Weekly Briefing: September 4, 2026
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Week of August 31, 2026
Presidential Order Restricts Foreign-Made Equipment Used in U.S. Bulk-Power System
A new presidential order prohibits the acquisition or installation of bulk-power system equipment supplied by designated foreign entities, primarily targeting China, as part of an effort to reduce national-security vulnerabilities and U.S. reliance on foreign supply chains.
The order covers transformers, turbines, batteries, solar inverters, and related technologies used in power generation and high-voltage transmission. China currently accounts for more than 80% of global production of several key grid components, raising concerns about near-term disruptions, particularly for battery energy storage projects.
The Department of Energy has 120 days to draft implementation regulations. When President Trump issued a similar order in 2020, some construction lenders and tax-equity investors moved quickly to address the uncertainty by adding equipment-replacement and cybersecurity requirements for energy developers, several of which remain in financing agreements today.
Although the full implications will depend on DOE’s forthcoming rules, the order could lengthen procurement timelines, increase equipment and financing costs, and create additional sourcing requirements. For AEC firms, these pressures may contribute to project delays and redesigns while increasing demand for supply-chain assessments, cybersecurity reviews, grid modernization, and domestic manufacturing capacity.
Data Center Construction Surges as Power Constraints Drive Vacancies to Record Low
North American data center construction increased nearly 25% across major U.S. markets during the first half of 2026, while total power capacity grew by one-third year over year. Despite this record expansion, power capacity available for lease fell to an all-time low of 1.4% as AI-related demand continued to outpace new supply.
Data center space is being leased faster than developers can deliver the necessary power infrastructure, with net absorption rising nearly 12% during the first half of the year. Limited availability is also driving rental rates higher and prompting prospective tenants to evaluate leasing options as much as three years in advance.
Power constraints are reshaping the market’s geographic footprint. Atlanta surpassed Northern Virginia as North America’s largest construction market after development increased more than 50% year over year, while developers and prospective tenants are increasingly looking beyond traditional hubs for available power capacity.
For AEC firms, sustained data center demand should continue to generate opportunities across facility design, power and grid infrastructure, water systems, and site development. However, with planning horizons extending several years, firms will need to assess which projects have the power, water capacity, and local approvals needed to advance, and which are more likely to encounter development roadblocks.
August 31, 2026
SAM, a Texas-based provider of geospatial and inspection services to the utility, transportation, and critical infrastructure markets, backed by New Mountain Capital, has acquired Wilson & Associates, a Tennessee-based geomatics and utility engineering firm serving transportation, utility, municipal, and land development clients across Tennessee and the Southeast. This acquisition extends SAM's Southeast footprint into Franklin, Cookeville, and Johnson City, and broadens its capabilities with Wilson & Associates' aerial mapping, LiDAR, hydrographic surveying, and 3D data and modeling services. "Wilson & Associates brings significant experience, strong technical capabilities and long-tenured, trusted relationships in key strategic markets," said Chris Solomon, President and CEO of SAM.
September 1, 2026
Corgan, a Texas-based architecture firm serving the aviation, transportation, education, health, office, and workplace markets, has acquired Duda|Paine Architects (Duda|Paine), a North Carolina-based architecture practice with a portfolio spanning commercial office, higher education, research, and wellness-focused work. This acquisition establishes Corgan in Durham and the Research Triangle, a leading U.S. center for innovation, higher education, and research, while adding a team of architects and designers whose portfolio and design reputation extend Corgan's broader practice. Scott Ruch, CEO of Corgan, commented, "Their recognized expertise, exceptional design talent, and deep client relationships strengthen key areas of our practice including office and higher education while expanding our presence in a strategically important market."
September 1, 2026
IMEG, an Illinois-based engineering and design consulting firm specializing in building systems, infrastructure, and program management, has acquired Bennett Engineering, a Maine-based multidisciplinary engineering firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, telecommunications, and lighting design. This acquisition establishes IMEG in Maine, adding a practice with deep expertise across commercial, industrial, and institutional markets that will continue to operate from its Freeport office. "This partnership is an exciting step for our firm,” said William S. Bennett, Jr., Vice President Electrical of Bennett Engineering. “Becoming part of IMEG creates meaningful opportunities to continue to deliver exceptional service with strong client relationships, while expanding project opportunities. It also enables our team to grow, collaborate, and expand their careers."
September 1, 2026
Binnie, a Canada-based multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm with services spanning civil and transportation engineering, land development, and geomatics, has acquired Colquitz Engineering, a Canada-based consulting engineering firm specializing in water resources and municipal infrastructure. This acquisition builds Binnie's Victoria office and deepens its presence across Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island. "Welcoming Colquitz Engineering to Binnie supports our strategic focus and further strengthens our ability to provide high-quality services and solutions for our clients," said Tom Rabey, Chief Administrative Officer of Binnie.
September 2, 2026
UES, a Florida-based engineering and consulting firm specializing in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, and environmental consulting, backed by Palm Beach Capital and BDT & MSD Partners, has acquired Geotherm, a Texas-based thermal resistivity testing firm serving energy clients across North America with proprietary testing technology. This acquisition adds a 30-person thermal resistivity practice to UES's National Specialty Services group and positions the firm to serve rising demand for underground and submarine power cable work.
Wilson & Company raised $85,414 through the second year of its Higher Giving campaign, surpassing the $73,500 contributed during the initiative’s 2025 launch. The campaign paired each of the firm’s offices with an employee-nominated local nonprofit, with Wilson & Company providing corporate donations and encouraging employees to match or exceed them. The selected organizations supported causes ranging from food security and animal welfare to youth development and environmental stewardship. Employees also participated in volunteer activities, including packing more than 26,000 pounds of food for Ozarks Food Harvest, collecting supplies for ManyPaws Animal Rescue, and supporting an upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Fatima Moumen at fmoumen@efcg.com.
