Beyond the Build - Page 48 of 63

A Sustainable Carpet That Tracks Footsteps

Last year, the carpet industry lost on innovator. Ray Anderson was a pioneer for corporate sustainability, who changed an entire industry when he founded InterFace. Given his relatively young age, we were saddened to hear news of his passing. Anderson showed the world that corporations can have a focus on capitalism and sustainability. Among many innovations, his …

Construction Trends

EPA Storm Water Regulations: Tough Sailing.

Under the Clean Water Act, quantity and quality of storm water discharge continue to be right in the EPA’s bulls eye. I remember years ago, the late 70s to be exact, I was involved in a project where we graded 5 acres uphill from the surrounding terrain. You guessed it: every time it rained thousands …

Conservation

LED Lighting Trends in Commercial Construction

Electricity is the #2 operating expense for most properties. Lowering cost can be a real game changer. We’re about to commence our second LED exterior lighting package at the Redstone Arsenal and in the process should achieve about a 70% energy savings. Here is what we are seeing across the board: There is less new construction, but …

Construction Trends

How the Economy is Remodeling Office Space

A few weeks ago, I was showing the former President of the San Francisco AIA Chapter around our offices. He has done design work for Google and other .coms. His first comment: “Wow, you guys have big offices.” They measure 162 square feet. This got me thinking what future concepts in office space might look like. While the …

Construction Trends

Reimagining Retail

Since the big squeeze started four years ago, we’ve seen lots of retail companies go out of business, change locations or infill/ backfill. As survivors adjust to reality, innovative ideas continue to pop up. Two of these are on my radar at the moment: right-sizing big boxes and creative uses for excess second floor space. …

Customer Relationships

Are We “Contractors,” “Connectors” or Both?

I’ve found that networking and connecting are two very different things. To me, “networking” means interacting with your contacts, having a clear objective top of mind. “Connecting” comes from a genuine interest in people and creates a bond based on shared interest. Most people would rather talk to a connector. Through the experience of years, …

Customer Relationships

In Bidding, What’s the REAL Total Cost?

Price? Transaction experience? A combination of the two? Judging from a few meetings I’ve had recently, seems like it depends on who you talk to. Investors. Last week, I was talking with the vice president of a publicly traded real estate REIT. He said that when considering all parts, pricing should theoretically be the same. …

Local Craftsmen

Quilting to the Power of Three

If “your stitches reflect your character,” as Bettye Kimbrell’s grandmother taught her, then Bettye is imaginative, determined and enduring. We think Grandmother got it just right. Stewart Perry has been fortunate to know the talented Mrs. Kimbrell, a 75-year-old quilter from Mt. Olive, Alabama, for quite a while. Over the years, she’s made us a …

Construction Trends

In Construction, Green and Frugal Often Go Hand-in-Hand

About this time last year, the Birmingham Business Journal published an article titled “Frugal by Design.” They talked with local architects about something that I truly think is national in interest: the changing landscape of the building business. Three trends were identified that I’ve seen do nothing but grow over the last year. In fact, …

Community Service

Civil Rights and the Evolution of Design

Last fall, we broke ground on a project that was more than special. It’s an honor. Independent Living Resources provides community-based, non-residential services and advocacy for those living with disabilities. The new location we are building in Birmingham’s Civil Rights District seems more than fitting. As IRL Executive Director Dan Kessler, told The Birmingham News, …

Construction Trends

Those Who Work in Glass Offices…

Might be over-exposed. That’s what the Wall Street Journal, “Indecent Exposure: The Downsides of Working in a Glass Office” says, anyway. With all the talk about the benefits of open design, no one seemed to consider the pitfalls. Here are a few the WSJ identified: Privacy on personal matters, where human resources or other private …

Construction Trends

LED Lighting: Where We See Things Currently

Recently, we completed two projects using LED lighting for the parking fields. I thought it would be helpful to share a few basic observations and thoughts: PROS: Energy Efficiency. Conventional lighting wastes a high percentage of energy through heat, while LEDs remain cool. This makes these bulbs much more energy efficient. In total, LEDs consume …

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A Sustainable Carpet That Tracks Footsteps

EPA Storm Water Regulations: Tough Sailing.

LED Lighting Trends in Commercial Construction

How the Economy is Remodeling Office Space

Reimagining Retail

Are We “Contractors,” “Connectors” or Both?

In Bidding, What’s the REAL Total Cost?

Quilting to the Power of Three

In Construction, Green and Frugal Often Go Hand-in-Hand

Civil Rights and the Evolution of Design

Those Who Work in Glass Offices…

LED Lighting: Where We See Things Currently