When mapping out our corporate campus back in 2006, we allowed for expansion space in the floor plan. It seemed like a smart move for a growing company, and I stand by the decision. However, challenges the economy has presented the last few years mean the extra space did not fill up as quickly as we anticipated. …
Starting few years ago, it seems commercial developers and cities began approaching parking differently. It wasn’t that long ago when 4-5 parking spaces per 1,000 sf of development was the standard. Now, it is more like 3-4 spaces. It’s estimated that in the U.S., we have 500 million surface parking spaces, roughly equivalent to the …
Peter Drucker, a great thinker in management theory and practice, was often quoted on the importance of shaping “the futures that have already happened.” As we are seeing this Recession in the rear view mirror, we are thinking more about this aspect of our company. Is our procedural playbook thick enough? At times would a …
For three years running, Barber Motorsports Park has hosted the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Stewart Perry has been there from the beginning, enjoying the weekend of family fun the races provide. This year, highlights included the entry of V6 turbo-charged Chevy and Lotus engines and a chance to ride the ferris wheel from Neverland …
Economics of construction cost can be confounding at times. Just when we think pricing should stabilize, it moves in the opposite direction. Knowing the current cost for a project maybe painful, but it sure beats the alternative. This Construction Executive article summarizes the “why” behind the materials aspect. Factors impacting cost are: *Supply/demand balance; *The amount …
If I were to rank overused words in business today, “sustainability” would be at the top of my list. “Teamwork” is close behind, only because most do not walk the walk. In fact, I think sometimes “teamwork” has become so cliche that it has lost meaning. So what is teamwork? Ten years ago, I took …
We are hiring for a new senior level project management position. The process has us thinking on many levels, including how candidates would fit into our team dynamic. I was reminded of a recent conversation with the former CEO of J.A. Jones, at one time the largest construction company in the world. Several financial reasons …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …