Regional designers report that many market sectors have improved, and most firms saw their revenue grow in 2013. But they also have post-recession concerns about staffing and owner finances. Design leaders cite regional strength in the energy, multifamily, commercial and hospitality sectors. They say public-sector work remains generally sluggish. Rendering by Davis Partnership, Courtesy of Adolfson and Peterson The 11-story CoBank Center in Greenwood Village, Colo., is being developed by Shea Properties, designed by Davis and RNL and being built by Adolfson & Peterson. Related Links: ACEC/CO Engineering Excellence Awards New Risk Index Identifies Top Industry Concerns "The surge in

Regional design firms are decidedly more upbeat than in previous years. They report an upswing in several markets, most notably multifamily, mixed-use, offices, energy and some public-works sectors. Big concerns include the decline in funding for institutional work, finding enough qualified people to do the work and ongoing uncertainty about the long-term health of the economy. Related Links: Regional Designers Push for More Diverse Services Regional Design Firms Hurting From Flat Economy, Stalled Projects However, many regional design firm leaders think the local economies in Salt Lake City, Boise and Denver will continue to improve and remain stronger than in

Design firms in the Mountain States share the same concerns about industry growth as their colleagues and competitors elsewhere in the U.S.: uncertain support for public infrastructure and shaky financing in the few private-sector markets showing signs of life. There is more optimism now than in the past few years but also ongoing angst—after another year of flat revenue—about the health of the global economy and political vagaries here at home. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record "Our greatest concern is the international debt crisis, its potential impact on the U.S. economy and recovery from the recession," says Brad