Photo of a construction hard hat resting on a flat surface with a vibrant sunset in the background, symbolizing innovation, resilience, and progress in the construction industry. Perfect visual for an article about generative AI's transformative role in modern construction.

Redefining Construction with AI: How Trunk Tools Turns Data Into Actionable Insights

  • Technology & Innovation
Trunk Tools’ innovative use of generative AI is reshaping how construction teams access and manage project data in the field

Construction teams face a daily flood of data—plan documents, RFIs, contracts and submittals—all essential but often buried in complex document management systems.

What if finding answers was as simple as asking a question?

Sarah Buchner, founder and CEO of Trunk Tools, set out to make this vision a reality. “The biggest problem in construction is that we have a lot of data and we’re hardly doing anything with it because it’s so unstructured and difficult to analyze,” Buchner said.

Her company uses generative AI to provide a solution: a conversational, chat-based tool that lets project managers and superintendents access the information they need immediately. “You ask a question and get an answer, with links to original source documents. Click, and you get the original artifact.”

Inside TrunkText: How Generative AI Powers Smarter Construction Workflows

TrunkText is Trunk Tools’ chat agent that construction workers use to query project data. Powered by a large-language model (LLM), it can even automate workflows like comparing a submittal against project specifications.

“Instead of having a human sitting there comparing the two documents, it’s something AI can do,” Buchner said. “There are so many workflows in our day-to-day life that we just don’t need humans to do anymore.”

Real-World Impact: How TrunkText Streamlined the Baird Center Expansion Project

In 2021, Gilbane Building Co. began work on the $456 million Baird Center Expansion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a massive project involving more than 33 GB of data across approximately 21,000 documents. As deadlines approached, sifting through this mountain of data consumed precious time.

How Large-Language Models (LLMs) Turn Construction Data into Answers

Construction projects generate massive amounts of unstructured data—think plan documents, RFIs, submittals, contracts and daily reports.

The problem: Much of this information lives in separate files, formats and platforms, making it tough to access and analyze when decisions need to be made quickly.

This is where large-language models (LLMs) come in. LLMs are a type of artificial intelligence trained on vast amounts of text data. They excel at understanding language patterns, context and meaning—skills that make them perfect for simplifying complex construction data.

Here’s how LLMs work in construction:

  • Data Processing: When documents like contracts and submittals are uploaded into an AI-powered platform like TrunkText, the LLM scans and indexes their contents, turning them into searchable data.
  • Semantic Understanding: Unlike basic search engines that rely on keywords, LLMs understand the meaning behind queries. This means that if a project manager asks, “What’s the maximum load capacity for beam X?” the AI can find the relevant spec—even if the exact words aren’t in the document.
  • Contextual Answers: LLMs provide context-rich answers by linking directly to the source documents. Users don’t just get a response; they get the evidence behind it.
  • Automating Repetitive Tasks: Beyond answering questions, LLMs can also handle tasks like comparing specifications or generating summaries, reducing the need for manual work.

By turning unstructured project data into clear, actionable insights, LLMs can help construction teams save time, avoid costly mistakes and focus on getting the job done right. In a high-stakes industry where every minute counts, that’s a game changer.

To address this, Gilbane piloted Trunk Tools during the project’s final sprint in January 2024. Once documents were uploaded, the AI processed the data, enabling field workers to quickly retrieve information like plan document details or change orders.

“More than 30 minutes is often saved on questions asked in the field,” said Andrew Roy, superintendent on the Gilbane project. “It’s also positively benefiting the speed to response for the person asking the superintendent a question.”

By project completion in May 2024, the AI had answered nearly 250 questions, saving 20-40 minutes per query—equating to an estimated $100,000 or more per month in avoided rework costs. Critically, 87% of the answers were verified as accurate, giving teams confidence in its reliability.

From Job Sites to AI Innovation: Buchner’s Journey in Construction Tech

Buchner’s passion for construction began in Austria, where her father, a carpenter, often took her to job sites. “I started working on my first job when I was 12, and liked it,” she said. After nearly a decade in construction, she pursued advanced degrees in civil engineering, data science and business.

Top 3 Challenges AI Is Solving in Construction

  1. Data Overload: Construction projects generate thousands of documents, from plan documents to contracts. AI-powered tools organize and index this data, making it searchable and manageable.
  2. Slow Information Retrieval: Finding critical project details can take hours. AI chatbots like TrunkText provide instant answers, linking directly to source documents.
  3. Manual Document Comparisons: Tasks like checking submittals against specifications are time-consuming. AI automates these comparisons, reducing human error and speeding up approvals.

By addressing these challenges, AI is transforming how construction teams work—saving time, cutting costs and boosting efficiency.

While working on her Ph.D., Buchner encountered firsthand the difficulties of analyzing unstructured construction data. “I had to raise money to clean the data so I could do analytics,” she said. This experience highlighted the urgent need for better data management and access in the industry. When generative AI emerged, Buchner realized it could revolutionize construction workflows.

What’s Next: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Construction

Since founding Trunk Tools in 2021, Buchner has focused on creating AI tools that address real problems faced by field teams. The chat-based interface is intentionally intuitive, requiring minimal user training.

“Trained AI is really good at semantically connecting data with humans,” she said. “We’re used to talking to get the information we need. When more solution providers figure that out, we’re going to see a lot more chat-based tools like this.”

With tools like TrunkText, generative AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s reshaping how construction teams work, saving time, cutting costs and unlocking the potential of data in the field.

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Engineer working at a dual-monitor workstation displaying detailed infrastructure plans and Arcadis software, emphasizing digital tools in modern construction project management.

How Arcadis Transformed Global Collaboration with Bluebeam

  • Bluebeam Tips and Tricks
By embracing Bluebeam’s digital collaboration tools, Arcadis revolutionized its global project management, driving efficiency, improving accuracy and cutting down on delays across international teams and complex infrastructure projects

Managing complex infrastructure projects across continents is no small feat.

For Arcadis, a global design and consulting firm with 35,000 employees spread across 70 countries, ensuring seamless collaboration was both a challenge and a necessity. The stakes were particularly high in Australia, where 1,300 employees were engaged in major linear infrastructure projects involving numerous global stakeholders.

Arcadis faced a critical decision: modernize its project management process or risk falling behind. Its choice: Bluebeam, a digital collaboration platform that revolutionized the way the firm worked—boosting productivity, enhancing accuracy and reducing environmental impact along the way.

Overcoming Cross-Border Collaboration Challenges

For years, Arcadis relied on outdated paper-based processes for managing project reviews and markups. Engineers and designers working in different time zones had to wait for physical markups to be scanned and emailed—a process that frequently caused delays, miscommunication and version control issues.

The environmental toll was significant, too. Arcadis’ sustainability goals clashed with the considerable amount of paper consumed in its manual workflows. Reducing its carbon footprint became a priority.

“By using the capabilities of Bluebeam such as Studio Sessions we’ve established a centralized way of managing all our comments, reviews and also having a standardized approach to our markup, a quality control process,” said Steven Coyle, digital lead for Australia Mobility at Arcadis.

Transforming Project Management with Bluebeam’s Digital Tools

Recognizing the need for change, Arcadis adopted Bluebeam, transforming how it managed project workflows. Bluebeam’s suite of tools enabled real-time document sharing, centralized project markups and streamlined quality control processes—all within a single, cloud-based environment.

The firm quickly developed best-practice protocols using Bluebeam’s platform, standardizing markups and creating a centralized method for managing comments and reviews. These changes brought newfound efficiency and transparency to the firm’s global operations.

Game-Changing Results: A Blueprint for Project Success

Real-Time Global Collaboration: With Bluebeam, Arcadis’ global teams could access and edit the same documents simultaneously, regardless of location. What once took days now took mere hours, dramatically reducing project turnaround times.

“There were two things that prompted Arcadis to use Bluebeam,” said Sergio Fuentes, associate technical director of digital engineering for New South Wales Civil Infrastructure at Arcadis. “One of them was coordination and collaboration. Considering the size of our projects, the complexity of them and the number of stakeholders that we have, we needed to find an effective way to communicate, and Bluebeam provided that.”

Improved Accountability and Standardization: Bluebeam enabled Arcadis to create a standardized process for reviews and markups, ensuring that every team member followed the same project protocols. This improved accuracy, reduced errors and fostered a culture of accountability.

Enhanced Client and Partner Collaboration: Arcadis also used Bluebeam’s collaboration features to improve communication with clients and joint venture partners. Using interactive dashboards and detailed markups, team members could share project updates with stakeholders in a clear, professional manner.

Boosted Productivity and Reduced Delays: By cutting out paper-based bottlenecks, Arcadis empowered its teams to work faster and more efficiently. Tasks that once required physical markups and delayed responses could now be completed in real time—whether team members were in the office or working remotely.

Industry Expertise: Driving Innovation Through Digital Transformation

Behind Arcadis’ transformation is a clear strategy centered on standardization, automation and data-driven processes.

“Bluebeam improves collaboration by allowing both drafters and engineers to access the same document with the same version in real time,” said Mark Javillo, principal CAD technician and BIM manager at Arcadis, “which reduces miscommunication and ensures project update consistency.”

Why It Matters: Key Takeaways for the AEC Industry

Arcadis’ experience with Bluebeam highlights an essential truth for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry: digital tools aren’t just helpful; they’re critical. In an era where project complexity and sustainability demands are only increasing, the ability to collaborate effectively across borders is a competitive advantage.

By reducing paper consumption and streamlining project management, Arcadis has not only boosted its productivity but also advanced its environmental goals—a win-win that many AEC firms can learn from.

Discover More: Explore the Full Arcadis Case Study Want to see how Arcadis redefined global collaboration with Bluebeam?

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The image depicts a construction site at sunset, featuring various heavy machinery, including excavators, a crane, and trucks, positioned around a partially built concrete structure. The sky is vibrant with warm hues, emphasizing the contrast between the industrial scene and the natural backdrop.

6 Critical Construction Challenges in 2025 (And How Technology Can Solve Them)

  • Construction & The Economy
Discover how cutting-edge technologies like AI, robotics and cloud-based tools are transforming construction by addressing key challenges such as labor shortages, rising material costs and project delays in 2025

The construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads—not just building taller skyscrapers or faster homes, but reinventing how it works from the ground up.

Pressed by labor shortages, sustainability mandates and rising costs, industry leaders are abandoning outdated methods in favor of technology-driven solutions. From AI-powered project management to autonomous robots on job sites, the future of construction is being built today.

Below, Built explores the six most pressing issues in construction for 2025 and beyond, and investigates how technology can help overcome them.

Construction Labor Shortage: Causes, Impact, Tech-Driven Solutions

Challenge: One of the biggest obstacles facing the construction industry is a critical shortage of skilled labor. As seasoned workers retire and fewer young professionals enter the field, the gap in skilled labor widens. According to a 2023 report from the Associated General Contractors of America, around 88% of contractors report difficulty finding skilled workers. This lack of manpower often leads to project delays and increased labor costs.

Solution:

Automation and Robotics: Automation and robotics are stepping up to reduce the strain on human labor. Machines are now capable of performing repetitive tasks like bricklaying, excavation and demolition, which not only speeds up the process but also improves safety. Robots, such as the semi-autonomous SAM100 bricklaying robot, can lay bricks more quickly and consistently than human workers, helping to offset the labor gap.

Additionally, construction management software streamlines scheduling, allowing companies to allocate their existing workforce more efficiently, ensuring that no labor is wasted.

Rising Construction Material Costs: Challenges and Tech Solutions

Challenge: Volatile material prices have long been a source of financial strain in the construction industry. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation and other unpredictable global events have driven up the cost of essential materials like steel, lumber and concrete, putting pressure on project budgets.

Solution:

Predictive Analytics and Supply Chain Technology: Building information modeling (BIM) is one solution that helps mitigate these costs by optimizing designs and reducing material waste. BIM allows for precise material estimates, ensuring that only the necessary amount is ordered. By simulating how a project will look and perform in the real world, it also helps detect design flaws early, preventing expensive changes mid-construction.

Additionally, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics tools help monitor material availability and prices in real time, allowing for smarter purchasing decisions. When supply chains are strained, companies can quickly pivot and adapt, minimizing delays and reducing costs.

Sustainability in Construction: Reducing Environmental Impact with Green Tech

Challenge: The construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, according to the World Green Building Council. As climate change intensifies, there is growing pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce its environmental footprint.

Solution:

Green Technology and Energy-Efficient Design: Sustainable building materials like carbon-neutral concrete and recycled steel are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives. For example, innovations like hempcrete—a bio-composite made of hemp and lime—offer an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional materials while also providing insulation benefits.

Energy-efficient designs are another powerful solution. By leveraging BIM and advanced simulation tools, architects and engineers can model the energy performance of a building before it’s even constructed, ensuring that projects minimize energy use and emissions over their lifecycle.

In some cases, 3D printing is also helping to reduce waste. Companies are experimenting with 3D printing to create intricate building components that use only the necessary materials, eliminating excess and promoting sustainability.

Project Delays and Budget Overruns in Construction: Causes and Tech Solutions

Challenge: Project delays and budget overruns are an endemic problem in the construction industry. Factors like poor planning, unforeseen site conditions and inefficiencies in resource allocation often contribute to projects exceeding timelines and budgets.

Solution:

AI and Drones: AI is revolutionizing project management by predicting delays before they occur. Using data from past projects and real-time conditions, AI systems can identify potential roadblocks such as weather disruptions, equipment breakdowns or labor shortages, enabling better planning and resource management.

Drones are also playing a key role in improving project timelines. Equipped with high-definition cameras and sensors, drones can perform site inspections faster and more safely than human inspectors, providing real-time progress updates and detecting issues before they become costly problems.

Construction Safety Challenges: How Tech Is Making Job Sites Safer

Challenge: Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries, with high rates of injuries and fatalities. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one in five worker deaths in the US occurs in construction.

Solution:

Wearables and AI-Powered Safety Monitoring: Wearable technology is increasingly used to monitor worker health and safety on-site. Smart helmets and vests equipped with sensors can track vital signs, detect unsafe conditions and send real-time alerts to both workers and site managers.

AI-powered systems can also predict potential safety hazards by analyzing historical data and monitoring current working conditions. With predictive analytics, construction firms can take preventive measures, such as adjusting workflows or updating safety protocols, to minimize the risk of accidents.

Solving Fragmented Communication in Construction with Collaboration Tech

Challenge: Construction projects often involve multiple stakeholders—architects, engineers, contractors and clients—each using different tools and systems. This fragmented communication can lead to misunderstandings, rework and project delays.

Solution:

Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools: Cloud-based platforms like Bluebeam offer real-time collaboration for all stakeholders, ensuring everyone has access to the latest project updates, designs and documents. These tools break down silos between teams and foster more transparent communication, reducing the likelihood of misaligned goals or missed information.

By integrating all project data into a single, accessible platform, cloud-based tools also support Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)—a methodology that brings all stakeholders together early in the project lifecycle to align objectives and minimize risks.

The Future of Construction: How Tech Is Shaping a Smarter, Safer Industry

The challenges facing today’s construction industry—from labor shortages to sustainability—are daunting. However, technology offers a promising path forward. From AI and robotics to green building materials and cloud-based collaboration tools, the construction sector is undergoing a digital transformation that promises to boost efficiency, safety and sustainability.

As more companies adopt these technologies, the construction industry will become better equipped to tackle its most pressing challenges, setting the stage for a more innovative and resilient future.

This article originally published on Industry Today.

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Europe’s Largest Construction Project Is Going Diesel-Free

  • Sustainability
The high-speed rail line in England began with a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions, then expanded to diesel-free construction sites to further decarbonize the project

Imagine a construction site without diesel, and it’s hard to see how any work would get done. Diesel supplies 98% of all energy used in the construction industry, according to the Engine Technology Forum. That includes powering more than three-fourths of all heavy construction equipment, along with generators and compressors.

But using diesel comes at a price. Even diesel that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 standards produces noxious exhaust fumes and particulate matter that are damaging to the environment and unhealthy for workers, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

This reliance on diesel doesn’t mesh well with the U.K.’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050. With construction responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions—mainly from manufacturing building materials and burning fossil fuels—the sector has a lot of work to do. That made it a brave decision to eliminate diesel from construction sites for the new High Speed 2 (HS2) rail line.

“Climate change presents unprecedented challenges,” said Andrea Davidson, head of environmental sciences, technical services directorate, HS2 Limited. “The way we travel—and the way we build our transport networks—are critical to our response to this global emergency.”

Zero emission goal

HS2 will connect Birmingham and London via zero-carbon bullet trains. That requires four new state-of-the-art stations, two depots and 140 miles of track.

HS2 initially aimed to achieve net zero GHG emissions in keeping with the U.K.’s targets. But key partners, like Skanska, were already working toward diesel-free construction sites—and developing a business case and taking actions to realize that goal. HS2’s decision was also influenced by provisions in the U.K. Finance Act 2021 to ensure taxes fairly reflect the harmful impact of diesel emissions. The policy aims to incentivize users of polluting fuels to improve energy efficiency, invest in cleaner alternatives and use less fuel.

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In HS2’s Net Zero Carbon Plan, the organization committed to all HS2 sites being diesel-free by 2029, with the first in 2022. In addition, the team aimed for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from steel and concrete by 2030 compared with 2021 and an 11% reduction in heavy goods vehicles by 2027 compared with 2020. From day one of HS2 operation, the railway plans to use only zero-carbon electricity. Finally, HS2 aimed to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025 and Scope 3 emissions from 2035, offsetting any residual emissions from that point.

Myth-busting is the biggest hurdle

Finding diesel replacements isn’t necessarily easy. No single alternative fits all construction sites—the candidates depend on the location, activities and building methods. If no mains power connection is available, Davidson advised considering other solutions, from hydrogen power towers and fuel cell technologies to drop-in biofuels and bio-LPG.

Being a first mover also means taking on higher costs. Davidson noted the importance of thinking beyond the initial investment when deciding on diesel alternatives and including operating costs and carbon savings for the entire period of machine usage on a site.

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Also, contractors’ preconceived ideas about diesel options can foster a reluctance to change. Trials, testing and independent academic evidence are essential to de-risk solutions and inspire confidence that diesel alternatives work, are reliable and address health and safety concerns. Only then does a diesel-free site become viable.

“The site teams have been absolutely key to achieving this target on HS2,” Davidson said. “Their initiatives have flagged to other contractors what is possible, which is driving the opportunity and transition.”

Combining technologies

One principle to reducing use of any energy source is to minimize demand. So, a critical first step is ensuring on-site fuel efficiency to reduce emissions and cost. Increasing efficiency might include older machine retrofitting, operator training, anti-idling programs, battery storage solutions and flywheel technologies.

Of course, a mains supply can make powering equipment with a clean charging solution easier. But access depends on land permission, demand and timeframes for connections. Working with distribution network organizations helped H2S formulate a plan to streamline connections.

In the H2S Net Zero Carbon Plan, the target is ultra-low or no emissions by 2035. For now, the focus is on reducing or eliminating emissions as much as possible and demonstrating the feasibility of diesel-free construction sites on a major project. “By prioritizing targets like this, we are reducing impacts to site operators as well as those living in close proximity to sites by improving local air pollution,” Davidson said. “Due to the size and scale of the HS2 program, we have an opportunity and responsibility to challenge the norm, to identify opportunities and roll out more sustainable solutions so that we can leave a positive, lasting legacy.”

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Construction site at sunset with cranes silhouetted against the sky, symbolizing progress and key industry milestones highlighted in Bluebeam's 'Top Built Stories of 2024' year-in-review blog article.

The Top Built Stories of 2024: Bluebeam’s Year in Review 

  • People & Project Spotlights
A look back at 2024’s most compelling construction stories, highlighting the year’s innovations, challenges and the people driving change in the built world

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at some of the year’s most compelling stories from the world of design and construction. From adaptive reuse to cutting-edge technology, these stories spotlight the challenges, triumphs and innovations shaping the built environment. Join us as we revisit the top 10 stories that defined 2024. 

1. Office-to-Housing Conversions: Challenges and Opportunities 

The COVID-19 pandemic’s legacy continues to shape urban landscapes, with office-to-housing conversions becoming a hot topic in cities across the globe. This piece dives into the structural and financial hurdles developers face when reimagining commercial spaces for residential use—while uncovering the potential benefits for housing shortages and urban revitalization. 

Read the full story: Office-to-Housing Conversion Challenges 

2. Build Out Alliance: Building a More Inclusive Industry 

Diversity and inclusion took center stage in 2024, with advocacy groups like Build Out Alliance championing LGBTQ+ representation in construction. Learn how this nonprofit is fostering a culture of belonging across job sites and boardrooms alike and why inclusion is key to a thriving industry. 

Read the full story: Build Out Alliance Construction 

3. Prioritizing Mental Health in Construction 

With rising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, the construction industry is stepping up. This article explores how companies are implementing new policies, support systems and technology to better address workers’ mental health, paving the way for a healthier workforce. 

Read the full story: Mental Health in Construction 2024 

4. Church Conversions: A New Era of Adaptive Reuse 

Historic churches are finding new life as apartments, cultural centers and even offices. This story explores the architectural ingenuity and community impact behind these transformations, proving that adaptive reuse can preserve history while meeting modern needs. 

Read the full story: Church Conversions Adaptive Reuse 

5. Geothermal Heat Turns Up the Energy Efficiency in Nightclubs 

Sustainability reached new heights (and depths) this year, with a spotlight on a nightclub that harnesses geothermal heat to stay eco-friendly. Discover how this innovation could inspire broader adoption of renewable energy solutions across industries. 

Read the full story: Geothermal Heat Nightclub Innovation 

6. The State of Artificial Intelligence in Construction 

AI continued to revolutionize construction in 2024, streamlining workflows and optimizing decision-making. From generative design to predictive maintenance, this article breaks down the latest advancements and what they mean for the future of the industry. 

Read the full story: State of Artificial Intelligence in Construction 2024 

7. Washington, D.C.’s Sewer System: An Underground Marvel 

Beneath the bustling streets of the nation’s capital lies an engineering marvel: an intricate sewer system designed to tackle stormwater challenges. This deep dive showcases the ingenuity and resilience behind this essential infrastructure. 

Read the full story: Washington DC Sewer System 

8. Liz Larsen: Structural Engineer and Trailblazer 

Meet Liz Larsen, a structural engineer who is reshaping the industry with her groundbreaking projects and advocacy for young women in STEM. Her inspiring journey and dedication to innovation make her one of the year’s standout leaders. 

Read the full story: Liz Larsen Structural Engineer 

9. Detroit Design Core: Creativity at the Heart of Urban Renewal 

Detroit’s design scene flourished in 2024, thanks in part to Design Core Detroit’s initiatives. This story highlights how the city’s creative community is driving economic growth and shaping a new narrative for the Motor City. 

Read the full story: Detroit Design Core 

10. WELD: Supporting Second Chances in Construction 

Seattle-based nonprofit WELD made waves this year by empowering formerly incarcerated individuals with training and job opportunities in construction. This story highlights how the organization is addressing labor shortages while offering participants a new path forward, proving that second chances can build stronger communities. 

Read the full story: WELD Seattle Construction 

Building a Better Future: How Construction Innovation and Community Impact Defined 2024 

From cutting-edge technology to inspiring personal stories, 2024 was a year of transformation and progress in the built world. As we look to the future, Bluebeam remains committed to sharing the innovations and ideas driving the industry forward. 

Here’s to 2025 and beyond! 

Ready to Build Smarter in 2025? Try Bluebeam! 

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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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