Georgia on the Rise: Trends in Real Estate and Construction

In February 2017, Smith and Howard sought to learn what real estate and construction professionals across the state of Georgia were thinking about in regards to the current growth environment. While cranes are omnipresent in Midtown and beyond, the firm’s industry team had heard rumblings of caution in lending for some types of development. There had also been mounting concern over a current and future lack of skilled labor to meet demands of continued growth.

The survey results underscored these sentiments and uncovered other – often surprising – trends for real estate developers and construction businesses throughout the state.

The results are available in an engaging, infographic publication available from Smith and Howard here.

Comments from those who received the publication at Smith and Howard’s Georgia on the Rise event suggest that the results reach beyond the construction and real estate industries to affect CEOs and other C-level executives– especially if they are considering purchasing or leasing a certain type of property or development. The survey results are also valuable to those in the architectural and engineering community.

As a complement to the survey results, Smith and Howard gathered top industry professionals at the May 18 event to discuss their experiences, perspectives and predictions for the future. Joining moderators Paul Atkinson and Mark Abrams, partners at Smith and Howard, were:

• Michael Dunham, CEO, Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc.
• Kevin Green, President and CEO, Midtown Alliance
• Jenny Horton, President, Collins and Arnold Construction Co.
• Rob Metcalf, International Director, JLL Brokerage
• Lance Patterson, CEO, Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group
• Scott Shelar, President and CEO, Construction Education Foundation of Georgia
• Leo Wiener, President of Retail, Ackerman & Co.
• Mark Woodall, Director, Governmental Affairs, Associated General Contractors of Georgia

Smith and Howard’s interest and investment in Atlanta’s real estate and construction community stems from a deep commitment to its Georgia ties, as well as to the needs and aspirations of those who run the businesses that drive the state’s growth. In addition to traditional audit and tax services, the firm focuses on business advisory services that include succession planning, sales and use tax consulting, technology consulting and financial search and placement services.

For more information on the survey or on the value Smith and Howard brings to real estate and construction businesses, contact us at 404-874-6244.