SLC3 AEC SHOW ME AWARDS

Thank you to those who submitted!

Invitation coming soon, but until then, save the date!

March 26, 5:00 - 8:30 pm

@ Hilton St. Louis Frontenac

Clayco's New CEO, Anthony Johnson, Expects Data Center Boom to Thrive

Anthony Johnson discusses the firm’s new data center unit, the challenges of hyperscale construction and how the company plans to lead in an increasingly competitive market.

When he joined the Midwest’s largest contractor 17 years ago, Anthony Johnson thought the move to Clayco’s St. Louis office would be temporary — a five-year stop before returning to Minnesota.



Instead, the energy and excitement of the organization turned five years into nearly two decades, a tenure during which Johnson helped drive Clayco’s growth into a leader in advanced manufacturing and data center construction.

Now, close to 20 years later, Johnson has taken the helm as CEO of Chicago-based Clayco.

His move to the top role aligns with the launch of Clayco Compute, a dedicated business unit focused on high-tech construction projects. The new division positions Clayco firmly within the advanced technology construction sector, including the ongoing data center construction boom.

That boom shows no signs of slowing. For example, a joint venture among OpenAI, Softbank and Oracle announced a $500 billion initiative at the White House on Tuesday to accelerate AI infrastructure development. The plan includes the construction of up to 20 data centers by 2028.

Here, Johnson talks with Construction Dive about the vision behind Clayco Compute, challenges in hyperscale facility construction and how the company plans to lead in an increasingly competitive market.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: How does the launch of Clayco Compute help build on the firm’s work in advanced technology construction?

ANTHONY JOHNSON: We are already a top five builder of data centers in the U.S., with 57 active projects nationwide with the largest hyperscale and tech companies. In 2024 alone, our data center projects generated $3.6 billion in revenue, which accounted for half of our total revenue last year and was more than double the revenue we generated from data center construction in 2023. And we anticipate revenue from data center construction to reach over $4.6 billion by 2026, so we are clearly talking about a high growth, high potential, extremely competitive sector.

The hyperscale data center market is projected to grow 10% to 20% annually in the next five years, and at Clayco, many of the projects in our pipeline for 2025 are mission critical, technical projects like hyperscale data centers, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing facilities.

Reimagining Vlasis Park: A Community-Centered Transformation

Lawrence Group is proud to have collaborated on the transformative vision for Vlasis Park, a cherished community space in Ballwin. Guided by extensive public feedback, the final concept design masterfully integrates elements from two preliminary concepts, resulting in a hybrid plan that balances community needs with innovative features. The revitalized Vlasis Park promises to be a hub for recreation, community events, and environmental education.

A Central Hub for Community Engagement

At the heart of the new design is the Great Lawn, which retains its role as a centerpiece of the park. This versatile space will continue to accommodate unstructured play, serve as a baseball field, and act as the staging area for signature community events like Ballwin Days. Enhanced with improved drainage and irrigation systems, the lawn will recover more efficiently after heavy use, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

Playground and Recreation Reimagined

The central playground area is undergoing a major transformation to create an interactive and engaging play destination. A central staircase and retaining walls will connect the site’s features seamlessly, while the playground itself expands to include a new natural play area in place of the former police station. Slope play features and a renovated splash pad with sanitary connections will further enhance the playground’s appeal.

Recreational offerings have also been thoughtfully updated. The plan introduces three pickleball courts by converting one of the existing tennis courts, catering to the growing popularity of this sport. A new stage, positioned near the western parking lot, leverages the natural hillside for amphitheater-style seating and provides convenient access for concerts and events.

Sustainability and Environmental Education

A vital aspect of the final design is its focus on natural landscapes and sustainability. Features such as the prairie walk, shade garden, pollinator garden, and rehabilitated pond will foster biodiversity and provide serene spaces for visitors. Additionally, a bioretention area in the central northern section of the park will manage stormwater while serving as an educational tool. Signage will highlight the area’s stormwater functions, native plants, and hydrology, transforming this functional space into an interactive learning experience.

The park’s public works facility reflects a thoughtful integration of both concepts presented during the planning phase. The split-level administration and office building will front the street, optimizing functionality while blending seamlessly with the park’s aesthetic.

The Vlasis Park project exemplifies Lawrence Group’s commitment to designing spaces that enrich communities. By incorporating public input, preserving natural features, and introducing modern amenities, Vlasis Park is set to become a vibrant destination for recreation, education, and connection. We’re honored to play a part in shaping Ballwin’s community asset and look forward to seeing it thrive in the years to come.

Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek

Habit #6: Expectations

To feel successful, confident, loved…we have specific expectations that MUST be met, or we don't experience those feelings.

Do you know what your expectations are? Feel those feelings more often by adjusting your expectations with SEO.

S - Specific. Are they specific, grounded, and clear?

E - Easy. Are they easy to achieve or have you set yourself, and others, up to fail?

O - Ownership. Are you in control or have you given responsibility for your feelings to someone else?



Remember:

Feelings are directly related to expectations that are met or neglected. Know and manage your expectations.

Performance Tips:

• If you want a particular feeling, make your expectations specific and easy to reach.

• Take ownership of your life by creating expectations that YOU control.

Why Prefab Architecture Could Be the Future – But Probably Won’t Be | Architectural Digest

Michael Wyetzner of Michielli + Wyetzner Architects returns to AD to discuss prefab architecture and why it could be the future of housing–but probably won’t be.

Prefabricated architecture has always posed a more affordable and sustainable future for housing as they’re fast and cheaper to build and produce less waste in the long run, so why hasn’t it taken over? Wyetzner delves into the history of prefab and why it failed to take off how many architects have hoped it would.

Predictions Shaping the AEC Industry in 2025 – Vessel Architecture

As we step into 2025, the team gathered to discuss the design trends shaping the industry. From bold interior aesthetics to innovative construction techniques, these emerging themes reflect a world adapting to changing needs and preferences. Here’s what our architects see on the horizon this year:

1. The Role of AI in Architecture

Artificial intelligence is poised to make waves in the design and construction industries in 2025. “This year, we’re going to start seeing some headway in how AI really affects our industry,” Roger says.

With hundreds of applications in development, AI offers the potential to revolutionize how projects are delivered. From streamlining workflows to enhancing project accuracy, these technologies are setting a new standard for architectural services.

2. Color Drenching

“On the interiors side, color drenching is going to be huge,” says Lindsay, highlighting a departure from the light, airy palettes that have dominated recent years. This trend envelops spaces in a single hue, covering walls, ceilings, and trim with cohesive, often dark and moody tones.

This approach creates immersive environments, offering a more dramatic and grounded feel—a perfect antidote to years of neutral minimalism.

3. Fire-Resistant, Self-Sustaining Construction

Brian emphasizes the growing demand for fire-resistant design, explaining, “Fire-protective residential design has long lagged behind commercial design. 2025 will be the year fire-resistant residential construction begins to catch up.”