Low-angle view of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, showcasing its intricate stone carvings and Gothic architecture against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Inside the Five-Year Restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral After the Devastating Fire

  • People & Project Spotlights
Through a blend of tradition and innovation, the remarkable restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral reveals a story of resilience, craftsmanship and global unity

On April 15, 2019, the world held its breath as flames consumed Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, reducing its ancient wooden roof to ashes and toppling its iconic spire—a devastating blow to one of humanity’s most cherished architectural treasures.

In the days following the disaster, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore the Gothic masterpiece within five years—a seemingly impossible task. On December 8, 2024, after a half-decade of intensive restoration efforts involving more than 2,000 skilled workers, Notre-Dame reopened to worshippers and visitors, standing once again as a symbol of resilience and human ingenuity.

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire: Devastation and Immediate Response

The fire broke out in the early evening of April 15, 2019, likely caused by an electrical short circuit during renovation work. As flames spread, firefighters and emergency responders fought desperately to save the structure, managing to prevent its complete collapse.

Still, the 300-foot-tall spire, designed by 19th-century architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, crumbled, and much of the medieval timber roof—nicknamed “the forest” for its dense wooden framework—was reduced to ash.

Despite the extensive damage, the cathedral’s stone vaults, bell towers and famous stained-glass rose windows survived. Within days, pledges of financial support poured in from around the world, eventually totaling nearly $1 billion, according to The New York Times.

What followed was one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern history.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration: Critical Emergency Stabilization Efforts

Before any restoration work could begin, the structure needed to be stabilized. Engineers quickly realized that Notre-Dame’s fragile walls were at risk of collapse. Crews erected scaffolding around the cathedral and installed temporary wooden frames to secure its iconic flying buttresses. Large tarps covered the exposed interior to protect it from rain and wind.

Environmental concerns also complicated the effort. An estimated 460 tons of lead from the roof and spire had melted in the fire, according to New York Times reporting, contaminating the surrounding area. Workers wore protective suits, and nearby schools were closed for decontamination. According to France 24, specialized teams spent months removing toxic residue, ensuring the safety of both workers and the public.

Inside the Architectural Restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral

The actual restoration began in 2021, focusing on preserving Notre-Dame’s historic design while incorporating modern construction technology and materials where necessary.

Rebuilding the Roof and Spire

Restoring the cathedral’s roof and spire required architectural precision and a deep understanding of medieval construction techniques. Following Viollet-le-Duc’s original 19th-century blueprints, carpenters hand-carved beams from centuries-old oak trees, harvested from forests across France. In total, more than 1,000 oaks were carefully selected and felled, with preservationists ensuring ecological sustainability.

Architect of the Past and Future: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) was more than just an architect—he was a storyteller who brought history back to life through stone and wood.

He’s best known for restoring some of France’s most iconic landmarks, including Notre-Dame de Paris, Mont Saint-Michel and the fortress of Carcassonne. His imaginative touch helped define how we see these structures today—especially Notre-Dame’s towering spire, which he designed and which became a beloved symbol of Paris until its tragic fall in the 2019 fire.

Viollet-le-Duc believed restoration wasn’t just about repairing the past; it was about completing what history left unfinished.

This bold vision made him both celebrated and controversial. His masterwork, Dictionnaire Raisonné de l’Architecture Française, still inspires architects and preservationists, proving that even after 150 years, his ideas continue to shape the future of historic preservation.

The spire, considered the most recognizable feature of Notre-Dame, was reconstructed exactly as it appeared before the fire, down to its intricate statues of the Twelve Apostles. A new gilded rooster was placed at the top of the spire, containing relics from the original—a symbolic nod to the past and a hope for the future.

Stonework and Facade Preservation

Notre-Dame’s iconic limestone facade required careful cleaning and restoration. Centuries of soot and pollution were scrubbed away, revealing a bright, cream-colored exterior rarely seen in modern times. Master stonemasons worked meticulously to repair damaged gargoyles, statues and reliefs. Any stone too damaged for preservation was replaced with identical limestone sourced from quarries used in the cathedral’s original construction.

Stained Glass and Artistic Restoration

The cathedral’s three famed rose windows, dating back to the 13th century, miraculously survived the fire but needed significant cleaning and restoration. Each piece of stained glass was removed, cleaned and reassembled by master glassmakers following traditional methods. Restorers also repaired religious sculptures and precious artworks, including the Virgin Mary statue from the main altar.

Modern Innovations in Notre-Dame’s Restoration: Blending Tradition with Technology

While preserving Notre-Dame’s medieval integrity was paramount, the restoration team embraced modern technologies and sustainable practices to ensure its longevity.

Technological Advancements

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the restoration was the use of 3D digital modeling. Before the fire, architect Andrew Tallon had completed a detailed laser scan of the cathedral, creating an incredibly accurate digital blueprint. These scans allowed restorers to reconstruct even the most intricate details with unparalleled precision. Engineers also used augmented reality to simulate various restoration scenarios before implementing them onsite.

Deeper Look: How Construction Technology Helped Rebuild Notre-Dame

Reconstructing a centuries-old masterpiece like Notre-Dame Cathedral wasn’t just about craftsmanship—it was about blending tradition with cutting-edge tech. Here’s how digital tools helped restore one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

3D Laser Scans: A Blueprint from the Past

Long before the 2019 fire, architect Andrew Tallon created ultra-precise 3D laser scans of Notre-Dame. His work captured every intricate curve, arch and detail of the cathedral, becoming an essential reference when restoration teams faced the daunting task of rebuilding the structure from the ground up.

Augmented Reality: Testing the Future

Rebuilding something as complex as Notre-Dame isn’t just about bricks and beams but about making sure everything fits perfectly. Engineers used augmented reality (AR) to run digital reconstruction tests, simulating designs before physically rebuilding. This process saved time and helped avoid costly construction mistakes.

Digital Project Management: Keeping It Together

Coordinating a massive, years-long restoration across dozens of teams required more than meetings and plan documents. Project managers relied on digital collaboration platforms to track progress, share updates and keep thousands of moving parts in sync—all while preserving the cathedral’s unique history.

Through a powerful mix of old-world craftsmanship and technology, Notre-Dame’s restoration became a story of innovation and resilience.

Eco-Friendly and Modern Upgrades

To protect against future disasters, fire-resistant materials were integrated into the roof structure, including advanced metal reinforcements hidden beneath the traditional wooden framework. An energy-efficient lighting system now illuminates the cathedral’s soaring arches, enhancing both its beauty and sustainability. The newly installed sound system also ensures world-class acoustics for concerts and religious ceremonies. What’s more, accessibility features were added, including improved ramps and entryways for visitors with limited mobility.

The Cultural and Symbolic Significance of Notre-Dame’s Restoration

Beyond its architectural splendor, Notre-Dame holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. To honor the workers involved in its restoration, their names were engraved on a special commemorative plaque installed within the cathedral. The new gilded rooster atop the spire, containing relics from the original, symbolizes hope, renewal and the enduring human spirit.

The reopening ceremonies in December 2024 drew world leaders, dignitaries and millions of viewers worldwide. As Reuters reported, the Paris Archbishop symbolically reopened the cathedral by knocking on its great wooden doors with a crosier crafted from a beam that survived the fire.

Notre-Dame’s Legacy: A Triumph of Restoration, Resilience and Cultural Heritage

Notre-Dame’s restoration stands as a triumph of global collaboration, craftsmanship and modern technology. Its rebirth represents not only the preservation of a cultural and historical treasure but also humanity’s capacity to rebuild in the face of loss.

As it reopens its doors to worshippers and tourists alike, Notre-Dame remains a beacon of resilience, reminding the world that even in destruction, renewal is possible.

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City officials collaborating over digital project plans on a tablet, symbolizing how municipalities can leverage digital tools to address CHIPS Act implementation challenges.

How Municipalities Can Use Digital Tools to Meet CHIPS Act Challenges

  • Technology & Innovation
Municipalities must adopt digital collaboration tools to streamline permitting and meet CHIPS Act demands. Here’s how they can start

The CHIPS Act, a landmark investment to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, promises to reshape the nation’s technology landscape. With more than $50 billion allocated for domestic production and billions more for research and development, the act represents a bold step toward reducing reliance on foreign chip suppliers.

Yet, while much of the focus has been on manufacturers and contractors, a critical piece of the puzzle lies with local governments.

Municipalities will play a pivotal role in the success of these projects, particularly in managing construction permitting and records. For these high-profile initiatives to succeed, local governments must embrace digital collaboration tools to streamline processes, minimize delays and align with the advanced systems used by contractors.

How Municipalities Drive Success in CHIPS Act Construction Projects

The CHIPS Act’s ambitious goals depend on efficient project management at all levels. Semiconductor plants, with their high-tech infrastructure and specialized requirements, demand a seamless permitting process to avoid costly delays. But many municipalities still rely on outdated, paper-based workflows for permitting and records management.

These inefficiencies risk creating bottlenecks that could derail timelines and escalate costs for critical projects.

Local governments are key gatekeepers in ensuring compliance with regulations while supporting contractors with the tools they need to execute efficiently. Adopting digital collaboration tools will be essential to meeting these demands.

Maximizing Efficiency with Digital Collaboration Tools for Municipalities

Digital collaboration tools are transforming construction workflows by offering centralized platforms for managing permits, plan reviews and records. These tools facilitate real-time communication between stakeholders, automate compliance tracking and reduce errors in documentation.

For municipalities, they offer an opportunity to modernize their systems and align with the digital practices contractors are increasingly adopting.

A 2019 study by McKinsey & Company highlights that digital tools can reduce project delays by up to 45% and improve productivity by 14% to 15% in large construction projects. Using such tools, municipalities can significantly enhance their ability to process permits, manage records and support CHIPS Act projects.

Lessons from Successful Digital Plan Review Implementation

Some municipalities have already begun transitioning to digital systems with impressive results.

The city of Seattle serves as a prime example of how digital plan review systems can revolutionize municipal permitting processes. By implementing Bluebeam, Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections transformed its approach to handling project submissions.

The city transitioned from cumbersome, paper-based workflows to a streamlined digital system that enabled real-time collaboration among stakeholders, improved accuracy in plan reviews and significantly reduced processing times.

Practical Strategies for Municipalities to Embrace Digital Transformation

Municipalities looking to modernize their processes can take the following steps to prepare for the demands of CHIPS Act projects:

  • Assess Current Processes: Conduct a workflow audit to identify inefficiencies in permitting and records management.
  • Invest in Digital Tools: Choose platforms tailored to municipal needs, such as those offering review capabilities, automated compliance tracking and document storage.
  • Train Staff: Provide training for staff to ensure a smooth transition to digital tools and minimize operational disruptions.
  • Collaborate with Contractors: Align workflows with contractors’ digital systems to ensure seamless communication and avoid mismatches.
  • Monitor and Optimize: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency of new processes and make continuous improvements.

Addressing Challenges in Municipal Digital Transformation

While the benefits of digital transformation are clear, municipalities may face challenges such as budget constraints, resistance to change and integration difficulties. Addressing these issues requires a proactive approach:

  • Budget Constraints: Advocate for CHIPS Act funding to include allocations for local digital upgrades. 
  • Resistance to Change: Emphasize long-term cost savings and efficiency gains. 
  • Integration Challenges: Implement phased rollouts and seek vendor support for training and technical assistance.

Building a Future-Ready Vision for Modernized Municipalities

As semiconductor manufacturing becomes a cornerstone of the US economy, municipalities must rise to meet the challenge of supporting these projects efficiently.

Digital collaboration tools offer a pathway to modernize workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination and ensure compliance with complex regulations. By adopting these tools, local governments can position themselves as valuable partners in the success of the CHIPS Act.

Modernization is not just about keeping up with contractors; it is about creating a resilient, future-ready public sector capable of supporting large-scale, transformative projects.

As the CHIPS Act lays the foundation for America’s semiconductor future, municipalities can play a key role in building it—efficiently, effectively and digitally.

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Exterior view of a modern library building at dusk, featuring large illuminated windows, a reflective pond with a fountain, and landscaped pathways, showcasing innovative and inviting design elements.

From Carnegie to Community Hubs: How Modern Libraries Redefine Public Spaces

  • People & Project Spotlights
Discover how libraries in Henrico County, Virginia, are embracing community needs and redefining public spaces for the 21st century

Andrew Carnegie’s vision for community progress depended on libraries as the instrument of change, inspiring him to fund more than 2,500 between 1893 and 1919. Typical elements included separate wings for children’s and adult books and a professional librarian in the middle, preserving order. Although the stacks occupied most of the space, the building also included a community assembly room.

But today’s libraries turn that model on its head. There’s no need to store every possible book when they’re available in digital form and through interlibrary loan. “We’ve come to the point where the books stopped pushing the people out of the building,” said Jeff Hoover, principal, Tappé Architects, Boston. Today’s library programs call for flexible, multi-use spaces for people to gather, interact, learn, imagine and create. That human focus means listening to and understanding the different needs of each library community—even if they’re only 20 miles apart.

The designers of three libraries built in Henrico County, Virginia, in the past decade took this to heart. Quinn Evans of Richmond (formerly BCWH), architect of record, and Tappé Architects, library planning and design associates, collaborated to create one-off, state-of-the-art libraries perfectly attuned to their communities.

Libbie Mill Library: Reimagining the Traditional Library for the New Urbanism

Built in 2015, the three-story Libbie Mill Library is the centerpiece of a development that epitomizes New Urbanism, with walkable neighborhoods blending retail, office and residential facilities interlaced with green spaces and promenades.

Awards: AIA Virginia Honor Award, LEED Silver certification

The Libbie Mill Library’s form starts with a massive and traditional box—but the interior program of reading and meeting rooms projects through the façade and becomes part of the vibrant scene outside. Similarly, group study areas and a digital media lab create a collage of boxy spaces inside. Chuck Wray, principal, Quinn Evans, said the distinctive geometry is a result of the ounty giving the designers “the flexibility and the freedom to help reinterpret how those spaces could be used in a 21st century library.”

The library’s two entrances let people flow in from both sides of the building—the parking lot or lake—with the main reception desk in the center. “It gave us a chance to create that tight adjacency to an urban environment, to have active public spaces just outside the building,” Wray said.

Opposite the reception desk, children enjoy a tactile and interactive learning center, with reading nooks and kid-sized furniture, including upholstered seesaws. Deconstructed cardboard boxes encourage them to use their imaginations. “We didn’t want the architecture to tell the kids what to think,” Hoover said. But that’s not restricted to the children’s area—the designers tried to satisfy every visitor’s needs without directing how they use space.

On the second story, the central jewel is the digital media lab. “It floats out in the space with a unique geometry that’s not orthogonal,” Hoover said. Transparent walls let visitors enjoy a close-up view of technology like two 3D printers, audio-video editing equipment and green screens. Nearby, teens get social prompts from small group study rooms and open gathering areas, including video gaming spaces.

The community’s desire for sustainability called for siting the library for maximum daylight and minimum solar heat gain and landscaping with water-efficient plants. But the library’s design also ensures a sustainable future by allowing reconfigurability as the community diversifies and grows.

Varina Library: Merging Agrarian Roots with Paradigm-Changing Design

Opened in June 2016, the 43,000-square-foot Varina Library features an assemblage of pavilions that borrow from the forms of tobacco barns and reinforce a Virginia vernacular.

Awards: Library Building Award, American Institute of Architects & American Library Association Merit Award, AIA Virginia and Library Journal New Landmark Libraries 2019, LEED Silver certification

The three pavilions of the Varina Library look modest until you realize they’re only the top of two stories that cascade down a slope to 22 acres of protected wetlands and lush woodlands integral to the library design. Once inside, the clean lines, natural stone and wood and views straight through the building reinforce the agrarian feel. Daylight from clerestory windows and skylights offers a volumetric experience without requiring a large footprint.

The pavilions are linked by gathering spaces, including a Reading Landing—giant steps that provide seating for films, lectures and performances. Deep overhangs shade the large south-facing windows, and a high-albedo roof fends off the Virginia sun, keeping the building energy-efficient.

The Varina Library’s three pavilions cascade towards protected wetlands, blending clean lines, natural materials and abundant daylight to create a harmonious, agrarian-inspired design.

The library supports state-of-the-art resources and programming, with stacks and collaboration areas for adults, teens and children. At every turn, the design lets patrons choose the level of engagement they want, whether that’s a minute perched on a stool or an hour lounging in an Adirondack chair.

In the adult section, the public computing space offers 35 computers, four times the previous number. A nook nearby holds print and digital periodicals. The fiction collection beckons with cozy chairs and a view to nature, and the nonfiction section includes tables for longer work sessions.

“One of the most exciting places in the library is the teen area in the collaboration zone wing of the building, which also incorporates the digital media lab,” Hoover said. “They flow together very nicely in a programmatic way.” Here, teens can learn how to code or edit podcasts or visit the Minecraft gaming club. Fun furniture and clear study rooms encourage others to join in.

The children’s area lets kids be kids without the risk of shushing. The design prioritizes a fun and interesting environment that’s not overstimulating. Even away from the windows, biomorphic textiles and furniture mimic a deep green forest.

During design, the team preserved a historic oak tree on the site by choosing to frame it at the end of a pavilion. It’s a symbol of how strongly the Varina Library connects with the natural landscape and the history of its rural community.

Fairfield Area Library: Uniting Families and Beliefs in a Multifunctional Hub

Opened in October 2019, the Fairfield Area Library is characterized by two large masses that reflect diverging philosophies of how Black people could best advance.

Awards: Merit Award, AIA Richmond, LEED Gold certification

In the 20th century, W.E.B. DuBois championed academic learning while Booker T. Washington emphasized skilled trades as the path forward for Blacks. Henrico County leaders challenged the architects to unite both ideas in the Fairfield Area Library design. The 44,000-square-foot structure sits at an intersection as well, a 10-acre site in an area of investment to promote equity for area residents.

Engagement to hear the voice of the people made it clear that the county’s prototypical library program wouldn’t meet Fairfield’s needs. Instead, multifunctional spaces support various learning styles and activities, with a life skills classroom, expansive meeting and conference spaces and ample teen study rooms.

Visitors entering the library are met by soaring ceilings, skylights, balconies and the reference desk and digital trailblazers wall. A saffron-yellow staircase climbs to a family collaboration zone between the children and teen wings. This area reflects feedback that as many as four generations of a family might visit the library together, so adults must be centrally situated to monitor younger charges.

In another nod to family needs, Quinn Evans collaborated with TMC Furniture to create a custom workstation with a play area that keeps babies and toddlers secure and entertained while their parents use computers. The expansive children’s section lets kids explore picture books divided into “neighborhoods” of genres. Glass sliders open into a multipurpose room for read-aloud and arts and crafts activities. 

In the teen wing, young adults find tempting displays of texts plus a video gaming area. Clear-sided study rooms look out over the library’s adult section to the monolithic fireplace and welcoming chairs that surround it.

One of the most appreciated library features is the “One Button Press Room,” where patrons can capture video and audio in a state-of-the-art recording booth for job interviews, podcasts and music. Afterward, creators can take a USB with the recording and edit it in another room using Adobe software that library staff teach.

The Fairfield Library has become an anchor in eastern Henrico and a source of cultural pride for the neighborhood, a hub for learning, opportunity and prosperity. Although the design has transformed since the Carnegie model, the library remains a place to help everyone reach their full potential.

Designing 21st-Century Libraries: Community-Centered Spaces for Innovation and Connection

Three libraries of similar size in the same county, designed for the same client by the same firms but with distinctly different building expressions. That’s how it should be, Hoover said. “I think that’s how we get libraries right for the 21st century—to make them uniquely local, so they couldn’t possibly have happened anywhere else.”

Photo credit: Chris Cunningham Photography

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Bluebeam Interior Design

How to Design Workspaces—Or Any Interior—With Bluebeam

  • Technology & Innovation
Interior designers do amazing work—here’s how Bluebeam can make their jobs easier

As you sit in your office, look out over the different workstations, cubicles, communal areas and conference rooms. Do you ever think about where all the furniture and fixtures came from? It’s no small stroke of luck that all the correct colors, textures and quantities showed up when delivered.

The interior designers responsible for this magic not only work to capture the look and feel of the indoor built environment, but they also consider traffic flow, occupancy restrictions and other code compliancy. If you’re interested in the how-to technical side of the tools below, check out my blog, “Bluebeam Revu for Interior Design.”

So, which Bluebeam features are most important for interior designers?

  • Groups
  • Layers
  • Spaces
  • VisualSearch
  • Legends
  • Digital Dashboards

Groups

Laying out large office spaces can have standard configurations multiplied several times throughout the space. Tagging each chair, desk and file cabinet can take a long time depending on the number of workstations. To help speed this up, several markups can be Grouped, allowing the user to copy/paste the entire workstation with all its components, thus reducing the number of picks and clicks significantly.

Layers

Sometimes office layouts can get busy and cluttered when you add power poles, data connections, ceiling-mounted projectors and wall-mounted screens. By creating a layer system in Bluebeam, you can hide or isolate each of these individually, making the plans much more comprehensive.

Spaces

Differentiating distinct areas on layout plans is another way to keep everything organized. Using Spaces in Bluebeam allows you to sketch out specific rooms, sections, departments or entire floors. As a result, you can sort fixtures by room number or department. If you have eight employees on the finance team, for instance, your counts for chairs and desks should report eight of each. You can have a breakdown of fixtures per department and quickly get totals per floor or entire layout.

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VisualSearch

With many of the equipment and fixtures being labeled on the plans, a visual search is extremely powerful for finding all instances of a particular chair, desk or power pole. Bluebeam has the ability to search for a specific layout of pixels forming a symbol. The ability to count all the office chairs in one search saves considerable time over shifting through drawings clicking on each one individually.

Legends

Having the ability to display fixture counts directly on a printed sheet helps everyone downstream. From delivery to installation, it’s important to know what goes where and how many. Legends in Bluebeam provide accurate counts directly on the layout sheet along with other important specifications. Customized data can be sorted, filtered and displayed, putting the most valuable information at the forefront.

Digital Dashboards

Often a client may not be familiar with drawings or specifications and may need a more visual representation of the package they’re purchasing. A Digital Dashboard using Bluebeam is a powerful way to convey industry data to the design team while being extremely visual for the client. The design quickly comes to life with a look and performance of a common website. Digital Dashboards show different views, product images and use hyperlinks in a universally understood language.

These are just a few of the essential tools and functions in Bluebeam helping interior designers efficiently lay out and accurately count fixtures while communicating with the client.

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View of the Howard Frankland Bridge from underneath, showcasing its sturdy concrete pillars and expansive span over Tampa Bay, symbolizing modern infrastructure and engineering.

A Bridge to the Future: The Evolution and Renewal of Tampa’s Howard Frankland Bridge

  • Projects
The progression of the Howard Frankland Bridge reflects a commitment to sustainability, resilience and connectivity

The Howard Frankland Bridge, often referred to as “Tampa Bay’s Main Street,” has been a vital artery connecting Tampa and St. Petersburg since its opening in 1960. Over the decades, it has witnessed Florida’s rapid growth and the accompanying surge in traffic, necessitating significant upgrades to meet contemporary demands.

The current $865.3 million renovation, slated to be completed in early 2026, is not merely a structural enhancement but a testament to modern engineering, environmental stewardship and resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictability.

Named after Howard Frankland, a prominent Tampa businessman who championed its construction, the original two-lane bridge revolutionized connectivity across Tampa Bay. By the late 20th century, escalating traffic volumes underscored the need for expansion, leading to the addition of a parallel span in 1990.

Today, more than six decades later, the bridge is undergoing its most ambitious transformation: the construction of a new eight-lane northbound structure designed to accommodate 21st-century transportation needs.

Overcoming Florida’s Climate Challenges: Managing Construction Amid Storms

Florida’s climate is synonymous with unpredictability, particularly during hurricane season. The Howard Frankland Bridge project has faced significant challenges from major storms since starting construction in 2020, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These hurricanes brought record-breaking storm surges and extensive flooding to the Tampa Bay area, testing the resilience of ongoing construction efforts.

“We look at weather as often as a meteorologist,” said Ricky Grogan, project manager for Walsh Construction & Archer Western, who spoke with Built about the project prior to the hurricanes. Grogan’s team relies on real-time weather data to make critical decisions, often halting construction three to four days ahead of anticipated storms to safeguard assets and personnel. This proactive approach ensures minimal disruptions and maintains the project’s momentum.

Once storms pass, the recovery process is swift. “It’s much harder to prepare for a storm than it is to get everything back in position,” Grogan explained. This meticulous planning and rapid response underscore the team’s adaptability and commitment to meeting project timelines.

The new bridge is set to feature 113 spans, 44 hammerhead piers and 180 multi-column piers, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s infrastructure. Constructing such a monumental structure necessitates a vast array of equipment: 23 cranes, seven tugboats and 74 barges are deployed in a coordinated effort. With five crews operating daily, the project’s scale and complexity are akin to those of major port operations.

Protecting Tampa Bay Marine Life: Achieving Environmental Harmony in Construction

In an era where environmental considerations are paramount, the construction team has diligently adhered to stringent regulations aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. One notable measure is the implementation of “sound windows,” 1,000-foot-wide corridors designed to minimize underwater noise pollution that could affect species such as manatees and sea turtles.

Studies conducted by the University of North Florida revealed that the noise impact was less than anticipated, allowing the team to proceed with bulkhead wall installations with minimal ecological disruption.

Beneath the surface of Tampa Bay lies a geological challenge: jagged layers of collapsed limestone. This uneven seabed means that pile-driving depths vary significantly—some piles extend only 60 feet, while others must reach depths of up to 200 feet to secure a stable foundation.

In total, the project required driving 3,014 piles, which, if laid end to end, would stretch 65 miles. This aspect of the project showcases the precision and adaptability required to overcome such geological complexities.

Innovating Under Pressure: Cutting-Edge Solutions for Construction Challenges

Necessity often breeds innovation, a principle evident in the techniques employed on this project. Drawing lessons from Hurricane Ian’s impact on the Sanibel Causeway, the team developed a conveyor system to transport concrete across the bay. This method minimized delays and enhanced quality control, ensuring materials maintained their integrity while reducing environmental impact. Grogan credits this innovation with preventing delays of up to nine months, highlighting the project’s commitment to efficiency and excellence.

In addition to physical innovations, the project has leveraged cutting-edge technology to streamline operations.

Bluebeam Studio Sessions has been instrumental in coordinating schedules, reviewing designs and managing logistics. Initially adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains an integral tool for daily planning and problem-solving, facilitating seamless communication among team members.

The Howard Frankland Bridge project is not just about constructing a physical structure; it’s about building resilience. Hurricanes Helene and Milton underscored the importance of adaptability and proactive problem-solving. In response, the team redesigned mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls to fortify the bridge against future storms, reflecting a commitment to long-term durability and safety.

Building a Legacy: The Future of the Howard Frankland Bridge

As the Howard Frankland Bridge project approaches completion, it stands as a symbol of innovation, environmental stewardship and resilience. This new chapter in the bridge’s history is poised to enhance Tampa Bay’s connectivity and quality of life for generations to come, embodying the spirit of progress and the power of human ingenuity.

For commuters traversing Tampa Bay, the Howard Frankland Bridge is more than infrastructure—it’s a lifeline, a legacy and a testament to what can be achieved when vision and determination converge.

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Lighthouse Electric Bluebeam

Future-Proofing Construction: Lighthouse Electric’s Digital Transformation with Bluebeam

  • Tips and Tricks
A look at how Lighthouse Electric’s digital transformation with Bluebeam ensured growth and longevity in a changing industry

In the high-stakes world of construction, where precision and efficiency can make or break a project, staying ahead of the curve is essential.

For Lighthouse Electric, a family-owned electrical contractor based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, the challenge wasn’t just meeting the demands of a fast-evolving industry—it was ensuring the company could thrive for generations to come.

Faced with the looming “third-generation curse” that dooms many family businesses, Lighthouse Electric turned to innovation and technology as the keys to its longevity.

Central to this transformation was Bluebeam, a digital collaboration tool that revolutionized the way the company approached its work, setting a powerful example of how to future-proof a legacy in an ever-changing field.

Facing the third-generation challenge 

Founded in 1984 by Tony Mikec and his sons, Lighthouse Electric began as a small business with a single contract: lighting a church parking lot. Over the years, the company grew into a major player in the electrical contracting industry, completing high-profile projects for business centers, hospitals and even sports stadiums. 

Still, as the third generation of leadership stepped into their roles, Lighthouse Electric’s management recognized a common threat.

Family-owned businesses often face significant challenges in sustaining success across generations. Research indicates that approximately 30% of such businesses transition to the second generation, about 12% make it to the third and only 3% survive to the fourth generation and beyond.

Determined to beat the odds, the company conducted a comprehensive audit in 2015 to identify inefficiencies and establish a plan to ensure long-term growth. 

“They process mapped the entire thing and looked to eliminate duplicate workflows and streamline their processes,” said Matt Dole, Lighthouse Electric’s director of workforce development, who was close to its digitization effort.

Strategic initiatives for growth

The audit revealed two core strategies to secure the company’s future: prefabrication and digitization.

Prefabrication, the process of assembling electrical components offsite in a controlled environment, allowed Lighthouse Electric to reduce time-consuming, error-prone work on job sites. 

Digitization, the second pillar, focused on streamlining operations, minimizing manual paperwork and fostering better collaboration across teams.

Together, these strategies promised to make Lighthouse Electric more efficient, scalable and adaptable to the demands of modern construction. 

Discovering Bluebeam 

The shift toward digitization began with a practical problem: managing a large-scale buyout of light fixtures. For one project, thousands of fixtures needed to be tracked from purchase through installation, and the team struggled to find an efficient way to organize and monitor the data. 

This challenge led Lighthouse Electric to discover Bluebeam, a digital collaboration tool that promised to simplify workflows. Initially used for tracking light fixtures, Bluebeam quickly proved its versatility. The team expanded its use across departments, unlocking new ways to improve communication and efficiency. 

“We realized that Bluebeam had way more potential than just tracking light fixtures,” Dole said.

Implementing digital workflows 

Transitioning from paper-based systems to digital workflows was no small task. The Planning Department led the charge, creating standardized procedures for Bluebeam use and documenting best practices to ensure consistent implementation. 

There were challenges along the way. Employees had to learn new software, adapt to a paperless mindset and fine-tune workflows to match their specific needs. Mistakes were inevitable, but they became opportunities for growth as the team refined its processes. 

Unlocking Bluebeam’s potential 

Bluebeam’s features transformed how Lighthouse Electric worked. Custom columns and tool sets allowed the team to standardize data entry, which reduced errors and sped up routine tasks. The software’s Studio Sessions feature became a game-changer, enabling real-time collaboration between team members, even when spread across different locations. 

This shift from paper-based workflows to digital collaboration not only improved day-to-day operations but also allowed the company to take on larger, more complex projects with confidence. Efficiency, accuracy and communication all improved, creating a solid foundation for future growth. 

Scaling for the future 

By digitizing its workflows, Lighthouse Electric streamlined onboarding processes, making it easier for new employees to hit the ground running. Standardized procedures ensured that every team member—regardless of experience—could quickly contribute to ongoing projects. 

This scalability enabled the company to grow beyond its local roots. No longer confined by the inefficiencies of manual workflows, Lighthouse Electric expanded its reach and took on larger national projects, solidifying its reputation as an industry leader. 

Looking ahead: building a sustainable legacy

Lighthouse Electric’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing change. By identifying critical areas for improvement and implementing innovative solutions like Bluebeam, the company has not only overcome the “third-generation curse” but has positioned itself as a forward-thinking leader in the construction industry. 

The company’s story highlights the importance of technology in shaping the future of construction. For businesses looking to thrive in a competitive landscape, Lighthouse Electric offers a blueprint: embrace innovation, digitize your workflows and never stop evolving. 

“We bought Bluebeam in 2016,” Dole said, “and we’re still using it for electrical layout to this day because there just isn’t anything that can capture that much data as consistently and with that level of standardization as Bluebeam. Nothing has come close yet.”

This case study was inspired by Lighthouse Electric’s success story. Read more at Bluebeam.com.

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Manish Sharma Bluebeam

5 Questions with New Bluebeam Chief Product Officer Manish Sharma

  • People & Project Spotlights
Bluebeam’s new CPO sat down with Built to discuss customer centricity in technology, his new love for pickleball and what yoga has taught him about business

Manish Sharma, Bluebeam’s new chief product officer, is passionate about outdoor activities and learning new sports like pickleball. He’s in good company—outdoor pursuits often involve setting goals and working diligently to achieve them, whether it’s completing a hike, mastering a yoga pose or picking up a new sport. This goal-oriented mindset translates directly to professional environments, where perseverance and vision are key to success.

Pickleball, a fast-growing paddle sport played with a wiffle ball on a smaller court resembling tennis, has taken the world by storm. Sharma, who has recently joined the craze, is equally dedicated to making construction technology just as ubiquitous. At Bluebeam, he has a front-row seat to the latest innovations in digital collaboration software.

Built caught up with Sharma to discuss his fascination with technology, his love of nature and—of course—the lessons pickleball brings to his role at Bluebeam. Edited excerpts follow.

What inspires you about working in technology, and what excites you about being in this space?

By training, I’m an engineer, so technology has always been a natural path for me. But as I’ve delved deeper, I’ve realized the tremendous problems we can solve through technology—the impact we can make on the world. Technology touches people’s lives in ways that make things simpler, faster and more enjoyable. I believe technology is foundational; it’s the key to unlocking a better future.

Manish hiking with his family.

Is there someone, either professionally or personally, who has shaped your life? 

There are several people. First, my previous company’s CEO, Vimal Kapur, is one of the greatest leaders I’ve worked with. He has a unique ability to think strategically on a big-picture level while also being incredibly operational. That combination is rare and inspiring. 

Second is Steve Jobs. I admire his relentless drive for innovation and his refusal to give up. Another is Satya Nadella. I truly appreciate how he’s steering Microsoft with such vision and empathy. 

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

I enjoy a range of activities. Yoga is my passion—it helps me stay centered and focused. I also love hiking, especially in the mountains, where I can reconnect with nature. Sports are another favorite, and I recently picked up pickleball—it’s such a fun and engaging game. Finally, I cherish time with friends, whether it’s socializing or celebrating together.

Do you find lessons from yoga, hiking or pickleball that apply to your professional life?

Absolutely. Outdoor activities and sports teach preparation, vision, continuous learning and adaptability to unexpected challenges. These skills mirror the professional world, where strategic planning and flexibility are vital.

Manish practicing yoga.

For example, learning pickleball taught me that I can pick up new skills—even in an unfamiliar domain. Similarly, I’m confident I can dive into this industry, understand its customers and adapt to their needs. Yoga, with its emphasis on flexibility and pushing boundaries, reinforces the importance of agility and openness to new environments and ideas.

What message do you have for Bluebeam customers who are just getting to know you?

Bluebeam is an incredible product, and I’ve heard countless positive remarks from customers. They love its simplicity, ease of use and the immense value it provides. Bluebeam is more than software; it’s a cornerstone for innovation in construction and design. It bridges the gap between vision and reality.

The future with Bluebeam is not just digital—it’s smarter, faster and built to last. I’m thrilled to work alongside our customers to continue driving innovation and creating solutions that transform their industries.

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Bird-Safe Buildings and Construction

Protecting Birds with Smart Design: The Case for Bird-Safe Building Standards

  • Health, Safety, and Compliance
Bird strikes are estimated to kill 1 in 10 birds annually, but bird-safe buildings can keep more alive while improving thermal efficiency and aesthetics

Birds see things differently—and that’s a deadly problem for them.

When they’re flying toward a window, they see food, trees and skies, not a reflection. The next instant often brings a gut-wrenching thud and a stunned bird or carcass on the ground. But humans seldom see or hear this, making it seem like these strikes are rare, limited to when migration paths cross skyscrapers, easily solved by pasting a sticker on a window.

These are myths, according to Brendon Samuels, a doctoral student at the University of Western Ontario and expert in how birds perceive the world. An estimated 400 million to 1 billion birds strike buildings and die each year in the United States and Canada. Some 44% to 90% of deaths occur at low-rise residential structures, and birds fly around those colorful stickers and aim for the clear spaces that surround them.

One point is crucial: The amount of glass on a building—especially clear or mirrored—is the best predictor of the number of birds that will die running into it.

“We can’t change the bird, so we must change the building,” Samuels said. That takes a willingness to modify the structures so they don’t contribute to the 30% drop in bird numbers that Cornell Lab has seen since the 1970s. To save avians, architects, engineers and planners need to incorporate bird-friendly design in every project, while bird advocates, government authorities and legislators strive to implement model ordinances and bird-safe building codes.

 The scourge of bird strikes

If no one sees or hears a bird run into a window, it goes unnoticed except by the bird suffering from hemorrhage, concussion or damage to its bill, skull, eyes or wings. But during the COVID-19 pandemic—when millions around the globe teleworked—the Google search volume for “bird window” skyrocketed, indicating this “infrequent” event became much more observable, especially at home.

“There’s very little uptake of bird-safe design in residential building construction,” Samuels said. “It’s almost entirely voluntary adoption by homeowners and renters who treat their windows.” If the treatment is stickers—or raptor and crow calls or plastic owls—it’s largely ineffective.

One more confounding factor is artificial lighting at night that disorients birds, compelling some to circle until dawn. The Audubon Lights Out Program offers an immediate solution by encouraging building owners and managers to turn off excess lighting during months when birds are migrating.

Bird-aware building design

The first step architects and designers can take to protect birds is determining what ordinances or building codes apply. To assess the risk a specific structure might pose, Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada developed the BirdSafe® DIY Building Risk Assessment to estimate the collision risks—both day and night—that a building and its individual façades present.

Bird-safe building design standards help alleviate that risk, Samuels said. The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) offers an in-depth Bird-Friendly Building Design guide that covers underlying science and solutions for new and existing buildings. Although LEED adopted a permanent “Bird Collision Deterrence” credit in 2022, it isn’t mandatory—so even all LEED-rated buildings aren’t bird-friendly.

Expertise is also critical. “Start with a professional, because design is not one-size-fits-all,” said Heidi Trudell, bird friendly specialist, regional technical advisor, Guardian Glass. “You may need to triage solutions or use multiple products to fine-tune for your situation.”

For a new structure, Trudell recommended incorporating bird-friendly design and products as early as possible for greater control over aesthetics, thermal benefits, cost and effectiveness. On the other hand, retrofit solutions have a limited lifespan compared to glass, with labor for installing solutions like films making up the bulk of the cost. But after-the-fact treatments may be the only option for residences, because most bird-friendly glass comes in 6” commercial thicknesses, not the 4” thickness that residential framing supports.

A close-up look at glass

The goal for glass is incorporating a visual element that birds detect, react to and avoid by diverting their path. Three bird-friendly categories of glass products are available—frit, etch and UV. For all these categories, patterns and visual interest should appear on S1 (the outermost layer of glass) to increase effectiveness, Trudell said. Any low-e coating can be used on S2 or S3 as needed to meet thermal performance goals. Bright white ceramic frit provides the best contrast, critical to ensure birds can see the patterns against the interior background.

Bird-safe glass can also lead to a win-win for thermal efficiency and aesthetics. “In cases where a frit pattern is planned for the glazing, slightly modifying the proposed pattern’s size and spacing to provide bird deterrence may have a minimal impact on cost while still meeting the required design and energy performance required,” Trudell said.

The tight arrangement of stripes and dots needed to stop birds can surprise designers. “The recommended spacing is usually 5 centimeters or 2 inches between markers,” Samuels noted. “Applications must cover the entire surface and not leave gaps too much wider than the bird.” Designers can gain inspiration from successful installations that use certified products, like those included in the ABC Products & Solutions Database.

Convergence of code and products

With more effective solutions coming on the market, municipalities can enact ordinances and implement building codes to enforce bird-safe design. Toronto was the first city worldwide to update local bylaws and adopt bird-friendly building design into regulation. Now others are following suit. In 2020, New York City passed legislation requiring bird-friendly materials on the outside of new buildings and alterations replacing all exterior glazing.

Elsewhere, concerned citizens are working to develop and pass ordinances requiring adoption of bird-friendly building standards. For example, American Bird Conservancy has a model bird-friendly building ordinance that municipalities, states, universities and businesses can use as a starting point. Ordinances should apply to as many building types as possible, not just skyscrapers, and incorporate the need for retrofits to reduce bird collisions.

The U.S. government intends to lead by example. The Bipartisan Bird Safe Buildings Act focuses on reducing bird impacts with federal buildings—and hopefully that will raise awareness of building strategies to protect birds and offer guidance that can keep the world’s feathered creatures alive.

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