Innovation & Partnerships
Modern challenges require modern
The building industry is ripe for evolution, driven by innovation and ingenuity. In 2024, HITT's internal research and development (R&D) team collaborated with our clients, partners, and subject matter experts to strategically invest in more than 20 research projects and initiatives that we believe can bring real, quantifiable change to our everyday work.
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Building for the Future
HITT’s new, net zero-ready headquarters is underway in Falls Church, Virginia that will incorporate means, methods, materials, and technologies that aspire to redefine what's possible in construction. The headquarters will be a hub for education and innovation in construction as Virginia Tech has leased space for a Coalition for Smart Construction. The project includes a photovoltaic solar canopy and wind turbines that will generate all energy needed for the building, 55,000 square feet of urban parks, outdoor conference space, and an interactive digital experience pavilion. Slated for completion in 2027, the space is envisioned to be a sustainable hub for innovation, education, and collaboration within the building industry and local community.
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R&D Microlearnings
To expand industry knowledge and drive innovation, we launched a microlearning series in 2024. The short videos cover topics like 3D printing, robotics, prefabrication, and cutting-edge R&D subjects, offering valuable insights into how emerging technologies are shaping construction through our in-house experts.
Academia Meets Industry
HITT’s longstanding collaboration with Virginia Tech continues to evolve. In 2024, HITT participated in three innovation roundtables, bringing together disciplines across the building industry to collaborate on our industry’s toughest challenges and identify future research opportunities. This effort was an exciting first step for the Coalition for Smart Construction, the research lab planned at HITT’s new headquarters
In 2024, Hitt Hall, a project gifted by the Hitt Family Foundation Inc., opened, providing an expanded presence for Virginia Tech's Myers-Lawson School of Construction. The multipurpose facility allows students to engage in seminal learning, research, and testing, featuring spaces for innovation and discovery and a 600-seat dining area.
Revolutionizing Construction with 3D Printing & Fabrication
We’re embracing 3D printing and prefabrication to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline labor processes. HITT’s investment in 3D printing tackles industry challenges—skilled labor shortages, rising material costs, and supply chain disruptions—while enabling the use of recycled plastics in furniture construction for our new headquarters. Meanwhile, prefabrication is redefining how we build. The newly patented Building Composites prefabricated building skin system (PBSS) maximizes off-site construction, reducing on-site labor and eliminating trade overlap, streamlining the construction process while ensuring quality and design flexibility.
Leveraging Robotics for Safer Environments
We're embracing robotic technology to remove workers from potentially hazardous situations in confined spaces. HITT’s R&D team continued leveraging Spot, an agile mobile robot from Boston Dynamics, enabling superintendents to operate remotely and removing them from potentially hazardous environments. As the adoption of robotics in construction continues, we’re studying the reliability of robotic solutions in performing tasks including remote telepresence, reality capture, and safety inspections to ensure they become trusted and effective tools.
Good​
Our dedicated subcontractor partners are an extension of the HITT team. We're committed to improving their experience by removing barriers to working on HITT projects and expressing our appreciation for their dedication and partnership.
2024
By the Numbers
1,274+
Projects Delivered Together
8,400+
Onboarded Trade Partners
2,855
Subcontractor Appreciation Day Attendees
Sub Day
Each year, we’re proud to host Subcontractor Appreciation Days at every one of our offices across the country to honor and celebrate our dedicated trade partners.
