Technology - Page 2 of 3 - Beyond the Build

Notes From a Pervious Concrete Seminar: How “Sustainable” Becomes “Practical”

This week, several of our team attended a workshop led by Matthew Offenberg, a recognized expert in the field of pervious concrete. The discussion centered on the design and function of pervious concrete pavements, new developments in the technology and some of the challenges in implementing it. I found it interesting that the workshop was …

Technology

On the Horizon: A Concrete that Eliminates Storm Water Management Systems

We try to keep our finger on the pulse of best management practices for today’s construction. To us, that happens when quality means/methods balance with an eye toward the environment. Pervious concrete can do both. Pervious concrete is a wonderful concoction that holds up structurally and is porous enough that water can seep through it …

Technology

BIM Visualizes the “How,” Unlocks the “Why” and Provides a Relationship Value-Add

Last week, I mentioned a partnership I’ve fostered with WP2DC, the company who designed and implemented a cloud-based application for Stewart Perry. We’ve managed to get all our internal information into an easily accessible virtual file cabinet. As a result we’ve cut out a lot of duplicated efforts. Using a Building Information Modeling (BIM) is our next …

Technology

Increase Efficiency by Turning Vendors Into Resource Partners

Around here, everyone knows that when we enter an agreement to purchase goods or services we look at it as a two-way street. We want to both give and get more from a project than just the transaction. Last year we entered an agreement with WP2DC, a very capable technology firm in Los Angeles. They …

Technology

How I Leverage Time and Effort

It seems that in the construction business—design and finance—there is an ever-accelerating outpouring of technology and knowledge. Because I sometimes worry that advances will pass me by, I’m always trying to figure out how to leverage my time. I want to maximize what I do without decreasing quality or cutting corners. But how? Someone recently …

Technology

Take Lemons and Make Lemonade: Embrace Workplace Evolution

I was listening to NPR recently and they were discussing how the Recession isn’t the only culprit behind recent job loss. Throughout modern society, the ability to work in certain fields has ebbed and flowed based upon changes in culture and advances in technology. The example they gave was from the 1920s. Before motion pictures …

Technology

Can Drywall Be Green?

Drywall going up on one of our projects is always a welcome sight. It means that we are in the “final lap,” meaning the structural, mechanical and electrical components of our project are complete. As we’ve evolved into a greener construction company, choosing the right drywall has become a major conundrum. The harmful affects of …

Technology

Start Spreading the News: Even an Existing New York Building Can Go Green

I’m sure you’ve heard the industry’s excitement about LEED certified construction. Once considered more ideology than practicality, we’re realizing that green building can actually be more cost effective than traditional methods. The trend is catching on, and it’s not just private companies who’ve embraced sustainability. In 2006, government agencies began requiring all new buildings meet …

Technology

Looking for an Easy Way to Invest in Green? Purchase Power Credits.

This April marks two years since we moved to our new corporate campus. The upcoming anniversary got me thinking back to 2005 when we first started the design of our building and grounds. Being a responsible member of our new community was of the utmost importance, so it made sense to build with minimal impact …

Technology

Water Preservation 101: Points on Collaboration and Education

Last week, I attended the Cahaba River Society’s (CRS) annual meeting. I’ve been a board member for about a year now. The Society protects our beautiful river and facilitates public conversations about environmental well-being. While the CRS still focuses much of its energy on the River and its basin, it is also evolving into something …

Technology

How to Make Family a Priority When Traveling for Business By Robbie Cather

When work and family time intersect and you have to be away from home for a couple of days because of a business obligation, there are ways to minimize the impact your absence has on those around you. • Minimize the overnight stays – In today’s high-speed world, there is often a way to …

Technology

How to Innovate Your Organization Through Design

Recently, one of our long-term client relationships sponsored a forum in New York City on innovation of company culture through design. While I wasn’t able to attend, I did get my hands on some great notes from a friend. Design of function has evolved to be much more in the center of technology, business and …

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Notes From a Pervious Concrete Seminar: How “Sustainable” Becomes “Practical”

On the Horizon: A Concrete that Eliminates Storm Water Management Systems

BIM Visualizes the “How,” Unlocks the “Why” and Provides a Relationship Value-Add

Increase Efficiency by Turning Vendors Into Resource Partners

How I Leverage Time and Effort

Take Lemons and Make Lemonade: Embrace Workplace Evolution

Can Drywall Be Green?

Start Spreading the News: Even an Existing New York Building Can Go Green

Looking for an Easy Way to Invest in Green? Purchase Power Credits.

Water Preservation 101: Points on Collaboration and Education

How to Make Family a Priority When Traveling for Business By Robbie Cather

How to Innovate Your Organization Through Design