Maine-based line striping specialist Kailyn Braddock shares how late nights, hard lessons and serious hustle helped her build a career on her own terms
After tornadoes leveled one facility and the COVID-19 pandemic upended supply chains, Camfil didn’t just rebuild—it doubled down on smarter, stronger design
You’d think a global leader in air quality—with 30 manufacturing plants, 5,700 employees and more than $1.3 billion in sales—might be immune to disruption.
Then came two tornadoes. And a pandemic.
For Sweden-based Camfil, those events hit hard. In March 2020, a tornado destroyed one of two buildings at the company’s Airport Road campus in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Then, in December 2021, a second tornado struck a temporary facility in Trumann, Arkansas—right as COVID-19 was wreaking havoc on global supply chains.
It was a one-two punch that forced a complete rethink—not just of how Camfil rebuilt, but where and why.
A New Site, A Bigger Vision
Camfil had already planned to expand production capacity in the U.S. before disaster struck. But the back-to-back tornadoes accelerated that urgency—and sharpened the stakes.
In fall 2021, the company committed to building a new air pollution control (APC) facility in Jonesboro. Around the same time, it announced a second major investment: a new air filtration manufacturing plant in Kilgore, Texas.
Originally budgeted at $50 million for a 350,000-square-foot footprint, the Kilgore facility would house Camfil’s full product range. But that plan didn’t last long.
“COVID-19 was creating a new normal for U.S. manufacturing with material supply delays and limited material availability,” said John Williams, director of capital projects, Camfil USA. “That would mean a price increase of 30% or more for the Kilgore facility.”
Faced with ballooning costs and a fast-changing world, Camfil’s team went back to the drawing board.
Bigger, Stronger, Smarter
By the time ground broke in September 2024, the project had doubled in scope and budget. The new Kilgore facility is now set to be Camfil’s largest single manufacturing site in the world, with 418,000 square feet of production space and an investment of $100 million.
How Camfil’s Kilgore Facility Cuts Carbon Clean air starts with cleaner buildings. Here’s how Camfil kept sustainability front and center while scaling up in Texas: Tilt-up concrete walls built with thermal insulation sandwiched inside—cutting heat transfer and energy use Local materials sourced close to the site to slash emissions from transport A TPO membrane roof with R-30 insulation to keep cooling costs down in the Texas heat LED lighting and Low-E glass throughout for maximum efficiency and minimal waste Original forestation left intact, with added landscaping to fight heat-island effect Detention ponds designed to handle stormwater without overloading city systems
“Kilgore won Camfil’s selection after careful consideration,” said Camfil USA President Armando Brunetti. “Several compelling factors, including a skilled labor force, strategic location, excellent real estate options and support from Kilgore’s Economic Development Corporation influenced our decision.”
Set to open in 2025, the plant will produce and distribute all Camfil 5-Star products across North America, serving industries from pharmaceuticals to microelectronics.
Designing for Resilience—and Sustainability
Memphis-based Fisher Arnold, the project architect, designed both the Kilgore facility and the APC rebuild in Jonesboro. For Kilgore, the focus was on durability, efficiency and low embodied carbon.
“The carbon footprint will be very small for a building of this size,” said Howard Glatstein, AIA, NCARB, and principal at Fisher Arnold.
Key strategies included:
Tilt-up composite concrete panels: A sandwich of concrete and insulation that creates a thermal break to reduce energy transfer.
Locally sourced materials: To avoid emissions from transporting precast elements.
High-performance roofing: A TPO membrane with insulation that creates an R-value of ~30.
LED lighting and Low-E glass: For energy efficiency and light quality.
Thermally broken aluminum framing: To reduce temperature loss at glass-to-frame connections.
Camfil also preserved much of the site’s original tree cover and added landscaping to combat the heat-island effect. Stormwater detention ponds help manage runoff without overburdening Kilgore’s drainage infrastructure.
Getting It Right Before It’s Built
To navigate the complexity of the new site, general contractor CDI Contractors used a building information modeling (BIM) approach that transformed the 2D AutoCAD files from Fisher Arnold into a collaborative 3D model.
“You can see errors in the building layout in advance,” said Justin Brodnax, senior project manager at CDI. “BIM also allows for some pre-fabrication of materials that can be measured, built and brought to the site. We know they’re going to fit because we’ve modeled them in a 3D format.”
The result has been significant: Fewer mistakes. Less rework. Faster timelines.
Built to Waste Less, Operate Smarter
Camfil’s approach to sustainability doesn’t stop with energy efficiency. The company’s manufacturing process typically uses little water, but waste management still plays a big role.
The Kilgore facility will deploy high-efficiency trash compactors that reduce both landfill volume and labor requirements. Some models will also support recycling and sorting on-site, cutting transportation costs and carbon impact.
Jobs, Growth and a Stronger Supply Chain
With 226 new jobs expected, the Kilgore site will serve as a critical hub in Camfil’s U.S. manufacturing network, especially in the face of future disruptions.
More than just a plant, the facility is a response to a world that’s changing fast, from supply shocks to climate risks to soaring demand for cleaner air.
And while Camfil can’t stop the next tornado or pandemic, it’s making sure it’s ready when it comes.
As the industry faces a critical skilled labor shortage, modern vocational training programs—many as early as high school—are quietly rebuilding the workforce from the ground up
Let’s start with a number: $70,000. That’s how much a high school junior in Philadelphia is poised to earn right after graduation—not with a college degree, but a welding torch.
Every senior in the welding program at Father Judge High School has received a job offer paying more than $50,000, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article. One student has already landed a position welding nuclear submarines.
This isn’t a one-off. It’s a shift. The trades are back—and they’re nothing like they used to be.
We Don’t Just Have a Labor Shortage. We Have a Knowledge Crisis.
The construction industry’s talent gap is no secret. But it’s not just about headcount.
That’s not just labor walking out the door. That’s institutional memory.
The professionals who know how to spot a spec conflict before it stalls the schedule. Who’ve learned—through trial, error and years in the field—how to navigate unpredictable variables like weather, logistics and permitting.
That’s what we’re losing. And we’re not replacing it nearly fast enough.
Shop Class 2.0 Is Here—and It’s Actually Cool
For years, vocational education got sidelined. “College for all” became a mantra, and shop class largely disappeared from school curriculums.
Now it’s roaring back, with a digital twist.
Today’s career and technical education (CTE) programs look nothing like the wood-paneled workshops of decades past. Students are learning CNC machining, robotics, 3D printing and even digital markup and takeoff tools.
At Middleton High School in Wisconsin, a $90 million campus upgrade added glass-walled shops, robotic arms and state-of-the-art machinery. Nearly 25% of the student body is now enrolled in construction, manufacturing or woodworking courses.
And this resurgence isn’t isolated. The National Student Clearinghouse reported that enrollment in construction trade programs at community colleges rose by 23% year-over-year, the largest increase on record.
It turns out, students are getting the memo: the trades are high-tech, high-pay and high in demand.
Today’s Students Are Getting a Digital Toolbelt
Construction today isn’t just bricks and beams. It’s building information modeling (BIM), real-time markups, cloud-based sessions and mobile dashboards. Vocational programs are quickly catching up.
Students—whether in high schools, community colleges or even some four-year universities—are gaining hands-on experience with project management platforms. They’re learning how to track RFIs, manage digital drawings and collaborate on shared files before ever stepping onto a jobsite.
Many of the industry’s preeminent technology companies provide free software access and training to educational institutions. Bluebeam has supported academic programs through its Revu and Studio platforms, enabling students to practice real-world digital workflows.
And beyond software, The Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro program has introduced more than 245,000 people—including 43,000 youth participants—to the skilled trades since 2018, many through tech-forward training.
This isn’t just education. It’s industry-ready onboarding.
Partnerships Are the New Pipeline
The real power behind this movement? Collaboration.
Across the U.S., contractors are partnering with tech high schools and community colleges to create direct pipelines to the jobsite.
At Worcester Technical High School in Massachusetts, students are paired with professionals from NEI General Contracting. They learn about sequencing, compliance and even client communication—on active construction projects. In turn, NEI gets early access to a motivated, digitally fluent talent pool.
It’s a win-win—and a model more firms should follow.
What Construction Firms Should Be Doing Right Now
Still on the fence? Here’s how companies can get involved:
Partner with trade schools and community colleges. Host jobsite tours, sponsor internships or create co-op programs.
Share your tools. Whether it’s Bluebeam or other digital tools, give students access to platforms they’ll use on the job.
Send your team into the classroom. A 10-minute story from a PM or super can inspire a future foreman.
Play the long game. These aren’t just students; they’re your future crew leads, estimators and project managers.
This Is Bigger Than Hiring
Sure, this helps solve the talent crunch. But it’s about more than just staffing.
It’s a culture shift. A reimagining of how we attract, train and retain the next generation, while keeping pace with the tools shaping the jobsite.
Shop class is back. But this time, it’s armed with software, certifications and six-figure futures.
The firms that act now? They won’t just find talent. They’ll build stronger, smarter, more resilient teams.
Ready to equip the next generation with the right tools?
With deadlines looming, agencies have a rare opportunity to modernize—and lead—the future of infrastructure delivery
On April 15, 2025, the White House issued a presidential memorandum directing federal agencies to digitize their permitting and environmental review processes.
The goals are straightforward: streamline workflows, reduce project delays and make infrastructure delivery faster, more transparent and more accountable.
But the timeline is tight. Agencies have just 45 days to submit implementation strategies and 90 days to begin testing and reporting progress. For organizations historically slowed by legacy systems, this directive isn’t just a challenge but an opportunity to lead.
Here’s what agencies should be doing now, what comes next and how peer institutions and state leaders are already setting the pace.
What the April 15 Memorandum Requires
The memorandum outlines a clear set of expectations for all federal agencies involved in environmental reviews and infrastructure permitting.
Specifically, it requires agencies to:
Submit a digitization implementation strategy within 45 days.
Begin testing and reporting digital permitting workflows within 90 days.
Eliminate paper-based permitting processes “to the greatest extent practicable.”
Adopt shared permitting data standards and ensure interoperability across systems.
Improve transparency and public engagement.
This is the strongest federal directive to date aimed at modernizing permitting, and it builds on earlier initiatives like the Permitting Action Plan issued in 2022.
What Agencies Should Do Now
Assemble a Cross-Functional Team: To move quickly, agencies will need teams that include representatives from permitting, IT, legal, procurement and leadership. Cross-agency collaboration will be crucial for both strategy development and implementation.
Audit Existing Workflows: Where do current permitting processes rely on PDFs, physical signatures or email chains? Identifying bottlenecks is essential for prioritizing improvements and establishing a performance baseline.
Evaluate Proven Solutions: Agencies don’t have to start from scratch. Several federal departments have already deployed digital permitting tools that can serve as reference points:
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) developed INPCT, a platform that allows for real-time collaboration among agencies during National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires electronic filing of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) via its e-NEPA system, improving access, tracking and compliance.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) offers IPaC, a planning tool that helps applicants determine potential environmental impacts and request species consultations online.
Identify a Focused Pilot Project: Launching a well-scoped pilot—such as a specific permit type, geographic area or project category—can help test tools, gather feedback and demonstrate early momentum. Agencies can look to state-level initiatives for inspiration.
In Arizona, the Department of Environmental Quality’s myDEQ platform has modernized numerous permitting and compliance services, leading to notable reductions in processing times for various permits.
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Where Bluebeam Fits In
Federal agencies don’t have to start from scratch.
Bluebeam is already trusted by government teams across the U.S. to streamline permitting, plan reviews and project collaboration. Our secure, scalable platform helps agencies transition from paper-based workflows to digital processes without overhauling their entire IT stack.
Here’s how we support permitting modernization:
Digital plan reviews and markups that eliminate printing, mailing and scanning delays.
Collaborative document management that enables real-time communication between teams, agencies and stakeholders
Version control and audit trails to support compliance and transparency.
Flexible deployment options to meet varying security and procurement requirements.
Whether you’re piloting a new process or scaling an agency-wide initiative, Bluebeam helps you build faster, with better coordination and fewer bottlenecks.
Similarly, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality introduced the PEEP platform, which allows users to track permitting status online. The state reports that processing times have improved dramatically since implementation, helping agencies monitor performance and reduce delays.
Submit an Implementation Strategy:
Your plan should include:
A baseline assessment of current processes.
A prioritized list of workflows for digitization.
Timelines, performance metrics and governance.
A plan for stakeholder and public engagement.
The deadline for submission is firm: 45 days from April 15, 2025.
What to Do During the 90-Day Testing Phase
Once the plan is submitted, agencies are expected to begin testing and reporting progress. That means deploying tools, collecting data and iterating in real time.
Define the Test Clearly: Is your agency piloting a new intake system? Testing online commenting? Tracking interagency collaboration via a dashboard? Whatever the use case, define it clearly and measure what matters.
Track Progress—and Communicate It: Agencies that can show early wins will be well-positioned to shape future interagency standards. Publishing dashboards or briefing key stakeholders may also help secure future funding or interagency partnerships.
Leverage Broader Federal Support: This modernization effort doesn’t stand alone. It aligns with several ongoing federal digital initiatives:
Collaborate Across Agencies: Permits often require multiple reviews from EPA, DOI, DOT, DOE and others. Coordination is essential. States like Florida offer successful models. Its Efficient Transportation Decision Making (ETDM) process integrates environmental screening early in planning, saving time and reducing conflicts.
What Success Looks Like—and Why It Matters
Agencies that embrace this transition now will unlock several benefits:
Faster and more predictable permitting timelines.
Better coordination among agencies and stakeholders.
Increased transparency and public trust.
More efficient use of staff resources and taxpayer dollars.
The risks of inaction, meanwhile, are growing. Agencies that lag may miss out on funding, fall behind in shaping emerging standards or face scrutiny for delaying critical infrastructure.
A Moment to Lead
This isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s a policy reset. Federal permitting modernization is no longer a long-term aspiration—it’s a live initiative with a deadline, budget and national audience.
Agencies that act now won’t just meet a mandate. They’ll help redefine what efficient, transparent infrastructure delivery looks like in the 21st century.
If your agency is ready to modernize permitting workflows, now is the time to move.
As mental health concerns rise across the construction industry, leaders and workers alike are beginning to confront the stigma and push for meaningful change
In this first installment of our new “Future Built” blog series, we revisit key conversations from Bluebeam’s Future Built video podcast. These episodes explore how the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry is evolving—one conversation at a time.
This episode features Taylor Allen, customer success manager at Bluebeam and a member of our internal Mental Health Advocacy Group. Drawing on both personal and professional experience, Allen talks openly about the realities of mental health in the AEC sector—and what companies and individuals can do to move forward.
Watch the Full Episode
Future Built: Mental Health in Construction
Runtime: 24 minutes
Episode Summary
Mental health is no longer a background issue in construction. It affects every part of the job—from how people show up to work to how safely and efficiently projects get done.
In this episode, Allen shares how her experience as a civil engineer and mental health advocate informs her work at Bluebeam, and why support systems, culture change and awareness are key to building a healthier industry.
Key Takeaways
The stigma is real. Vulnerability is still seen as weakness in many corners of the AEC industry. That needs to change.
Some firms are taking the lead. Companies like Rudolph and Sletten are incorporating mental health into jobsite safety protocols.
Start by speaking up. Whether it’s talking to a co-worker or calling a support hotline, connection is the first step toward healing.
Programs help—but only if people know about them. Tools like EAPs, Slack-based support groups and wellness challenges make a difference when consistently promoted.
Work-life balance starts with boundaries. Knowing how to say “this will slip if I take that on” is critical to avoiding burnout.
What Taylor Said
“Mental health not only affects your wellbeing at home, but it also bleeds into work. I mean, it’s really who you are.”
“Often we’re afraid we don’t know how to give the best advice, but half the time all we really need to do is listen.”
“You will always have something to do—and it’s usually going to have been due yesterday.”
Resources Mentioned
Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming essential for AEC professionals aiming to reduce embodied carbon and make smarter, data-driven material choices
Would you buy food without reading the label? Probably not. Nutrition facts help consumers make informed choices about calories, ingredients and serving sizes. They give people a basic level of transparency about what they’re putting into their bodies.
That same level of transparency is now making its way into construction. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) function like nutrition labels for building products. They provide standardized information about a product’s environmental footprint, giving architects, engineers and contractors critical data to evaluate sustainability during the design and build phases.
As the construction industry confronts growing demands to reduce embodied carbon and operate more responsibly, EPDs are becoming essential tools. But what exactly are they, how do they work and why should the AEC community care?
EPDs aim to provide clarity about a material’s carbon footprint and other environmental effects across its entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use and eventual disposal.
“EPDs allow design teams to make informed choices about materials and their impacts on the planet,” said Jon Penndorf, studio director of regenerative design at Perkins & Will. “The increased transparency is something we can share with end-user and owner clients to help them develop their facility’s story.”
This story isn’t just about environmental stewardship. In many cases, it’s also a way to meet specific performance targets, adhere to sustainability frameworks like LEED and BREEAM and differentiate a project in a competitive marketplace.
Not All EPDs Are Created Equal
While EPDs offer valuable data about a product’s environmental profile, it’s important to remember that the presence of an EPD doesn’t automatically mean a product is better for the planet.
“Just because a product has an EPD doesn’t mean it’s environmentally superior to alternatives from a climate perspective,” Penndorf said.
An EPD simply signals that the manufacturer has gone through the process of measuring and disclosing environmental data. That transparency is valuable—but not a guarantee of low impact. Evaluating whether a product is truly a better option still requires context, comparison and often additional certifications or data sources.
“Having an EPD, especially when combined with other transparency data such as Health Product Declarations and third-party materiality certifications, including Greenguard and Cradle to Cradle, provides a holistic understanding of a product’s impacts,” Penndorf added.
The Purpose Behind EPDs
EPDs play a growing role in sustainability strategies, particularly as the construction sector seeks to reduce its contribution to climate change. Building materials and processes account for a significant portion of global carbon emissions. Choosing products with lower embodied carbon can significantly reduce a project’s environmental impact.
“EPDs can also demonstrate how manufacturers are making strides to reduce embodied carbon of their goods, which can help push the market toward a lower carbon impact,” Penndorf said.
What Makes an EPD Credible?
To be trusted and useful in real-world projects, an EPD must meet specific credibility standards:
Adherence to product category rules (PCRs): These define how LCAs are conducted for different types of products and ensure consistency within categories.
Third-party certification: This adds an extra layer of impartiality and credibility.
Functional unit definition: EPDs should clearly indicate the measurement basis, such as “per square foot” or “per kilogram.”
Defined lifecycle stages: The document should identify the scope of the analysis, whether it includes only production (cradle to gate), full usage (cradle to site) or complete lifecycle impacts (cradle to grave).
“All of these characteristics are essential to understand what has been evaluated, so we can accurately use that data to tally the impact of a material based on the amount in a design,” Penndorf said.
These lifecycle stages help project teams understand what’s covered in the analysis and how it aligns with the broader environmental goals of the project. For instance, if a project prioritizes end-of-life recyclability or maintenance costs, an EPD limited to cradle-to-gate analysis may not be sufficient.
Making the Most of an EPD
While EPDs provide valuable data, using them effectively requires a degree of diligence. The first step is verifying the document’s authenticity and scope. Check whether it has been reviewed by an accredited third party and whether it remains valid—EPDs typically have a five-year shelf life.
It’s also important to examine the details of how the EPD was developed. Not all EPDs are generated using the same assumptions, methodologies or functional units, which can make direct comparisons difficult.
“Comparing EPDs that were created using different methodologies, LCAs or PCRs is challenging,” Penndorf noted. “A valid comparison needs a clear picture of the circumstances under which a product or material will be used.”
In other words, don’t assume that a lower carbon number in one EPD means it’s the better product. Different inputs may skew the comparison. Even product variants can affect performance.
“For example, an EPD may document the impacts of batt insulation,” Penndorf said. “But that same batt insulation may come in different thicknesses or include a paper or foil backing. Each variable must be accounted for to confirm that the specified product and impacts align.”
EPDs, Clients and Code Compliance
Many architects and contractors are now expected to account for environmental performance in client proposals. Whether or not a client demands EPDs specifically, including them in the specification process can serve as evidence of thoughtful design, compliance with ESG frameworks and support for green certifications.
Even so, not every building product comes with an EPD. In fact, many manufacturers don’t publish them at all—sometimes due to proprietary ingredients, complex product composition or lack of internal expertise in lifecycle assessments.
“This could be because their products are complex, with many materials and parts,” Penndorf said. “Or the manufacturer may feel the product is proprietary and therefore doesn’t want to release ingredient information.”
For project teams aiming to complete full-building lifecycle assessments or reduce overall embodied carbon, the absence of EPDs can be a challenge. In these cases, design professionals may prioritize manufacturers who do publish EPDs, both to simplify specification and support broader sustainability goals.
Moreover, regulations are increasingly shifting toward transparency. In several jurisdictions, building codes now include mandates around energy efficiency and environmental disclosure. EPDs can help meet these regulatory benchmarks—and ensure future readiness as standards continue to evolve.
“In addition, many countries and regions now require new buildings to achieve specified levels of energy efficiency or to use environmentally friendly materials,” Penndorf said. “As building codes and regulations become more stringent, the use of EPDs will likely grow.”
Building a Transparent Future
The AEC industry is under pressure—from regulators, clients and the environment itself—to make more responsible choices about materials and methods. EPDs offer a clear path forward.
While not every project will require them today, EPDs are quickly becoming a baseline expectation for sustainable design. They equip professionals with the information needed to reduce carbon emissions, choose responsibly and demonstrate environmental performance.
EPDs aren’t a silver bullet. But they are a crucial part of the toolkit for anyone committed to building smarter, cleaner and more consciously.
Whether you’re working on a new build, a retrofit or a tenant improvement, now is the time to start reading the label.
The White House has called for federal permitting modernization—here’s why Bluebeam is uniquely positioned to help agencies deliver on that vision with proven digital workflows
A new presidential memorandum is requiring federal agencies to digitize how they manage permitting and environmental reviews. For decades, outdated and paper-based processes have slowed infrastructure delivery across the country—adding time, cost and complexity to projects that are critical to communities.
This directive changes that. It’s a rare policy moment with bipartisan alignment, long-term infrastructure implications and immediate operational consequences. It’s also a moment that aligns directly with what we do at Bluebeam.
The Bottleneck Is Real—and Costly
Ask anyone in public sector infrastructure delivery: permitting delays are one of the most persistent—and expensive—pain points. Projects stall. Schedules stretch. Communities wait. And behind the scenes, teams are buried in spreadsheets, PDFs, email chains and printed documents that require endless back and forth.
The White House memo acknowledges this head-on. It calls for:
Eliminating paper-based workflows.
Standardizing digital permitting data and technology.
Enhancing transparency and predictability in project approvals.
It’s the clearest federal signal to date that permitting must catch up with the rest of modern infrastructure.
How Bluebeam Aligns with the Federal Directive
Bluebeam’s digital collaboration tools are already supporting permitting and plan review processes for government agencies across the US and internationally. Our platform is trusted because it’s intuitive, scalable and secure—and because it meets agencies where they are.
Here’s how Bluebeam supports the memorandum’s goals:
Digital-first workflows. Agencies use Bluebeam to complete plan reviews, mark up documents and manage approvals entirely online—eliminating delays tied to printing, scanning or mailing.
Interoperability and open standards. Bluebeam enables seamless coordination across agencies, jurisdictions and consultants using different systems.
Proven government performance. Our tools are used by federal, state and local governments across North America to accelerate permitting timelines and improve documentation control.
Rapid deployment and training. Bluebeam can be implemented quickly and adapted to existing workflows without requiring major IT overhauls.
This isn’t theoretical. It’s happening now—and scaling fast.
A Perspective from Both Sides of the Policy Conversation
Before joining Bluebeam, I served in the federal government for nearly 15 years across several agencies, most recently for the US chief information officer in the Executive Office of the President, where my work centered on enterprise-wide technology modernization and data, as well as science and infrastructure policy. Back then, we advocated for permitting modernization—but progress was slow. Today, with this memorandum in place, agencies finally have the mandate and momentum to act.
That’s why I see this as a pivotal moment—not just for federal permitting, but for the construction industry and for the public infrastructure as a whole.
Technology alone won’t solve the challenge. It takes leadership from both public and private sectors. It takes tools that are already battle-tested. And it takes intentional collaboration, early in the process, to help shape how this transition plays out across agencies and jurisdictions.
What Comes Next
At Bluebeam, we’re committed to being a partner in this transformation. In the coming weeks, we’ll be publishing a one-pager summarizing our approach to permitting modernization and continuing outreach to public sector leaders to share best practices, use cases and lessons learned.
Here’s how we’re contributing:
Publishing thought leadership to clarify what digital permitting success looks like.
Sharing real-world examples of streamlined public sector workflows.
Engaging with agency stakeholders, including Federal Executive Councils.
Supporting standardization efforts for permitting data and workflows.
Let’s Build What’s Next—Together
This is more than a compliance issue. It’s an opportunity to rebuild trust in how infrastructure gets delivered. Agencies that act early have the chance to shape national standards and become models for how permitting can work in a digital-first world.
If you’re part of that conversation—at the federal, state or local level—we want to collaborate.
Explore how Bluebeam can help support your permitting modernization efforts at bluebeam.com or reach out to our team directly at [email protected].
The tools are ready. The policy is here. Let’s move forward—together.
The stadiums that host the best in English football showcase a blend of historic architecture, modern engineering and unique fan experiences, defining their lasting architectural significance
In the Premier League, the action on the pitch is only part of the story. Towering stands, sweeping roofs and dazzling video boards form the architectural stage where sports history is made.
Each Premier League stadium tells a story of ambition, design ingenuity and community identity. From 19th-century grounds to futuristic arenas, the league’s iconic venues are more than sports arenas; they’re cultural landmarks and feats of construction excellence.
Join Built on a design-focused tour of some of the most famous Premier League stadiums, highlighting what makes them construction marvels and architectural icons.
The Historic Icons: Where Tradition Meets Timeless Design
Old Trafford (Manchester United)
Opened: 1910 | Capacity: 74,310
Known globally as the “Theatre of Dreams,” Old Trafford is a masterclass in football architecture. Its cantilevered stands, built in the 1960s, were a game-changer, offering uninterrupted views that revolutionized stadium design. Despite numerous expansions, including the towering Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, Old Trafford maintains its historical charm while meeting modern safety and comfort standards. Its ongoing renovation plans aim to blend history with high-tech upgrades, including potential rail seating for safe standing.
Key Architectural Insight: Expansions have preserved Old Trafford’s original core, requiring precise integration of new structures into an active stadium—a construction challenge tackled through phased developments.
Anfield (Liverpool FC)
Opened: 1884 | Capacity: 53,394 (expanding to 61,000 by 2026)
Few venues in world football evoke as much passion as Anfield. The iconic Kop Stand, a single-tier terrace holding nearly 13,000 fans, creates an unrivaled matchday atmosphere. Recent expansions added the towering Main Stand and upcoming Anfield Road Stand redevelopment, requiring delicate construction while preserving the site’s historical identity.
Key Architectural Insight: Anfield’s expansions faced a unique constraint—its location in a dense residential area. Designers created a vertical extension to build upward rather than outward, using cantilevered engineering to avoid impacting the surrounding community.
Stamford Bridge (Chelsea FC)
Opened: 1877 | Capacity: 40,343
Stamford Bridge stands as a mix of old and new. Originally built as an athletics ground, it became Chelsea FC’s home in 1905. Its iconic East Stand, built in the 1970s, still defines its skyline. While major redevelopment plans are in the works, integrating modern luxury while respecting the club’s heritage remains a core design challenge.
Key Architectural Insight: Transforming a multi-sport venue into a football-specific stadium required significant redesigns, including underground construction to expand concourse spaces and hospitality areas.
…..
The Evolution of Premier League Stadiums: Key Milestones
Premier League stadiums have undergone remarkable transformations, blending history, innovation and fan-focused design. Here’s a timeline of pivotal moments that reshaped the stadium landscape in English football:
• 1992: The Launch of the Premier League
The creation of the Premier League introduced stricter safety and capacity regulations, sparking widespread stadium upgrades. Traditional grounds like Anfield (Liverpool), Old Trafford (Manchester United) and Villa Park (Aston Villa) were expanded to meet modern standards while retaining their historical essence. The era also saw the rise of all-seater stadiums to enhance safety and fan experience.
• 1995: St. James’ Park Expansion
Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park expanded its capacity with towering stands that transformed the stadium into one of England’s most imposing football arenas. Its integration into the city’s skyline became a defining architectural feature, blending football heritage with urban identity.
• 1997: Rebuilding of Pride Park Stadium
Derby County moved into Pride Park, one of the first new-build stadiums inspired by continental designs. Its modern bowl-like structure set a new benchmark for mid-tier clubs aiming for top-flight readiness.
• 2003: Etihad Stadium Becomes Manchester City’s Home
After hosting the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester City converted Etihad Stadium into its home ground. The multi-phase construction involved lowering the field and expanding seating, making it a Premier League-ready venue with a distinctive, asymmetrical roof design.
• 2006: Emirates Stadium Opens
Arsenal’s relocation from Highbury to Emirates Stadium marked a new era of Premier League infrastructure. The 60,704-seat stadium featured a sleek, modern design, emphasizing fan comfort, corporate hospitality and architectural innovation. It remains one of Europe’s most visually striking football arenas.
• 2009: New Wembley Stadium Debuts
While technically not a Premier League stadium, the completion of Wembley Stadium in 2009 symbolized a new era for English football. Its iconic arch became a defining feature of the London skyline, and its cutting-edge design influenced future Premier League stadium projects.
• 2010: Amex Stadium Opens
Brighton & Hove Albion moved into the Amex Stadium after years of playing at temporary grounds. Its eco-friendly design and fan-focused infrastructure showcased how smaller clubs could achieve Premier League standards through thoughtful design and sustainable construction.
• 2013: Anfield Expansion Begins
Liverpool’s phased expansion of Anfield preserved the stadium’s historical core while increasing its capacity to more than 54,000, with a new 61,000-seat target set for 2026. The project demonstrated how modern construction could coexist with football heritage, maintaining the electric atmosphere of the famous Kop Stand.
• 2016: Olympic Stadium Becomes West Ham United’s Home
West Ham United’s move to London Stadium (formerly the 2012 Olympic Stadium) presented unique architectural challenges. Its transformation from an athletics venue into a football stadium required an overhaul of the lower seating tiers and a retractable seating system to improve fan proximity.
• 2017: New White Hart Lane Demolition
Tottenham Hotspur took the bold step of demolishing its beloved White Hart Lane to build the ultra-modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The new venue, completed in 2019, set industry standards with its retractable football/NFL pitch, multi-use design and cutting-edge technology.
• 2019: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Opens
Tottenham’s new home was unveiled, featuring a 62,850-seat capacity, one of Europe’s largest single-tier stands, and a fully retractable pitch for NFL games. It remains a model of multi-sport versatility, attracting events far beyond football, from concerts to esports tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Anfield Road Expansion (2026): Increasing Liverpool’s capacity to 61,000.
Stamford Bridge Redevelopment (TBD): Chelsea FC is planning a complete rebuild.
New Old Trafford Vision (TBD): Manchester United is considering a major redevelopment of its legendary stadium.
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The Futuristic Arenas: Tomorrow’s Stadiums, Built Today
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Opened: 2019 | Capacity: 62,850
Arguably the most advanced stadium in the world, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium set new benchmarks in design and functionality. Its standout feature is its retractable pitch, enabling seamless transitions from football to NFL games. The stadium’s multi-use capacity extends to concerts and even esports, redefining versatility.
Key Architectural Insight: Installing a 10,000-ton retractable pitch required precision engineering and custom-designed hydraulic systems. The project team also worked under an aggressive timeline to complete the stadium in time for Spurs’ Premier League season.
Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC)
Opened: 2006 | Capacity: 60,704
Emirates Stadium represented a seismic shift for Arsenal, moving from the historic Highbury ground to a modern, world-class facility. Its unique oval-shaped roof and curved exterior ensure maximum natural light while reducing wind impact on the pitch.
Key Architectural Insight: The construction site was a former industrial estate, requiring significant environmental remediation, including the removal of more than 200,000 tons of contaminated soil. Its eco-conscious design includes solar panels and a rainwater recycling system.
Etihad Stadium (Manchester City)
Opened: 2003 | Capacity: 53,400 (expanding to 60,000)
Originally built for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Etihad Stadium was converted into Manchester City’s home through an engineering marvel: lowering the playing surface by several meters to create additional spectator capacity. Its asymmetrical roof creates a unique silhouette, making it one of the most recognizable stadiums in football.
Key Architectural Insight: The stadium’s post-Games conversion required retrofitting stands, lowering the field and maintaining structural stability—an engineering feat executed without displacing nearby infrastructure.
Hidden Architectural Gems
St. James’ Park (Newcastle United)
Opened: 1892 | Capacity: 52,305
Perched atop a hill in central Newcastle, St. James’ Park dominates the city skyline. Its asymmetrical design resulted from limited expansion options, leading to the creation of the towering Milburn and Leazes Stands. Its architectural eccentricities have become part of its charm.
Key Architectural Insight: Building into Newcastle’s hilly terrain required complex geotechnical engineering, resulting in one of the most distinctive stadium profiles in sports.
Craven Cottage (Fulham FC)
Opened: 1896 | Capacity: 25,700 (expanding to 29,600)
Nestled along the River Thames, Craven Cottage is unlike any modern stadium. Its historic cottage-style pavilion remains intact, blending Edwardian charm with modern upgrades. Ongoing expansions have added a riverside stand with a rooftop terrace while preserving its old-world character.
Key Architectural Insight: Limited space required creative use of waterfront land, involving structural support pilings driven into the riverbed.
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Notable Architectural Firms Behind Premier League Stadiums
The design excellence of Premier League stadiums is backed by some of the world’s leading architectural firms:
Populous: The firm behind the ultra-modern Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, known for its retractable pitch, single-tier South Stand and multi-sport versatility.
Foster + Partners: Renowned for designing Wembley Stadium, with its iconic arch. Their influence extended to Emirates Stadium, giving Arsenal a modern football cathedral.
KSS Group: Responsible for Anfield’s Main Stand expansion, blending Liverpool FC’s storied heritage with cutting-edge design, increasing capacity while preserving the stadium’s legendary atmosphere.
These firms have set global standards by transforming sports architecture into world-class fan experiences.
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Villa Park (Aston Villa)
Opened: 1897 | Capacity: 42,749
Villa Park’s mix of Edwardian architecture and modern grandstands creates a timeless football environment. Its planned North Stand redevelopment will add thousands of new seats while maintaining its unique architectural style.
Key Architectural Insight: Being a listed heritage site means all renovations must comply with strict preservation rules, balancing old-world charm with modern standards.
Stadiums as Cultural Landmarks: Blending Architecture, History and Community Impact
Premier League stadiums are more than sports venues. They’re architectural statements blending history, design and cutting-edge construction.
From Old Trafford’s timeless majesty to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium’s futuristic brilliance, each ground reflects its club’s identity while embracing modern engineering advancements.
For design and construction professionals, these stadiums offer rich case studies in balancing heritage, innovation and fan engagement. They remind us that great stadiums aren’t just built—they’re crafted through vision, precision and passion.
Bluebeam’s new conference, which aims to address the major trends shaping the future of construction, will take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C.
The construction industry is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history.
Rapid advancements in technology, evolving regulations and an ongoing workforce shortage are forcing professionals across architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) to rethink how they approach their projects. These changes bring both new opportunities and complex challenges, leaving many in the industry searching for solutions.
How will artificial intelligence shape workflows? Can the industry bridge the ever-growing labor gap? What role will sustainability play in construction’s future?
These are just some of the pressing questions shaping the industry in 2025. As construction professionals adapt to an increasingly digital and data-driven world, the need for collaboration, innovation and foresight has never been greater.
Unbound, Bluebeam’s new premier global event for design and construction professionals, will serve as a hub for exploring these challenges and discovering the solutions that will define the next era of construction.
Taking place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C., Unbound will bring together industry leaders, technology pioneers and hands-on professionals to discuss the future of construction in a way that is both practical and forward-thinking.
Through keynote speeches, hands-on learning sessions, expert panels and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insight into the most critical trends shaping the industry—and leave with actionable takeaways to apply in their own work.
Below are five of the biggest questions facing construction professionals in 2025, and why Unbound is the place to find the answers.
1. How Will AI Change Construction Jobs?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the future but already reshaping construction workflows in real time. From AI-assisted design tools to automated scheduling and predictive analytics, technology is helping firms optimize efficiency and reduce costly errors. But this shift also raises concerns about job displacement, workforce adaptation and the evolving role of human expertise in a technology-driven industry.
Will AI replace traditional construction jobs, or will it serve as a tool to enhance productivity and safety? How can firms integrate AI without disrupting existing workflows? And what new skill sets will be required as AI becomes a standard part of project management?
Unbound will feature sessions that explore real-world applications of AI in construction, offering case studies, expert perspectives and insights into how professionals can embrace AI while ensuring that human expertise remains at the core of the industry.
2. Can the Industry Solve Its Labor Shortage?
The construction labor shortage is one of the biggest obstacles facing the industry today. As experienced workers retire and fewer young professionals enter the field, companies are struggling to find skilled talent to fill essential roles. This shortage not only slows down projects but also increases costs and affects overall productivity.
What can be done to attract new talent to construction? How can digital collaboration tools and automation ease the burden on an already stretched workforce? And what role does training and education play in preparing workers for the demands of a modernized industry?
Unbound will explore innovative workforce development strategies, including:
The role of technology-driven training programs in preparing workers for high-demand roles.
New approaches to hiring and diversity initiatives aimed at broadening the talent pool.
How automation can complement, rather than replace, skilled labor to enhance jobsite productivity.
3. What’s Next for Connected Construction?
The future of construction lies in connectivity. Cloud-based collaboration, digital twins and Internet of Things-enabled job sites are making it easier than ever for teams to work together, even across vast distances. However, many firms still struggle with fragmented workflows, siloed data and interoperability challenges that prevent them from fully realizing the benefits of connected construction.
How can firms break down barriers between design, engineering and field teams? What new technologies are helping unify workflows and streamline project management? And what are the best practices for integrating digital tools into existing operations?
At Unbound, industry experts will explore how companies are leveraging connected construction to:
Reduce project delays and improve efficiency through real-time collaboration.
Minimize costly errors by centralizing project data and eliminating duplication.
Enhance communication between stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination.
4. How Will Sustainability and Regulations Shape Future Projects?
As climate change concerns grow and government regulations tighten, sustainability is no longer just a trend but an industry imperative. Still, many construction firms struggle to balance environmental responsibility with cost efficiency and regulatory compliance.
How can firms reduce their carbon footprint without increasing project expenses? What new materials and energy-efficient building techniques are emerging to meet sustainability demands? And how can companies navigate evolving environmental regulations without slowing down project timelines?
Unbound will feature sessions on:
Innovative green building materials and their long-term cost benefits.
Strategies for navigating new ESG regulations and sustainability reporting requirements.
The intersection of digital workflows and sustainability, including reducing paper waste and optimizing resource use.
These discussions will provide practical, real-world solutions for firms looking to meet sustainability goals while maintaining profitability.
5. What Will Construction Technology Look Like in 2030?
The construction industry is experiencing a digital revolution, but this is only the beginning. By 2030, automation, robotics and AI-powered analytics could fundamentally change how projects are managed, designed and built. The question is: How can firms prepare for the next wave of innovation?
What role will robotics play in reducing labor shortages? How will digital permitting and automated compliance streamline regulatory processes? And what emerging technologies are poised to disrupt the industry in ways we haven’t yet anticipated?
And just recently, the White House issued a directive requiring all federal agencies to digitize their permitting and environmental review processes—a clear sign that regulatory workflows are going digital, fast. Unbound’s sessions on connected construction and compliance will explore what this shift means for the future.
At Unbound, forward-thinking sessions will explore:
The next generation of BIM and digital project management tools.
The rise of robotics and automated jobsite monitoring.
What construction leaders must do now to stay ahead of future innovations.
Unbound 2025: The Event That Will Define the Future of Construction
These five questions are just the beginning. Unbound will offer a firsthand look at the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the AEC industry. Whether you are a project manager, architect, engineer or construction executive, this event will provide the knowledge and tools you need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights, meaningful connections and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies that will define the future of construction.
Early registration is now open. Secure your spot at Unbound 2025 today and be part of the industry’s most important conversation.
