There are infinite opportunities for evolution in construction. By collaborating across the functions in building and design, we can drive real, quantifiable change across all facets of our work.
MEGAN LANTZ
Vice President of Research & Development
Why We’re Investing in R&D
Today’s business climate is more complicated than ever and tomorrow promises new challenges. We’re making investments now to proactively answer the critical questions surrounding the sustainability, viability, and longevity of the construction business.
Labor Shortage
With the need for more than half a million additional construction and trades professionals today, our greatest asset and constraint remains talent. To answer the mounting demand for workforce, we’re developing resources such as robotics, technology enabled workflows, and innovative training solutions to enhance the power of our teams in the field.
Leading in Safety
HITT’s investment in safety research has led to discoveries that create safer work environments for everyone. Along with identifying new equipment and technologies, we’re also refining our predictive analytics to prevent incidents before they happen.
Innovation Gap
Despite the challenges faced in AEC, less than 1% of industry revenue is typically invested in R&D. We’re tackling problems head-on with a dedicated space, capital, and a solutions-oriented R&D team that’s a catalyst for change.
Rising Costs
Volatile supply chains and tumultuous pricing of input materials demand the need for smarter and more efficient building. We’re dedicated to identifying alternative materials, uncovering solutions for labor challenges, and tackling the new landscape of global supply chain logistics.
Our R&D Pillars
As we challenge assumptions and push boundaries, we’ve outlined four principles that guide all aspects of our R&D work. Every new effort considers these pillars to ensure meaningful change is found in the investment.
Methods
All new construction means and methods that we pursue are rigorously evaluated to drive efficiency and produce the best possible outcome.
Materials
We identify, test, and develop cutting-edge, sustainable materials that can drastically impact our construction methods and deliver incredible building results.
Technology
Technology plays a vital role in R&D. We continuously explore myriad emerging technologies to develop transformative solutions that change the industry.
Performance
We're exploring emerging building materials and processes to determine how they’ll perform in real life application. Ultimately, better performing buildings better serve the client, community, and environment.
R&D Projects
In-depth application and analysis to discover what’s next for the construction industry.
Reports & Insights
Studies and analysis of the topics, trends, and discoveries in construction and their real-world use cases.
Events
Upcoming partner talks, panel discussions, and lectures on thought-provoking topics like the future of robotics, supply chain management, and innovation in construction.
Innovation at Work
Learn about our latest projects and how we’re putting these discoveries to work.
HITT built Virginia's first mass timber structure with the goal of achieving net zero energy. The resulting building, Co|Lab, is HITT's dedicated hub for research and development. READ MORE
HITT’s R&D team implemented semi-autonomous robotics on jobsites and even developed our own robot, S.A.M., to make work more efficient and safer for team members on the job. READ MORE
Today's building skins are custom designed to accommodate each project and application. To increase on-site efficiency and decrease cost, HITT's team is developing prefabricated building skin systems built offsite. READ MORE
In construction, sourcing potable water in certain geographical areas can be tricky. HITT's R&D team partnered with SOURCE Global, PBC to test their solar-powered, infrastructure-free drinking water solution. READ MORE
In Good Company
Innovation rarely flourishes in a vacuum—we’re collaborating with some of the biggest thought leaders to bring about lasting solutions to our industry’s biggest challenges.
Key Leadership
Kim Roy
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
News
Disrupt with us
By their very nature, our research and development team is always eager to learn about new challenges or hear questions that you may have. Fill out our form to begin the conversation.
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