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The glazing market is growing steadily, with global revenues hitting $7.53 billion in 2024 and estimated to reach $10.12 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%. As architects and developers in the U.S. increasingly prioritise energy efficiency, sustainability, and modern aesthetics, glazing systems are becoming a priority in commercial and luxury residential construction.
In this article, we’ll explore key glazing trends, the top roles in demand, and the future of the industry. We’ll also spotlight 10 leading glazing firms and offer insights into U.S. glazing recruitment to help your organisation succeed in this competitive market.
Contact CSG Talent today to connect with industry-leading professionals who can drive your glazing projects forward.
Energy efficiency and sustainability continue to be major forces driving the contract glazing market forward. As governments implement stricter building regulations and offer incentives for green construction, developers are turning to advanced glazing technologies like insulated glass units (IGUs), low-emissivity coatings, and thermally broken frames. These solutions not only improve thermal performance but also support long-term cost savings and help projects meet certification standards such as LEED.
Another key development is the rise of smart glass. Dynamic glazing technologies such as electrochromic and photochromic glass are gaining traction for their ability to adjust transparency based on light and heat exposure. These systems offer improved comfort, energy savings, and a modern aesthetic that appeals to high-end commercial and residential clients.
Urbanisation across North America also continues to fuel demand for innovative façades and complex curtain wall systems. As cities grow and skyscrapers are developed, glazing contractors are under pressure to deliver innovative designs that align with modern architectural standards. In response, leading glazing firms are increasing investment in research and development to create lighter, stronger, and more versatile glazing products that open new design possibilities.
One of the main glazing industry challenges is the lack of experienced, senior-level glaziers, which is leading to intense competition for qualified professionals. To bridge the gap, many glazing firms are investing in automation by leveraging CNC fabrication, robotic sealant application, and digital templating software. However, technology can’t replace leadership, so attracting and retaining talent requires forward-thinking executives who understand both people and process optimisation.
Rising prices for float glass and aluminium framing are reducing profit margins across the industry. As well as general inflation, the Section 301 tariffs implemented by the Trump administration are impacting key components such as conductive coatings, glass substrates, and electrochromic materials. This is causing increased production costs and supply chain disruptions that reduce profitability and delay project timelines. To combat this, executive-level glazing professionals with strong financial insight are needed to guide companies through fluctuating prices and maintain profitability.
Explore our recent article for more expert insights on the post-election outlook for U.S. recruitment.
As technological advancements are changing the industry, regulations are also evolving. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is involved in setting safety standards for glazing materials, which includes updated energy codes and stricter fire and structural safety regulations. This is creating high demand for investment in new equipment and employee training, led by executives capable of balancing business growth with regulatory compliance.
With glazing demand growing rapidly, supply chain disruptions are leading to a shortage of raw materials, quality control issues, shipping delays, and increased costs. These delays impact project timelines, which can have a negative effect on client relationships and limit future business opportunities. Glazing firms should maintain flexible supply networks and meet project deadlines by diversifying their suppliers, as well as building leadership teams capable of communicating transparently with clients and consumers.
One of the most in-demand U.S. glazing professionals is project managers, who oversee budgets and schedules throughout the entire construction process. They tackle challenges such as supply chain delays and maintain consistent communication with clients. The employment of project managers is expected to increase by 7% by 2033, creating strong demand for senior talent who can oversee complex projects and effectively lead a skilled workforce.
Project engineer glazing roles include technical design, structural analysis, and on‐site implementation to ensure curtain walls meet performance specifications. They collaborate with architects and installers to translate BIM models into construction plans. Demand for these senior glazing professionals is driven by increasingly complex architectural designs and stricter energy efficiency requirements.
Senior estimators develop detailed plans for custom curtain walls and speciality façades by analysing material costs, salaries, and a range of other factors. 18,000 glazing estimator openings are expected annually, particularly to replace retirees and movers, which shows the ongoing demand for experienced estimators who can secure profitable contracts.
Superintendents manage daily operations to ensure quality control, safety compliance, and efficient resource deployment. They’re especially in demand on retrofit jobs like occupied urban buildings and historic façades, where disruption must be kept to a minimum.
Pre-construction managers focus on the strategic planning that takes place before construction begins. They assess the practicality and affordability of architects’ designs and consider how they fit into the budget specifications of the project. By collaborating with the architects, engineers, and suppliers from the start, they make sure materials are purchased within budget and the overall construction process runs smoothly.
Harmon Inc. is a leader in commercial glazing, curtain wall contracting, and façade design, supported by a strong BIM practice. With 17 U.S. locations and over 1,000 employees, Harmon tackles high-profile projects such as Rutgers Cancer Center, the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters, Salesforce Tower, and American Airlines Campus.
2024 was a big year for the firm, as it celebrated its 75th anniversary by winning the CREST Top Finisher award and maintained an incident rate below 1.0. Harmon’s average project size is over $800 million, driven by precise resource planning and an end-to-end execution model.
Permasteelisa Group is a global leader in advanced curtain wall and architectural envelope solutions, operating in over 20 countries across four continents. With a turnover of €790 million in 2024 and an 18% rise in new orders, the group continues to grow through innovation and global reach.
Known for delivering complex façade systems, they offer full project lifecycle services, from design and engineering to installation and aftercare. Iconic projects like The Shard, Sydney Opera House, and Elbphilharmonie showcase their mission of bringing the world’s most ambitious architectural visions to life using advanced technologies and sustainable solutions.
In January 2025, Permasteelisa announced its North American expansion with the acquisition of key business assets from Benson Industries, another well-established leader in curtain wall and glass solutions.
One of the fastest-growing North American curtain wall specialists is Elicc Americas, which is known for delivering complex, design-driven façades on landmark projects. Headquartered in Poway, California, with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, the company offers end-to-end services including design, engineering, fabrication, and installation, all executed in-house within its North American facilities.
Elicc's portfolio features high-profile projects like Steinway Tower, The Brooklyn Tower, and American Copper Buildings. With an estimated revenue of $83 million in 2025, Elicc is recognised for its precision and speed when managing challenging architectural projects.
Enclos is a leading U.S. façade contractor specialising in custom curtainwall systems, structural glass façades, and speciality enclosures. The firm is best known for its advanced technologies, including architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS), cable structures, and grid shells, as well as its commitment to prefabrication techniques that improve construction efficiency. Their portfolio includes iconic projects like 432 Park Avenue in New York City, the Willis Tower in Chicago, and The STRAT Tower in Las Vegas.
Reflection Window + Wall (RWW) is a national architectural building enclosure company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Specialising in engineering, pre-construction, and project management of façade construction, the firm offers patented systems that are designed to meet the creative visions of developers and architects.
RWW has grown to become one of the country's largest minority-owned businesses, employing over 200 people in five countries during the last two decades. Their commitment to innovation and excellence earned them the award of ENR Midwest's Top Speciality Contractor of the Year in 2024.
Walters & Wolf is a premier commercial cladding and glazing contractor, delivering a range of glazing services across the Western United States. With locations in California, Nevada, Washington, Arizona, and Texas, the company has built a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction since it was founded in 1977. They have expertise in curtain walls and shopfronts, with major projects including collaborations with tech giants like Google and Apple.
The company is committed to sustainable practices, transitioning to paperless operations and partnering with eco-conscious suppliers. As they approach their 50th anniversary, the company's dedication to innovation and employee development continues to set them apart in the industry.
With over 60 years of experience, Crown Corr is a leading U.S. building enclosure contractor specialising in unitised curtain walls, custom metal panels, and architectural roofing systems. Headquartered in Gary, Indiana, the company offers a wide range of services, including design assistance, 3D modelling, in-house fabrication, and installation.
Crown Corr's portfolio features high-profile projects such as the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the MSG Sphere, Salesforce Transit Center, and ProMedica Generations of Care in Toledo. Recognised as one of the leading glazing contractors in the U.S., Crown Corr is known for its exceptional safety record and ability to deliver complex façade systems across the country.
W&W Glass is a leading national façade contractor with over 70 years’ experience specialising in custom curtain wall and structural glass systems. Their commitment to innovation and quality has solidified their reputation as a trusted partner in the architectural glass industry.
Their patented “INSIGHT” system provides high-transparency solutions for walls, skylights, and canopies that improve both aesthetics and performance. W&W Glass has contributed to several high-profile projects, such as One Vanderbilt Avenue, Delta Airlines Terminal C at LaGuardia Airport, and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Expansion.
Flynn Group of Companies stands as North America's leading commercial contractor, specialising in the total building envelope. With 35 locations across the United States and Canada, Flynn offers comprehensive services in commercial roofing, glazing, and architectural cladding. Founded in 1978 in Winnipeg, Canada, the company has grown to employ over 6,000 professionals and serves a diverse portfolio of clients across North America.
As a founding member of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Flynn actively promotes the economic and environmental benefits of green roof infrastructure across North America. Their dedication to sustainability is shown in projects like the green roofs at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto, where they installed 125,800 square feet of roofing on two new buildings.
With over 150 years of experience, Binswanger Glass stands as the largest and most experienced full-service flat glass company in the United States. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and operating in 60 locations nationwide, Binswanger offers comprehensive services across commercial, residential, and automotive markets.
With major projects including the Alliance Center, Pfeiffer University, and One Glenwood, the company received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Binswanger works on projects of all sizes, making them a trusted and reliable glazing partner.
The U.S. glazing industry is showing steady growth driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and advancements in glass technology. Specialised products like smart glass are in high demand as developers target LEED and net-zero certifications, with the U.S. smart glass market valued at $1.44 billion in 2024 and expected to grow to $4.11 billion by 2034 at an 11.06% CAGR. U.S. glass contractors are increasingly adopting digitalisation through BIM and digital twins which speed up the design process.
However, glazing recruitment is still a major challenge, with 94% of construction firms reporting difficulty filling positions and 54% experiencing project delays because of talent shortages. These glazing skills gaps increase the importance of executive leadership teams with strong technical expertise and agility to develop a workforce capable of driving innovation and success.
At CSG Talent, we connect leading glazing firms with high-calibre talent across curtain wall, façade engineering, and architectural glass installation. Our in-depth industry knowledge and expansive talent network enable us to deliver tailored glazing recruitment solutions that support complex builds and evolving client demands. Our building materials recruitment experts specialise in placing senior professionals who drive innovation and streamline glazing projects across North America.
Contact CSG Talent today to discover how our executive search expertise can strengthen your glazing leadership and support your next project.