Anastasia Barnes

Welcome 2026! It’ s easy to say but still so wild to believe how quickly the last year has gone by. Our Forecast issue is an opportunity to hear from industry leaders as they reflect on the latest trends and advancements, and share predictions for the upcoming year. As I read through the articles in this issue, one shared perspective stood out to me.

As we move into the new year, New England’ s AEC industry is shifting from uncertainty on several fronts to clarity and action. Kane Cuddy of BOND Civil & Utility Construction says,“ Workforce readiness continues to be a central theme,” which includes“ targeted recruiting, training, and strategic resource planning … to meet the scale and complexity of what’ s coming.” Read his article on page 17.

Owners are also executing projects from the outset with earlier collaboration and more intentional decision-making. On

page 14, Leah Blackman of Construction Management & Builders, Inc.( CM & B) says,“ Due diligence and earlier involvement in pre-development has become essential” to ensure predictable outcomes.

Many teams are also making design decisions in anticipation of where the industry is headed, as Philip Steiner of Altieri explains on page 16. He says,“ A majority of Altieri projects will either pursue all-electric heating or be designed to easily accommodate future transition to all-electric heating.”

Jeff Birenbaum of CHA Consulting says,“ Experienced construction cost estimators believe the tone is shifting from volatility to a steadier footing,” providing a“ clearer picture of where costs are heading and how owners can set more grounded expectations.” He details what owners should expect in the coming year on page 14.

moving forward with clarity,

discipline, and purpose.

We at High-Profile are also moving forward with clarity, discipline, and purpose. One exciting development is that we are rolling out a new, robust platform for our digital issue( starting with this one!) that allows for better storytelling and more engagement. I certainly hope you check out!

I also want to point out some exciting projects that have recently been announced that we’ ll be reporting on over the next 12 months. HYM Investment Group’ s Suffolk Downs development( this month’ s cover story) is progressing with their second building, Portico, with a groundbreaking ceremony being held recently. Southern Connecticut is also seeing one of the area’ s biggest construction projects come to life with

the $ 250 million Tweed-New Haven Airport( HVN) terminal expansion. In Northern New England, Great Gulf’ s Killington Resort expansion, a story we reported on back in July, is also progressing with plans for a new residential community and new retail and restaurant offerings.

Our February issue has a focus on Restoration and Renovation and Industrial Facilities. The deadline for articles and ad submissions is Jan. 23. Stay warm this January, and please give us feedback on how you enjoy our new digital platform. This is one of many changes to come in 2026!

Happy New Year!

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