Archinect - News

How Building Product Manufacturers Are Working Though This Pandemic

2020-03-25T16:27:00-04:00

With the outbreak of Covid-19, architects, designers and adjacent professionals are desperately searching for indicators to help determine just how seriously the industry will be impacted. Last week, I published a chart illustrating that specification activity that we’re tracking post outbreak is chugging along at a fairly similar pace as always. Though circumstances may change day-to-day, I’ve confirmed no change since March 19, which is encouraging.

Now, I want share some of my findings in communicating with a number of the industry’s largest building product manufacturers. Let me begin by emphasizing that manufacturers are still very much in business and working tirelessly to meet the demands of their customers. In fact, some manufacturers are reporting an increase in orders.

According to Jane Hawkins, A&D Market Manager at Armstrong Flooring, “We are seeing heavy levels of activity as owners and contractors are hoping to complete their projects quickly.” She continues, “I’m al...

AIA study reveals architects want material manufacturers to step up their digital game

2017-01-03T17:24:00-05:00

As any architect who has spent precious time trying to identify a chrome versus silver nickel plated kitchen faucet for a client can attest, outdated websites and their corresponding vague specifications from building products and materials manufacturers makes life unnecessarily tedious. This specifications fatigue has been backed up by a study conducted by the AIA, in which architects hope that in addition to digital upgrades, manufacturers will make it easier for them to earn continuing education credits while they toil away in search of specifics. Here are the five main conclusions from the AIA study, as quoted in a press release:

Improved websites. Architects want product websites that are clear, concise, up-to-date, and easy to navigate. They also want easy access (no sign-up to view product information) and access to detailed information, including building information models and objects.
Focus on education. Architects are required to take continuing education courses in order t...