FALL INSIGHTS FROM CRE PROFESSIONALS terest rates begin to ease. Lower borrowing costs are restoring confidence and encourag - ing projects that had been paused or scaled back. There are still a lot of mixed signals about the broader economy out there, but this is a welcome development that is help- ing to move key projects forward heading into 2026.
impact and new solutions. Sustainability, resiliency, and regenerative design are key focus points, and our team is actively ex- ploring strategies like geothermal heating and cooling systems, which are efficient and can reduce ongoing operational costs. Our upcoming redevelopment at the Mary Ellen McCormack public housing community will utilize a geothermal approach. What’s one major project, initiative, or innovation your firm is focused on in the months ahead? Our office is active nation - ally with architects licensed in 29 states. At the moment we’re very excited about major projects and initiatives close to home. TAT is engaged in a long-term redevelopment of the Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony; recent phases were just awarded full Passive House certification and the final phase is on track to meet net zero ready and Passive House goals. We’re also on the team for the new West End Library, which will create 119 affordable housing units and library space with an all-electric net-zero ready design and a hybrid mass timber structure. mid-sized projects as city firms expand into the suburbs. While Office and Life Science sectors have slowed, life science’s industrial modernization remains active, aided by a strong local economy. Smaller mixed-use residential work is growing near transit hubs under the MBTA Communities Act. Market challenges include cost volatility, labor shortages, tariffs, and high vacancies. Au- burn finds continued success in Healthcare, Non-Profit, and Higher Education sectors. What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the mar- ket heads into Q4? Economic uncertainty and high interest rates will likely delay major market shifts into 2026. However, opportu- nities may grow with expanded healthcare funding, downtown incentives promoting a “return to work,” and renewed investments in infrastructure and the community. These factors position the market for innovation, collaboration, and meaningful project op- portunities ahead. and across the region. It’s driving earlier col- laboration between architects, engineers, and builders to balance energy goals with project budgets.At the same time, many Massachu- setts developers are looking to nearby states likesouthernNewHampshire,RhodeIsland, and Connecticut for projects that can move forward with fewer code-related hurdles. It’s reshaping how and where housing gets built across New England. What’s one major project, initiative, or innovation your firm is focused on in the months ahead? I’m focused on Sun- rise Senior Living in Chestnut Hill, Mass., a five-story, 93-unit assisted living and memory care community that’s on track to be one of the first of its kind to meet Passive House standards. Alongside this, I’m guid- ing clients through evolving energy codes with cost-conscious strategies that enhance building performance. It’s exciting to see smarter products and construction methods transforming how traditional systems meet today’s higher efficiency goals.
What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? Inflation contin - ues to weigh heavily on construction costs, and the price of real estate in many New England markets remains high. Together, those factors have made project feasibility tougher to achieve. On top of that, the reg- ulatory and permitting environment in the Northeast remains complex, often creating uncertainty about what can actually be approved. Our clients are navigating those hurdles by doing deeper due diligence and engaging early with municipalities to help projects move efficiently. developments remains strong, driven by affordability challenges. Single-family home construction is expected to see a modest recovery in 2026 as mortgage rates stabi- lize, and affordability issues begin to ease in some markets. Technology including AI, prefab construction, 3D printing, robotics and autonomous equipment and enhanced building modeling, is becoming a necessity. What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? In construction, Q4 brings both challenges and opportunities amid rising costs and evolving regulations. Navigating this environment will require planning, innovation, and a focus on effi - ciency. Rising costs include material infla - tion, labor shortages, and escalating energy expenses, while regulatory pressures come from stricter building codes and policy-driv- en changes. Opportunities include realizing cost savings through optimizing material sourcing, adopting advanced construction methods, improving energy efficiency, and leading with sustainable practices to excel in high-demand sectors. clients face a market that’s cautious yet full of potential. Rising construction costs and complex timelines are driving teams to be more agile and strategic. But this challenge brings opportunity. Clients are thinking long-term, seeking spaces that serve an enduring purpose. There’s growing interest in adaptive reuse and legacy-driven design. What are you most excited about for the future of your sector? What excites me most about the future of architecture is the fusion of design, science, and social impact. Buildings are evolving from passive shelters to active contributors that store energy, foster in- clusion, and reflect community values. MIT’s carbon-cement supercapacitors hint at a regenerative future where concrete doubles as energy storage. And clients are embracing legacy-driven design. Spaces that honor history, adapt with purpose, and serve for generations.
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? We’re starting to see renewed optimism across the development community as in- Derek Kohl Vice President of Operations, Principal BL Companies, Inc.
Jeffrey Burke Executive Vice President | Partner Auburn Construction
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? Boston’s skyline reflects a shift, fewer cranes and heightened competition for small to
Aubrey Bennett, AIA Senior Project Architect Market Square Architects
Michael Nee, RA Project Manager Gienapp Architects, LLC
What trends or shifts do you see shaping your industry this fall and into 2026? I’m seeing Passive House continue to influence multifamily development in Massachusetts
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? Several major trends will influence the con - struction industry into 2026, including strong demand for affordable housing and adoption of new technology. The need for multifamily options including ADU’s and mixed-use
Nate Thomas Director of Sustainability The Architectural Team
Ed Wojcik Principal Ed Wojcik Architect Ltd.
What trends or shifts do you see shap- ing your industry this fall and into 2026? There’s an urgent need to address the housing crisis, support climate resilience, and tackle the related issues that impact livability across the region. We see opportunity for positive
What challenges or opportunities do you anticipate for your clients as the market heads into Q4? As Q4 begins,
2025 FALL PREVIEW
44 October 31, 2025
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator