Playing Positive

Hope everyone who celebrates enjoyed the holiday!  Kicking it off this week, a few forecasts dropped while I was off.  First, the latest Architectural Billings Index (ABI) came in slightly higher than last month, but it's still underwater.  Up is up, though- and the key metric I always stare at is the inquiries, and that did gangbusters- clocking in with its best score dating back to February of 2024!  I believe that info + a possible rate drop + a calming of volatility that will get the money off the sidelines will be very beneficial to our space in the future.  For those who are slower than usual, it’s just battling to get there…

Meanwhile, Dodge’s latest report showed Non-Residential starts up 17.9% from last month.  Yes, Data Centers dominated, but retail and institutional also made a nice run.  Lastly, Dodge also noted that the fallout from the Government shutdown appears to have had minimal effect on our space.  So that’s a plus.  Look at me being all positive- must be the shine coming off my favorite holiday!

Elsewhere…

-- A quick extra note on the ABI- the guy who has run it for years, Kermit Baker, is retiring.  I don’t know who takes over next, but Kermit has been that very calm and focused player in this game and always provided very clear-headed insight with each report.  His skill and approach will be missed!

-- Office Starts- I was going to summarize this article on office starts- but really, I think you should read it.  There’s a lot of info there- some surprising data for sure.  The leading city for “office space under construction” was Boston.  That is an absolute stunner to me, given what many people in that area are telling me about the marketplace.  There’s that list, along with top cities for office use and more.  Good piece by John Caulfield.

-- Two companies recently launched website updates… and from time to time, I like recognizing them here.  First up-- Viracon.  Clean, easy website with an absolute ton of info. Great use of video in the hero spot, and the mega drop-down box with icons is a nice touch.  Kudos folks.  Also new was Element 13 Facades.  Great job here too- fantastic use of going vertical with their slide show (most are horizontal), and the layout overall was really sharp- and they also used the icon-loaded menu too.  Only quibble here was the royalty-free pics- and hopefully over time they’ll flip them out.  But super minor. Excellent work by all who produced it! Sites like these make our industry look good!

-- Last this week- my guy Scott Goodman of CRL pointed out a piece I had never seen before- the all-glass “Dromeas” statue in Athens, Greece.  It is truly a stunner.  It is also known as the “Running Man” sculpture.  Look at it:

Scott noted to me that cleaning had to be a bear, and I am sure it is- look at it- there are thousands of lights on there!  Not sure I’ll ever get to Greece in my lifetime, but if I do, this will be a must-stop. Thank you, Scott, for sharing! (More pictures can be found HERE)

LINKS of the WEEK

A lot is happening in this story- but the main takeaway- dogs rule. https://www.newsweek.com/neighbor-texts-woman-front-door-open-zooms-photo-11072584

New debate- AI Toys for kids.  Lots of downside here. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/20/nx-s1-5612689/ai-toys

A truly tremendous story!  A plane gets diverted to a small airport with only two vending machines- a smart passenger comes up with a plan- and despite a bump or two, it worked! Cool. https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/flight-diverted-in-texas-for-hours-passengers-not-prepared-for-what-arrives/ar-AA1Rdbr4

PROJECT of the WEEK

Out west for the Project of the Week.  Tinker Glass did this epic Chanel project in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  According to their LinkedIn post, Tinker crafted and installed custom-finished storefront framing and doors with cladding, along with two distinct ACM panel finishes. Every detail was carefully aligned with the plaster and signage to ensure a seamless and elegant design. No mention of other vendors, but whoever they were deserves big-time kudos—Tinker did a fantastic job.

Also, I love the Tinker backstory… long-time industry folks.  One of these days, I’ve got to meet them. Anyway, check out their past!