Alexis Nicols, Author at Under the Hard Hat

Alexis Nicols

Electrical Engineer who works on Computer with CAD Software

December 12, 2025

How to become an electrical engineer in the U.S. (steps, salary, careers)

Electrical engineers design and build the systems that power modern life. This guide covers what an electrical engineer does, the steps to get licensed, average…

Gear reviews

December 11, 2025

Procore vs Buildertrend: Which tool is better for contractors?

Alexis Nicols

Choosing software for your crew is a big call. This head-to-head shows how Procore and Buildertrend stack up so you can match the tool to…

Construction news

December 11, 2025

Trumps White House ballroom renovation: What you should know

Alexis Nicols

Trump’s long-planned ballroom is finally happening, even as budgets tighten and demolition begins. Supporters call it historic. Others say it’s a risky bet. Which is…

Construction news

December 10, 2025

Inside 670 Mesquit: BIG’s bold new L.A. Arts District project

Alexis Nicols

The Los Angeles City Council has approved 670 Mesquit, a multi-tower Arts District development with housing, retail, offices, and new public access to the river.

Design

December 10, 2025

Tiny House Shadow: Finland’s low-carbon prototype home

Alexis Nicols

From capsule sleeping pods to a mobile steel frame, this 365 sq ft Finnish micro-home is testing ideas that could redefine residential design.

Ai tools

December 9, 2025

Turner Construction launches “wall-to-wall” AI program with OpenAI

Alexis Nicols

Turner is betting big on artificial intelligence, and the scale of its partnership with OpenAI reveals just how fast AI is reshaping construction.

Construction news

December 8, 2025

Construction workforce shortage to reach 1 million by 2026

Alexis Nicols

Contractors expect to need almost 1M new workers by 2026. With higher wages and expanded apprenticeships, the industry is racing to fill critical roles.

Ai tools

December 4, 2025

How contractors are using ChatGPT to save hours on paperwork

Alexis Nicols

As AI tools like ChatGPT enter construction, contractors using them today are gaining both productivity and a competitive edge.

Construction news

December 4, 2025

Balzer’s Canada targeting net zero with new solar project

Alexis Nicols

Balzer’s Canada is adopting Mechatron’s dual-axis solar trackers to reach net-zero energy at its Emerald Park facility by late 2025.

Gear reviews

December 3, 2025

CAT vs John Deere: Which one makes better heavy equipment

Alexis Nicols

CAT and John Deere dominate the heavy equipment market, but which brand is the better choice? This comparison breaks down machine features, cost, and value…

Nvidia Founder, President and CEO Jensen Huang

AI & Technology

December 1, 2025

Nvidia’s and OpenAi $100B partnership is a big win for builders

Alexis Nicols

Jensen Huang calls it the biggest AI infrastructure project yet, with GPU-packed data centers that could reshape construction, power, and regional growth.

Fast food chain Chipotle Mexican Grill circular round sign

Healthy Food Truck

November 29, 2025

10 of the best healthy fast food chains for eating on the go

Alexis Nicols

From salads at Sweetgreen to Mediterranean bowls at CAVA, these 10 healthy fast food chains prove eating on the go doesn’t have to mean sacrificing…

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