Perkins and Will is the world’s second-largest architecture firm, with 26 studios across the globe. So it is acutely aware of the impact that the coronavirus is having on construction projects.
The firm’s CEO, Phil Harrison, says the current situation, with some projects being placed on hold since the onset of the pandemic, actually isn’t dramatically different yet from the volatility that global markets have experienced for the past three years.
“It is too early to accurately report if a higher percentage of our projects are slowing, stopping or being cancelled due to the pandemic,” he said in an email to BD+C. “Notably, in some cases, we are getting busier as result of the current situation, as some clients are asking us to work on temporary facilities.”
Despite his expectation that Perkins and Will would remain busy “for the near term,” Harrison acknowledges mandates that have shut down construction in Boston and Cambridge, Mass., and have severely restricted gatherings and people movement in cities like San Francisco and New Orleans and states like New York, Illinois, and Ohio.
His firm has also had to deal with supply-chain disruptions that manifested themselves first in China and more recently in Italy for such components as curtainwall.
Harrison thinks it’s premature to speculate about what the coronavirus’ longer-term impact might be on the construction industry. “Much of this will depend on the duration of the economic reaction to the pandemic.”
But he does see a potential silver lining from this travail. “We believe that design and wellbeing are inextricably connected, and that, in the future, our clients will value this connection all the more,” says Harrison.
He notes that Perkins and Will is already working this way. For example, infection control has long been a priority of its healthcare clients, and the firm has been incorporating advanced design features to reduce infection control in its projects. “No doubt, we will implement these advanced strategies on more of our healthcare projects, and it is certainly possible that other building typologies will benefit from some of these design features,” he says.
Similarly, Perkins and Will has been applying resilient design principles in all of its work. “It is easy to predict that our client will value this approach even more,” he says.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19: CannonDesign initiates industry coalition to make masks for healthcare providers
Coalition formed to make DIY face masks for healthcare workers in COVID-19 settings.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
As virus spreads across North America, software providers step up with cost-free offerings
The goal is to keep construction projects moving forward at a time when jobs are being postponed or canceled.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
SBA and Treasury begin effort to distribute $349 billion in emergency small business capital
The new loan program will help small businesses with their payroll and other business operating expenses.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
New webinar explains how AIA Contract Documents can address business disruptions due to Covid-19
The webinar was recorded March 27.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
Informed by its latest Crane Index, Rider Levett Bucknall anticipates the effect of coronavirus on the construction industry
While total crane count holds steady, turbulent economic conditions indicate a recession-based drop in construction costs.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
How is the coronavirus outbreak impacting your firm's projects?
Please take BD+C's three-minute poll on the AEC business impacts from the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Opinion: What can we learn from the coronavirus pandemic?
The coronavirus pandemic will soon end, soon be in the rear-view mirror, but we can still take lessons learned as directions for going forward.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Three reasons you should keep sewing face masks (as long as you follow simple best practices)
Here are three reasons to encourage sewists coast to coast to keep their foot on the pedal.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
TLC’s Michael Sheerin offers guidance on ventilation in COVID-19 healthcare settings
Ventilation engineering guidance for COVID-19 patient rooms
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
February rise in construction outlays contrasts with pandemic-driven collapse in March as owners, government orders shut down projects
Survey finds contractors face shortages of materials and workers, delivery delays and cancellations.