York-based architectural firm Mulá group is opening a new location in Lancaster, headed by a director of operations with years of experience in the county.

Architects and designers are being called upon to help resolve the inherent conflicts in workplace design beyond this pandemic. The AEC industry is realizing that the community health enigma may be one of the greatest challenges in the commercial sector of their practice. 

The incoming Gardner Theater at Lancaster County Day School in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, was well into construction when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the state to put a hold on all non-essential construction sites.

When UPMC Pinnacle set out to design West Manchester Township-based, UPMC Memorial hospital, the system laid out its imaging and emergency departments next to one another, and operating rooms were expanded to leave room for advances in surgical equipment such as robotics.

Matt Leonard, who has worked as a drafting technician at the Lititz-based architectural firm Derck & Edson for nearly 14 years, said a shortage of drafters who know how to use computer-aided design, or CAD, has created a real need for skilled workers in the field.

Michelle Brummer, 47, is a project manager and senior environmental planner for Camp Hill-based Gannett Fleming and has been with the company since 2001.