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As demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, successful data center development depends on more than identifying available land. Developers and engineering teams must navigate permitting challenges, stakeholder concerns, community sentiment, and political dynamics that can significantly impact project outcomes.

In this episode of The Market Edge, Diana O'Lare sits down with Flypower CEO Navdeep Martin to discuss how AI-powered site selection and community risk intelligence are helping teams answer two critical questions: Should we build here? And what is our path to approval?

ACEC position statement on data center development: https://www.acec.org/resource/45007/

Strategic Communications for Mission Critical & Pubic Facing Projects: https://netforum.acec.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=ACECAOOE10&prdKey=CCBDE0C4-55A5-4128-988E-2AE51A97BC2F&pc=ee

Learn More about Flypower: https://flypower.io/

A big thank you to Autodesk, the sponsor of Engineering Influence at this year's convention. Autodesk partners with the AECO industry and its leaders to shape a more connected, data-driven future, empowering engineers to work more intelligently and to make confident decisions to drive meaningful impact. This enables firms to evolve, stay competitive, and deliver stronger business outcomes, all while designing a better world. So thank you again to Autodesk.

This episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast features Mark Van Elden of the Life Health Trust and Dr. Brian Hill of HIP Nation discussing the growing health care crisis affecting employers and employees. They explore the rapid rise in costs, the failures of fee-for-service primary care, prescription drug pricing, and the promising—but uncertain—impact of GLP-1 drugs.

The conversation covers solutions such as direct primary care subscription models, the role of incentives and consolidation in driving costs, and the medical concerns and long-term implications of weight-loss medications. Practical insights for employers on coverage, utilization, and improving workforce health are provided throughout.

Policy is moving fast — and markets are moving with it. In this episode of The Market Edge, Morgan Stanley’s Monica Guerra breaks down the biggest forces set to shape the U.S. economy in 2026. We cover midterms, industrial policy, labor supply, inflation, energy markets, construction financing, housing demand, and the rise of data‑center‑driven digital infrastructure. A must‑listen for leaders navigating the future of the built environment.

Communities across the country are facing a new era of water challenges — from shifting climate patterns and extreme rainfall to growing stormwater demands, groundwater stress, and pressure from water-intensive industries. In this episode, we sit down with water‑resources expert Camilla Correll to explore how watershed governance is evolving, what climate trends matter most for the next decade, and how innovative stormwater infiltration, capture, and reuse strategies are reshaping local infrastructure. We also dig into funding gaps, federal policy shifts, and the practical steps engineers and communities can take to build resilient, future‑ready water systems.

The residential market is shifting fast, and Diana O’Lare and Mollie Carmichael of Zonda Homes break down what’s driving it—from rising rates and affordability pressures to the surge in build‑for‑rent, active adult, and multigenerational living—while highlighting the regions outperforming expectations, the looming boomer wealth transfer reshaping demand, and the policy ideas that could finally move the needle on affordability, giving engineering firms a clear view of what’s coming next.

In this episode of the Market Edge podcast, we connect the dots between policy, planning, engineering, and financing to reveal what it truly takes to build resilient communities in an era of growing risk.

Our conversation explores how public and private sector leaders can collaborate to reduce vulnerability before disaster strikes. We dive into the role engineers play not just in rebuilding after crises—but in shaping smarter systems, influencing policy, and guiding investments that strengthen communities for the long term.

In this episode, Diana O’Lare sits down with Phil Crone, Vice President of State and Regulatory Affairs at Leading Builders of America, for an in-depth conversation on the U.S. housing affordability crisis—and what political and regulatory hurdles exist.

Together, they unpack the real-world challenges driving up costs and limiting supply, including permitting delays and the need for reform, the growing burden of regulatory and compliance costs, and how factors like institutional buyers and workforce shortages are reshaping the housing market. They also explore the evolving role of energy efficiency requirements, as well as the design, infrastructure, and construction innovations that could help accelerate production and expand access to more attainable homes.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the policies and solutions that can help make housing more affordable for more Americans.

On this episode of the Engineering Influence Podcast, host Diana O’Lare sits down with Peter Nabhan to explore how artificial intelligence—particularly GPU-driven workloads—is reshaping the future of data center development. As AI adoption accelerates, demand for power is surging, fueling the rise of massive, campus-scale data center projects across the U.S.

The conversation dives into the evolving strategies of hyperscalers and co-location providers, the growing strain on the electric grid, and the increasing role of on-site power generation. Diana and Peter also unpack the critical engineering challenges around cooling, water usage, and sustainability, while spotlighting the top U.S. markets seeing the most rapid growth.

Finally, they tackle the big question facing the industry: Are we heading toward an oversupply of data centers—or is this simply the next major technology cycle transforming the built environment?

Read the Market Intelligence Data Brief: https://www.acec.org/resource/special-edition-data-centers-market-intelligence-brief-fall-2025/

In this special Market Edge episode of ACEC’s Engineering Influence podcast, host Diana O’Lare is joined by GHD’s Victor Tirado, Americas Market Sector Lead for Maritime & Coastal, and Michael Vanderbeek, North American Maritime & Coastal Planning Lead, for a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the global ports market.

With decades of international experience, Victor and Michael unpack the trends driving change in port planning and design — from the growing role of ports as energy hubs in the global decarbonization effort to the adoption of alternative fuels. Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness.

The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of port financing, as public authorities hit debt capacity limits and increasingly rely on federal, state, and private sector partnerships to deliver billion-dollar projects. Victor and Michael share perspectives on the uncertainty created by tariffs and trade diversification, the pause in offshore wind development, and how ports are adapting to unpredictable market and policy shifts.

Looking ahead, they address the potential of artificial intelligence and automation in the maritime space, the realities of labor and regulatory constraints, and the increasing importance of surrounding real estate — from cold storage to logistics facilities — in sustaining port competitiveness.

This episode offers practical insights and forward-looking analysis for engineering firms navigating change in one of the world’s most vital and complex markets.

NAWE President Carl Bentzel joins the Engineering Influence Podcast to explain the role of marine terminal operators, current trends shaping ports, and the policy challenges affecting trade and infrastructure.

Topics include the impact of trade policy and tariffs, Chinese dominance in ship-to-shore cranes, import volume volatility, technology and space constraints at urban ports, rail connectivity and mergers, and the critical role engineers play in modernizing the waterfront.

Welcome to the Engineering Influence podcast, where we delve into the complexities and opportunities in today's economic landscape. Hosted by Diana O' Lare, Director of Market Intelligence for the American Council of Engineering Companies, this episode is part of our new series, The Market Edge.

We are joined by Sarah Wolfe, a Senior Economist and Strategist at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. With a wealth of experience and insights, Sarah discusses pivotal topics such as tariffs, inflation, immigration, and their impact on various sectors including construction and manufacturing. Gain an understanding of the possible recession implications and how firms can navigate these challenges.

Dive in to explore the broader economic effects of current policies, potential positive catalysts like tax negotiations, and the global trade dynamics affecting engineering firms. Don't miss this insightful conversation aimed at empowering engineering businesses to adapt and grow in an ever-changing market.

Welcome to another episode of the Engineering Influence podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Join Diana O'Lare, Director of Market Intelligence at ACEC National, as she engages in a compelling conversation with Mike Moss, President of the Society of College and University Planning. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of higher education, diving into topics such as enrollment trends, the impact of administration changes, and the future of campus planning.

Discover how institutions are adapting to demographic shifts, with insights into the concept of the "enrollment cliff" and its implications. Learn about the role of international students, the influence of artificial intelligence on campus planning, and potential financial challenges faced by educational institutions. Diana and Mike discuss workforce shortages and the importance of STEM programs.

This episode offers valuable perspectives for engineering firms, shedding light on opportunities that arise from trends in education and their impact on the engineering sector. Whether you're interested in integrated planning, multidisciplinary spaces, or innovative learning environments, there's something here for everyone.

Don't miss this engaging discussion that weaves together the future of education with engineering excellence.

Listen to the podcast: https://acecnational.podbean.com/e/navigating-the-future-insights-into-higher-education-and-engineering/

Subscribe to the Market Briefs Newsletter: https://www.acec.org/resources/market-intelligence/#newsletter

Download the latest brief: https://www.acec.org/resource/educational-market-brief-fall-2024/

Join Host Diana O' Lare and guest Nabeel Mahmood as they discuss the challenges and innovations in data center development, including the impact of AI, regulatory hurdles, and the importance of efficiency and sustainability. Mahmood highlights the significance of modular designs and renewable energy sources in reducing the carbon footprint of data centers.

On November 13th 2024, ACEC will present a panel of experts in collaboration with the ACEC’s new Technology Committee on the data center and telecommunications markets. The data center market continues to grow, and incentives are provided to those who can locate land to build new centers and hyperscale data centers on. Also hear how the latest trend “AI” is impacting the market. Register Now: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-intel-for-engineers-four-part-series/

The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure, empower younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world, and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we launch global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underserved communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and creating opportunities for growth and new career paths. To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org.

Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-bynfk-1589720

The Engineering Influence Podcast from ACEC National is thrilled to announce a new series called "Market Briefings for Engineers." Scheduled to be launched online on February 21st, this series was crafted after thoughtful feedback from our engaged member community. We designed it to provide relevant market intelligence, focusing on significant trends, legislation, and opportunities impacting today's markets.
Register for our first event here: https://www.acec.org/event/market-briefings-the-growing-energy-market/ 
The Market Briefings Engineers will delve into crucial areas like vertical infrastructure, construction spending, AE revenues, and more, all the while offering expert interviews, insight into our industry, and comprehensive five-year forecasts. Our series aims to deliver valuable insider intel, zeroing in on growth markets using data derived from extensive ACEC research.
We will explore major growth areas anticipated for the next five years, including energy, office, healthcare and life sciences, data centers, and telecommunications. Our inaugural session on February 21st will discuss trending topics in the energy market, including renewable alternatives, power plant development, and more. Future sessions will cover topics such as adaptive reuse, trends in healthcare and life sciences, and the growth of data centers and telecommunications.
Each session is expertly curated to deliver information about robust market sectors by presenting panels of clients, developers, and industry experts. We aim to benefit our members by highlighting opportunities, trends, and areas set for growth. To further the cause, we also plan to offer recordings of each session so that you can catch up whenever you want.
We encourage you to join us on this enlightening journey and look forward to your participation this year. If you need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.