BUILD St. Louis

Episode 36: Protecting Workers in Extreme Heat with Donna Richter and John Holt, Southern IL Builders Association:

Welcome to this episode of BUILD St. Louis, the podcast that captures the heartbeat of the construction industry. I'm your host, Kerry Smith Buck, owner of Construction News and Review. Today, we're delving into the crucial topic of safety on construction sites during extreme heat. Our guests are Donna Richter, CEO of Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA), and John Holt, SIBA's safety director. Donna and John will share their expertise on the specific safety measures needed during hot weather, the importance of proper hydration, and recognizing the signs of heat stress and exhaustion. We'll also discuss practical tips for workers to stay safe and the role of employers in ensuring a safe working environment. This episode is packed with valuable insights to help keep our construction workers safe and healthy during the sweltering summer months. Tune in and learn how to beat the heat while staying productive on the job site.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 35: Arcturis: Hello, My Name Is: The Essence of Brand Experience with Judy Glik and James Butler

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith Buck, President and CEO of Construction News and Review (CNR), explores the fascinating process of naming buildings, especially historic signature structures, with Judy Glick and James Butler from the architecture and design firm Arcturis. Judy, the Director of Brand and Client Engagement, and James, the Design Practice Leader for Arcturis's Brand Experience Group, delve into the importance of brand experience in architecture and interior design. They discuss how naming a building is akin to naming a child, starting with understanding the essence of the brand from the client's perspective. The conversation covers the process of researching historical significance, developing guiding principles, and crafting a brand strategy. Judy and James share a compelling case study of renaming a renovated property, "The Six Cord," highlighting how history and contemporary design come together to create a unique identity. Listeners gain insights into the collaborative and creative process of brand naming, the importance of engaging with clients, and how names reflect both history and forward-thinking ideals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of architecture, design, and branding.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org
 

Episode 34: Building Energy Performance Standard with Jeremy Welch - It’s Not Too Late

In this podcast episode of BUILD St. Louis, Kerry Smith, owner of Construction News and Review magazine, introduces Jeremy Welch, a project engineer, and Chris Ruth, the Mid Missouri Controls Manager from Integrated Facility Services (IFS), as they discuss the significance of the Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS) in 2024. BEPS mandates buildings over 50,000 square feet in St. Louis to benchmark their energy use intensity (EUI), with the top third of buildings setting the EUI target for the rest. 2024 marks the first analysis year, determining each building's score. EUI, or energy use intensity, measures a building's energy use per square foot annually, aiding in efficiency comparisons. St. Louis is considered proactive in adopting BEPS, and IFS assists building owners across Missouri and parts of Illinois in assessing energy usage and implementing improvements to meet BEPS requirements. Welch and Ruth emphasize the importance of optimizing existing systems or investing in energy-efficient upgrades, with benefits extending beyond BEPS compliance. They encourage building owners to reach out to IFS for assistance, emphasizing their coverage beyond St. Louis and available resources like the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and the Building Energy Exchange for support in navigating BEPS compliance.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 33: Milwaukee Valve: The Connectedness of Builders and Suppliers with Jeff Kiefer

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith discusses the critical need for connectedness in the construction community with Jeff Kiefer, National Director of Commercial and Industrial Sales at Milwaukee Valve. Jeff emphasizes the importance of collaboration and training in four key areas: labor, regulations, technology, and the supply chain. He shares insights on leveraging suppliers for training, adapting to regulatory changes, and staying informed about evolving technologies and supply chain challenges. The discussion also highlights the role of the Mechanical Contractors Association in fostering connectivity within the industry. Jeff concludes by underscoring Milwaukee Valve's longstanding commitment as a family-owned business and the ongoing value of collaboration in navigating the complexities of construction.For more information, checkout www.informationworks.org

Episode 32: What is Lightweight Cellular Concrete? with Jane and Mike Megown, Elastizell of St. Louis

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith welcomes Jane and Mike Megown from Elastizell of St. Louis to discuss lightweight cellular concrete. They explore the material's composition, diverse applications including backfill for MSE walls and pipe abandonment, and its cost-effectiveness compared to traditional materials. The Megowns highlight a project in Nashville as an example of the material's efficiency in filling gaps around a parking garage foundation. They stress the importance of educating structural designers and engineers about lightweight cellular concrete's benefits and offer their expertise to interested parties. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the versatility and advantages of lightweight cellular concrete in construction.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 31: VDC Innovation with Clinton Murphy, Holland Construction Services

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, the guest is Clinton Murphy, the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager at Holland Construction Services. They discuss the concept of VDC and its difference from Building Information Modeling (BIM). Clinton explains that while BIM uses 3D models to manage and optimize construction, VDC goes beyond that to include coordination, managing design, and other processes. He also talks about the benefits of using VDC in projects, such as prefabrication and early issue identification. Clinton shares examples of how Holland Construction has applied VDC in various projects, including apartment buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and industrial work. He emphasizes the value of involving the VDC team from business development through pre-construction and operations.
 
For more information, visit www.informationworks.org

Episode 30: What Lies Beneath with Jeremy Rodriguez

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith interviews Jeremy Rodriguez, president of Crossroads Construction Services. They discuss Jeremy's expertise in environmental abatement and demolition services. Jeremy explains that his company primarily focuses on removing hazardous materials and conducting interior demolitions to create safe spaces for builders and developers. He mentions the various types of materials they handle, including asbestos, mold, lead, universal waste, and hazardous household waste. Jeremy emphasizes the importance of thorough testing and collaboration with environmental consultants to ensure proper handling and disposal of materials. For more information, check www.informationworks.org

Episode 29: Post-Pandemic Class A Office Leasing with Tom Ray

In this episode of BUILD St. Louis, host Kerry Smith welcomes Tom Ray, a first vice president at CBRE, to discuss the state of California Class A office leasing in St. Louis in mid-2023. They explore the impact of remote work on the office market and how it has changed the traditional playbook of office space usage. Tom highlights the opportunities and challenges for landlords and tenants in this evolving landscape, including the flight to quality and the importance of creating a better office experience for employees. They also discuss the length of office leases, the rising construction costs, and the competition for talent. 
 
For more information, check www.informationworks.org