Tanja Kern

Tanja Kern

Tanja Kern covers economic trends and the intersection of architecture, design, and construction for Walls & Ceilings, with an emphasis on the forces reshaping the industry. She develops and amplifies content that connects construction professionals with the intelligence they need to compete and grow.

With more than 20 years of experience, Tanja has written for national business, consumer and trade publications. She holds a Master of Science in magazine publishing from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. She can be reached at kernt@bnpmedia.com.

Strategic Content Editor
Articles

ARTICLES

U.S. Supreme Court Building
Tariffs

SCOTUS Ruling Brings Mixed News for W&C Trades

IEEPA duties are out, but Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum remain — and distributors may be slow to pass along savings
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
February 20, 2026
No Comments

The Supreme Court's 6–3 ruling invalidates the broad emergency tariffs the Trump administration imposed on imports from nearly all trading partners. For wall and ceiling contractors, the decision removes one major cost pressure — but Section 232 duties on steel and aluminum stay in place, and any pricing relief is likely to arrive slowly.



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CISCA Contractor Challenge
CISCA Contractor Challenge

CISCA Contractor Challenge Returns April 22 in Texas

Installers to compete for $5,000, Hilti tools and championship belt at the specialty ceiling systems showcase
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
February 17, 2026
No Comments

The Ceiling and Interior Systems Construction Association (CISCA) will host its second annual Contractor Challenge during the CISCA Summit in Grapevine, Texas, on April 22, featuring blind installations, a product showcase, and defending champions from Las Vegas ready to compete.


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Connect, Learn and Lead at IBEC 2026

Connect, Learn and Lead at IIBEC 2026

IIBEC EVP and CEO Brian Pallasch previews the 2026 International Building Enclosure Conference, from keynote storytelling and education sessions to scholarships and networking opportunities
Jill Bloom is the Group Publisher of Building Enclosure, Roofing Contractor, and Walls & Ceilings.
Jill Bloom
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
February 10, 2026
No Comments
IIBEC’s Convention & Trade Show is coming up March 12-15, in Sacramento, Calif. Recently, W&C’s Group Publisher Jill Bloom sat down with IIBEC’s EVP and CEO Brian Pallasch to highlight what attendees can expect to see at this year’s show.
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From the Attic to Advocacy: The Attic Queen
If Walls Could Talk

From the Attic to Advocacy: The Attic Queen

In this “If Walls Could Talk” Episode, W&C’s Strategic Content Editor Tanja Kern speaks with Florida’s Attic Queen Founder Jessica Azarelo and how she’s redefining home performance and chasing a bigger mission as an independent insulation subcontractor.
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
January 30, 2026
No Comments

In this “If Walls Could Talk” Episode, W&C’s Strategic Content Editor Tanja Kern speaks with Florida’s Attic Queen Founder Jessica Azarelo and how she’s redefining home performance and chasing a bigger mission as an independent insulation subcontractor.


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ABC Chart
Construction Data

Construction Costs Rise Fastest Since Early 2023

New analyses from AGC and ABC show construction input prices surged in November, driven by tariff-impacted materials and energy costs.
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
January 14, 2026
No Comments

Construction input prices jumped 0.4% to 0.6% in November, marking the fastest annual increase since January 2023. With aluminum, steel, and energy costs climbing amid tariffs, contractors are raising bids, passing on costs, and planning cautiously—even as some remain optimistic about margins next year.


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outlook chart
Construction Data

Data Centers Lift Construction Outlook, but Economic Worries Grow

Survey shows strong demand for data centers and power projects in 2026, even as contractors grow more concerned about recession risks, labor shortages and policy uncertainty.
Tanja Kern
Tanja Kern
January 13, 2026
No Comments

While data centers and power projects are driving commercial demand, contractors say economic uncertainty and workforce shortages could affect residential and mixed-use construction in 2026, according to a new AGC and Sage survey.


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