The post-convention issue of this magazine is one of my favorites, and here we are again with our annual wrap-up of AWCI’s big event and the largest trade show in the wall and ceiling industry.
Ken Navratil, who was honored with this year’s Pinnacle Award, has been a staunch supporter of AWCI since I started working here more than 20 years ago. He is one of those people who makes me wonder why he didn’t receive this award ages ago. Yes, he’s that good. In addition to serving as the convention emcee for more than 10 years, Ken has taken leadership roles on various committees. He even got involved when AWCI headquarters moved into a new building. He was involved with everything from the buildout materials’ checklist to the color scheme. Turn to page 38 to read more.
Ken wasn’t the only winner at AWCI’s Convention. AWCI also handed out awards for construction quality, safety and innovation. You can read more about the winning projects, companies and product starting on page 42, and see more about the event in AWCI on the Job, which is on page 8. Then meander over to www.awci.org to see videos of the big winners (it’s in the Award Winners section of the AWCI tab), and to AWCI’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AWCIwall) for even more photos from the convention and expo.
This issue also has a focus on building information modeling. The story that begins on page 32 is sure to make you think more seriously about BIM, if you haven’t been thinking about it already. BIM is out there, it’s now more widely accepted, and, as our contractor interviews show, it’s making a difference. BIM helps keep time and materials in check, and its use in the pre-planning stages of a building project is invaluable.
While the contractors who use BIM seem very satisfied with the results, I can’t help but notice that a large majority of are still somewhat reluctant to give it a try. (I see this month’s Problem Solved, which didn’t attract very much interest, as an example of the lack of BIM use.) Sure, it’s a lot of work. Yes, it takes time. And some tell me that BIM simply isn’t used or required on the projects they’re building. I still encourage all of you to read our article simply because BIM isn’t going anywhere, and you’re going to be using it sooner or later.
Finally, page 50 starts an article that was inspired by one of our readers and an AWCI member. He asked what contract language is being accepted by contractors and what language is being redlined. I’m not going to pretend I’m familiar with construction contracts, but I do know good information when I see it. You’re going to want to take notes or get out the highlighter for this one.
Enjoy!
