December 16th, 2025
As we wrap up 2025, the APD Pulse Network turns its focus to the road ahead — the ideas, standards, partnerships, and innovations that will shape the built environment in 2026 and beyond. This is a moment of transition, not just for the industry, but for APD as we enter our 30th anniversary year.
Across the country, brands are rethinking prototypes, accelerating rollouts, and reimagining how their buildings function. In New York State, the shift toward all-electric infrastructure is reshaping everything from system design to permitting paths. Inside our own walls, our teams continue to strengthen the partnerships that help bring these projects to life.
This month’s edition highlights what that momentum looks like in practice:
A hands-on prototype working session with Zaxbys franchise leaders
The evolving regulatory landscape around New York’s all-electric future
Recognition for one of our own — Kenneth Rea, NYSSPE Young Engineer of the Year
A look at field updates and what’s ahead in early 2026
APD’s story has always been rooted in collaboration, technical rigor, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As we close out the year, we’re energized by the work ahead — and grateful for the clients, partners, and colleagues who make the work we do possible.
Welcome to the December edition of the APD Pulse Network.
A Partnership Strengthened Through Collaboration, Innovation, and Shared Momentum.
At APD, we’re proud to support Zaxbys, one of the Southeast’s most iconic fast-casual brands and a long-standing partner. With nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S., Zaxbys continues to grow — and we’re honored to help bring their restaurants to life alongside franchisees who are shaping the future of the brand.
On November 20, 2025, we had the privilege of welcoming Scott Brown of Roost & Rise, Zaxbys largest franchisee, and General Contractor Jackson Wofford of Dimension Construction to our Rochester office. Their visit focused on a review their Prototype with members of all disciplines from our design teams (Architecture, MEP, Structural) — a true working session centered around value engineering, customization options, and identifying thoughtful ways to optimize Zaxbys building design at the franchisee level.
Since 2020, APD’s interdisciplinary teams have partnered with Zaxbys corporate design team and franchisees across Architecture, Civil, Structural, MEP, and Permitting — helping deliver new builds, remodels, retrofits, and prototype-driven rollouts that balance brand identity with real-world constructability.
As our Principal Adam Noga shared,
“Over the summer, Zaxbys launched a Marketing campaign asking the question ‘Who’s Got the Sauce’. As evident in their Prototype redesign, expansion plans into new markets, and a commitment to quality with the customer experience, Zaxbys is staking their claim as “The Sauce Boss”. APD is proud to partner with this growing brand at both the Corporate and franchisee level. Success in a nationwide rollout doesn’t happen overnight. In a world where there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen, you can’t overstate the need for communication and great partnerships as we have with Scott and his team.”
Our work with Zaxbys spans concept exploration through full delivery — from reviewing Prototype efficiencies to navigating permitting paths to ensuring every stakeholder feels heard. This in-office session reflects the heart of our relationship with the brand: hands-on collaboration, real-time problem solving, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
We’re grateful to Scott and Jackson for making the trip — and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to help bring the next generation of Zaxbys restaurants to life.
New York State has released the implementation timeline for the All-Electric Buildings Act (AEBA), with requirements beginning January 1, 2026 for most new buildings. However, the Act does not apply universally. High-rise buildings above seven stories remain exempt and may continue to utilize gas systems, creating a mixed regulatory environment for design teams.
While the effective date is established, several areas of guidance—particularly around enforcement, applicability nuances, and coordination with local authorities—are still evolving.
These details will directly influence mechanical, electrical, architectural, and
permitting decisions for projects entering design in 2025 and beyond.
APD’s technical teams are actively tracking all State communications and industry bulletins. We are preparing design scenarios and internal guidance to ensure we can quickly align our workflows and client recommendations as additional clarity is released.
We will continue to share updates with the full team as New York State issues further detailed interpretations.
Thursday, December 11th
Ontario, NY
This location features the latest ALDI V9 Prototype — the second V9 style store completed in Upstate New York. While highly standardized, the prototype was thoughtfully adapted to perform in a northern climate.
Serving as Architect of Record, APD supported the project from construction documents through completion.
Design began in late 2024, construction started in Spring 2025, and the store opened on an expedited year-end
schedule.
APD also provided bi-weekly construction observations, acting as an on-site extension of the client team to support quality, coordination, and schedule adherence.
This project was a true testament to what partnership looks like in real time. APD successfully supported a fast-paced timeline while helping navigate vendor-related time constraints through direct, thoughtful oversight.
The result is a modern, efficient store aligned with the national standards of ALDI and Upstate New York conditions — bringing your design to life, one V9 prototype at a time.
Kenneth Rea PE
Associate Principal of MEP Engineering
Kenneth has known he wanted to be an engineer since kindergarten. A lifelong tinkerer who once dismantled surplus VCRs just to understand them, he’s always been driven by one question: How can this work better? That curiosity still powers his work today.
As APD’s Associate Principal of MEP Engineering, Kenneth approaches each project by first visualizing the existing space — overlaying prototypes, spotting conflicts, and identifying adjustments before design even begins. One of his most memorable career moments was the ALDI V9 prototype redesign, a rare blank-slate opportunity to challenge long-standing conventions and build something more efficient from the ground up.
The career advice he returns to often is simple: Always do your best—recognition will follow. He believes growth comes from trusting your abilities and stepping up before someone asks.
If he weren’t an engineer, Kenneth imagines he’d be piloting small aircraft—the precision and three-dimensional thinking of flight has always fascinated him. Outside of work, he’s happiest exploring the world, from Oregon’s Eagle Mountains to the Kenai River in Alaska to night dives with manta rays off Hawaii’s Big Island.
A line that always makes him laugh?
“There is only one posterior that belongs in the Judgement Seat, and it’s not mine.”
APD Office Closed
Our offices will be closed on December 25th-26th so our team can enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
APD’s 30th Anniversary Countdown Begins
As we head into 2026, we’re reflecting on 30 years of design, relationships, and growth — and gearing up to celebrate this milestone all year long.
