The domestic market is up, but engineers and architects are watching developments abroad and the presidential election for hints about 2017

AECOM, ranked No. 1 on ENR's Top 500 Design Firms list, disrupted engineering-sector size norms when it purchased URS Corp. in 2014. Now it is moving forward in its link with mega-disruptor Elon Musk, and others, to design test tracks for his Hyperloop transportation system concept.

Neel-Schaffer (No. 187) is the lead designer on the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s $570-million Port of Gulfport Restoration project (above), which will accommodate larger ships that will be coming through the expanded Panama Canal.

Rumors of the death of the multi-unit residential market are greatly exaggerated.

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics

ENR’s 20-city average cost indexes, wages and materials prices. Historical data and details for ENR’s 20 cities can be found at ENR.com/economics