How is the construction industry adapting to rising costs, labor shortages, and shifting market demands? In this episode of PlotLines, Heather and Britni sit down with Lauren Talley, Owner and Principal of Cobalt Construction Consulting, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping commercial real estate construction today.
Lauren shares her insights on how the past five years have pushed construction firms to rethink their strategies, from navigating material shortages to adjusting financing structures. She breaks down the trends driving development across multifamily, industrial, and retail, as well as shifting demand for office projects. With financing becoming more complex and lenders tightening their requirements, developers are getting more strategic about their capital stacks, balancing debt, equity, and creative funding solutions to move projects forward.
The conversation also covers the ripple effects of inflation on construction costs, where certain materials have seen extreme price volatility, requiring contractors and developers to take a more adaptive, long-term approach to budgeting and planning. Lauren explains how shifting demand—especially in the retail and industrial sectors—has altered project timelines and leasing strategies, leading to increased collaboration between landlords, tenants, and construction teams.
Tune in to this week’s episode to hear how Lauren would rewrite the headline about CRE construction today: “Be patient. Be fair. Be creative.”
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