This roundtable discussion will focus on the unique aspects of how COVID-19 is affecting architectural and engineering firms and the impact on the industry as a whole. The program will feature a discussion of how A/E firms have adapted operations to accomplish project goals while maintaining safety and social distancing throughout the workforce, i.e. What firms need to do to “design for distance”. The Panel will also address current and future market conditions, and how and why design and design standards may change to meet the new challenges presented by COVID-19. Many businesses have invested heavily in renovations to create large, open spaces with few offices. Upon returning to offices firms will likely need to be distant for some time. What impacts will there be on real estate, leasing and property issues? This session will cover the range of design-related issues that are certain to impact the A/E industry for years.
Moderator
Michael Scheffler, Partner, Blank Rome
Panelists
David Flanders, Associate VP, Attorney Group Leader and Senior Attorney, HNTB
Elisabeth Malsch, Structural Engineer and Practice Lead, Forensics, Thornton Tomasetti
Kim McCarron, Principal, SOSH Architects
Lusanna Ro, VP and Senior Assistant General Counsel, AECOM
