CANFIELD, Ohio – Architects and engineers highlighted some of the major projects in the Mahoning Valley and discussed trends in the field during the latest Business Journal roundtable.

The Architects and Engineers Roundtable, sponsored by Advanced Technology Partners, was held June 9 at Waypoint 4180. Participants included Tracie Kaglic, Olsavsky Jaminet; John Orsini, BSHM; Chad Ramkey, Phillips Sekanick Architects; Annissa Neider, A. Neider Architecture; and Mark Buchenic, MS Consultants.

From transformational projects to historical renovation to retail redevelopment, the engineers and architects on the panel said they see a lot happening in the Valley.

“I think we’re going to start seeing a lot of redevelopment from a retail aspect, now that Covid is over,” Neider said. “I think we’re going to start seeing Boardman start to expand and start seeing redevelopment start to move south.”

Ramkey agreed, adding that he believes the redevelopment will lead to fewer strip malls, more standalone buildings and additional housing – a much-needed commodity. 

Buchenic said the Kimberly-Clark project in Trumbull County will have “a ripple effect” by attracting other businesses and creating a need for infrastructure. He also sees more spec, small industrial construction happening, like the West Warren Industrial Park.

Orsini said key renovations and adaptive reuse projects are transforming older downtown Youngstown properties. He added that projects such as the renovations of Stambaugh Auditorium and Powers Auditorium enhance the area’s “overall sense of place” and expand what the Valley has to offer. 

Even as development continues, changing policies and regulations are creating challenges. Kaglic said zoning restrictions and regulations limiting projects such as data centers and solar installations are shaping the community’s future. 

Buchenic also said he’s seeing the size and scope of projects changing. Instead of tackling a large project, clients want them done in phases and are saving money by looking at alternative construction methods.

As with many fields, artificial intelligence is changing how engineers and architects operate and meet clients’ needs.

Digital tools such as AutoCAD and Revit can be useful to start designing projects based on the early ideas of a client, according to Ramkey. For instance, automated tools can speed up the drawing and coloring of sketches. 

However, Ramkey said it is the architect’s and engineer’s knowledge that still make a project successful, so it is important not to overuse or rely on AI.

Kaglic highlighted an instance where a client took building renderings created by her firm and put them into ChatGPT to show changes the client wanted.

“However, it wasn’t realistically able to be built as per what AI came up with,” Kaglic said, adding that it can be difficult to explain that to the client. “It’s a pretty picture, but it can’t structurally be built. Or it can be built, but it’s just going to cost you more than what you’re expecting.”

Buchenic said his company also uses AI in the early stages, but he does not see it replacing the people qualified to do the work.

“I don’t think it’s ever going to replace the architect or the engineer who has to stamp the drawings, make the final checks, at least not now,” Buchenic said. “We say we see it as a benefit right now, but you can’t over-rely on it, and I think that’s the key. You need to do a smell check and see if it makes sense.”

The full roundtable transcript can be found in the MidJuly issue of The Business Journal, and videos from the event will be released on our website.

Pictured at top: From left are Mark Buchenic, Annissa Neider, John Orsini, Chad Ramkey and Tracie Kaglic.