Weekly Briefing: July 24, 2026
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Week of July 20, 2026
Battery Storage Charges Ahead as Ultimate U.S. Renewable Energy Growth Enabler
Driven by AI, data-center demand, and a roughly 90% drop in battery manufacturing costs, U.S. grid-scale battery storage is accelerating. Data-center power demand alone is projected to rise nearly 360% to 110 GW through 2030.
While recent federal policy changes have constrained renewable-energy incentives and created uncertainty for users and investors, Lazard found that renewables remain the lowest-cost source of new power generation on a levelized-cost basis, even without subsidies. This cost advantage has persisted despite cost increases of 11% for onshore wind and 18% for solar.
Grid constraints are changing how major energy users secure power. With grid interconnection waits reaching up to 48 months, large users are turning to behind-the-meter, co-located solar-and-storage to secure round-the-clock power. Projects increasingly bundle generation, storage, substations, transmission, and control systems into a single integrated build.
Larger, more complex projects require earlier coordination across the project's lifecycle, while equipment and workforce shortages create additional constraints. Successfully navigating this changing landscape will require AEC firms to strengthen their integrated-delivery capabilities and plan proactively for supply-chain and regulatory risks.
Economists Downgrade 2026 Construction Forecast Amid Iran Conflict
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Consensus Construction Forecast predicts a 0.3% decline in construction spending for 2026, down from the 1.0% growth projected in January.
The report, which aggregates forecasts from eight leading industry economists, is more upbeat about 2027, raising its spending-growth forecast from 2.2% to 3.0%.
A K-shaped economic situation has emerged in the nonresidential building construction market, where parts of the market tied to public funding, healthcare demand, and AI-related investment continue to grow, while more interest-rate-sensitive and discretionary sectors remain under pressure.
The forecast has revealed winners and losers, with manufacturing emerging as the greatest concern. Spending is projected to decline by 11.6% in 2026 and 0.6% in 2027, representing a pullback following the influx of public investment through the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Tariff uncertainty is further delaying decisions on multiyear capital projects and could weaken project pipelines, reinforcing the need to diversify across end markets.
July 13, 2026
Parkhill, a Texas-based multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm, has acquired Komatsu Architecture, a Texas-based architecture firm specializing in design delivery, interior design, historic preservation, and master planning. This partnership unites Parkhill's architecture and engineering capabilities with Komatsu's design heritage to form a unified platform that expands capabilities, resources, and reach across Texas. “At the core of this partnership is a shared mindset,” said Dan Hart, Executive Vice President of Architecture at Parkhill. “Both firms are deeply committed to community-centered design, long-term relationships, and collaborative design thinking. By coming together, we are better positioned to serve our clients and communities with greater depth and impact.”
July 14, 2026
AG&E Associates (AG&E), a Texas-based structural engineering firm and the largest data center structural engineering provider in North America, backed by Liftout Capital, has acquired United Structural Design (USD), an Arizona-based structural engineering firm specializing in commercial, industrial, solar, and modular systems. This acquisition expands AG&E's geographic reach, strengthening its ability to deliver integrated structural engineering solutions across markets. "The acquisition of USD brings a talented pool of engineers who, from the beginning of our discussions, were aligned with AG&E’s vision of creating an obvious choice in structural engineering for its clients,” said Sanjay Agrawal, CEO of AG&E. “USD’s expertise, especially in modular storage systems, is especially primed for creating modular data center solutions for the AI factories and modular airport terminals.”
July 21, 2026
Michael Graves Architecture (MG), a New Jersey-based global planning, architecture, and interior design firm, has acquired Trudeau Architects and Truarchs Online, an integrated New York State-based planning, architecture, and technology practice serving institutional clients. The transaction expands MG's reach across New York State while adding specialized institutional management platforms. "MG’s acquisition of Trudeau Architects and Truarchs Online aligns with our strategic vision of delivering exceptional design, planning, and technology-enabled services to clients nationwide,” said Joe Furey, President and CEO of MG. “Bart Trudeau and his team bring a rare combination of Higher Education and Healthcare planning expertise, long-standing institutional relationships in New York State, and proprietary platforms that strengthen how campuses and healthcare systems plan, manage, and invest in their facilities."
July 22, 2026
John Turner Consulting (JTC), a New Hampshire-based engineering consultancy, supported by Celnor Group, has acquired Northeast Geotechnical, a Massachusetts-based geotechnical engineering consultancy specializing in site investigation, foundation engineering, construction observation, and materials testing. This acquisition strengthens JTC's geotechnical capabilities and expands its footprint across New England and the broader US market. “Bringing Northeast Geotechnical into JTC is an exciting milestone for our growth in the US. Their strong regional reputation, technical expertise and client-focused approach align perfectly with our values. With Celnor Group’s support, this partnership strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality geotechnical solutions across a broader footprint, while continuing to provide the responsive, practical service our clients rely on,” commented Jared Lozo, US CEO of Celnor Group.
July 22, 2026
Galloway & Company (Galloway), a Colorado-based architecture and engineering firm, backed by ARA Services Partners and Kelso & Company, has acquired Anderson Wahlen & Associates (AWA), a Utah-based land development consulting and professional services firm. This acquisition expands Galloway’s regional presence in the West and enhances its localized capabilities across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. “This partnership reflects the kind of strategic growth we believe in. We are bringing together organizations with strong cultural alignment, complementary strengths, and a shared commitment to excellence,” said Dave Guetig, President of Galloway. “AWA has built an outstanding reputation and team, and we are excited to partner in their continued success as we expand opportunities for our teams, clients, and communities.”
Stantec announced a partnership with the YMCA of the USA to advance programs and experiences that help communities thrive. The YMCA operates in over 120 countries, serving 14.8 million people across 10,000 U.S. communities annually through youth development, health, and social impact programs, and is celebrating its 175th anniversary in the U.S. in 2026. Through financial support and employee volunteerism, Stantec is helping address community needs ranging from food insecurity and housing repairs to environmental initiatives and family-focused events such as Healthy Kids Day. During Stantec in the Community Week, teams volunteered at six YMCA locations across the U.S. President and CEO Gord Johnston framed the effort around a shared belief in the power of young people—creating opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and connect so they build the confidence and skills to shape their own futures and communities.
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 Fatima Moumen at fmoumen@efcg.com.