Industry NewsMarch 18, 2025 Share Google to acquire Wiz for $32 billionGoogle announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Wiz for $32 billion, subject to closing adjustments, in an all-cash transaction. Once closed, Wiz will join Google Cloud.This acquisition represents an investment by Google Cloud to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era: improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds.Both cybersecurity and cloud computing are growing industries with a vast range of solutions. The increased role of AI, and adoption of cloud services, have changed the security landscape for customers, making cybersecurity increasingly important in defending against emergent risks and protecting national security.Wiz delivers a platform that connects to all major clouds and code environments to help prevent cybersecurity incidents. Organizations of all sizes from start-ups and large enterprises to governments and public sector organizations can use Wiz to protect everything they build and run in the cloud. Wiz is an innovative leader and continues to deliver new products with strong adoption, fueling rapid business growth, including over the last 12 months in which it has begun to deliver new categories of cybersecurity solutions.Google Cloud has deep AI expertise and a track record of security innovation. Bringing all this to Wiz will help make their solutions even better and more scalable, benefiting customers and partners across all major clouds. The combination of Google Cloud and Wiz will:Vastly improve how security is designed, operated and automated providing an end-to-end security platform for customers, of all types and sizes, in the AI era;Scale cybersecurity teams by providing them an automated security platform;Lower customers cost of implementing and managing security controls;Protect against new threats emerging due to the advancement of AI, prevent breaches, and help organizations respond to breaches much more efficiently; andBoost the adoption of multicloud security and, as a result, customers ability to use multiple clouds; further spurring innovation in and the adoption of cloud computing.Wizs products will continue to work and be available across all major clouds, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud platforms, and will be offered to customers through an array of partner security solutions. Google Cloud will also continue to offer customers wide choice through a variety of partner security solutions available in the Google Cloud Marketplace.From its earliest days, Googles strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online. Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers. Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds, said Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google.Google Cloud and Wiz share a joint vision to make cybersecurity more accessible and simpler to use for organizations of any size and industry. Enabling more companies to prevent cyber attacks, including in very complex business software environments, will help organizations minimize the cost, disruption and hassle caused by cybersecurity incidents, said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud.Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate. This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for customers and partners, as this acquisition will bolster our mission to improve security and prevent breaches by providing additional resources and deep AI expertise, said Assaf Rappaport, CEO, Wiz.More about

Right, you've clearly not had enough Helldivers 2 stuff to think about today, March 18, so you'll be glad to hear that the latest Galactic War major order's pretty simple. You've just got to choose between, er, fighting what sound like the Jet Brigade's freshly formed fiery siblings, or actually doing something that might stop the Illuminate blowing up more planets. Read more

BrickbasaurLego Pokemon is officially gonna be a thing in 2026, so prepare to seriously consider gluing the credit cards of the biggest nerds you know to the ceilingIt's for their own good.Image credit: Warner Bros/The Pokemon Company News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on March 18, 2025 Pokemon's teaming up with another very successful company to create yet more things that you're gonna have to exercise some serious restraint not to blow all of your savings on, assuming you're a mega nerd - and well, you are currently reading news about video games. Official Pokemon Lego is coming next year.Yep, forget about blowing money on Pokemon TCG Pocket, real-life Pokemon cards, or adding to your already huge collection of Pokemon games. Throw that life-size Gardevoir plush you're regretting buying second-hand out of a window, and stop urgently emailing Honda in an effort to secure a test ride of its Koraidon motorbike. Here's a new Poke-thing to lust after.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. As announced via the socials and the Lego website - that's the site of Lego the company, not just a random website made of Lego - Lego Pokemon is coming in 2026. There'll be Lego sets of Pokemon for you to build, and based on the promos which feature Pikachu's tail built out of Lego bricks, it seems safe to assume the range will be led by a blocky yellow lad."Get ready to electrify your imagination in 2026," Pokemon itself wrote in a tweet about the news, with the official Lego account responding: "Our hype is building! Can't wait to see what this partnership evolves into!" Ew, get a room, corpos. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.On the lego site, there's a Q&A section that reveals, well, not much about what you can expect. "Lego Pokemon is a brand-new collaboration that brings your love for bricks and your love for Pokemon together," the answer to the quest of just what this collab is reads, "In 2026, were calling all Pokemon Trainers to get ready to build and catch some of their favorite Pokemon!""Has the Lego group ever made a Pokemon set?" reads another question, with the answer from Lego being: "We cant say that we have, no. But in 2026, the answer to that question will be totally different." Ok.Anyway, to stay updated, you can keep checking this new page on the Lego site dedicated to Lego Pokemon, become a Lego Insider, or, you know just stay tuned to good sites like this one. Social media's also an option, I guess, but I can't reccomend going on any of those with a clear conscience.In the meantime, you face an even bigger challenge - where are you going to hide/secure away the credit cards of the biggest Pokemon and Lego fans in your life so that when this stuff drops in 2026, they don't max everything out? If you're the biggest Pokemon nerd in your own life, you should probably ask someone else to do this for you too, just to be safe.While you try to decide which glue would best secure a bit of plastic to an area that's just out of reach without a ladder, you can consult our huge array of helpful Pokemon TCG Pocket guides for expert advice on things like how trading works in its current form and assembling decks based around ex Pokemon ranging from Cresselia to Yanmega.

Image: NintendoWell folks, at the time of writing, we're merely a couple of days away from the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Switch. As such, reviews of Monolith Soft's revamped port have started to crop up and, spoiler alert, it sounds like a fresh trip to Mira may well be on the cards for many of you.Looking at our own review for a moment, we said that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is "up there with the all-time great sci-fi RPGs and an absolute must-play", awarding it a coveted score of 10/10. Quite frankly, it's a remarkable improvement over the original Wii U version, with Monolith introducing brand-new content, streamlining important mechanics, and boosting the visual quality.Be sure to check out our full thoughts when you get a moment, but for now, let's see what other outlets are saying about the game. As per the norm, we've compiled a handful of verdicts from the interwebs, specifically looking to highlight a diverse range of opinions, including the good and in Xenoblade's case the ever-so-slightly less good. Robot JoxSo without further ado, let's get cracking...First up, TechRadar Gaming awarded the game a perfect score of 5/5 stars, highlighting the vast number of improvements made to the experience, but also mentioning that object pop-in can be an issue:"The release of Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition means that the entire Xenoblade quadrilogy is now playable on Nintendo Switch. If youre playing the enhanced Wii U title for the first time, youll undoubtedly be dazzled by its breathtaking open world and astonishingly deep battle system. Series veterans will also appreciate quality-of-life changes like an improved tutorial, better navigation as well as the overall cleaner visuals whether youre playing in docked or handheld mode."IGN was similarly high on praise, but stopped short of a perfect score with its 9/10 review. It again highlights the improvements and states that this is a great way for newcomers to jump in:"Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the Wii Us best games, and this Definitive Edition has escaped the destruction of its old home like the White Whale and settled down nicely on Switch. The quality-of-life improvements here are enough to justify another trip to Mira alone for veteran players, and its the perfect opportunity for newcomers to explore its beautiful landscapes for themselves. Its combat systems are deep and engaging, and the massive open world never got old to run, jump, or fly across. Its main story may not quite live up to the standards of the series, but a likable cast of characters and plenty of compelling side missions mean Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is still an adventure worth writing back home about."RPG Site similarly settled for a 9/10 score and noted just how impressive the game is on Nintendo's humble hybrid system:"Theres also a lot to be said about how impressive it is to play such a sprawling and complex open-world game on what is essentially a portable device. This feels like the Switchs swan song as Nintendo prepares to enter their next era. Its hard to not wish there was just a bit more new content here, but in all fairness the base game is overflowing with things to do. Despite some gripes, Definitive Edition was a great way to play one of my new favorite open world games. Im excited to dive in to clean my plate of all the remaining side content out there, and even play the multiplayer when it unlocks. There is truly no game like Xenoblade Chronicles X."VGC gave the game a solid 4/5 stars and said that while cutscenes and dialogue can be a bit hit-and-miss, the vast, open world, Skell gameplay, and engaging combat more than make up for this:"While its plot and performances sometimes had our eyes glazing over, there's still no doubt that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is an impressively vast adventure which has clearly been designed with the player's comfort in mind. With swift exploration, an engaging combat system and a wealth of side quests, things are already compelling from early on, and that's even before the mechs turn up and kick things up another level."PC Mag follows up with another 4/5 verdict, stating that although the early sections can be a bit of a slog, this is undoubtedly the best way to play the game:"In many ways, Xenoblade Chronicles X had become a white whale for most Xenoblade fans, locked on a console released a decade ago. Now that it's finally available on one of the most popular systems ever, there's never been a better time to play. Improved visuals, combat, and a new story chapter entice returning fans and newcomers alike. Although its opening hours are rough, we encourage you to push through the stubborn early sections to reach the addicting core that more than stands the test of time."Finally, Eurogamer rounds things out nicely with yet another 4/5 star review, stating that it's still a bit of a "strange" entry to the series, but one that stands proud against its numbered brethren:"In the end, like the many alien races you'll find jostling around the streets of your transplanted Los Angeles home base, it's the diversity of ideas and design on show here that allows Xenoblade Chronicles X to stand the test of time. It's well worth revisiting if it's been a while since you last dipped your toe into the Wii U original, and certainly worth picking up if you missed it completely and loved the others. It's still a strange and standoffish kind of Xenoblade game, and one whose additions are unlikely to upset any pre-existing list of your own personal heart picks. But it's precisely that sense of contrast that makes it so fascinating to come back to in 2025, especially now we've seen where the roots of so many of its fundamental systems have ended up sprouting elsewhere. It will be interesting to see if this revival sparks any further excavations into X's recesses, because if this Definitive Edition has proven anything, it's that X remains a rich and captivating vein of the Xenoblade Chronicles timeline, and it fully deserves to stand shoulder to shoulder with its numbered siblings." Best deals and cheapest pricesAll the games and DLC, rankedSo, what do you make of the Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition reviews so far? Have they convinced you to dive back in on day one, or were you already dead set on making the journey back into Mira? Let us know.Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesBest Cheap Nintendo Switch Games50 games under 20 bucksPokmon Scarlet & Violet: Mystery Gift Codes ListAll the current Pokmon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codesSplatoon 3 Version 9.3.0 Out Now, Here Are The Full Patch NotesThe first update of 2025Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters Land New Update As Series Passes 200 Million SalesHere are the full patch notes System:Nintendo SwitchPublisher:NintendoDeveloper:Monolith SoftGenre:RPGPlayers:1 (32 Online)Release Date:Nintendo Switch 20th Mar 2025, $59.99 20th Mar 2025, 49.99Series:Xenoblade ChroniclesOfficial Site:nintendo.comWhere to buy:Buy on Amazon Buy eShop Credit:

GTC, Nvidias biggest conference of the year, returns this week, with the biggest announcements probably coming Tuesday. If you cant make it in person, dont sweat it. TechCrunch will be on the ground covering the major developments, and weve made it easy for you to follow along.Many of the biggest presentations, talks, and panels will be livestreamed as well. The conference started Monday, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote from the SAP Center on Tuesday at 10 a.m. PT, which youll be able to stream and watch online at Nvidia.com without having to register, and on Nvidias YouTube channel.Were expecting Huang to reveal more about Nvidias next flagship GPU series, Blackwell Ultra, and the next-gen Rubin chip architecture. Also likely on the agenda: automotive, robotics, and lots and lots of AI updates. Nvidia may also highlight its approach to recent quantum computing advancements; it even scheduled a quantum day.Nvidia.com is also where youll find a catalog of all the virtual and on-demand sessions at GTC, including workshops on efficient large language model customization, conversations on generative AI for core banking, and demos of datasets for specialized domains like biology.Weve already seen some fun stuff on the ground, like this autonomous well-dressed robot, and an AI-generated sculpture that had us scratching our heads. This story was originally published on March 11.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Google seems to agree.On Tuesday, the company added a feature to its AI-powered Gemini chatbot that the company is calling Canvas. Similar in concept to OpenAIs identically-named Canvas tool for ChatGPT and Anthropics Artifacts, Canvas provides Gemini users with an interactive space where they can create, refine, and share writing and coding projects.Canvas is designed for seamless collaboration with Gemini, Gemini product director Dave Citron wrote in a blog post shared with TechCrunch. With these new features, Gemini is becoming an even more effective collaborator, helping you bring your ideas to life.Workspaces such as Gemini Canvas, ChatGPT Canvas, and Artifacts are the AI companies latest attempt to transform their chatbot platforms into full-blown productivity suites. Dedicated workspaces can offer more precision than text-based interfaces alone, as well as provide a way to preview code in real-time.Coding using Geminis new Canvas tool.Image Credits:GoogleGemini Canvas, which can be launched via the prompt bar from the Gemini app on the web and mobile, lets users draft lengthy messages with Gemini that they can then edit and fine-tune. Using Canvas, users can update specific sections of a draft and adjust the tone, length, and formatting via dedicated tools. For example, highlight a paragraph and ask Gemini to make it more concise, professional, or informal, Citron explained in the blog post. If you want to collaborate with others on the content you just made, you can export it to Google Docs with a click.As alluded to earlier, Canvas also packs programming-focused capabilities, including a feature that lets users generate and preview HTML, React code, and other web app prototypes. Users can ask Gemini to make changes to a preview, and Canvas will iteratively refresh it.For example, say you want to create an email subscription form for your website, Citron wrote. You can ask Gemini to generate the HTML for the form and then preview how it will appear and function within your web app.The new Gemini Canvas can be used to write and edit longer docs.Image Credits:GoogleAlong with Canvas, Google is bringing the Audio Overview feature of NotebookLM to Gemini, the company announced Tuesday. Googles NotebookLM went viral last year for Audio Overview, which creates realistic-sounding podcast-style audio summaries of documents, webpages, and other sources.As with Audio Overview in NotebookLM, Audio Overview in Gemini accepts files and content in a range of formats. Uploading a document via the prompt bar will trigger the Audio Overview shortcut, and once a summary is generated, it can be downloaded or shared via the Gemini app on the web or mobile.Both Canvas and Audio Overview are available for free to Gemini users worldwide as of Tuesday. Canvas code preview feature is only on the web for now, however, and Audio Overview summaries are limited to English.

Breakdown & ShowreelsIl Gattopardo: VFX Breakdown by Proxima MilanoBy Vincent Frei - 18/03/2025 Bringing 19th-century Sicily to life requires more than stunning costumes and grand setsit takes seamless visual effects. Italian studio Proxima Milano masterfully enhances Il Gattopardo with invisible VFX, ensuring historical accuracy while preserving the shows cinematic authenticity!Click on the picture to watch the reel.WANT TO KNOW MORE?Proxima Milano: Dedicated page about Il Gattopardo on Proxima Milano website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Chinese 3D printing technology firm SUNLU 3D recently launched the FilaDryer E2, its latest 3D printing filament dryer.When 3D printing with hygroscopic, engineering materials, moisture-induced part defects can be a frustrating experience that wastes filament, time, and money. SUNLUs newest FilaDryer seeks to change this.The desktop-sized system can simultaneously dry two filament spools at temperatures up to 110C, making it compatible with almost all engineering-grade materials on the market. Reportedly the first filament dryer of its kind to exceed 80C, it also offers annealing capabilities, something rarely seen in the consumer space. This advanced feature allows users to unlock improved strength, durability, and impact resistance for their final parts.3D Printing Industrys engineering team has put the FilaDryer E2 through its paces in an exclusive first look at the new system. This article explores its key features, benefits, user experience, and performance across a range of advanced materials and applications.Prices start at $349.99, positioning the FilaDryer E2 at the higher end of the filament drying market. However, advanced features help set it apart from the competition. With a compact design and user-friendly interface, the system is ideal for newcomers and hobbyists. Advanced annealing capabilities also make the E2 a strong choice for professionals targeting high-performance applications.The SUNLU FilaDryer E2 filament dryer. Photos by 3D Printing Industry.Why choose the SUNLU FilaDryer E2?The SUNLU FilaDryer E2 is a two-in-one system that offers filament drying and part annealing in the same box. On the drying side, the unit supports engineering-grade and standard materials, offering compatibility with 1.75 mm and 2.85 mm filaments.With 500W PTC heating power, the E2 can reach 50 in just 20 minutes and boasts maximum temperatures up to an impressive 110. This unlocks the ability to dry most 3D printing filaments on the market, including challenging hygroscopic materials like TPU, Nylon, and PETG.Thanks to its sizeable 372 x 192 x 255 mm internal dimensions, SUNLUs new offering can store two 1kg or 2kg regular spools for simultaneous, time-efficient drying. A single 3kg spool can also fit at any one time. While the dryer is broadly compatible with most filament brands, users should verify spool dimensions for optimal fit.Annealing is an essential post-processing step for professional users targeting functional parts where mechanical properties are key. During this process, a 3D printed part is heated to a specified temperature, and then slowly cooled. This helps to relieve the internal stresses that build up in 3D printed parts, helping to minimize warpage, brittleness, and shrinkage. The result? Parts that possess superior strength, durability, and heat resistance, essential requirements for functional prototypes and end-use components.Thanks to its high internal temperature, the E2 can reportedly anneal parts 3D printed with 99.99% of engineering materials on the market. These include ABS, ABS-CF, ASA, PC, flame retardant PC, PC-ABS, PC-PBT, CoPA, and PA variants like PA6-GF, PA6-CF, and PA12.Annealing a part inside the SUNLU FilaDryer E2. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Advanced filament drying and annealing made easyThe SUNLU FilaDryer E2 is optimized for ease of use, offering advanced material drying and annealing with a low barrier to entry.Its 95 55 mm monochrome backlit touchscreen is an intuitive and user-friendly interface for adjusting system parameters. The touchscreen is responsive and enables smooth navigation, allowing users to easily modify settings.The E2 includes built-in drying settings for many common filaments to streamline and accelerate operations. More advanced users can manually set temperature and drying duration to meet specific material requirements. The interface also provides live monitoring of key drying conditions, a feature we found especially useful for ensuring optimal filament performance.Featuring a sleek, minimalist design, SUNLUs FilaDryer E2 features a high-quality build optimized for its high-temperature capabilities. Its cover plate utilizes silicone strips and a magnetic suction block to ensure secure airtightness and insulation, keeping water vapor outside the sealed chamber.Equipped with a dual-level temperature control system, the system automatically disconnects power if the dryer overheats, restoring operation once the temperature stabilizes. Thanks to its double-layer insulation, the E2s surface temperature remains below 60C even when the internal environment exceeds 100C.The SUNLU FilaDryer E2s touchscreen user interface. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Testing filament drying applicationsMost polymer materials are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. Even small amounts of moisture in 3D printing filaments can negatively affect print success. Does the SUNLU FilaDryer E2 improve part quality? To find out, we conducted several tests comparing parts 3D printed with and without the filament dryer.One common issue that typically impacts moist filaments is stringing. During 3D printing, moisture heats up and evaporates inside the nozzle, increasing internal pressure. This can force filament to extrude during 3D print head movements, stringing unwanted material between part features.Our retraction test with SUNLU Easy PA clearly shows that using the FilaDryer E2 can significantly reduce stringing and improve surface quality.SUNLU Easy PA retraction test. Photos by 3D Printing Industry. A bracket mount was also 3D printed using moist SUNLU Easy PA. This part exhibited several issues, including excessive stringing and rough surface finish caused by moisture-induced steam expansion during extrusion.After drying the filament, however, the print quality significantly improved. Layer bonding became much stronger, eliminating delamination. The surface also became noticeably smoother, with minimal stringing. The dried material produced a structurally sound part with improved mechanical strength, making it far more suitable for functional applications.SUNLU Easy PA bracket mount test. Photos by 3D Printing Industry. PA12-CF is another engineering-grade material susceptible to moisture. After 3D printing an automotive bonnet air scoop with undried material, we noted weaker layer adhesion and suboptimal surface finish. Support removal was also difficult, as moist parts broke off into smaller segments rather than as a whole part.After drying the filament with the SUNLU FilaDryer S4, the 3D print quality improved significantly. Layer bonding was much stronger, minimizing delamination, and the surface finish became smoother with reduced defects. Dimensional accuracy was also much better, as the filament extruded more consistently without moisture-related instability. Additionally, the dried filament exhibited enhanced mechanical strength and improved thermal resistance, making it better suited to high-performance applications.PA12-CF automotive bonnet air scoop test. Photos by 3D Printing Industry. In a second retraction test, we found that undried PA12-CF filament caused the spikes to lack definition and layer consistency. This led to a poor surface finish and dull points on the model. After drying, the material achieved much higher definition spikes and impressive layer consistency, again proving the value of SUNLUs new Filadryer.PA12-CF retraction test. Photos by 3D Printing Industry.Another material infamous for its hygroscopicity is TPU. This was confirmed when we 3D printed an induction air duct using the undried filament. High moisture absorption caused inconsistent extrusion and frequent nozzle clogging. As the moisture evaporated, steam expanded within the nozzle, disrupting material flow and causing a catastrophic print failure.After drying the TPU 95A material, we observed immediate improvements in printability. The extrusion rate became significantly more consistent, ensuring a smooth, uninterrupted material flow. This greatly reduced stringing, improved layer adhesion, and facilitated a much cleaner surface finish. The dried TPU also exhibited superior elasticity and mechanical strength, as the absence of moisture prevented layer inconsistencies and brittleness.TPU 95A air duct test. Photos by 3D Printing Industry.Ultimately, the SUNLU FilaDryer E2 is a great option in the FDM 3D printing market. It combines beginner-friendly operation with advanced, professional-grade functionality for advanced prototyping and production applications. It stands out from the competition thanks to the unique combination of drying and annealing in a single unit, helping to justify the high-end price point.Our testing confirmed that the filament dryer effectively removes moisture from engineering-grade hygroscopic materials. Filament dried with the E2 produced noticeably superior results, minimizing surface defects, improving dimensional accuracy, and enhancing overall functionality. More importantly, it provides users with peace of mindreducing the risk of failed prints and ensuring filament is always in optimal condition for reliable, high-quality production.The intuitive user interface and in-built material presets streamline material drying and annealing for more efficient 3D printing. Therefore, SUNLUs new FilaDryer is an essential tool for functional applications requiring flexibility and strength.Technical Specification of the SUNLU FilaDryer E2NameFilament Dryer E2Package Dimensions454mm 276mm 362mm(LWH)Net/Gross weight6.1KG / 7KGOuter Dimensions400mm 220mm 307mm(LWH)Operating EnvironmentTemperature: 10-35RelativeHumidity: 95%Working Temperature Range35-110*ColorBlackMaximum Operating Current2.2A @230V 4.2A@120VCompatible Filament Diameters1.75mm/2.85mm/3.0mm*The first one in the industry to exceed 80C.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the SUNLU FilaDryer E2. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.

AN is proud to announce the inaugural winners of The Faces of Our City, our New York City facades award program! The Faces of Our City was created to inspire future professionals and projects that will continue to define New York Citys architectural landscape. The New York City facades award program honors and celebrates the teams who shape our cities through their work. The awards recognize the ambition, innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication that bring New Yorks skyline to life. The four award categories recognize a product of the year, an emerging professional in the field, a lifetime achievement award, and a standout New York City building as project of the year.The winners of the Product of the Year, Emerging Professional, and Lifetime Achievement are announced below along with the nominees for Project of the Year, all of which AN has covered in print or online.Want to find out which project wins? Join us for our awards celebration in New York on April 3 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, after Facades+ New York.Product of the Year:Hydro CircalEmerging Professional:Kateri Knapp, Arup Lifetime Achievement:Robert Heintges, Heintges Consulting Architects & EngineersNominees for Project of the Year:The facades grid was inspired in part by Le Corbusiers Ministry of Education and Health. (Michael Moran)El Borinquen Residence designed by Alexander Gorlin ArchitectsIn Williamsburg, PAU converted a sugar processing factory into a contemporary workspace. (Max Touhey)The Refinery at Domino designed by PAUThe Gilder Center completes the western side of the museum, along Columbus Avenue with an atrium composed of shotcrete, liquid concrete sprayed onto rebar. (Iwan Baan)The Gilder Center at American Museum of Natural History designed by Studio Gang Kravis Hall (Iwan Baan)Geffen Hall (Iwan Baan)Columbia Business School: The Henry R. Kravis Hall and David Geffen Hall designed by Diller Scofidio + RenfroThe PAC is a cube clad in 4,896 pieces of translucent, intricately veined Portuguese marble suspended above a granite plinth. (Iwan Baan)Perelman Performing Arts Center designed by REXWant to be the first to know who wins this first Project of the Year award? Save your seat at our awards celebration in New York on April 3 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York, after Facades+ New York.

Houston and architectural elegance may not seem like things that go together, but that is what Steve Radom, founder and managing principal of Radom Capital seeks to change. The local developer prioritizes executing projects that are informed by the nature of place, rigor, and design excellence. The firms portfolio includes the adapted warehouse M-K-T, Montrose Collective, and 3201 Allen Parkway, a sensitive restoration of a 1930 landmark. Today, Radom shares his knowledge on the prowess and potentials of real estate development as a judge for ANs 2025 Best of Practice Awards. Best of Practice is ANs annual awards program that honors what it means to run a business in the architecture and buildings industryand who in particular is moving the needle within this. From educating and working with clients, to advocating for the right projects, and creating a work environment that encourages design excellence, there are many unique challenges to building a good business in the AEC industry. Best of Practice celebrates the efforts that go into this ever-evolving project, honoring architecture firms, landscape companies, developers, contractors, sustainability consultants, engineers, and other studio types.Before submissions close on March 28, 2025, Radom shares his advice on what hes looking for in Best of Practice applications. Read his tipsalong with advice from other jurors Jacob Reidel, Anne Marie Duvall Decker, and Antoine Bryantto get entries in before the upcoming deadline.AN: How did you come to work as a developer?Steve Radom (SR):I once read that you dont choose your passions, your passions choose you. While my educational background is in law and business, my journey into development was driven by a profound curiosity for how built environments shape human experiences. Recognizing that successful development uniquely integrates design, finance, law, and community impact, I pursued a career where I could dedicate my energy into creating spaces that enhance our neighborhoods and cities. AN: What are the rules or philosophies that undergird your own practice, both in terms of company culture and methodology?SR:At Radom Capital, our companys approach to development is guided by: contextual engagement or ensuring each project resonates with its surroundings by preserving historical elements or introducing complementary contemporary designs; community stewardship, focusing on developments that create lasting value architecturally and socially by emphasizing landscape, placemaking, and preservation in our project objectives; and collaborative innovation which means partnering with innovative architects and designers, and challenging them to achieve creative solutions.AN: Part of being a good practice is balancing the business aspect of the firm with the larger goals to champion thoughtful design and architecture. How do you personally find that balance?SR:It begins with recognizing that good design and good business are not opposing forces but interdependent ones. Design excellence should not be an extraneous expense; it is to us an accretive asset. Well-executed architecture enhances leasing velocity, creates brand equity, and ultimately generates long-term value.That said, development is, by nature, an exercise in constraintwhether financial, regulatory, or spatial. The challenge is to harness those constraints as generative forces rather than limitations. We work closely with architects to find efficiencies that do not compromise design integrity, and we maintain financial guardrails to ensure that beauty and functionality align with economic realities. I believe that the most successful projects emerge from this productive tension.AN: What are you working on currently at your firm that youre particularly excited about?SR: We are currently engaged in several exciting projects. Swift is an adaptive reuse project transforming a historic 1920s brick and concrete meatpacking facility into a creative campus in collaboration with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Heights Clock Tower Residences is a residential addition integrated into a historic textile factory, designed by Cobalt Office and Farouki Farouki. And we have several retail projects across Texas in partnership with Schaum/Shieh, Clayton Korte, Jess Vassallo, and Magic Architecture.We are fortunate to be busy, and working alongside a multitude of talented designers. AN: What will you be looking for in Best of Practice applications?SR: In evaluating applications, I will focus on: philosophical clarity as in a well-defined ethos that in turn permeates through the firms work; design excellence so projects that demonstrate innovation, contextual sensitivity, and craftsmanship; collaborative spirit or evidence of successful partnerships with other professionals to achieve uncommon results; and impact, a commitment to creating enduring, community-enhancing, and responsible developments.AN: What advice do you have, especially for other developers, in applying for Best of Practice?SR: Applicants should articulate their philosophy, clearly convey the guiding principles behind their work; highlight collaborative achievements by showcasing projects where partnerships led to exceptional outcomes; demonstrate resilience and innovation by illustrating how challenges were met with creative solutions; and emphasize long-term value by focusing on developments that have made lasting positive impacts on communities.Best of Practice is open for submissions until March 28, 2025 by midnight ET. Learn more about the program and register an application here.