Writer: Eleana Teran
3 min read September 2023 — In the midst of a rapidly evolving construction landscape characterized by innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and strategic expansion, key figures in Charlotte’s construction and development sectors gathered at the Invest: Charlotte 2022-2023 Launch Conference to discuss the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead in the region.
Tim O’Brien, studio manager at LaBella, moderated the panel discussion, titled “Developing Charlotte: How continued growth in the Queen City is influencing design, construction and engineering,” which brought together Keith Poettker, chairman & CEO of Poettker Construction; Zach Pannier, business unit leader at DPR Construction and Steve Daley, president of Optima Engineering. The group explored Charlotte’s metamorphosis, focusing on the industry’s adaptive strategies and innovative directions.
Pannier underscored the city’s explosive growth, noting that there are no signs of a slowdown. In 2Q23, the regional economy saw $273 million in capital investment and 1,415 announced jobs, according to Adrienne Hua from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance.
Poettker further emphasized the resilience and diversification of the local economy. “We’re witnessing this transformation with increased manufacturing, European investments and the surge in electric vehicle investments,” he observed. Germany led the way last quarter with $130 million in foreign direct investment (FDI).
To add to the excitement, Daley shared his amazement about the continual development in the multifamily housing segment. “Despite the pandemic, Uptown may have appeared empty, but construction never stopped. You’d think there would be a saturation point or that prices would become prohibitive in South End, but that simply hasn’t happened,” he remarked. However, he pointed out the lagging infrastructure development, maintaining a hopeful stance that these issues would be addressed soon.
The leaders acknowledged the vital role of investing in diverse transportation infrastructures, and highlighted the crucial role mass transit, roadways and rail systems play in the region. Pannier emphasized the necessity to focus on the urban core and expanding communities when considering investments in transportation. “While our airport is truly exceptional, transportation has been a recurring issue that has hindered growth. I understand that funding initiatives like light rail, can be a tough sell to the public, but it’s one of the first things people complain about. Therefore, investing in transportation, particularly how we move people within the urban core and the expanding community, is paramount.”
Potteker expanded the infrastructural piece by addressing the need to enhance water treatment systems and energy management structures, a vital component in sustaining Charlotte’s growth trajectory.
As the conversation transitioned towards pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions, the panelists delineated their adaptive strategies. Pannier mentioned a significant pivot towards data-driven decision-making, emphasizing the role of data scientists in predicting outcomes amid fluctuating supply chains. Daley, in turn, noted the persistent issues concerning component availability, identifying a current choke point in mechanical equipment supply. Despite the gradual improvement, he emphasized the need to reduce dependency on overseas products, hinting at the necessity of innovative strategies to anticipate future bottlenecks.
Leaders expressed renewed confidence in their ability to manage materials, yet emphasized ongoing strategizing to navigate the existing landscape. Pannier pointed out the pressing labor issues, noting, “While Charlotte is indeed a fantastic place to be, we are encountering even greater labor struggles across many other markets nationwide. Currently, this remains the primary force steering our efforts to curb cost escalation.”
Poettker echoed these sentiments, addressing potential partnerships with educational entities to cultivate a more diverse workforce pipeline. He stressed the industry’s need to diversify and expand its reach, particularly towards younger generations. “We are looking at the Alpha generation, aiming to communicate the high earning potentials in trades such as plumbing, electrical work and carpentry. These are not only livelihood skills but also ensure strong retirement plans. Inclusivity is crucial –– it’s our mission to engage those unfamiliar with opportunities in the construction sector.”
Pannier spoke on how integrating prefabricated elements into construction practices has eased supply chain issues and how it has fostered safer and more efficient work environments. “We procure manufactured components, not just those we produce, because it enhances safety, reduces site traffic and allows for more ergonomic installations. In essence, it requires fewer on-site workers to install components.” He mentioned that his approach has also been pivotal in attracting the next generation of builders by providing a more favorable working environment compared to traditional construction sites.
Responding to O’Brien’s inquiry about the incorporation of sustainable elements into projects, Daley accentuated the importance of preparing for an inevitable hike in utility costs. “By combining these factors, especially those that can compound, you can create energy-efficient buildings that are no more expensive if everyone works together to make it happen.” Daley emphasized that this approach could have a transformative effect on the overall energy consumption in the United States.
To conclude the conversation, the panelists shifted to the evolving nature the city is experiencing. They see Charlotte in the midst of significant growth and transformation, becoming increasingly inclusive, drawing individuals from various backgrounds and demographics. The conversation also touched upon the ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry, with an acknowledgment of the critical role of nurturing a positive corporate culture to retain talent in a competitive job market.
For more information visit:
https://www.labellapc.com/
https://poettkerconstruction.com/
https://www.dpr.com/
https://optimaengineering.com/
