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BUSINESS NEWS RODE ARCHITECTS WINS METROPOLIS’ 2024 PLANET POSITIVE AWARD FOR SINGLE-FAMILY HOME RODE Architects, a Boston-based collaborative design and architecture firm, has been honored with the prestigious Planet Positive Award for Single-Family Home by Metropolis magazine for its Brucewood Homes project. The Planet Positive Awards recognize excellence in sustainable, healthy, just design at every scale in the built environment. Brucewood Homes, the first internationally certified Passive House single-family homes in Boston, is a series of three
single-family residences perched on a rocky outcropping in a quiet residential neighborhood. The homes’ simple, contemporary design celebrates their sustainable aspirations: large windows and warm materials connect the occupants to nature, daylight, and well- being; an efficient building form minimizes disturbance of the site; and high-efficiency mechanical systems ensure a low-carbon footprint. The project exemplifies RODE Architects’ commitment to integrating sustainability with great design, setting a high standard for energy efficiency and resiliency in residential construction to create healthy, durable living spaces.
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STUART MCLENDON , from page 1
profitability while maintaining competitiveness. By leveraging accurate cost tracking and strategic pricing models, AEC firms can maintain financial stability and mitigate the risks of inflation and market fluctuations. 3. Invest in strategic growth and technology. To remain competitive, AEC firms must invest strategically in technology and innovation that enhance efficiency and profitability. Automation, building information modeling (BIM), and AI-driven project management can streamline workflows, reduce rework, and improve cost predictability. Prefabrication and modular construction offer opportunities to cut labor costs and mitigate supply chain delays. CFOs should evaluate capital expenditures based on ROI, leveraging tax incentives and financing options to minimize upfront costs. Firms that proactively adopt high-impact technologies will gain a competitive edge, improving project speed, accuracy, and profitability in an industry facing increasing pressure on margins and operational efficiency. 4. Develop a workforce strategy for long-term stability. Labor shortages and wage inflation are pressing challenges for AEC firms, making proactive workforce planning a financial priority. CFOs must integrate labor cost projections into project pricing, ensuring contracts reflect rising wages and potential skill gaps. Investing in employee retention programs, including competitive pay, training, and career development, can reduce turnover and long-term hiring costs. Exploring alternative labor models – such as subcontracting, trade school partnerships, or automation – can help fill critical gaps. Additionally, firms should engage in policy advocacy to support immigration and workforce development initiatives, securing a steady pipeline of skilled professionals for sustained operational success. Strong financial leadership has never mattered more, and CFOs are steering their firms through unpredictable terrain. Cash flow discipline keeps projects moving, cost control protects margins, smart investments drive growth, and workforce planning ensures stability. By staying agile, balancing risk with opportunity, and focusing on long-term financial health, you can position your firm to thrive. In uncertain waters, let strong financial leadership be your north star. Stuart McLendon is a fractional executive at Zweig Group. Contact him at smclendon@ zweiggroup.com .
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THE ZWEIG LETTER MARCH 10, 2025, ISSUE 1576
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