Weekly Briefing: August 1, 2025
- Socially Adept Solutions
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
Week of July 28, 2025
Trump Administration Announces New Tariff Rates
President Trump announced new tariff rates of up to 41%, starting on August 7, leading to some countries feeling relief after negotiation efforts, while others are expressing frustration.
Stocks fell in Asian countries, particularly South Korea, after the tariffs were announced, and the U.S. dollar weakened against the Japanese yen, reflecting potential investor concerns in the U.S. economy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed disappointment with the Canadian tariffs being raised from 25% to 35%, which will largely impact steel, lumber, aluminum, and automobiles. Switzerland similarly expressed frustration that Trump set a 39% tariff rate, even after negotiation efforts.
France, Australia, Norway, Japan, and Taiwan are all seeking reduced tariff rates. Japan specifically hopes to lower rates on automobiles and auto parts, and Taiwan, a key supplier of semiconductors, is pushing for an overall reduction in tariffs.
Job Growth Slows, Signaling Labor Market Weakness
The Labor Department reported that the economy added 73,000 jobs last month, falling short of expectations. This continues a trend, as job gains for the previous two months were also revised downward by a total of 258,000 jobs.
In comparison, last year the economy added an average of 168,000 jobs each month. This cooling labor market reflects the strain that high interest rates placed on businesses.
Economists are concerned that the labor market will continue to weaken due to tariff policies, government job losses, and immigration policies that are increasing deportation efforts and causing lower immigration, which could place significant strain on industries that depend heavily on the immigrant workforce.
July 23, 2025
McMillan Pazdan Smith, a South Carolina-based architecture, planning, and interior design firm, backed by Providus Capital Partners and PNC Erieview Capital, has acquired Fuqua & Partners Architects (FPA), an Alabama-based architecture, interiors, and planning firm. This acquisition strengthens McMillan Pazdan Smith’s ability to serve clients in Alabama and Tennessee, while expanding opportunities available for FPA and enhancing the support provided to its clients. Chad Cousins, CEO of McMillan Pazdan Smith, commented, “In partnership together, we look forward to supporting the vitality of communities, commerce, and campuses throughout the rapidly growing North Alabama area.”
July 28, 2025
PTAG, a Canada-based provider of integrated project consulting services for capital projects, has acquired Construct-X, a Texas-based firm known for its work in Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) and lean project delivery. The acquisition strengthens PTAG’s project delivery capabilities. Michael Dubreuil, Managing Partner at PTAG, said, “Construct-X brings unmatched expertise in AWP and Lean practices that align perfectly with PTAG’s client-first collaborative project delivery approach. Together, we are even better positioned to drive measurable improvements in predictability, performance, and project outcomes.”
July 28, 2025
Universal Engineering Sciences (UES), a Florida-based provider of geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, materials testing, and inspection services, backed by BDT & MSD and Palm Beach Capital, has acquired GME Testing, an Indiana-based provider of geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and all foundation-related inspections and testing. The acquisition bolsters UES’ drilling services in the Midwest and brings 23 staff members and a fleet of drill rigs to the firm. UES’ Midwest Region President, Pat Donovan, noted, “We’re excited to join forces with GME Testing to expand UES’ presence into Indiana. The firm’s reputation as efficient and knowledgeable problem solvers supports our efforts to serve clients across the Midwest region, and entire U.S., with consistent responsiveness and trusted solutions.”
July 29, 2025
CPL, a New York-based architecture, engineering, and planning firm, has acquired Andrews Architects, an Ohio-based architecture firm with expertise in the healthcare market. This strategic partnership enhances CPL’s presence in the Midwest and enables Andrews Architects to expand its impact. Todd Liebert, CEO of CPL, stated, “This partnership is about more than geography—it’s about people. Andrews Architects brings a wealth of healthcare knowledge, a strong presence in Columbus, and a team that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
July 31, 2025
Trilon Group, a Colorado-based family of infrastructure consulting businesses, backed by Alpine Investors, has entered into a strategic partnership with Naik Consulting Group (Naik), a New Jersey-based engineering firm with experience in commercial and transportation projects. Through the partnership, Naik will merge with CME, a New Jersey-based civil and environmental engineering firm, and Churchill Consulting Engineering, a New Jersey-based civil engineering firm with expertise in the transportation market, to create a unified firm better equipped to serve the New York and New Jersey markets. “We’re thrilled to partner with Naik,” stated Andy Paluri, President of CME. “More than just a business combination, this is the launch of a stronger, more capable regional firm—one positioned to pursue larger, more complex projects, serve a broader range of clients, and expand our reach, all while preserving the values and relationships that define who we are.”
Freese and Nichols employees gathered from Denver, Fort Worth and Houston to volunteer for the South Platte Stewardship Day service event in Denver. With mud on their hands and smiles on their faces, staff gave their time among 150 other local volunteers to clean thousands of gallons of garbage and invasive plants bordering the South Platte River. Additionally, they traveled to local parks to distribute 156 yards of rocks. A day of service contributed to restoring parks and rivers in downtown Denver.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.