Welcome to the September edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

This month is all about people and progress: we’re heading back to campus to meet future leaders at the University of Miami, celebrating the arrival of two fantastic new colleagues, and exploring how innovation in construction is shaping opportunities for both engineers and recruiters.

Thank you, as always, for tuning in.

The Blakely Brown Team

University of Miami: Job and Internship Expo

This Wednesday, several members of our Blakely Brown team will be on campus at the University of Miami for the Job and Internship Expo, and we can’t wait to connect with you!

If you’re attending, be sure to stop by our booth to meet the team in person, learn more about who we are, and discover what a career in Executive Search could look like for you. Whether you’re a student curious about the recruitment industry, a soon-to-be graduate exploring career opportunities, or simply interested in building your professional network, this is a fantastic chance to get to know Blakely Brown and ask us your questions directly.

Lakeside Village Expo Center

Wednesday September 24th

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST

3D-Printed Concrete: From Hype to Real Adoption

After years of hype about “printing houses in a day,” 3D-printed concrete is settling into a new role: not a silver bullet, but a viable, evolving construction method. Across the U.S. and abroad, firms are finding niches where it offers speed, cost savings, resilience, or design flexibility. ICON, Alquist 3D, HiveASMBLD, and others are proving the technology works in both residential and commercial settings, while international players like Tvasta (India) and FBR (Australia) showcase global momentum.

Key Industry Shifts:

• Mainstreaming in the U.S.: ICON is expanding beyond Texas into Florida, commercializing its Phoenix printer for multistory projects, and securing building code compliance through ICC’s AC509.

• Commercial Applications Emerging: Alquist 3D has demonstrated faster, weather-resistant builds for Walmart facilities, proving 3D printing can compete with CMU block construction.

• Hybrid & Scalable Approaches: Startups like HiveASMBLD mix 3D printing with prefab and traditional methods to balance speed, cost, and design flexibility.

• Global Growth Drivers: In India, Tvasta’s vertically integrated model tackles housing shortages with scalable, sustainable 3D builds. In Australia, FBR’s robotic bricklaying adapts additive principles for block construction.

• Expanding Design Thinking: Architects and landscape designers are embracing new possibilities, from curved walls to stormwater-friendly infrastructure, reshaping how projects are conceived.

Takeaways for U.S. Engineers

• Expect 3D-printed concrete to show up more often in both housing and commercial projects.

• Familiarity with ICC’s AC509 and evolving standards will be essential for structural validation.

• Engineers should prepare for hybrid projects that integrate robotics, prefabrication, and traditional systems.

• Troubleshooting and onsite adaptability remain critical skills as printing technology scales.

Takeaways for U.S. Recruiters

• Demand is rising for engineers who bridge disciplines: structural, materials, robotics, and software.

• Skilled operators and technicians are in short supply, firms are even turning to community colleges and unions to train the next generation.

• Regions like Texas, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest are becoming hiring hotspots as adoption spreads.

• Recruiters should watch for opportunities in both residential and commercial markets, as adoption is no longer limited to “one-off demos.”

Maya and Stone

Introducing our latest recruits, Maya and Stone!

Maya and Stone joined the Blakely Brown U.S. team this August, having both graduated from the University of Miami earlier this year. In just over a month, Maya and Stone have already made an impressive start. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh perspectives have quickly made a positive impact, and it’s clear they both bring tremendous potential to our growing practice.

They join us as Executive Search Consultants specializing in the General Building market, supporting clients and candidates across the sector. Whether you’re building your team or exploring new career opportunities in this space, Maya and Stone are ready to connect and support your search needs. You can reach them directly at: 📧 maya@blakelybrowngroup.com 📧 stone@blakelybrowngroup.com

At Blakely Brown, we’re proud to be expanding our Miami team and fostering the next generation of executive search professionals. If you’re local to the area and interested in pursuing a dynamic career in executive search, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your resume to Antonia at: antonia@blakelybrowngroup.com.