The Third Quarter/2023 CIRT Sentiment Index Report indicates a more optimistic view overall, at 59.7 score (up 6.9 points from the 2ndQ/23), but the Design element remained the same at 68.5 for the latest period.  As a result, the overall score has closed the gap with the design element -- which had opened-up over the first half of 2023.

In addition to the overall sentiment the report also delves into economic and business performance, market segments, as well as key inputs like labor and materials.  Moreover, there are insights in the CIRT members views on labor productivity, project staffing requirements, and cost overruns at the project level.

For detail see, CIRT Sentiment Index (3rdQ 2023).

The most recent CIRT Sentiment Index Report for 2ndQtr./2023 shows a growing divergence of view between the overall index, down slightly at 52.8, and the Design segment of the report that is much more optimistic at 68.5 for the quarter.  It could be a good sign for expanding construction needs in the future, however the full impact of the slowing economy and bank turmoil – are not fully factored in for the most recent report levels.

In addition to the market segments, economic views, and overall firm health the Sentiment Report also obtained feedback on a number of “Current Issues” that may be of interest to the members.  This quarter’s report focused on expectations around lending standards, experience with subcontractor defaults, employment policies (related to hiring, promotion, etc. and the threat of EEOC investigations), and new norms with respect to remote work schedules.

For more information/details see, CIRT Sentiment Index Report (2ndQ/2023).

Coming off of one of CIRT’s most successful and well attended spring conferences on record, the organization’s members seemed to be energized and enthused.  Highlight of the event was a visit by the Secretary of Commerce, the Honorable Gina Raimondo, who regaled the audience on a variety of key issues from supply chain challenges to promoting more women in the construction industry trades so as to find good career well-paying jobs while meeting workforce shortages.  Human resources and the many challenges facing its companies in this area was a reoccurring theme during the conference sessions that included a frank discussion on wellness and mental health concerns, along with a wide-ranging panel discussion covering a myriad of regulatory and legal matters affecting the complex relationships, while firms reach out to try to broaden and diversify their personnel.

The three Worthy National Finalists student ACE mentor teams competing in the 2023 CIRT National Design+ Construction Competition have been announced.  After receiving a total of 48 entries from across the country; the preliminary round judges have narrowed the field to participate in the coveted live presentation round. The finalists will be contending not just for “bragging rights,” but also a top award of $5,000 for the winner. 

In addition, CIRT is also very pleased to announce the other six teams garnering recognition, either as the 1st and/or 2nd Runners-Up for each challenge categories for the 2023 competition.

CONGRATULATIONS to every team for your quality entries, and to those receiving recognition for your outstanding efforts. 

To learn more about judging results and the Finalists go to: cirt.org/competition-winners!

The 4thQtr./2022 CIRT Sentiment Index Report (just released), indicates that the members general sense of the industry and overall economy is stuck in limbo with an index reading very near 50 (which is neutral). The most recent results were down slightly but remain mostly consistent with last quarter’s results. The overall index score fell to 51.0 from 51.4, and the Design Index fell to 57.1 from 59.4. This report represents the fifth consecutive quarterly decline from third quarter 2021.

In addition to the overall sentiment factors and level, the Report also covered current trend issues including: questions focused on backlog sensitivity, reasons for and areas of project disruptions, as well as business growth trends and challenges.

For details SEE, CIRT Sentiment Index Report, 4thQ/2022.

Today, CIRT announced the three challenges or options to choose from for submittals to the 2023 National Design + Construction Competition, that is in its seventeenth year in conjunction with ACE Mentor Program of America.  [Link to online competition information: www.cirt.org/competition

This year’s challenges include: (1) School of the Future; (2) City Park/Open Space; and (3) Humanitarian Center or Facility.  All entries must be submitted through the online CIRT competition portal with registration materials by the end of March 15, 2023.

For updates and/or assistance contact:

Jenni Mushynski
Project Manager, Competition,
Construction Industry Round Table
Email:  jenni@cirt.org
C: 630-200-2281

In the summer of 2022, the @ACEMentor Program of America placed more than 500 high school students in paid externships with architecture, construction, and engineering firms across the country as a part of the ACE Mentor Summer Workplace Experience (SWE) program.  READ MORE.

During CIRT's upcoming Fall Conference, industry leaders Dan Johnson (CEO of Mortenson) and Mike Choutka (CEO of Hensel Phelps) will share their companies' experiences becoming "Transformative Partners" with the ACE Mentor Program of America to provide a pathway for students from high school to the AEC industry and ensuring that those students actually finish their secondary education.

The bloom is off the recent historic high optimism of an expanding economy and markets reflected in the CIRT Quarterly Sentiment Index from just a year ago.  The overall 3rdQ/2022 index level plummeted 35% in the last twelve months falling to only a 51.4 reading, barely above neutral (The index is on a scale of 0-100 with a reading of 50 being neutral).  Every index factor recorded a downward trend, which means both inflationary concerns AND economic slowdown worries are in play at the same time. 

For details and in-depth analysis of some important current issues SEE CIRT 3rd/Q 2022 Sentiment Index Report.

Bucking the odds and another year of COVID19 induced challenges, disruptions, and school shutdowns, three entries for the 2022 CIRT National Design & Construction Competition have been announced. In its sixteenth year as a collaborative program with ACE Mentor Program of America, the competition attracted 28 entries from 15 Affiliates/Chapters. Again, this year three options or challenges were presented to the competing teams to consider: (1) Memorial for the Future; (2) Strong & Sustainable (use of concrete/cement); and (3) Urban Renewal.

The difficult process to narrow the submissions to just three, called upon the preliminary judges to both consider the entries on their own AND also in comparison with the other submissions in each category. After being compared side-by-side, only three garnered the coveted right to go onto the final presentation stage to vie for the top prize of $5,000; are as follows:

Worthy National Finalists

• ACE Mentor Program of Southern Nevada/Las Vegas, Maverick Design Team for their Memorial of the Future entry
• ACE Mentor Program of Northeast Florida, Creekside Senior National Team for their Strong + Sustainable entry
• ACE Mentor Program of Houston, Violet Visionaries Team for their Urban Renewal entry

Six other teams were recognized as either First Runner-Up ($1,000 prize) or Second Runner-Up ($500 prize) in each of the three different design challenges or options:
First Runners-Up ($1,000 prize)

• ACE Mentor Program of Milwaukee for their Memorial of the Future entry
• ACE Mentor Program of Southern Nevada (Team 2) for their Strong + Sustainable entry
• ACE Mentor Program of Polk County for their Urban Renewal entry

Second Runners-Up ($500 prize) 

• ACE Mentor Program of San Diego for their Memorial of the Future entry
• ACE Mentor Program of Southern Nevada (Team Next Gen) for their Strong + Sustainable entry
• ACE Mentor Program of West Michigan, Grand Rapids for their Urban Renewal entry

CIRT is looking forward to a spirited and exciting NATIONAL PRESENTATION ROUND (among the three “Worthy Finalist” teams) during the CIRT Spring Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Tysons Corner, VA, on April 25, 2022. [NOTE: The presentation round will be streamed LIVE for viewing by interested parties, more details will be coming on this opportunity].

The prestigious leaders representing CIRT indicated that they remained bullish on both the design and construction aspects for the industry going into 2022.  Release of the latest Sentiment Index Report for the 1^stQtr./2022 saw the measure fall only slightly from its historic highs to 73.2 for overall Construction; with the Design Index subset following suit, declining to 81.5.

In addition to the Index itself, CIRT members were asked to respond to current issues questions focused on backlogs, capacity, hiring goals and the impact of the infrastructure package on business planning, and to identify top risks and/or concerns for 2022.  While also focusing on the importance of supply chain disruptions and how they affected the twin issues of delays and cancellations compared to more normal years of design and construction activity. Their responses make for fascinating reading.

Read the full 1stQ 2022 Report here: Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) - CIRT Sentiment Index