that were built too close to the sea—in some cases as long ago as a century. Here, prolonged erosion typically results in bluffs that come under threat of being reclaimed by nature over time. In such cases, the ultimate choice is between protecting such properties or retreating.

As the latter is rarely possible in the case of older properties, protection and therefore “hard solutions” often remain the only option. To avoid such situations in modern construction, Reiner’s advice is to think ahead as far as possible. “Rising sea levels should be among the most important topics for people living close to coastal areas. We’re seeing it on projects from municipal levels through the private sector, dealing with it in multiple different ways,” he says, pointing out that, within the context of his profession, choosing a route to shoreline stabilization is dictated by the unique coastal system at hand and other circumstances.

When dealing with hard solutions, marine-sensitive materials protect the ocean and speed the repopulation of sea creatures and biodiversity while also supporting soft solutions through the establishment of erosion buffers like mussel beds, oyster banks, and the like. Considering that a decade ago, science.org reported 14 percent of the United States’ coastline to be reinforced with concrete, amounting to nearly 23,000 km back then, a more ecologically sensitive material was desperately needed. “Somewhere in the middle is where I tend to see most of the effectiveness of bridging [the gap between hard and soft solutions],” Reiner says. Living shorelines is where his true passion resides.

Far from being a mere romantic notion, living shorelines perform a crucial function in protecting coasts and property through their capacity to absorb the energies emitted by ocean currents, harboring high levels of biodiversity while protecting beaches from sediment displacement. While this is not always possible due to landscape or property challenges, to Reiner, it is the golden compromise one often seeks in such situations. Such solutions can comprise grey solutions like low-sill bulkhead-type structures holding a marsh across the intertidal zone. Moreover, considering surrounding aquatic life and supporting it while installing living buffering structures is paramount to the long-term success of such initiatives.

“The overall theme is [whether we can] provide a solution that has a long-term benefit and is adaptable to future potential influences from climate change, rising sea levels, and nature’s response to such remedies,” Reiner adds. While the conversation over hard versus soft solutions continues, what is amply clear is that more research and specialized education should be prioritized in marine spatial planning (MSP), including coastal protection.

The post Where Ecology and Economy Meet the Shore<p class="company">Exploring the ROI of Shoreline Protection</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

As climate change, motor vehicle traffic, and the liberal use of concrete in modern urban cityscapes drive up temperatures and carbon emissions to new heights, city planners are increasingly tasked with finding ways of incorporating better-designed green spaces while navigating growing urban density.

All green spaces are not gardens, and all gardens are not created equally. There are various formats that urban gardens can take to suit their environments and available resources. Looking at the function and efficiency of botanical gardens in such settings, one learns that these complex biospheres have far more to offer than simply fresh air, aesthetic appeal, and general respite from man-made materials.

It has become understood in recent years that greener cities are happier cities. Studies have also shown that well-designed, naturally cooler cities use less energy due to smarter urban planning. As Princeton University points out in an article on urban sustainability, cities are responsible for well over 60 percent of carbon emissions and use up to 80 percent of the current global energy demand—all while collectively occupying only about three percent of Earth’s surface.

A University of Surrey study examined engineered urban heat mitigation solutions employing natural elements like plants and water together with man-made structures, referring to the approach as ‘green-blue-grey infrastructure (GBGI).’ Amongst the many methods in this spectrum, these researchers identified botanical gardens as potentially being the most effective in cooling high-density urban areas. This is achieved by combining several inherent functions, including thermal insulation, transpiration and evaporation, and shade.

They also create opportunities for cultivating increased biodiversity across cityscapes. Following botanical gardens, which contribute temperature reductions of between 3.5 and 5°C, the paper also lists wetlands as providing 3.2 to 4.9°C reductions; green walls, or engineered greening, as providing reductions of around 4°C; and street trees making a difference of between 3 and nearly 4°C in greened areas.

A recent paper on China’s Shanghai Botanical Garden highlights the importance of such gardens as repositories of precious, rare, and threatened Indigenous flora where plants are protected and preserved for posterity in what is referred to as ex-situ conservation. There are also aspects of science education and research opportunities as well as horticultural functions that such gardens embody as public assets. According to this study, the ubiquity of urban botanical gardens indicates that city planners understand the value of these precious outdoor resources, with many aiming to popularize their use in the world’s cities even further.

As the paper also points out, the sustainability of such gardens, in part, depends on community involvement. Within this context, it is good to know that, beyond creating cooler outer living conditions in the concrete jungles of the planet, shady gardens are proven to provide humans with significant improvements in their well-being. Developing, maintaining, and nurturing botanical gardens in urban landscapes also means developing, maintaining, and nurturing the well-being of those attending to such tasks and those who enjoy their results, ultimately making these conscious acts of biophilia acts of symbiosis. In a tech-driven world where re-humanizing and re-enchanting the human experience is becoming imperative to our survival as a species, rewilding is a golden key—one that may well be found in the sanctuary of botanical gardens.

To this writer, the best news is that governments are open to the potent possibilities that botanical gardens hold for urban communities, especially when locals become physically involved in their creation and sustenance. To this end, in Canada, a 34-acre site is awaiting development in Ottawa. As the only city part of the G20 without a botanical garden, Canadensis, The Garden of Canada aims to give citizens access to a national garden of their own where science and education go hand in hand with enjoyment and beauty.

In the United States, according to the Convention on Biological Diversity, there are just under 300 botanical gardens across the country. Since 2020, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) in collaboration with the American Public Gardens Association awarded over $445,000 to scores of gardens around the country as part of its Urban Agriculture Resilience Program, a response to its mandate set out two centuries ago. As part of this mandate, USBG seeks to help Americans develop health and well-being, connect as communities, and educate through science and agriculture within city environments. To date, its website states it has delivered “690,000 pounds of produce, distributed more than 260,000 seedlings, and provided more than 46,000 hours of urban agriculture training to students, interns, and trainees.”

As humans increasingly awake to the reality that we are a part of—rather than apart from—nature, and scientists and planners seek ever more intelligent urban design, the words of the wisest sage I ever crossed paths with ring increasingly clear: may simpler living and higher thinking become the global maxim that guides society out of the woods of chaos we have constructed and into the promised land of genuinely civilized modernity. With a pinch of luck and much intelligence, establishing more botanical gardens across the globe may well become a metaphor for hope in achieving such a goal. Who knows—in the process, we may discover why the ancients ascribed the attributes of immortality, power, and wealth to similar little Edens.

The post Quelling the Heat – Inside and Out<p class="company">Botanical Gardens and Their Place in Urban Planning</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

“There was a demand for livable spaces within sheds,” says Chief Marketing Officer Matt Esh of the company’s early success. Starting off building hunting cabins and storage sheds in 2006, Zook’s founders recognized potential growth opportunities in partnering with home manufacturers—specifically of modular log cabins—with Zook being a retail face for product lines. Several key hires were made, including current CEO and partner Allan Fisher, who started as a sales rep at time. “He is a large part of the reason the company has grown to where it is at now,” states Esh.

Under Fisher, the company began building out its log cabin products throughout the U.S., and began producing some modern-style homes, finished with LP® SmartSide®, a treated engineered wood siding.

Styles for all tastes and budgets
Today, Zook is behind a diverse range of products, including log cabins, park models, modern cabins, A-frame styles, luxury mobile homes, log garages, and even glamping pods. A portmanteau of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping,’ glamping has grown in popularity for those wanting to be in nature while still having the comforts of home, with amenities like electricity and Wi-Fi. The market for small but comfortable products like the Vista Glamping Pod and Park Models took off about three and a half years ago.

Falling under the tiny home category, these units are certified with the RV Industry Association (RVIA). While codes vary from state to state, these units are often found in campgrounds and RV parks such as those in Florida. Measuring a maximum of 400 square feet, they are built on trailer chassis with axles attached. There is no foundation, and, like cars and trucks, these models receive a 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN). Since all municipalities have different zoning rules, Zook educates its customers on where models can be placed on their properties.

Starting off with traditional log and wood finishes, many models are now designed with a more modern look and feel. “Over the last three years, Park Models have really taken off, getting us into new markets and working with a clientele we’d never worked with before,” says Esh. All come with bathrooms, and depending on the model, feature one or two bedrooms and measure from 204 square feet (in the case of the Nook Studio) to 400 square feet, like the A-Frame Studio, The Aspen, The Pinecrest, and some other designs.

The demand for these small yet highly functional cabins skyrocketed during the pandemic with social distancing requirements amidst many people still wanting to be outdoors. For generations, campground owners have been fairly traditional, Esh explains; as they age, many are selling their campground to younger investors, who are re-imagining and changing the campground scene.

“Younger couples want to go glamping, and a modern Park Model is a cool getaway for people,” he says. “There’s a crowd of people who are still tent camping—and probably always will be—but there’s definitely a generation looking for that cool, sexy, unique stay they can post on Instagram. So, we feel like we are just getting our feet wet in that market, and there are a lot of good things to come.”

Zook Cabins provide plenty of different styles and sizes to meet the needs of all customers. Working with multiple manufacturers makes for faster lead times—approximately 10 to 12 months for larger homes. On the modular side, the company’s larger models are two-story homes, measuring 30 by 56 feet, at 2,500 square feet. Unlike smaller models, these are installed on permanent foundations. These single-family dwellings are sometime purchased as second homes, or by clients who are retiring. Depending on client needs, larger models can have up to four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Full range of services
Unlike some other companies who simply sell product, Zook Cabins has always taken pride in working with clients from initial design to completion. “The unique thing about us is we handle everything,” states Esh. On the modular side of the business, customers provide foundations, final utility hook-ups, and free-standing furniture and appliances. Zook works with them, using engineered drawings. “When you purchase a home from us, our team is going to deliver it, set it on the foundation, and do all the finished trim-out. When we are done with it, on the exterior you’re going to have a fully finished home. On the interior, you’re also going to have a fully finished home. Sometimes, on the second floor, there are certain spaces we don’t do; but for the most part, your home is ready to move into. We do offer that turnkey package, which makes us a one-stop shop.”

Homes from Zook Cabins are built in modules in one of the company’s manufacturing facilities under strict quality control. Modules are delivered on a flatbed to site, then craned from the flatbed onto a foundation.

Historically, some modular construction has had a bad reputation, but this is not at all the case with Zook Cabins. “When you deal with us, you’re getting a superior building that has been built in a controlled environment,” says Esh. This is especially important in America today, where there is a shortage of available skilled trades, such as carpenters. “In places like Colorado, you are going to be hard-pressed to get homes built within that spring/summer/fall cycle before your hard winters hit,” he explains. “And when a hard winter hits in Colorado—if your building is not climate-controlled at that point—you are asking for trouble, because you are very exposed to the elements.”

Amish values
Zook Cabins is in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, an area long known for its strong Amish craftsmanship. This Amish culture permeates throughout the company’s value system and is reflected in the outstanding quality of its buildings. “We have Pennsylvania Amish culture running pretty thick in our organization and in our construction practices,” says Esh. “We feel very strongly that we are building a stick-built home in our manufacturing facility and delivering it to your site. You get the same quality you would if you had a contractor doing the building.”

One of the greatest advantages of purchasing from Zook is the company’s commitment to providing structures that will last a lifetime. This is exemplified in many areas, including Zook’s warranty department. If a window breaks six months after the customer moves into a new home, there is always a staff member willing and able to provide help. “We err on the side of working with you past our said warranty date,” states Esh. On the modular side, the company provides a one-year warranty on everything in addition to any manufacturer warranties for metal roof, shingles and more. “We pride ourselves on answering the phone and finding solutions for our clients. We create friendships with our clients, and pride ourselves on the fact that we build a superior product and stand behind it.”

Unafraid to enter new markets, Zook Cabins is open to taking on even bigger, more complex homes and introducing more designs to the marketplace in the years to come. “It all plays together with the labor shortage,” says Esh. “People aren’t able to buy their dream home for the price they think they should be able to, and our latest model is a prime example of this. Maybe people have always dreamed of an A-frame style home; that’s hard to come by, because you need to have a really good builder to stick-build it for you. Well, we offer it, the first of its kind, in a modular capacity. We’re going to continue offering new styles—and solutions—to the market and keep leading in innovation.”

The post Smart, Sustainable Living<p class="company">Zook Cabins</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Headquartered in the Quad Cities, Iowa with offices in St. Louis and Kansas City, Russell enjoys a convenient, central location along with a strong national presence across 34 states. The company has completed more than $7 billion in commercial construction and development projects since James V. Russell founded it in 1983. Right after graduating from Iowa State University, Russell launched the business armed with just $10,000, a stack of business cards, a can-do attitude, and a willingness to take a risk. After landing a small remodeling job for a local hotel, the company found its footing and began to grow, quickly becoming a major player in the region and beyond.

The company’s core values have been foundational to its success. According to the Russell philosophy, people and safety come first, communication with clients is critical, and projects should always be delivered on time and on budget. “It’s living by our core values and ultimately putting into practice every day our client-centric nature,” Stack says of Russell’s secret to success. He adds that the team “sees the world from our clients’ eyes and provide them a high level of client-responsive concierge service. Travel with them where we need to travel with them, but still do it in a very safe, innovative, and a high-integrity way. Every day, we display some version or another of our core values.”

The company’s dedicated team members have also been key to the success of the business. “It’s so cliché, but it’s hiring the right people and really giving them the opportunity to grow the business,” says President Caitlin Russell. “Our team is, I believe, one of the best. I’m obviously biased, but our business is [set apart by] our people and their drive to make us better.”

As a family-owned company, this commitment to people can be traced back to the founder, whose appreciation of team members continues to positively impact the business every day. “If you had the opportunity to spend some time with Jim Russell, you’d know he’s very generous,” Caitlin Russell says. “He’s generous with our people here, and he’s so appreciative of everyone’s role in growing the company to what it is today. He started this in 1983 and quickly realized it takes more than just him to grow an organization like this. And so, there’s a lot of appreciation for our team and the teamwork that it takes to build the buildings we do.”

“It’s still a family and that’s felt daily,” Stack adds. “The culture is one that really does put a lot of emphasis on the mental and physical well-being of our team members.” This attitude permeates the entire organization. For example, “that core value of safety does not just entail fall safety or personal protective equipment (PPE) on a construction site, but it’s also making sure that our team members feel supported, have the correct mental health opportunities as needed so they can take care of their families,” says Stack.

This commitment has led to generous benefits and a company culture that encourages a healthy work-life balance. “Our flexibility for PTO has been something that our team members really value when it comes to being able to be 100 percent involved in their family lives, but at the same time, 100 percent engaged in their career, with an unlimited growth path there,” Stack says. “It’s a fun place to work.”

It is also a “fast-paced place to work, one that recognizes that we’re in it to win,” he adds, so employees have ample opportunity for personal growth and professional development. “We have leaders and team members that put a lot of emphasis on winning as a team.”

These two aspects of the company—drive and culture—have both been celebrated by the broader industry, with Russell being named among the Top 200 Contractors, the Top 90 Construction Management Firms, and the Top 36 CM Agent & PM Firms by Building Design + Construction (BD+C) Magazine as well as being highlighted as one of the Best Places For Working Parents and being honored with a Best Culture Award from Kudos® Inc.

The team’s commitment to “building relationships, people, and communities” has led it to supporting a number of charitable endeavors, says Stack. Russell actively supports the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, River Bend Food Bank, Girl Scouts, Children’s Therapy Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Family Resources, Big Brothers Big Sisters, World Pediatric Project, and many more worthy causes. Over 65 organizations have been positively impacted by Russell’s charitable involvement. The company donated over $200,000 in 2024 and has given more than $2.3 million to local non-profit and community service agencies in the Kansas City, Quad Cities, and St. Louis area since its founding.

Russell has achieved impressive growth over the last 42 years, and the company continues to expand. “We’ve probably seen at least two and a half times growth [over the past] five years,” Stack explains. “And the way that it is being accomplished is growth by intention. We’ve made investments in the organization in terms of technology, in people, in infrastructure, in resources, along with additional markets, adding the office here in St. Louis and an office in Kansas City. Those investments have set up Russell as an organization to have that kind of growth.”

The growth has a positive ripple effect throughout the community, making it win-win for both the company and the region. “By growing, we’re giving more opportunities for team members to build different projects and impact other communities. And so that’s why we grow,” says Russell.

When planning for the future, the team is eager to embrace emerging technology, particularly artificial intelligence. “I think that we will continue to advance from a technology perspective,” Russell shares. “AI is touching every industry, and technological advancement in our industry is going to be very important as it’s harder and more challenging to find the workforce to execute in the field. And I think, from an efficiency perspective in the office, AI and technology will be important for both Russell and our industry to continue to adapt. I think that continued growth into other markets and other sectors will be a continued focus of our organization.”

The team will also continue to focus on growing the company. “Our growth is very intentional, and it will continue to be so,” says Stack.

“We have the energy and desire to continue to make an impact in the Midwest region and across the country in our various sectors,” adds Russell. “We are looking forward to continuing to grow and provide opportunities for our team members.”

The post People and Passion – Committed to Growth, Innovation, and Community<p class="company">Russell</p> appeared first on Construction In Focus.

Whether it’s planning, engineering, or interior design, collaboration is key within this complete design team to integrate all system components into workable, sustainable solutions. The team executes the client’s vision with an integrated approach, fostering personal connections and recognizing the impact of furnishings, finishes, and colors on creating distinctive spaces that improve people’s lives, workplaces, and educational experiences.

The company has also instilled a sense of pride and belonging at work by prioritizing teamwork and professional growth. A Buddy Program and mentorships mean that new hires can connect with seasoned designers, making it easier for everyone to communicate at all levels.

“We’re a woman-owned firm founded by Ellen Bailey Dickson, while Robin Edward Whitehurst joined about a year later, which is where the company name comes from,” explains Karla Smalley, Principal. “The early work was a lot of residential and retail, and we grew into what their vision of the firm was, which is committed to serving clients that are mission driven, such as government, education, and military.”

When it comes to projects, the company embraces an approach whereby design begins with investigation, understanding each challenge a project may bring, explains Stephanie Allston, Architect. “This means creating an interconnected architecture on all levels: the ecology of the site and the people inhabiting it. Then we use our knowledge, expertise, and passion for innovative design to improve the built environment for the social good,” she says.

Bailey Edward’s historic preservation work echoes this approach, with projects such as the Pullman National Historic Site, located south of the city and enshrining the workman’s heritage. Other projects include the Illini State Park, and the company is currently working with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Lilly Foundation, hoping to help as much as it can with the preservation of Black churches in Alabama, California, and Kentucky.

“We’re also working on a couple projects in Champaign, one of which is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Altgeld Hall—higher education and more accessible spaces,” says Allston. “And there’s Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico, a project to make sure we’re respectful of that land and the heritage of that site, because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site as well.”

The company as a whole strives to embrace respect when approaching each and every project, she stresses. “I think a lot of what Bailey Edward stands for is understanding and being sensitive to the culture of each project, no matter how varying and how different it is.”

Being culturally aware also extends to the overall company culture, which enables the team to approach each project with the care and concern it deserves. “I think the company culture really focuses on supporting our staff in their creative ventures, in their education, and in the direction they want to take their careers,” says Smalley.

“We do have a lot of working groups aside from that to expand our company from the inside out as well,” Allston adds. This includes the Excellent, Meaningful, Beautiful group, designed to “create the highest quality product possible,” starting with the standards used to create Bailey Edward’s work. “We have a lot of people at our company interested in renderings and that technology, and it’s about finding those strengths and passions within the company, using that together, and collaborating to see how that can help benefit Bailey Edward as a whole.”

There is also the Drawing Standards Team for those who are more technically minded and want to look at standardizing some of the drawings Bailey Edward produces, along with the Well-Oiled Machine group, Culture Club, the Strategic Planning group, and the Healthy Building groups for those passionate about sustainability and the healthy buildings initiative.

And maintaining a strong company culture extends to other vital areas as well. Other architectural disciplines don’t necessarily require the high level of technical proficiency and subject-specific knowledge needed for historic preservation. To assist with such a challenging field, professional development is encouraged for all staff members, both administrative and technical. Every employee has access to paid education time and an educational stipend, which are scheduled and reviewed during the person’s yearly performance review. In addition to the stipend, staff members seeking an architectural license receive industry-leading study materials, mentorship from licensed architects, exam fee reimbursement, and a bonus upon obtaining their license through the company’s profession-specific licensing aid programs. Bailey Edward aims to eliminate as many barriers as possible between its employees and their licensure.

“Our staff have hands-on experience with tools like Matterport scanning and destructive and non-destructive testing,” adds Sara Gaum, Associate Principal. “We support licensure within our firm, which is extremely important in architecture because a lot of women do not get their licensure, and we have numerous licensed women architects within our firm.”

In terms of educating staff, the company also ensures there is a broad understanding of all areas, so even if someone leaves the company, they have a richer skill set and are better equipped to take care of these buildings throughout their career.

Bailey Edward is also heavily invested in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 commitment within the architecture community for carbon neutrality. “It’s a goal you can elect into in architecture firms across the country, looking at how this impacts design for buildings and our industry as a whole,” says Allston.

The main aim is carbon neutrality by 2030 and focusing on the design and performance of existing and new structures, utilizing a reporting and measuring system called the design data exchange (DDX) that helps track elements internally and shares data with AIA to track performance on project energy performance, something that’s very important to Bailey Edward as a firm.

“As far as historic preservation, a lot of it comes from assessing the existing building’s energy performance,” Allston explains. “We have historic buildings that may have unique structural elements that can affect energy, and the building’s age is going to affect material designs.” The goal is often to create a modern, efficient HVAC system and integrate it into the historic structure without ruining the character.

Bailey Edward stands out in this regard, differentiating itself in terms of its expertise and how it trains its staff, adds Gaum. It comes back to company culture and the desire to be supportive of staff. This includes providing a flexible work schedule. “If someone is going after license, there’s time set aside for them,” she says. “There’s compensation. There are things we put into our structure that are available to everybody but historically would maybe have been limited to men at other firms. But they’re not limited at our firm.”

“We try to keep it fair and equitable across all lines such as gender or race,” adds Smalley. “It’s just people doing a really great job at what they’re passionate about, and that’s really what we want to support.”

There is also an allowance for education to help those interested in various topics connected to historic preservation, such as an upcoming conference about window enclosures. This unique combination of company culture and supporting creativity and education has continued to serve the company over the years.

“It’s the hands-on learning as well,” says Allston. “It’s working with all of our staff members to train them in all of the different things we provide, whether it’s laser scanning or writing different reports like facility conditions assessments or historic structures reports, and training each of our staff members in how to do research too, especially because that’s important with our documentation of historic structures.”

Bailey Edward also boasts a very diverse portfolio, moving across sectors doing historic preservation work for the government and local municipalities, performing work for research institutions, and doing historic preservation in a building that is still being used for highly sensitive research.

“We’re also within healthcare,” says Gaum. “We do have a very diverse portfolio, and yet still have extremely qualified staff who are able to address challenges specific to those buildings.”

But it is the company’s unwavering dedication to preservation and comprehending why it is so vital that sets it apart in a society sometimes determined to destroy instead of defend.

“It’s important to preserve our history,” stresses Allston, adding that the Bailey Edward historic design philosophy is that buildings are the ‘visible history of our culture.’ “They’re storytellers. They’re reflections of our culture and the people that use them, the communities that have created them, and those people and communities that continue to use those buildings. We’re those buildings’ temporary caretakers, and it’s our responsibility and our passion to make sure those buildings and those stories endure for future generations, restoring them so they last the next 100 to 200 years.”

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Skilled in transforming common areas into breathtaking landscapes, the company’s outdoor spaces showcase elegance while maintaining maximum functionality. Paramount’s comprehensive solutions include custom gardens, durable hardscapes, and year-round property management for residential, multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties. Clients include residential homes, commercial and industrial spaces, retail centers, seniors’ residences, and condominiums—some comprising as many as 300 units.

Embracing the founding principle that the industry should prioritize exceptional customer service, Paramount brings knowledge, professionalism, accountability, and reliability to a field that doesn’t always value these qualities.

“We take a proactive approach,” says President Jamie Ward, “from our maintenance division to sales and project management, to integrating the customer’s ideas, to design, construction, building, finishing, and maintenance.”

This includes overseeing maintenance for projects on more than 500 properties across 30 cities in the expansive province. “It’s quite a feat for a single entity,” says Ward. “But we have a strong management team that undergoes extensive training. They ensure our employees are delivering exactly what our customers have asked for, what they’re paying for, and that the results match the expectations.”

That commitment to customer service was definitely put to the test recently during a massive snowstorm that hit most of Ontario in February. “That was one of the biggest challenges in the last few years,” Ward says. “We had probably close to 80 centimeters of snowfall across three storms in just six days.”

To manage the situation, Paramount’s crews visited most properties three times within a 24-hour period for the initial response, followed by a secondary run as snow continued to accumulate, and a final cleanup with salting. By the time the teams wrapped up, they had worked nearly 30 hours straight. “Then two days later, we did it all over again—and again two days after that,” says Ward.

Last year, he adds, the company did an average of 25 salts over all its cities, while this year it’s already into the high 30s locally and in the 40s and almost 50s in some northern cities. Managing the removal and relocation of massive snow volumes was another major task, with truck fleets ensuring safe and efficient transport away from residential and commercial areas.

To maintain its high customer satisfaction rates, Paramount is redefining industry expectations through its Customer Accountability Program (CAP). When team members arrive on site, they access job specifications unique to that property. CAP includes a colour-coded map tailored to the season and area, detailing tasks such as sidewalk clearing, driveway maintenance, or lawn care, along with a contract-specific checklist.

“They clock in when they arrive, they do what’s necessary on the site, they clock out when they leave, and it sends a message or live update to our clients to tell them exactly what we did,” Ward explains. “That’s something I don’t believe anybody else is offering. It’s something we created on our own.”

Condo managers in particular “absolutely love” the program, Ward says. They can wake up and see which properties were serviced and what work was completed, and receive real-time updates from each team member—from sidewalk crews to plow and salting operators. “Everything is tracked. It’s incredibly useful and sets us apart.”

This emphasis on transparency ensures customers receive exactly what they’ve paid for. “We do what we promise we’re going to do,” Ward emphasizes. “And clients are notified every time we service their property—winter and summer.”

To complement CAP, Paramount’s web-based Snowline Weather Alerts keep clients informed in advance of potential weather events, such as blizzards or freezing rain, announced by Environment Canada. The platform outlines the timing and frequency of service during events, all meticulously documented from start to finish. “It’s organized, reliable, and unlike anything else,” says Ward.

The entire service is something that sets Paramount apart from similar companies, he adds. “When our CEO founded the company, he wanted to do something different, a white-collar company in a blue-collar world,” Ward says. “And it pays off. In the end, everybody gets what they want and we’re delivering what they ask for.”

Paramount also listens to client concerns regarding sustainability, particularly around environmentally responsible de-icing products. “We get a lot of questions about what we use for melting ice,” says Ward. “We use eco-friendly products that are safe for concrete and pets. Jet Blue, for example, is popular with our condo boards for interior areas. It costs more, but it’s what they’ve requested—and we deliver.”

In landscaping, Paramount plants native species that are naturally adapted to their environments and uses mulch to conserve water, retain moisture, and reduce weeds. “Turning soil constantly dries it out,” Ward explains. “We focus on drought-resistant plants and minimizing water usage. It’s important to be mindful of resources.”

This commitment to service and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Paramount has earned 15 consecutive Readers’ Choice Awards across Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Flamborough, along with eight consecutive Consumer Choice Awards for Best Landscape Contractor in the Hamilton and Niagara regions. Most recently, the company was named Construction Business Review’s 2024 Landscaper of the Year for all of Canada—an outstanding recognition. It’s no surprise that Paramount is proudly celebrating its 20^th anniversary this April and continues to grow.

“We’re forever expanding a little bit further,” says Ward. “There’s been talk about some strategic acquisitions to expand our footprint closer to other provinces and perhaps into some of the bigger cities in other provinces we’ve done work in, such as Quebec.” To help achieve that goal, Paramount is working with particular product suppliers and looking at acquiring exclusive rights to the installation of certain structures.

Closer to home, Ward is also particularly proud of the company’s new showroom, constructed next to its shop, featuring a double pool, waterfall slide, three gazebos, a hot tub, and sauna. “We’re also building a tree house right now in the woods at the back of the yard,” Ward says of the structure raised almost 30 feet off the ground on giant logs and featuring a couple of rooms, a balcony, and a unique window looking out into the field. “It’s something else. It’s so that we can bring clients and show them what we do, and we can also send them pictures.”

The showroom is highlighted on the company’s website, along with its very own Design & Build Calculator. This feature is where prospective clients can explore everything from fire pits and outdoor kitchens to gazebos and a sunken bar beside the pool and get an idea of the estimated budget they will require when building their dream backyard. “It’s a great resource,” says Ward. “I’m proud of our web project—it lets people really see what we do.”

With an unwavering focus on quality, service, and sustainability, Paramount Landscaping has firmly established itself as an industry leader. From stunning landscape designs to innovative maintenance solutions, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in outdoor living. With a passion for excellence and a drive to exceed expectations, Paramount isn’t just shaping spaces—it’s setting the standard for the future.

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Celebrating 30 years in the piping industry, CCI Piping Systems is preparing for one of its biggest expansions at its facilities in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana to date. Making space for its growing stable of industry-leading innovations, this proud team enjoys driving growth while delivering the quality its name has become synonymous with. It also makes it a priority to excel at providing customers with the information they need to make informed decisions and ensure ease of ownership.

Providing markets across the United States, CCI Piping Systems works with around 20 independent sales representatives throughout the country who assist in keeping its growth robust. For this reason, this proud fabricator and supplier understands the value of building lasting relationships, including with associates beyond its customer base.

As markets have changed over the past few years, the company has also seen shifts at home. With its Chief Financial Officer bidding the office a warm farewell just last year after 20 years of outstanding service, the company’s financial department has especially had a lot to adapt to. Its leadership base is also in a period of transition. As a firm just about halfway through its 10-year succession plan, its acting President and CEO, Gene Cazayoux, remains a visible presence—which includes weekly lawn mowing duty with the help of Spicy, a most charming orange tractor.

Starting the company in 1995 as a pipeline coatings distributor, Cazayoux’s first claim to fame, ArmorCote U-Bolt, was exactly the ticket to success this forward-thinking entrepreneur had hoped for. He set out to build the company with a small team over the next decade. In 2006, his daughter, Claire Morley, joined the company’s ranks, bringing fresh ideas and setting up systems for improved efficiency. Her sharp sense of sales, marketing, and appreciation of people helps keep clients across the country aware of where to find the next-generation products. Starting with marketing, soon adding in sales, and eventually working her way up to leadership, she now proudly works aside her brother as Executive Vice President – Sales & Administration.

Today, CCI Piping Systems is bursting out of its seams and recently broke ground on a new 20,000-square-foot warehouse. Complete with 4,000 feet of administrative space, this space promises to launch the company onto an entirely new growth trajectory. That means future product lines will have the space and technology necessary to flourish. Moreover, there is enough space to continue building yet another facility.

Naturally, its leadership is over the moon with the firm’s good fortune as times are on the up for this close-knit team. “It’s fantastic. We’re [continuing] my father’s legacy and continuing to grow,” says Paul Cazayoux, Executive Vice President – Operations & Finance, of the company’s growth and three-decade milestone.

His fellow company leader, Lucas Johnson, Vice President of Operations, supports this sentiment. “We want to be as efficient as possible. We’ve grown so much that we could only add as much equipment as we had space.” As one of the original employees who helped establish the company, Johnson has witnessed its evolution. “My journey here has been remarkable. We work with a great group; we have a core group willing to go to any department at any time,” he says of the company’s culture of cross-training. “The group of people we work with is amazing.”

Johnson’s thoughtful leadership has played a significant role in the company’s success. In recognition of his work, Cazayoux celebrates his contribution to the firm’s longevity and success with sincerity. “With Lucas’ leadership—he’s been with us for over 20 years—he’s helped us navigate [this time]. With his guidance and the team that we have, we are set up for success,” he enthuses.

Customers can be assured of the team’s immediate and full attention at all times, thanks to the robust culture of care and consistency the company has built. With a qualified sales team handling incoming calls directly, the approach provides seamless access to quick, meaningful assistance. “We build relationships with our customers. It all starts at home,” says Cazayoux.

It is evident that these leaders genuinely appreciate their people. “We have the best team in the world,” says Cazayoux. “I would put them up against anybody. They really work well together, and we run smoothly.”

Of course, the quality of all CCI’s relationships shapes its success in the market. Customers benefit from the team’s camaraderie and commitment as much as they do quality piping and value-added innovations. The intangible benefits are numerous, and as a result, CCI Piping Systems has been awarded numerous times over the years for its outstanding business acumen and contributions to the industry.

With hard work comes new horizons, and as such, forecasts look good. As urban growth persists, CCI’s team is able to bring the piping innovation and fabrication it is known for to new communities. “I don’t see the water and waste industry slowing down,” says Cazayoux. This growth keeps the team on its toes, spurring innovation and new ideas to meet market needs. “The biggest hindrance to growth is complacency. We’re always trying to learn,” he continues.

With automation becoming the new normal, continuous investment in the latest equipment remains a priority, but, while CCI Piping Systems strives to remain at the leading edge of technological advancements, it remains intent on not jeopardizing its people’s positions within the company. Banning complacency from its operations, the company is always exploring new learning avenues. To achieve continuous personal and professional development for its employees, its Human Resources Department of one, Tessa Brown, is committed to identifying and providing access to scores of training opportunities and courses that help its staff develop new—and further hone existing—skills.

Aiming to remain an industry changemaker, CCI Piping Systems and its team continue to build on its legacy of enduring quality and innovation. With its ISO 9001 certification firmly in place, its customers remain protected by a level of assurance like no other. And, as its new facility is going up as we speak, the most exciting part for existing and potential customers, perhaps, is that soon the team will reveal a host of new and younger products that will remain under wraps until the new outfit is complete and fully operational. Construction teams are working around the clock to get things ready, and we at FMG look forward to what comes next for this dynamic company.

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