Mary Jo Quay’s Post

The world’s first #CoreLivingBuilding facility is open at Muhlenberg College. See inside and learn what it takes to build and operate this deep green building: https://lnkd.in/gigJ3xns #Sustainability #FM #FacilityManager #PropertyManagement #RealEstate #CRE #BUILDINGS #BuildingsMagazine #BuildingsMedia

I love this kind of stuff. It was a treat to walk with a bunch of high school students through downtown Vancouver and specifically ask them to pay attention not to what was being sold in stores, but what was above, below and in front of them. For many, it was the first time they looked at buildings with an eye on how and why they exist the way they do. Most live in suburban, single-family homes. To hear one student say "it must be nice to be able to walk to everything" almost had me jumping up and down. We had discussions about whether parking should be free, whether housing should be mixed with childcare (which the students aptly recognized was a need) and asked why there were so many breweries and not more smoothie bars/places for teens. Back in the "classroom", I was both delighted and bewildered that in less than an hour, some student groups proposed projects eerily similar our development plan for 12th and Main. We certainly took more time than that to land on the right plan! The goal of the field trip was to introduce students to the different careers associated with real estate development. We touched on everything from designers to planners to analysts to estimators. I'm looking forward to having them back once 12th and Main is well under construction for introductions to the trades. Whatever their career interest may be, it's clear there are some bright minds in the pipeline. If anyone out there knows of Vancouver-area schools or programs interested in this type of activity, please let me know. We might make this a recurring thing.

Social Value needn’t be difficult! Just opening up your doors to our children and young people and educating them on your line of business will not only deliver your public procurement Social Value obligations, it might even sow some seeds for your industry’s future workforce! #EAProcure #SocialValueInAction

The benefit of social value being part of procurement and contracts is tangible and benefitting our children and young people.

It’s great to see Jack Cook spreading his knowledge and inspire the younger generation to enter the construction industry. 🏗️ Did you know? 👉 The UK is facing an aging population, and the construction sector is poised to witness a significant departure of skills due to impending retirements over the next decade. 👉225,000 new site construction workers will be needed by 2027. 👉Currently 28% of professionals say that the construction industry is less attractive than other sectors. It's crucial for construction leaders to act on the pressing talent shortage issue and establish an inclusive workplace culture where every individual is valued, treated equitably, and given support. 🚧 #constructionindustry #generation4change #inspireyoungpeople #skillsshortage Generation4Change (G4C) National G4C North West | Zoe McArdle Bsc, MSc |Sam Clubley |Sandra Janik | Lydia McGuinness | Edward Raven

Life is a wild ride if you choose to live it. My particular set of skills along with my reputation have opened up a great opportunity for me and my family. At the end of this month, I'll be strapping on my apron and heading back to someplace that I never thought I would see again. Chicago My family has left its mark on that city, with our blood, sweat, and tears. For three generations we have complained about traffic, parking, electricians, the weather, the Bears, and this and that. Three generations of "I worked on that building" echo through the decades. All three generations left at some point only to return. I never in my wildest dreams felt that I would return to the skyscrapers, the clatter of the 'L', and the hustle and bustle of so many people. Texas has proved to be more dissimilar to my twenty years in and around Chicago construction than I could have imagined. As one chapter closes and a new one opens, I am searching for the lessons that I can take with me. In some ways, this experiment feels like a failure, but here are two lessons that I will take with me, maybe they will resonate with you. 1. Dreams and ambitions can not be more important than family. It is my responsibility to set them up for success. 2. My particular set of skills has given me freedom, both the freedom to leave and the freedom to return. Some may believe that going back into the field is a step back. The reality is that I am genuinely excited to play professional carpenter once again. I am looking forward to strapping on my apron and working once again alongside great carpenters many that I have known for over a decade and installing quality millwork on epic projects. Not bad for a fallback plan, right? If you are considering the trades and need honest answers, or advice hit me up in the DMs. If you think you have what it takes to be the best, the UBC in Chicago is accepting applications right now. This program is top-notch and will set you up to be the best, with great pay, health benefits, and pension you deserve. #trades #bluecollar #skilledtrades #respect #Chicago #legacy #culture #heritage #construction #carpenter

Learn how AI is changing the built industry. This Master class would be an eye opener! 💯 #tectmind #Mountanalytics

Urban design is about solving complex spatial challenges by designing at multiple scales—neighborhood, streetscape, and human. At Chapter at Madison, LJC demonstrates how integrated design can transform underutilized urban parcels into vibrant, contextually responsive housing by balancing architectural innovation, neighborhood preservation, and economic feasibility. Our approach proves that thoughtful design can create spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also contribute meaningfully to urban narratives.    Read more about the project on Building Design + Construction: https://lnkd.in/gZ3KPsTv

Some more insights from Architectural Record on the Betances Residence design and its impact on residents: https://lnkd.in/gkfm4Z9q

For those interested in new urbanism, there is an interesting read on page 44 of the latest issue of the Ontario Home Builder magazine. While there are several examples of succesful walkable neighbourhoods in Europe and North America, we still have a long way to go if we want to make significant change in Ontario. So many of our neighbourhoods have been built to prioritize cars. Planners, developers and builders need a more unified vision to achieve efficient, human-scaled design more broadly. Even though these conversations are becoming more prominent we still have work to do! At Better Neighbourhoods, we are passionate about creating a better future. https://lnkd.in/e7RfTZ9i