As British Columbia’s construction industry faces unprecedented shifts, innovation, sustainability, and adaptability have become essential to success. Leading the charge in this dynamic landscape is Prism Construction, a company renowned for delivering high-quality industrial and commercial spaces tailored to modern demands.
In this exclusive interview, Omar Rawji, President and CEO of Prism Construction, shares his expert perspective on the trends reshaping BC’s construction sector in 2025. With over two decades of experience at Prism, Rawji has played a pivotal role in cultivating the company’s reputation for excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, and navigating complex market dynamics.
From addressing urban density challenges to adopting cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, Rawji reveals how Prism Construction is positioning itself to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. This conversation offers valuable insights for professionals and stakeholders eager to understand the future of construction in British Columbia.
What are the most significant changes you anticipate in BC’s construction industry over the next year, and how is Prism Construction preparing to address these shifts?
OR: BC’s construction industry is on the cusp of continual transformation in 2025, driven by urban growth, labor challenges, and advancing technologies. Prism Construction is committed to staying ahead by integrating smart technologies, expanding our sustainable practices, and fostering partnerships with leading companies that are addressing emerging market needs in the industrial and commercial spaces.
What types of commercial and residential spaces do you anticipate BC will see more of in 2025, and how is Prism Construction positioned to meet those demands?
OR: In 2025, BC’s construction landscape will continue to evolve to meet the growing demands of urbanization, sustainability, and industrial expansion. On the commercial side, we anticipate a rise in multi-use business parks that combine office, retail, and industrial functions. These spaces are designed for versatility, catering to businesses looking for flexible environments that can adapt to changing market needs. Prism Construction is already a leader in this area, having delivered cutting-edge projects that integrate functionality with modern design.
We also foresee increased demand for high-efficiency self-storage facilities, driven by urban densification and the need for more accessible storage options in high-density areas. Similarly, specialized spaces like luxury auto showrooms and food processing plants are gaining traction as BC’s economy diversifies and consumer preferences shift toward more premium and locally-sourced goods.
At Prism Construction, our diverse portfolio positions us to address these trends effectively. By leveraging our expertise in creating tailored, high-quality facilities, we’re not only meeting current demands but also shaping spaces that will define BC’s future.
As urban density increases in BC, what innovative construction techniques or designs do you foresee becoming mainstream in 2025? How will adaptive reuse reshape urban areas?
OR: In 2025, urban density will demand vertical and mixed-use construction solutions more than ever before. Adaptive reuse of existing buildings will become a key strategy for urban areas, as it allows us to meet housing and commercial needs while minimizing environmental impact. For instance, converting underutilized industrial spaces into multi-use business parks is something we’ve already begun to implement, and we expect this trend to gain momentum.
With skilled labor shortages continuing to challenge the construction industry, how do you envision automation and training programs reshaping workforce dynamics by 2025?
OR: By 2025, we expect automation and robotics to take on a greater role in filling labor gaps, especially in repetitive tasks like material handling and prefabrication. At the same time, initiatives such as government-backed training programs and skilled immigration will be critical in building a sustainable workforce.
What cutting-edge technologies do you predict will dominate the construction landscape in 2025? How will innovations like AI, robotics, or digital twins influence Prism Construction’s projects?
OR: Technologies like AI for project scheduling, robotics for modular construction, and digital twins for real-time project monitoring will revolutionize how we approach construction. By adopting these innovations, Prism Construction aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver higher-quality projects.
How do you see sustainability regulations evolving in BC, and what role will energy-efficient materials and net-zero goals play in defining the construction industry’s future?
OR: In 2025, sustainability will no longer be a choice—it will be a fundamental requirement driven by evolving regulations and societal expectations. In BC, we anticipate stricter environmental policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and encouraging sustainable practices across industries, including construction. Building codes will likely demand higher energy performance standards, mandatory use of renewable energy systems, and greater transparency in material sourcing.
In addition to complying with regulations, we believe that sustainability will define market competitiveness. Clients are increasingly prioritizing green building certifications, and developers see these as essential for attracting tenants and buyers.
As industries evolve, which new types of facilities or building trends do you expect to see in BC in 2025? How is Prism Construction adapting to meet these emerging demands?
OR: We anticipate a growing demand for mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Additionally, industries like food processing and data centers will require state-of-the-art facilities to keep up with market demands.
Looking ahead, how do you think customer priorities will change in 2025, and how is Prism Construction planning to meet these shifting demands?
OR: Customer priorities in 2025 are expected to increasingly emphasize customization, sustainability, and the ability to adapt to changing needs. Clients will continue to demand energy-efficient, well-designed spaces that prioritize occupant well-being and future adaptability. Prism Construction is addressing these expectations by integrating advanced design tools that empower clients to visualize their projects, make data-driven decisions, and optimize long-term value.
At the same time, timelines, problem-solving, and budget predictability are becoming critical factors for clients. Recent years have shown how municipal permitting delays, supply chain disruptions, and rising material costs can create obstacles. Prism Construction is actively tackling these challenges by streamlining project workflows, leveraging strong supplier relationships, and employing proactive cost management strategies to stay on budget and on schedule.
Additionally, anticipated government changes in both the U.S. and Canada could impact regulations and pricing. Prism is preparing by staying agile, monitoring policy developments, and working collaboratively with clients to ensure their projects remain resilient in the face of uncertainty. By combining innovative solutions with practical expertise, Prism is positioned to meet evolving customer demands head-on.
Given the unpredictability of global markets, what measures do you believe construction companies should take in 2025 to ensure resiliency and stability? Will the U.S. election affect both Canadian and U.S. markets?
OR: The construction industry is no stranger to economic challenges, and 2025 will likely bring its share of uncertainties. Prism Construction has built a foundation of resiliency through decades of experience navigating economic cycles, including the 2000/01 recession, the 2008–09 Great Recession, the 2015–16 Canadian downturn, and the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have honed Prism’s ability to adapt, innovate, and persevere in the face of volatility.
To ensure stability in unpredictable markets, construction companies must prioritize diversification, as Prism has done by operating across multiple sectors, including industrial and commercial. This strategic approach mitigates risk by balancing exposure to market-specific challenges. Equally important is the integration of advanced technology to streamline cost management, reduce inefficiencies, and maximize value for clients, even during turbulent times.
Regarding the U.S. election, political and economic shifts in the U.S. often have a ripple effect on Canadian markets due to the close economic ties between the two countries. Prism Construction remains vigilant, monitoring cross-border trends and adjusting strategies to maintain stability and seize opportunities, regardless of external uncertainties.
By 2025, what do you hope Prism Construction will have achieved in shaping BC’s construction landscape, and how do you see your company’s role in fostering innovation and sustainability?
OR: By 2025, Prism Construction aims to redefine BC’s construction landscape by continuing its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting the evolving needs of the province’s growing population. Prism has already transformed self-storage facilities from outdated, single-story structures into modern, multi-story, climate-controlled buildings that are secure, clean, and technologically advanced. The company has also delivered high-quality manufacturing and warehouse facilities for esteemed businesses like Centennial Food Service, CanaDream, and Agropur, setting a benchmark for durable and functional industrial spaces.
Looking ahead, Prism envisions addressing BC’s unique challenges, including limited land availability, by championing densification and designing multi-use spaces that blend industrial and residential needs. The company recognizes that staying at the forefront of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics is critical to achieving this vision. By adopting cutting-edge innovations, Prism is positioned to lead the way in creating efficient, sustainable, and future-ready buildings that contribute meaningfully to BC’s urban and industrial development.
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