New and renovated projects, code updates, design trends, improved technology, new products — every month Structural Engineering & Design brings you these topics and more, and this issue is no different, with one exception.

This month’s cover story is about a newly renovated hotel with a significant history. Structural engineers worked diligently with many owners to create a once-again prominent Boston icon (read about it on page 14). While building information modeling continues to permeate the AEC industry, and we have all been evangelized to about its benefits, the technology behind the process still presents some challenges — particularly in the area of interoperability. Associate Editor Randy Hofbauer interviewed many software manufacturers to get some straight talk about how to move forward; read his article on page 26.

As part of our intentional editorial effort to cover the expanding breadth of what practicing structural engineers need to know, “Special seismic certification of nonstructural components” clarifies code provisions that apply across the country, not just in California; the article begins on page 28. Also, keeping you current on the ever-evolving codes, six new structural steel standards are reviewed starting on page 34.

With nearly three-quarters of the states now requiring continuing education to maintain licensure, the majority of structural engineers regularly seek out quality education opportunities. Another self-study article in our Professional Development Series is included in this issue; see page PDH 1 following page 28 to read “The design of fiber reinforced composite materials for strengthening of existing structures.” After reading the article, log on to www.gostructural.com and click on Continuing Education to take the quiz and earn 1.0 PDH credit.

With so much content targeted to educate and inform you and help with your daily projects, you may be wondering what is changing? In addition to the exciting news that Mark Zweig told you about on the previous page, there is another change I want to tell you about.While I have been working for this magazine for the past nine years, I have been welcoming you to each issue for the past seven years, yet this is the last time I will do so. Before the acquisition, I resigned from Stagnito Media and accepted a new position with the American Society of Civil Engineers as the director of the Structural Engineering Institute. I am leaving the magazine only to serve the profession in a different capacity.

In closing, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for your interest in what has evolved to be a robust brand over the near-decade that I have been fortunate enough to serve you. I thank you for your feedback, support, encouragement, and ideas. As the editor, I have had the unique pleasure of meeting many of you and the privilege of learning first-hand about the many successes and challenges within our profession. Structural Engineering & Design has progressed from a resource for design and specification to include a platform for continuous learning and dialogue. I know you will continue to enjoy Structural Engineering & Design, and I hope our paths will cross again. Good luck to you in all of your future endeavors!

Jennifer Goupil, P.E.